If you are anything like me, it is likely you have been in a situation where whipping out your e-cig isn’t an option – the cinema, a train journey or just at your desk at work.
Thankfully there is now the perfect alternative.
As you have no doubt seen in your local vape store, there is a large range of small tubs piled up behind the counter, these are nicotine pouches (often called snus, but that’s a bit of an error). They have been around for many years, but only since the disposable vape ban was announced have they been widely available in the UK.
What are nicotine pouches and how do they work?
As the name suggests, nicotine pouches are a nicotine delivery system that come with several benefits that vaping can’t quite compete with – namely, they are completely discreet and produce no vapour whatsoever.
Like vaping, nicotine pouches are significantly safer than smoking (more on that later), come in a variety of flavours and give you your nicotine “hit” almost immediately.
Inside each tub you’ll find the pouches (they look like teeny tiny pillows), just pop one in your mouth between your upper lip and gum and wait a few moments for the nicotine delivery to kick in. After just a few minutes you will notice a very slight tingling sensation – this lets you know the nicotine pouch is working.
Each pouch will last between 30 and 45 minutes, but one thing to note is that YOU DON’T SWALLOW your pouch once you have finished with it. Simply dispose the pouch.
What is in a nicotine pouch?
Nicotine pouches contain flavouring, food-grade preservatives, plant-based fibres, and, as you’d expect, nicotine. However, unlike snus (honestly, nicotine pouches really aren’t snus), chewing tobacco and cigarettes, nicotine pouches do not contain any tobacco – which is the primary reason they are considered so much safer than smoking.
Are nicotine pouches safe?
Much like vaping, nicotine pouches don’t contain any tobacco or any of the other carcinogens associated with smoking traditional cigarettes (tar, formaldehyde, benzine, carbon monoxide etc). Pouches are, put very simply, a very convenient and discreet nicotine delivery method.
Think of pouches more like a traditional nicotine replacement (such as gum or patches), the main difference is that they work much quicker.
If you are looking to get smokefree and have any concerns about using nicotine pouches we would always recommend speaking to a healthcare professional.
What strength should I use?
The short answer here is – START LOW!
Nicotine pouches come in a wide selection of strengths (all the way up to 50mg/pouch and beyond). For the VAST majority of users this is much too strong, and the sensation of such a strong nicotine hit can be quite unpleasant if you are using nicotine pouches for the first time.
Start at 10mg/pouch or lower, even if you currently use 20mg e-liquid.
What sort of flavours are available?
Again, just like vaping, the world is your oyster so far as flavour is concerned.
By far the most popular flavours are mint and menthol-based, but why stop there?
Fruit flavours such as Blueberry or Banana are available, as well as Cola or Liquorice.
Fancy something sweet? There’s even a Bubblegum flavour to try.
Can I use nicotine pouches indoors or in public spaces?
Absolutely – this is the main advantage of using pouches over an e-cig! As you won’t produce any vapour pouches can be used anywhere.
Can I re-use my nicotine pouch?
No, due to the fact the nicotine is intended to be fully absorbed in 30-45 minutes. Once it’s done, pop it in the bin.
Can I vape while using nicotine pouches?
The likelihood of successfully quitting smoking is increased if pouches are used in conjunction with vaping – but we strongly recommend you don’t do both at the exact same time! There’s no need to vape while having a pouch in your mouth, try to use vaping where you are allowed (while out and about) and pouches where you aren’t (the cinema).
Conclusion – convenience is king…
There is no doubt that vaping has completely changed the game for people who want to be smokefree. After more than a decade of research, health bodies such as the NHS and Public Health England have concluded vaping is at least 95% safer than smoking.
Nicotine pouches might just be the last piece of the puzzle, in that they produce no vapour and can be used in places where vaping is outlawed (or frowned upon).
Hopefully this short guide will have answered most of your questions about nicotine pouches, but as always, we are here if you have any more questions.
Shayne @ FV
