A Guide to Nicotine Pouches

You may or may not have heard about nicotine pouches. Well, they’re small individually wrapped packets inside a tin that contain not just nicotine but a mixture of flavourings, water and salt. Other additional ingredients may vary depending on the brand. The idea is to pop this in between your gum and top lip for maximum effect, holding for up to an hour.

What Do Nicotine Pouches Do?

The idea behind these relatively new creations is to create a different nicotine relief that is not as harmful to the body. It intends to provide an alternative for anyone who smokes and wants to quit cigarettes that include hundreds of dangerous toxins that can cause short and long-term effects.

While vaping has proved a useful cessation tool for many who want to quit smoking, because it looks similar to cigarettes, it’s often frowned upon or banned in certain environments. It’s not always possible to step outside during work hours and vape, or at a wedding. In those kinds of situations, like on a flight to the Caribbean for instance, it’s just not possible or plausible to get nicotine by puffing clouds into the air. And let’s face it, some people also find it annoying when clouds of vapour are puffed in the face. The smell of smoke can put many off staying in the room!

Therefore, the introduction of nicotine pouches to the masses is a welcome idea. Because they’re so small, so discreet and simple to use, it creates the ideal situation to get a nicotine fix and stop smoking! However, do they pose the same risk?

Can Nicotine Pouches Pose Any Danger to the Body?

Like with any new creation, it takes time to gather research. We all now know the dangers of smoking after seeing generations of people get different forms of cancer (particularly lung cancer) from the risks posed by inhaling combustible tobacco causing tar. Although there is not yet that science to back up the facts that nicotine pouches are a better alternative, early evidence suggests that it does pose less of a risk, although there are minor side effects for some such as hiccups, an upset stomach or sore mouth.

This is because there are no harmful chemicals in pouches apart from nicotine. The danger of nicotine lies solely in its addictive nature from the plant extract. Taken on its own, nicotine does not cause any major side effects or harm to the body. And unlike chewable tobacco that you also place in the mouth, pouches do not create extra saliva and require any spitting.

Reasons Why You Would Pick a Nicotine Pouch Over Vaping or Smoking

• The top reason has to be for your health, as putting down cigarettes for good can give you instant benefits. With the transition from smoking rarely an easy one due to its addictive levels, pouches are a lower-strength nicotine alternative and contain far less harmful ingredients
• They don’t leave any stains or need you to spit, which is better for hygiene
• It’s difficult for anyone to recognise that you’re using pouches. That discreet nature can help get you through the day with no qualms
• Fast absorption of nicotine (like with nic salts when vaping) but through the gums directly after using pouches
• Doesn’t need you to carry around extra accessories. With smoking, you need a lighter or filters, paper, cork tip and tobacco. And vaping requires e-liquids, coils, tanks and pods plus batteries for mods. But with pouches, you just have the tin and the nicotine pouch

Are They All the Same Flavour?

Just like with e-cigarette vape juice, you have lots of different options to suit different flavour preferences. Ranging from salty classic flavours with rich bold notes to fruity sweet tasting pouches, there is plenty you can pick from. Here are just a few examples:

• Liquorice
• Coffee
• Blueberry
• Tropical
• Mint

How to Get Started

Enjoying a nicotine pouch is simple. When placed between the lip and gum, it releases those necessary flavours and sharp nicotine buzz for up to one hour. Without leaving a mess, teeth stains, requiring spitting or swallowing, it’s the easiest way to absorb nicotine while out and about. Neatly wrapped and packed away in a tin, you can place them once done inside a compartment attached to the lid (with some brands - not available with all designs). Or you can discard it in the bin once it’s finished. Without any scent, vapour clouds or strong-smelling tobacco cigarettes, it’s the most harmless way to absorb nicotine in the body.