Nicotine Pouches – An Alternative To Cigarettes

Nicotine pouches have gained more traction among cigarette users looking for a change. Here’s everything you need to know about them.

Back in 2021, 37.3% of young adults were already aware of nicotine pouches, with 29.2% reporting susceptibility to use.

It’s estimated that by 2026, the global nicotine pouch market will grow an astounding 500% as the world continues to search for smoke-free alternatives.

However, there’s still a significant amount of cigarette smokers who aren’t familiar with them.

While smoke-free products are not risk-free, nicotine pouches could be used in place of cigarettes to sidestep smoke- and tobacco-related health consequences, so it’s essential to understand how they work.

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

These compact, smoke-free pouches contain nicotine, food-grade fillers, and various flavorings, and using one is very similar to using chewing tobacco.

From familiar mint and menthol variants to fruity, citrus-inspired options and even unorthodox flavors like cheese or whiskey, there is a wide range of varieties for every palate.

Nicotine pouches usually come in a portable tin, and some have a catch lid for easy disposal.

Since more countries are beefing up their tobacco laws and implementing stricter smoking regulations in certain areas, nicotine pouches are a safer alternative in terms of where you can use them.

Unlike cigarettes, most airlines, building managers, and commercial establishments do not have restrictions on nicotine pouches – though it’s still best to check with the relevant authorities before use.

Why Are They Much Better Than Cigarettes?

When you smoke a cigarette, you don’t just ingest nicotine. You consume smoke and tobacco, which are widely known for their adverse effects.

Tobacco, in particular, contains carbon monoxide, tar, and toxic chemicals like arsenic, benzene, and formaldehyde.

Carbon monoxide impedes optimal heart and lung function, causing your body to work much harder to breathe.

For its part, tar contains cancer-causing particles and can narrow your bronchioles (the tiny tubes in your lungs that absorb oxygen). Tar is also the substance that causes the dreaded discoloration of the teeth and fingers, making cigarette smoking a bad oral habit as mentioned in a previous post.

Many smokers know about this but still find it incredibly difficult to quit, as initial withdrawal symptoms can be debilitating.

For those looking to lower their nicotine use or start a smoking cessation journey, nicotine pouches are a potential alternative that eschews these tobacco-induced effects.

Where Can You Get Them?

While nicotine pouches are relatively new to the market – the first registered nicotine pouch came out in 2008 versus cigarettes, which saw mass production as early as 1881 – they are a fast-growing segment in the market.

Increased demand has improved accessibility, meaning you don’t have to visit a specialty store physically.

Buying nicotine pouches can be done online, and this gives you better visibility of the nicotine pouches offered by the world’s top manufacturers, such as On! and their wide flavor variety, VELO’s mint and citrus variants, and the spicier options offered by ZYN.

Once you’ve found your favorite taste and matched it with the right nicotine strength, you can add the preferred amount to your cart.

Some retailers even offer better deals when you buy in bulk. Ordering in bulk also ensures you always have pouches for your next use.

How Do You Use Nicotine Pouches?

First-timers may initially find these pouches bizarre, but they’re pretty easy to use. Roll the pouch between your fingers to fluff it up, then tuck it underneath your top lip so your teeth and gums sandwich it.

The pouch will naturally release its flavor and nicotine, which you can enjoy for 30 to 60 minutes.

Some pouches are made with natural fibers that may lengthen your use – COCO’s nicotine pouches are made with highly porous coconut coir fibers, which are said to enable a smoother and longer-lasting release.

Once the flavor has dissolved away, remove the pouch and observe proper disposal methods. In terms of disposal, nicotine pouches are physically safer than cigarettes, which may pose a fire hazard.

The same goes for e-cigarettes, which require battery-powered accessory devices and can lead to vape fires and explosions – while rare, they are possible.

The Takeaway

Nicotine pouches have provided existing smokers with a safer alternative to cigarettes in terms of accessibility and ease of use.

While they still contain the addictive substance nicotine, they serve as a viable option for those looking to mitigate the health effects of cigarettes while enjoying a discreet, unobtrusive nicotine experience.