Nicotine Pouches
What are Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches first hit UK markets back in 2019, offering a convenient, tasty and discreet way to provide ex-smokers with that all-important nicotine fix. They’re classed as a “modern oral” nicotine product, putting them in the same category as the nicotine lozenges and gum we’re all familiar with. Unlike vaping or traditional smoking, these pouches can be used anywhere, any time, and crucially— they do not contain tobacco.
Inspired by "white snus," an increasingly popular product in Scandinavia, nicotine pouches are a healthier, tobacco-free alternative to traditional snus, and brands such as Nordic Spirit and Velo are at the forefront of bringing these products to the UK.
As nicotine pouches are made with a formula that prevents tooth discoloration and other adverse effects caused by tobacco use, it’s easy to see why more people than ever are choosing them as their go-to smoking cessation aid. But what exactly is a nicotine pouch, and how do they work?
This blog aims to provide a broad overview of nicotine pouches by answering all of the questions people typically ask regarding these products. We’ll cover how they work and how to use them, as well as safety aspects and how they compare to other nicotine replacement options. By providing you with this knowledge, we hope to help you make an informed decision on whether nicotine pouches are the right tool to kickstart your quit smoking journey.
What are Nicotine Pouches?
As mentioned above, nicotine pouches are a popular form of nicotine replacement therapy, allowing users an easy and discreet way to get their nicotine hit. Rather than smoking or vaping, they supply nicotine in the form of a small porous pouch that you can place into your mouth for fast absorption.
At first glance, these tiny pouches resemble a piece of chewing gum, but they’re in fact pre-portioned bags of white powder. This white powder is made up of a few ingredients, usually nicotine, flavourings, sweeteners and some plant-based fibres. The outer pouch itself is made from natural cellulose fibres, similar to the material used to make tea bags.
The lack of tobacco leaf in them sets them apart from other “smokeless” products with nicotine, like chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus. What’s more, nicotine pouches come in a wide variety of flavours, ranging from classic Mint flavour profiles to fruit options such as Wild Berry, and are intended to be both compact and convenient for on-the-go use.
Now that you know the basics, let’s find out how they work.
How to use Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are extremely straightforward and come ready to use straight out of the tub. Simply insert one into your mouth and position it under your upper lip— or wherever feels most comfortable in your mouth— to allow the transfer of the nicotine from the pouch to you. Once inserted, you can expect to feel a slight tingling sensation along with the rush of flavoursome nicotine, but this should subside shortly after.
As it sits in your mouth, the tiny granules within the pouch begin to interact with your saliva, in turn activating the flavourings and releasing nicotine into your bloodstream. Thanks to this slow-release method of absorbing nicotine, each pouch should last between 30 and 60 minutes, providing you with gradual and long-lasting satisfaction.
Once the flavour has dissipated, it’s time to throw your pouch away. To make disposal even simpler, most tubs come fitted with a handy “catch lid,” which is essentially a little hiding place for your used pouches, so you’ll always have somewhere to store them, even while on the go.
Now that you know how they work, let’s take a look at the safety aspects.
Are Nicotine Pouches Safe?
The short answer to this question is: yes. While there isn't much research to verify whether nicotine pouches are safe for long-term use, we do know that they’re far safer than traditional smoking. They can—much like vaping—serve as a healthier alternative for those who want to quit smoking. Many people have found that pouches are a satisfying and effective method of keeping their nicotine cravings at bay.
Nicotine pouches are considered to be less dangerous than smoking combustible cigarettes because:
● There is no tobacco leaf present, so it does not involve tobacco combustion to release nicotine.
● Since nicotine is delivered through the mouth rather than being inhaled, there is no risk of lung damage or disease.
● Thanks to their "smokeless" nature, nicotine pouches do not harm bystanders.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of nicotine pouches.
Why use Nicotine Pouches?
You may find yourself asking, “what’s the point of nicotine pouches?,” or “why should I use them?”. There are many benefits to using nicotine pouches, the most prevalent of which being the lack of tobacco content. We’ve outlined some of the key advantages of using nicotine pouches below:
● Tobacco-free
● Smokeless and discreet
● Ready to use
● Portable
● Convenient
Tobacco smoke is already revealed to contain roughly 70 cancer-causing substances. Nicotine pouches deliver the nicotine your body craves without the combustible ingredients associated with cancer. As a result, they can be a clever way to get your nicotine fix while avoiding the toxic substances found in cigarettes.
Nicotine pouches come ready to use straight out of the tub, offering a hands-free solution that doesn’t require any additional equipment such as lighters, ashtrays, chargers, or e liquid— simply pop one in your mouth and go! What’s more, users can choose from a variety of nicotine strengths, ranging from 2mg to 12mg, allowing them to regulate their nicotine intake according to their needs.
On that note, let’s find out if nicotine pouches are the right tool for you.
Are Nicotine Pouches right for me?
If you're a current smoker or nicotine product user searching for a smokeless, discreet, cleaner, sophisticated, and satisfying way to gain your next nicotine hit, then yes! With the ever-increasing variety of quality nicotine pouch options on the market, it’s never been a better time to make the switch.
Whether you’re trying to quit smoking or want a backup solution when vaping isn’t an option, nicotine pouches are the ideal product. You can choose from an array of flavours including mint and fruit options, and even customise your nicotine strength. They range from 2mg to 12mg of nicotine per pouch, with most users opting for something in the middle. Nicotine pouches are yet another low-risk nicotine option to guide you along your quit smoking journey and help you kick the habit for good.
Nicotine Pouches at myCigara
At myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. That’s why we offer nicotine pouches as a safe, reliable, and effective alternative, to help you take back control and quit smoking.
Ready to give nicotine pouches a try? We’ve got you covered. We stock a range of nicotine pouch products from leading brands in the industry, including Nordic Spirit and Velo, available in a wide variety of tasty flavours to help keep your cravings at bay while on the go!
If you’re just getting started on your quit smoking journey, check out our blog: quit smoking for a healthier lifestyle to find out more about how smoking affects the way we live. For more information about the benefits of quitting, take a look at our in-depth Stop Smoking Timeline.
We pride ourselves in ensuring that all our customers have a positive experience when finding the right smoking cessation aid for them, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Or, head down to your nearest myCigara store, where our knowledgeable and friendly team will be happy to assist you.