The wooden alternative to cigarettes and chewing gum

«Fancy a toothpick?» Are you one of those people who’s always meaning to quit smoking? Instead of going down the nicotine patch or hypnosis route, you might have an easier time switching to toothpicks. At least, that’s what Swiss toothpick manufacturer Zunder and its German counterpart Wunder have claimed. Available in flavours such as berry, mint, cinnamon and apple, their products are becoming increasingly popular with Galaxus customers.

Toothpicks all round?

Ever since these toothpicks became available on Galaxus, sales have been steadily rising – even if it’s still a niche trend. The online retailer now dispatches several hundred boxes a month to its customers, and the numbers are increasing rapidly. Target customers are particularly fond of two flavours: Berry (Zunder) and Icebonbon (Wunder). Since August 2023, sales of all flavours have increased by over 600 per cent.

Page views (the number of times a Galaxus product page has been viewed) aren’t increasing as much as actual sales. This means the probability of a page view leading to a purchase is going up. Product Manager Mirko Calivers, who’s responsible for the non-food supermarket range on Galaxus, says, «On average, customers buy two boxes of different flavours per order.»

A sustainable alternative to chewing gum and cigarettes

If the manufacturers are to be believed, toothpicks also have a greater benefit. They’re supposed to keep interdental spaces clean, improve oral hygiene, provide an outlet for stress and contribute to the environment. The FSC-certified wood they’re made from is better than the synthetic rubber used to make chewing gum. Zunder also promises to protect one square metre of rainforest from deforestation with every pack it sells. On its website, it also says: «Many of our customers have had success in replacing their nail biting habit with chewing toothpicks.»

If these two brands’ sales continue to soar, we soon might be seeing more people on the streets with toothpicks in their mouths.

Disposable tableware

Quantity discount

CHF13.10 per piece for 2 units

Wunder Zahnstocher Toothpicks with flavour

1 x

3

Disposable tableware

Quantity discount

CHF10.40 per piece for 2 units

Zunder Mint

80 x

5

Disposable tableware

Quantity discount

CHF10.40 per piece for 2 units

Zunder Box Berry

80 x

7

Quantity discount

Disposable tableware

CHF13.10 per piece for 2 units

Wunder Zahnstocher Toothpicks with flavour

1 x

3

Quantity discount

Disposable tableware

CHF10.40 per piece for 2 units

Zunder Mint

80 x

5

Quantity discount

Disposable tableware

CHF10.40 per piece for 2 units

Zunder Box Berry

80 x

7

Feel free to share your experiences with flavoured toothpicks in the comments. Would you ever try toothpicks like these? If not, why not?