How to Make Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine users around the world are still on the rise due to the existence of combustible cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. Vaping devices have also enhanced the number of said users, with many smokers switching to e-cigarettes to veer away from the dangers of tobacco smoke.

However, a percentage of smokers and vape users want to consume nicotine without producing any smoke or vapour in their surroundings. Enter nicotine pouches, a smoke-free, spitless alternative to tobacco and vaping products. They work similarly to chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products, just without the presence of tobacco plants themselves.

Authorized as a type of nicotine replacement therapy for adult smokers, nicotine pouches are slowly reaching more and more cigarette users over time. Hence, many tobacco outlets, vape shops, and convenience stores are starting to stock their shelves with these products. While you can buy one at a reasonable price, you also have the option to make your own: let’s find out how to make nicotine pouches.

How to Make Your Own Nicotine Pouches

For someone who is trying to quit smoking, nicotine pouches can be your viable option as they help reduce your tobacco dependence. They also expose you less to cigarette smoke, which is widely known for causing lung and heart problems.

When you consume nicotine pouches, you can also save not only yourself but also others since they won’t be exposed to secondhand smoke anymore. 

A nicotine pouch, when you place one between your upper lip and gum, will not bother anyone. It can then satisfy your nicotine cravings and make your day more relaxing. When you’re done, simply put the used pouch in the trash bin and go on with whatever you are doing.

Ideally, you should buy nicotine pouches from your trusted supplier or store since they have already been processed, tested, and packaged thoroughly. Native Smokes 4 Less offers a wide range of nicotine pouches from brands such as ZYN, PIK, Rogue, Bridge, FRE, and White Fox.

But if you really want to make your own tobacco-free nicotine pouches at home, then here are some important steps you need to take.

Gather the Necessary Ingredients

The first step in making nicotine pouches is to gather the necessary ingredients.

In producing the content of the pouches, you must attain nicotine, flavourings, plant-based fibres, and sweeteners. You can use synthetic nicotine in place of tobacco-extracted nicotine to save you from the impurities and contaminants found in tobacco leaf. Nicotine is vital to your mixture since it is the main source of reduced anxiety, improved concentration, and so on.

You can then combine cellulose, fibre, and starch as your plant-based fibres. They all help in holding other ingredients together as well as deliver nicotine to your body evenly.

As for the flavour of your pouches, you can choose from a wide range of flavourings like mint, berry, cinnamon, wintergreen, coffee, or citrus. The flavours you will be using can be sourced from either natural or artificial flavourings.

To maintain pouch consistency, you can add stabilizers. They include vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. pH adjusters, like sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, are also necessary to optimize nicotine release. 

You should also get water into your mixture since it makes your pouch moist. It likewise helps accelerate the release of nicotine and flavour.

Prepare the Nicotine Mixture

Once you gather all the necessary ingredients for the pouches, you must mix them properly.

The combination of these ingredients must be done with precision so that the nicotine pouches will boast consistent flavour and potency. At this point, you may alter the ratio and recipe of ingredients that come with your pouches to match your unique flavour profile.

To prepare the nicotine mixture, you should put them all together and process them with either a food processor or an electric mixer. All the ingredients should be mixed and blended together to ensure precise strength, consistent texture, and even gradual release.

Cut the Tea Bags or Coffee Filters Into Small Squares

All the content of commercially produced nicotine pouches is packed in slim, all-white bags. They are often made from organic cellulose compounds that generate a non-woven fleece, helping the substrate release the nicotine and flavours to one’s body system effectively.

The materials used for the bags also intend to keep the user’s teeth stain-free. However, more research is needed to understand any effect nicotine pouches may have on one’s oral health when used for a much longer period.

If you don’t have fleece materials, you can use tea bags or coffee filters as an alternative.

Tea bags and coffee filters are a perfect option for a nicotine pouch since they allow nicotine and flavours to pass through without letting the solid ingredients escape. 

You should, however, choose tea bags and coffee filters made from cloth. Cloth tea bags and coffee filters, which are often made from cotton or linen, allow the nicotine mixture content to pass through while retaining its particles. They do not break apart once you put one in your mouth. They also have a lower chance of clogging, which prevents the nicotine and flavours from being delivered to your bloodstream.

Once you get your tea bags or coffee filters, you must cut them into small squares. Ensure they follow the slim proportions of nicotine pouch products so you do not create a noticeable bulge when you put one in between your upper lip and gum.

Fill the Pouches With the Nicotine Mixture

After cutting the tea bags or coffee filters into small pieces, you must fill them with the prepared nicotine mixture.

