What Singles Really Think About Dating & Nicotine Use

It’s February—the season of love, overpriced chocolates, and some truly questionable dating decisions. Finding "the one" in 2025 isn't just about chemistry; it’s about dodging those instant turn-offs before things get serious. If you’ve ever cringed through a date with someone who chews with their mouth open or shows up 20 minutes late like it’s no big deal, you know exactly what we mean.

 

But what about nicotine use? Dealbreaker or just a minor inconvenience? With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we surveyed over 1,000 adult singles across the U.S. to get the scoop on what’s turning people off in the dating world—and where nicotine pouches fit into the mix. Here's what they had to say.

 

The Biggest Dating "Icks" of 2025

Dating in 2025? Buckle up. Between ghosting, questionable hygiene, and people who still think "wyd" is a conversation starter, finding someone special isn’t easy. But not all icks are created equal. Case in point: bad hygiene. If that’s your dealbreaker, you’re in good company—32.3% of singles say poor personal hygiene is their biggest turnoff.

 

The top 3 turnoffs according to singles surveyed:

  • Bad Hygiene – 32.3% (If you don’t shower, there’s no second date—simple as that.)

 

  • Lack of Manners – 25.4% (Chew with your mouth closed, say please & thank you—basic human decency matters!)

 

  • Smoking/Tobacco Use – 14.1% (No one wants to taste cigarettes during a goodnight smooch.)

Not surprising, right? Personal hygiene and common courtesy top the list, but the fact that smoking ranks in the top three shows that many singles actively avoid traditional tobacco users. Rounding out the top 5: Excessive Drinking (8.1%) and Talking Too Much About Themselves (5%). 

 

Who’s More Selective: Men or Women

When it comes to dating dealbreakers, it is not really a battle of the sexes. While women are less forgiving of bad hygiene and poor manners, men aren't far behind:

 

  • 35.3% of men said bad hygiene is their number one turn-off, compared to 29.1% of women. 

 

  • Nearly 29% of women refuse to tolerate a lack of manners. 

 

  • Smoking and tobacco use? 14% of both men and women said it's a no-go. 

How Do Singles Feel About Tobacco and Nicotine?

Not all nicotine products are created equal. While 34.6% of singles said cigarettes were a major turn-off, nicotine pouches barely registered as an issue at just 2.7%.

 

Nicotine pouches are a modern oral smoke-free alternative to cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products.

 

No need to step outside for a smoke break mid-date, and even better for potential partners—no second-hand smoke over dinner and drinks. 

 

Singles shared which nicotine habits they find least attractive on a date—here’s where they draw the line:

  • Chewing Tobacco – 39.3%

 

  • Cigarettes – 34.6%

 

  • Cigars – 7.3%

 

  • Nicotine Vapes – 6.6%

 

  • Nicotine Pouches – 2.7%

A Smoke-Free Future for Dating?

As more people ditch cigarettes in favor of tobacco leaf-free alternatives, nicotine pouches are gaining popularity with adult nicotine users. They’re odor-free, spit-free, and don’t stain teeth—making them far less of an ick in the dating scene. 

 

So, if you’re wondering whether your nicotine pouch habit is a dating dealbreaker… Survey says: Relax, you’re in the clear. 

 

And if you’re looking to stock up on nicotine pouches—or maybe after reading this, you’re considering making the switch from another nicotine product—we’ve got you covered. Just in time for a date with that special someone... Check out our Valentine’s Day promo.