If you’ve just heard about nicotine pouches and want to know more about them, you definitely aren’t the only one. Nicotine pouches have been the fastest-growing nicotine products in many regions of the world over the past couple of years, even outpacing the growth of vaping in some places.
Why are nicotine pouches so popular?
· They produce no smoke or vapour, so you can use them anywhere.
· Unlike chewing tobacco, they don’t cause you to produce excess saliva and don’t require spitting.
· They provide a noticeable tingle on contact, so many people find them more satisfying than other oral nicotine products like gums and lozenges.
· They’re available in a wide variety of flavours, so they’re not just satisfying – they’re also very enjoyable.
In this beginner’s guide, we’re going to get you up to speed. You’re about to learn what nicotine pouches are, how they work and how to use them. We’re also going to answer a several additional questions that might be on your mind. When you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to use nicotine pouches like a seasoned pro. Let’s dive in!
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What Are Nicotine Pouches?
A nicotine pouch is an oral nicotine product that comes in a self-contained pouch, similar to snus and other pouch-based oral tobacco products. The difference is that while nicotine pouches do contain nicotine, they contain no tobacco.
What do Nicotine Pouches Look Like?
Nicotine pouches look much like snus, except that they’re white. For that reason, some people actually call them “white snus.” That term is particularly common in Sweden, where snus is extremely popular. A nicotine pouch is generally small enough to fit in your mouth without creating a noticeable lump.
What’s In Nicotine Pouches?
The primary ingredients of a nicotine pouch are nicotine, food-grade flavours and cellulose, which is a filler that provides substance to the pouch and affects the absorption rate of the nicotine. Some pouches may contain sweeteners such as sucralose. Some may also contain pH adjusters such as sodium carbonate. Propylene glycol is sometimes used as a moistening agent. The pouch itself is usually made from a plant-based fibre that allows the nicotine and flavours to pass through but prevents the cellulose from spilling out.
How Many Nicotine Pouches Are in a Can?
There are typically 15-20 nicotine pouches in a can, and a full can will usually last about a day depending on your personal usage habits.
How Do You Use a Nicotine Pouch?
You use a nicotine pouch by placing it between your gum and upper lip. If the pouch feels dry, you may need to moisten it with a little saliva to allow the nicotine to travel through the pouch.
· As you use the pouch, you may need to “chew” it gently once or twice to redistribute the powder.
· You may also want to move the pouch to the other side of your mouth periodically if you experience gum sensitivity.
Some people experience heightened gum sensitivity or soreness when they first begin using nicotine pouches. These sensations should fade as you get used to the pouches, but they can also be a sign that the nicotine strength you’re using is too high for your needs.
How Long Do Nicotine Pouches Last?
A nicotine pouch typically lasts about 30-60 minutes before the flavour and tingle fade, but you can continue using a pouch as long as find the experience pleasurable.
How Do You Dispose of a Nicotine Pouch?
You can dispose of a nicotine pouch by wrapping it in a paper towel or by saving an empty can for your discards. In some cases, the can will have a hollow upper section that you can open for disposal of used pouches when you aren’t near a wastebasket.
How Do Nicotine Pouch Brands Differ from One Another?
One of the reasons why nicotine pouches are so enjoyable is because there’s an enormous level of variety between brands. Here are some of the main differences that you’ll notice.
· Strengths: Nicotine pouches are available in a wide variety of strengths to suit different needs. If you’ve already switched fully from smoking to vaping, for instance, a lower strength might be right for you. If you’re looking for an alternative to chewing tobacco, on the other hand, you may prefer a higher strength.
· Flavours: You can buy nicotine pouches in an almost endless variety of flavours ranging from Cola and Lemon Curd to Bright Spearmint and Strawberry Ice. That’s one of the biggest reasons why pouches are so much more enjoyable than traditional nicotine replacement products like gums and lozenges.
· Moistness: Some nicotine pouches are pre-moistened with propylene glycol, and others require a bit of saliva in order to start working. This comes down to personal preference.
· Size and Thickness: Nicotine pouches can have slight differences in their shapes and can also differ in the volume of filler material they contain. A thicker pouch will hold its flavour longer, and a thinner pouch will release its nicotine more quickly.
Nicotine Pouch FAQ
Now that you know everything that you need to know about buying and using nicotine pouches, we’ll leave you with a bit of extra information that you might find useful. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about nicotine pouches.
Can You Bring Nicotine Pouches on a Plane?
Yes! There are no special restrictions or requirements for bringing nicotine pouches on a plane. You’re also free to use nicotine pouches on planes and at airports. Before traveling internationally, though, make sure that nicotine pouches are legal in your destination country.
Can You Put a Nicotine Pouch in Your Lower Lip?
You aren’t required to put a nicotine pouch in your upper lip and can put it in your lower lip if you like. Doing so can cause increased saliva production, though, since your lower lip is closer to your salivary glands. The increased saliva production may cause nicotine to be released from the pouch more quickly, potentially causing throat irritation or hiccups.
Can You Swallow Spit from Nicotine Pouches?
Yes. There’s no need to spit when you use a nicotine pouch, and you can swallow your saliva. Note, however, that swallowing too much saliva when you use nicotine pouches can cause temporary mild stomach discomfort.
Can You Chew Nicotine Pouches?
As you use a nicotine pouch, you may need to redistribute the powder occasionally. You should be very gentle, though, because the pouches are easy to break.
Why Do Nicotine Pouches Burn?
When you use a nicotine pouch, you should feel a slight tingle or burn as the nicotine absorbs into your bloodstream through your oral tissue. If you experience an extremely unpleasant burn, the nicotine strength that you’re using might be too high. Also note that some flavours – particularly cinnamon – burn more than others.
Are Nicotine Pouches Better than Vaping?
Nicotine pouches aren’t better than vaping – they’re just different. Vaping mimics the actions and sensations of smoking. The nicotine absorbs through your lungs when you vape, which is faster than with other types of nicotine products. However, you can use nicotine pouches in places where you can’t vape.
Are Nicotine Pouches Biodegradable?
Some nicotine pouches are biodegradable, and others aren’t. While the ingredients inside the pouch are plant based, some brands may use synthetic materials for their pouches. A nicotine pouch isn’t biodegradable if the outside of the pouch is synthetic.
Do Nicotine Pouches Expire?
Yes. Nicotine pouches are generally intended to be used within about two years of production. You will usually find a “best by” date printed somewhere on the can. Expired pouches may be weaker and may not taste the same as fresh pouches.