Giving them away while they can: Free nicotine pouches in Scotland

Citation

Moodie C & Alexandrou G (2026) Giving them away while they can: Free nicotine pouches in Scotland. Tobacco Control. https://doi.org/10.1136/tc-2026-060285

Abstract
First paragraph: Free product samples are a powerful marketing strategy. They allow people to try new products without immediate financial outlay, help build brand awareness and may foster customer loyalty.1 Free sampling functions as a form of experiential marketing, which can lead to more positive product-related attitudes and beliefs.2 3 It can encourage engagement with a product category, increase the likelihood of making a purchase4 and ultimately improve sales.1 It is a longstanding promotional strategy of tobacco companies5 and one that can have an impact, given that research has found that receiving free tobacco or e-cigarette samples is associated with higher susceptibility,6 ever use, past 30-day use and new product use among adolescents.