A Complete Guide to Nicotine Pouches

Small, convenient, delicious. If you haven’t already heard of nicotine pouches then you need to know that these are flavoured nicotine sachets (known as pouches) that you place in your mouth between your gum and your teeth. Some people refer to nicotine pouches as snus.

Pocket-sized, easier to ingest, and more convenient to carry than a conventional vape, nicotine pouches are also free from smoke or vapour. That means you can use them almost anywhere, including indoors. None of the mess of fuss of other nicotine alternatives but all the zesty flavour. Nicotine pouches come in a variety of flavours, such as mint, berry, and even coffee.

So what are the pros and cons of choosing nicotine pouches? And which are the best brands to choose from? Here’s a complete guide.

What are the Benefits of Using Nicotine Pouches?

The first and most obvious benefit of using nicotine pouches is how small and discreet they are. Ideal if you want to get a nicotine or flavour burst wherever and whenever you want without drawing attention to it.

And you really can use nicotine pouches anywhere. That’s because, unlike cigarettes or vapes, nicotine pouches don’t require any kind of combustion. This means they are a popular choice for anyone who wants to access nicotine without tobacco or smoke, and means they are a particularly popular choice for ex-smokers who are reducing their tobacco and nicotine use.

Another benefit of nicotine pouches is that they come in a range of strengths so that you can choose the nicotine level that’s right for you. Generally, nicotine pouches are available in different nicotine levels, ranging from 1.5 milligrams up to 20 milligrams per pouch. And, just like vapes, they’re also available in a huge variety of different flavours.

Finally, nicotine pouches are promoted as a safer alternative to traditional smoking since they don't involve burning tobacco.

The Best Nicotine Pouch Brands

All nicotine pouches work in similar ways and offer similar flavour options and flavour intensity. But 3 of the best nicotine pouch brands on the market are:

Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches

Designed and manufactured in Vårgårda, Sweden, Nordic Spirit pouches are available in 3 different nicotine strengths as well as an excellent variety of flavours. Mint or spearmint are available for consumers looking for something fresh and simple. More unusual flavours in the range include mocha, elderflower, and bergamot wildberry.

You can buy Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches here.

VELO Nicotine Pouches

A great addition to complement the existing VELO product range, VELO has one of the widest ranges of flavours. These pouches are also available in three levels of nicotine strength. And whether you’re looking for traditional mint and menthol, fun and fruity, or even something unusual like urban vibe or royal violet, there’s a flavour for everyone with VELO.

You can buy VELO Nicotine Pouches here.

ZYN Nicotine Pouches

Zyn Nicotine pouches are stronger than Nordic Spirit or VELO, with one 2 nicotine strengths available. This means they are best suited to more experienced users than beginners. These are fun pouches and the tins feature bright, colourful designs. Flavour options include chilli guava, and espressino.

You can buy ZYN Nicotine Pouches here.

How To Use Nicotine Pouches

If you’re new to nicotine pouches then you may be wondering how to use them. Is it really as simple as just opening the packet and popping it in your mouth? Pretty much, yes!

All you need to know is to open your nicotine pouch from its can and then pop it under your top lip. This can be at the front of your mouth or on either side, as long as it’s between your teeth and your gum. Experts recommend using the side of your mouth for the most comfortable fit. Leave it in for up to 60 minutes to get the full impact and flavour sensation of the pouch. You may feel a slight tingly sensation in your mouth as the nicotine is released but most users report that this is an enjoyable sensation. You can remove the pouch when you no longer feel the sensation or when the pouch loses its flavour—whichever you prefer.

Once you’ve finished with your pouch, take it out of your mouth and dispose of it responsibly. Unfortunately, nicotine pouches can’t be recycled, so these should be placed in the general waste bin. This can be the bin in your home, in your workplace, or any waste bin on the street.

How are Nicotine Pouches Different to Vapes?

Both nicotine pouches and vapes are a tobacco-free way to ingest nicotine and are considered a viable alternative to cigarette use. But they are fundamentally very different products.

Firstly, vapes are more common than nicotine pouches. Approximately 3.6 million people in the UK are using vaping products while pouches are a relatively new phenomenon with a much smaller user base.

Vaping is a very similar experience to traditional tobacco smoking. Many vaping devices look and feel like cigarettes (hence the term e-cigarette) and they involve smoke or vapour to operate. This means that vaping is something you inhale, and something that you can generally only do outside—in public places, it is often treated in the same way as cigarette smoking. By contrast, you can choose to use tobacco pouches anytime, anywhere. For most people, this is a huge pro. But others miss the performative nature of vaping: the ritual of placing it in your mouth, and the act of stepping out and taking a break to use it.

It’s important to experiment to find the right product for you. When trying nicotine pouches for the first time, you should start with a lower strength and then build up until you find the strength that best suits your needs. You can also experiment with flavours until you find your favourite. There are endless possibilities.