What Are Nicotine Pouches?

Alex Turner

Beginner’s Guides

You might have noticed your friends using them when socialising, seen the increase in marketing for nicotine pouches, or heard healthcare professionals advocating for them as a harm reduction strategy.

But what exactly are nicotine pouches?

Let’s get into it.

Ingredients

Like tea bags, nicotine pouches contain a flavoured stimulant. Unlike tea bags they are smaller and designed to inserted into the mouth.

Pouches contain varying levels of nicotine, sweeteners, flavourings, and fillers.

The pouches themselves are made up of plant-based fibres. The nicotine inside can be either extracted from the nicotine plant or synthetic - see our guide Synthetic Nicotine vs Natural - Which Is Best?

Flavourings are derived from food-grade ingredients.

Fillers are used to provide the structure and volume in pouches, they commonly contain plant-based fibres, cellulose and a gum base.

"There is a galaxy of different sizes and flavours of nicotine pouch to try. Strap in for a wild ride!”

Size of nicotine pouches

Nicotine pouches are small pouches about the size of a piece of chewing gum containing nicotine and flavourings.

Nicotine pouches come in a range of sizes:

• Super slim: 0.1 grams – the most discreet of all the pouch sizes.
• Mini: 0.5 grams – known for their quick and sublte nicotine delivery.
• Slim: 0.8 grams – offers a more gradual release.
• Large: 1 gram – provides the strongest and longest-lasting nicotine hit.

You will probably want to play around with different-sized pouches, and compare the different sizes across manufacturers, as there are slight variations.

By experimenting, you can find the size and shape that feels most comfortable in your mouth.

How are nicotine pouches used?

They are designed to be placed between the lip and the gum, which allows the nicotine to be absorbed through the gum lining. The flavourings are received by the taste buds in the mouth.

Pouches are usually kept in place for 30-60 minutes, depending on the brand and user preference. Some people remove pouches after 30 minutes, while others keep them in place for up to an hour. Most manufacturers recommend removing a pouch as soon as it goes dry.

Factors influencing pouch duration:

• Nicotine strength – Higher strength pouches tend to last longer.
• Pouch size – Larger pouches tend to last longer.
• Tolerance – Individual tolerance to nicotine can influence how long the effects of the nicotine are felt.

The flavour in the pouch lasts from 20-60 minutes, depending on the nicotine strength, flavour, pouch size, and usage.

Summing Up

Nicotine pouches are a viable smoke-free nicotine alternative enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.

Are you ready to see what all the fuss is about?

Please get in touch if you have any questions; we’d be happy to help.