Nicotine Pouches

Introduction to Nicotine Pouches

Welcome to the world of nicotine pouches! These innovative products offer a tobacco-free way to enjoy nicotine, delivering it through the oral mucosa, where it's absorbed into the bloodstream via mucous membranes. Placed discreetly between the lip and gum, nicotine pouches typically contain nicotine, cellulose, water, flavouring, and sodium carbonate.

Marketed as a subtle alternative to smoking, nicotine pouches come in a variety of flavours, such as "Berry and Cherry" and "Mint and Menthol". Unlike traditional snus, nicotine pouches don't contain tobacco leaves but still provide nicotine sourced from either tobacco or synthetic sources. Popular brands like Pablo, Siberia, and so on offer different nicotine strengths, catering to diverse preferences and gaining popularity since 2016.

Nicotine pouches are a relatively recent product, with the first pouch introduced in the early 2000s. Overall, nicotine pouches are a developing category of tobacco-free nicotine products that may provide a less harmful alternative to smoking, but more research is needed on their long-term health effects, particularly for children and non-smokers.

History and Evolution of Nicotine Pouches

Let's delve into the fascinating history and evolution of nicotine pouches. These products have a rich background and have undergone significant growth over time, with their origins rooted in Sweden.

The journey of nicotine pouches begins with snus, a smokeless tobacco product that has been utilised in Sweden for centuries. Snus involves placing moist tobacco under the upper lip, providing a spit-free, smokeless method of oral tobacco use. This traditional practice laid the groundwork for modern nicotine pouches, introducing the concepts of discreet and oral tobacco consumption.

The evolution of nicotine pouches took a significant step forward in 1983, when a Swedish company, Gajane, introduced the first modern nicotine pouch. Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, these pouches were designed to be discreet and user-friendly. 

Companies like Swedish Match and Skruf further advanced the concept by experimenting with different flavours and strengths, making nicotine pouches more appealing to a broaderaudience.

The mid-2010s witnessed a surge in the international popularity of nicotine pouches, with companies like Helwit and so on! Producing a wide range of flavours and strengths, making them accessible globally.

Nicotine pouches offer numerous advantages over traditional smoking. They are smokeless, discreet, customisable in terms of flavours and strengths, and potentially less harmful than smoking cigarettes. Additionally, they are cost-effective compared to traditional tobacco products.

The growing popularity of nicotine pouches can be attributed to their discreet nature, lack of smoke or odour, and increasing awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. As individuals seek safer alternatives for nicotine consumption, nicotine pouches have emerged as an interesting option.

Rising Popularity and Use as Tobacco Alternatives

The popularity of nicotine pouches has soared in recent years, with sales skyrocketing from 126 million units between August and December 2019 to over 808 million between January and March 2022. These smoke-free alternatives, often devoid of tobacco, have witnessed a surge in demand.

In tandem with nicotine pouches, the use of alternative tobacco products has been on the rise among smokers. This includes e-cigarettes, snacks, dissolvables, and other smokeless tobacco options. In a survey conducted in 2011, approximately 38% of smokers had experimented with alternative tobacco products, with e-cigarettes emerging as the most commonly used option.

Newer alternative products, such as nicotine pouches, frequently prove to be beneficial as “tobacco-free" alternatives, with the potential to become the go-to choice.

As a result, the regulations governing the marketing and sale of these items continue to grow.

That explains why nicotine pouches, like all other alternative tobacco products, have experienced a quick spike in popularity, particularly among smokers; their success in supporting smoking cessation has shown that they are a superior option than their competitors in alternative nicotine-based options.

Understanding Nicotine Levels

Low nicotine levels (12 mg per pouch): 

Suitable for people who want to cut back on their nicotine intake or who smoke lightly. These pouches give a softer nicotine sensation and may be an appropriate choice for those looking to progressively transition away from stronger nicotine products.

