Improving Physical Health Tops Americans’ 2026 Resolutions, with Finances a Close Second, Northerner Survey Finds

Reducing Tobacco Use Emerges as the Most Common Vice-Related Resolution, and the Most Challenging to Achieve

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Americans look ahead to 2026, improving physical health has emerged as the most popular New Year’s resolution, followed closely by improving finances, according to new survey results released by Northerner.com in conjunction with Nicokick.com, leading online retailers of nicotine pouches. Conducted by the internationally recognized market insights firm Censuswide, the survey polled 1,000 US adults to uncover the realities of setting and maintaining past resolutions, as well as their ambitions and goals for 2026.

The survey found that 35% of respondents plan to improve their physical health in 2026 by eating better and/or exercising, while 31% intend to improve their finances. Nearly one in five (19%) say they are “not setting” any resolutions this year.

When it comes to vice-related habits, tobacco use ranks highest, with 12% of respondents resolving to reduce or stop tobacco use, followed by alcohol (10%) and cannabis (8%).

“This survey shows that adults are thinking holistically about health, finances, and well-being as they enter 2026,” said Laura Leigh Oyler, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Haypp Group, the Parent company of Northerner.com and Nicokick.com. “These numbers also highlight how difficult behavior change can be, especially when it comes to tobacco use, and why realistic approaches like smoke-free nicotine alternatives matter.”

A Generational Divide in Resolutions

The data reveals notable differences in priorities across age groups:

• More than 10% of adults aged 44 and under want to reduce or stop cannabis use, compared with 5% of those aged 45–54 and just 4% of adults 55 and older.
• Thirty percent of people aged 21–24 plan to start a new hobby, the highest of any age group.
• Thirty-nine percent of adults aged 35–44 want to improve their finances, more than any other demographic.

Men and Women Share Similar Goals, but with One Key Difference

Overall, men and women reported largely similar resolutions, with one standout exception: 15% of men plan to reduce alcohol use in 2026, compared with just 8% of women, making alcohol reduction a significantly more common goal among men.

Tobacco Use: The Hardest Habit to Quit

Among respondents who have previously tried and failed to quit a vice, tobacco stands out as the most challenging:

• Fourteen percent say they have resolved to quit tobacco in the past and failed, compared with 10% for alcohol and 7% for cannabis.
• Of those who previously failed to quit tobacco, 47% are resolving to try again in 2026, the highest recommitment rate of any group.
• Among the 7% who previously tried and failed to quit cannabis, 45% are resolving to try again in the new year.

Why People Want to Quit or Reduce Tobacco Use

For respondents who plan to quit or reduce tobacco use in 2026, motivations extend beyond physical health:

• Fifty-three percent believe it will help them lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
• Fifty-one percent say it will reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
• Forty-nine percent believe it will help them save money.

About Northerner

Founded in 1998, Northerner.com has grown to become one of the world’s largest online retailers of nicotine pouches. Its U.S. platform features 200+ modern tobacco leaf-free products from leading and emerging brands. Dedicated to responsible retailing, Northerner uses robust age and identity verification prior to allowing any transaction on site. For more information, visit www.northerner.com.