Normally, a commercially made oral nicotine pouch weighs around 0.5g. Hence, the content of your pouch must weigh lower than the said value.

You can use measuring tools like a weighing scale and a cup to precisely measure the total volume and net weight of the nicotine mixture that goes into each nicotine pouch.

Press Down on Each Pouch to Remove Excess Liquid

Once you fill in your make-shift pouches, it is time for you to seal them. You should fold the pouches inward until they are closed. Then, press down on the pouches to remove excess liquid. These steps are crucial to effectively preserve the freshness and quality of their content.

Moisture is crucial in nicotine pouches as it determines the speed of nicotine release. It also determines how much nicotine is absorbed. With high moisture content, a nicotine pouch will generate more drip and salivation, making the nicotine release and delivery faster. 

Excess liquid from the pouch, however, may lead to several issues.

First, it may cause the content of the nicotine pouch to leak, which can be messy to consume. Excess liquid can likewise make the nicotine release stronger than one anticipated. With this type of release, you may be overwhelmed by the nicotine buzz, making for an unpleasant experience. It can also weaken the pouch material, increasing the possibility of the nicotine mixture scattering in your mouth as you use it.

Let the Pouches Dry

As you get rid of excess liquid from the nicotine pouches, you should let them dry for a little bit. Avoid drying the entire content too long as it will alter the potency and taste of the pouches. It may also prevent the pouches from delivering the nicotine to your body.

To let the pouches dry, you can just leave them in a dry, cool place, probably at room temperature. Avoid exposing these nicotine products to direct sunlight as high temperatures will instantly dehydrate the nicotine mixture.

Store in an Airtight Container

Manufacturers take advantage of can packaging to store and package the nicotine pouches since it is leakproof, airtight, durable, and long-lasting. Cans are also recyclable and reusable, making them eco-friendly and sustainable. They are likewise slim and lightweight, allowing users to bring them whenever and wherever they want.

Brands even make their can packaging appealing. PIK nicotine pouches, for instance, have colourful cans to showcase their flavours in a different way.

All qualities of can packaging make them effective in preserving the freshness and potency of the numerous nicotine pouches. So, when storing your DIY nicotine pouches, you should find an airtight container to preserve their taste and flavour.

To pick the right container for your nicotine pouches, you must consider its size. It must be spacious enough to hold and store your pouches without compromising their structural integrity. Your container should also feature an airtight seal to keep your pouches fresh. Lastly, it must be durable so you can bring and use it without worrying about its longevity. 

Do not use a container that lets in air or moisture. You must also avoid using one that may react to the ingredients of the nicotine mixture.

Some containers you can use include metal tins, pillcases, and small containers. These containers are sleek, durable, and airtight, making them perfect for your nicotine pouches.

Use as Needed

Upon transferring your nicotine pouches to your chosen airtight container, you should place them in a cool, dry place and use one as needed. These places include your desk, drawer, or any other storage area. Just make sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If you opt for a portable container, you can simply slide it into your pocket or purse.

When using nicotine pouches, you can simply get one from your container and close it again. Then, place the pouch between your upper lip and gum and park it there for around 30 minutes. During this time, you will feel the nicotine release as well as the flavours from the pouch. From your mucous membranes, the nicotine will be delivered to your brain through the bloodstream to give you your desired calming sensation.

Once you have exhausted the content of the nicotine pouch, you should remove it from your mouth and discard it in the trash bin. Do not ever swallow the pouch to avoid experiencing any adverse effects due to direct ingestion of the nicotine mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make Nicotine Pouches at Home?

Yes. Although not highly recommended, you can still make nicotine pouches at home with the right ingredients. The key ingredients you need are nicotine, flavourings, plant-based fibres, and sweeteners. You also have to purchase tea bags or coffee filters so they can be used as the pouches for the nicotine mixture.

Is It Difficult to Make Your Own Nicotine Pouches?

Yes. Making your own nicotine pouches takes a lot of effort and patience since you basically have to test the quality of your nicotine mixture repeatedly. You also risk yourself in creating the pouches as you might accidentally ingest or inhale the involved ingredients in their pure form. Hence, it is highly advised to buy nicotine pouches made by reputable brands.

Summary

Nicotine pouches are one of the most popular alternative forms of nicotine delivery today. They are even used by many smokers as a smoking cessation tool and a primary way of curbing nicotine addiction. Hence, it is not surprising to see a number of nicotine users making their own.

If you are keen on making your own nicotine pouches, ensure you have all the right ingredients and tools to create them. You must also test them with caution to avoid harming yourself. You should likewise keep the nicotine pouches stored well to preserve their freshness, flavour, and potency.