Moderate nicotine levels (36 mg per pouch):

Ideal for people looking for a balance between nicotine satisfaction and less harm than traditional tobacco products. These pouches provide a more intense nicotine sensation than low-nicotine choices while remaining a safer option than smoking.

High nicotine levels (8 mg per pouch):

Ideal for heavy smokers or those who need a powerful nicotine boost. These pouches are intended for individuals seeking a more strong nicotine experience.

Nicotine Pouches

Elf Bar Tacja:

A vapour-free delight crafted for discreet enjoyment. These soft white pouches come in refreshing minty, fresh, and fruity flavours, including frozen and mellow. Experience stain-free, odourless satisfaction with Tacja, available in a range of nicotine strengths.

Killa: 

Produced by the NGP Empire in Denmark, Killa nicotine pouches offer a potent nicotine kick coupled with smooth flavours. Perfect for smokers transitioning away from tobacco, Killa has a long-standing reputation for quality, with recent production upgrades enhancing flavour and consistency.

Stripe:

From FEDRS comes STRIPE, the urban-chic nicotine pouch brand. Offering unique flavours and strengths ranging from 20 mg/g to 40 mg/g, explore the refreshing taste and potency of STRIPE's collection.

Medium to High Strength Nicotine Pouches

Helwit:

A sustainable all-white nicotine pouch brand hailing from York. Crafted in a climate-smart factory in Sweden powered by hydroelectricity, Helwit delivers quality flavours and long-lasting nicotine delivery. With eco-friendly packaging and Scandinavian expertise, its nicotine satisfaction is with a conscience.

Pablo:

From the NGP Empire come Pablo nicotine pouches, boasting unparalleled strength blended with concentrated nicotine and herbal extracts. Available in two variants, Pablo provides a powerful alternative to cigarettes, minus the harmful smoke and tobacco. Ideal for smokers seeking to quit, each pouch delivers nicotine without the risks associated with traditional smoking.

Siberia:

Produced by GN Tobacco, Siberia Nicotine Pouches offer extreme strength and an intense menthol flavour. Available in three sizes, these pouches provide an exhilarating experience, solidifying their position as a titan in the world of nicotine pouches.

Cuba:

Crafted by Nontobacco, Cuba is renowned for its nicotine pouches. With strengths spanning from 10 mg/g to 50 mg/g, these brands offer minty freshness and robust options, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned users. Cuba's diverse flavours provide an interesting alternative to chewing tobacco, catering to a wide range of nicotine preferences.

It's essential to recognise that nicotine levels may vary between brands and products. Therefore, it's advisable to check the packaging or consult with the manufacturer if you're uncertain about the nicotine strength of a specific product. Additionally, always adhere to recommended usage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding nicotine use.

Flavour Varieties Available

Classic Tobacco Flavours:

• Tobacco

Fruit and Herbal Infusions:

• Berry and Cherry
• Citrus
• Fruity
• Tropical

Unique and Specialty Flavours

• Drinks
• Mint and Menthol Flavoured Nicotine Pouches
• Sweets and Treats

How to Use Nicotine Pouches

Preparing Nicotine Pouches for Use:

1. Grab a nicotine pouch from the can.
2. Place the pouch under your upper lip to one side of your mouth, ensuring it is snug against your gum.
3. Avoid swallowing the pouch.
4. After feeling the nicotine's effects (around 30-45 minutes), remove the pouch from under your lip and dispose of it. 

Note: While white pouches made from natural plant fibres are harmless if swallowed accidentally, it's best to avoid ingestion.

Insertion and Placement Techniques:

1. Unlike chewing tobacco, no need to spit while using nicotine pouches.
2. Place the pouch under your lip without the need to spit, as these pouches don't require spitting during use.

Benefits of Nicotine Pouches:

1. Nicotine pouches offer a safer alternative to smoking and other tobacco products.
2. They come with fewer side effects like hiccups, mouth soreness, upset stomach, and sleep disruption, providing a healthier way to enjoy nicotine.

Nicotine Pouches vs. Traditional Tobacco Products