Vapes vs Nicotine Pouches: Which Is Better?

Nicotine consumption in Canada continues to change with the steady rise of vapes and nicotine pouches, especially among youth and young adults. And with brands positioning these products as a great alternative to cigarette smoking, more and more people are encouraged to try and stick to one of these products.

With their respective advantages and drawbacks, you must choose one that will be aligned with your lifestyle, health goals, and personal preferences. To help you decide, here are some things you need to know about nicotine pouches and vapes.

Vapes vs Nicotine Pouches: The Differences

Vapes and nicotine pouches are tobacco-free products for people consuming addictive chemical nicotine. Two major differences between these products are their appearance and the way they are used.

Vapes or e-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that process and deliver inhalable vapor or aerosol. Depending on the type of e-liquid or vaping juice used, the vapor released from these devices may contain varying nicotine strengths, flavorings, and chemicals.

Using an electronic cigarette is straightforward. As you puff from its mouthpiece, the coils atomize the e-liquid stored inside the cartridge. The user can then draw the resulting vapor, hold it into their mouth, and breathe it into their lungs before exhaling.

The composition of nicotine pouches is somehow similar to vapes. They also contain varying nicotine levels, flavorings, and other chemicals. They do not contain tobacco leaves. As an alternative, manufacturers utilize plant-based materials as their fillers.

As their name suggests, nicotine pouches come in pouches, which are intended to be placed between one’s lip and gum. They are left in the mouth while the nicotine is released until it enters the bloodstream through the gums’ mucous membrane.

Are Vapes Better Than Nicotine Pouches for Quitting Smoking?

Both vapes and nicotine pouches are perceived as an alternative to cigarette smoking. They are, however, not yet advisable for quitting smoking due to health risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, multiple studies have shown that e-cigarettes with nicotine may aid in smoking cessation among adults. The long-term health effects of these products, however, are not yet certain.

While the aerosol from vapes contains fewer harmful compounds than cigarette smoke, users must still be wary of its effects. Without moderation, the nicotine and other chemicals from the vapor can still lead to increased risks of lung cancer and heart disease.

Similarly, nicotine consumers who want to quit smoking have turned to nicotine pouches due to the marketing done by companies. Large companies advertise that their pouches present lower health risks than smoking since they do not possess cancer-causing chemicals often found in cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor.

But the prolonged usage of these tobacco-free products can still turn into nicotine addiction, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They can also cause gum irritation and other oral health complications when used for a long time.

Are Vapes Easier to Use Than Nicotine Pouches

Cigar and cigarette smokers, who are already used to the act of inhaling and exhaling smoke, will find vaping devices easier to use than a nicotine pouch.

Resembling the appearance of traditional cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, vapes almost mimic the intuitive design of these tobacco-based products. The OVNS 2500 Disposable Vape is an example of a vape that almost looks like a cigarette. And as long as they have enough power and e-liquid, they can already be puffed by simply inhaling or pressing a button. 

Oral nicotine pouches, in contrast, can become a new experience for cigar and cigarette users. As stated earlier, they have to be placed between the gum and lip for the nicotine to be released gradually. One good thing about these pouches is that they do not release vapor or smoke to the surroundings, making them usable in places where smoking or vaping is prohibited.

Do Vapes or Nicotine Pouches Cost More?

When comparing the cost of vapes and nicotine pouches, you may find yourself spending more on vaping than using the pouches.

Vaping devices here in Canada usually cost around $15, with high-end models reaching as high as $35. The Tyson 2.0 Round 2 7500 Puff Disposable Vape is a premium vape you can purchase.

But as soon as you hit the end of their product life, you should practice proper vape disposal and replace them to effectively enjoy the nicotine and flavor of your vaping juice. Speaking of the juice, this product can also cost you around $15, increasing your spending since it needs to be refilled weekly. 

Nicotine pouches, alternatively, tend to be more affordable than e-cigarettes. These pouches are often sold in a tin, which is valued at around $14 to $20. Even if you consume these nicotine products regularly, the rate of your spending will be steady as you do not have to purchase additional accessories or maintain any devices.

Which Has More Nicotine, Vapes or Nicotine Pouches?

The nicotine content of vapes and nicotine pouches may vary. However, vaping devices are capable of delivering higher levels of this chemical compound than the pouches.

E-cigarettes produce nicotine through vapor, which is processed from e-liquid or vaping juice. Aside from a plethora of flavors available, the vaping juice you purchase may also possess varying nicotine strengths, ranging from 0 mg/ml to 50 mg/ml or even higher. If you go for the higher end of the spectrum, your body may intake high levels of nicotine per vaping session.

The nicotine strengths in nicotine pouches, on the other hand, only range from 1.29 mg to 11 mg. These values are way lower than the ones found in vapes, making nicotine pouches more recommended for those who want to regulate the release of the addictive substance nicotine into their bloodstream. A nicotine pouch you can buy with only 6mg of nicotine is the Rogue Peppermint Pouches.

Are Nicotine Pouches Easier to Find Than Vapes?

Compared to nicotine pouches, vapes and their accompanying accessories are easier to find due to the widening demographics of users who want to slowly quit smoking or find an alternative to cigarette smoking.

Vaping products can now be found in convenience stores, gas stations, specialty vape shops, and online stores, making them more accessible to more potential and returning consumers.

While nicotine pouches are seen to be a better smoking cessation tool than e-cigarettes, their presence in the mainstream market is still elusive. Fortunately, they can still be purchased from online retail stores, tobacco shops, and select convenience stores and pharmacies.

Are Nicotine Pouches Safer Than Vapes?

While nicotine pouches and vapes contain nicotine, the former is known to be safer than vapes.

A consensus study report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine has found that multiple elements can be inhaled from the vapor of e-cigarettes. Aside from nicotine, it also contains acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde, which can cause lung and heart diseases. Other toxic compounds from electronic nicotine devices are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and acrolein.

On the other hand, nicotine pouches from Zyn and others are only composed of nicotine, water, flavorings, and plant-based fibers. Since they deliver nicotine through the mucous membrane, any potentially toxic by-products from vapor or smoke due to atomization or combustion are deterred from entering your respiratory system. They also do not produce secondhand smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Nicotine Pouches and Vapes?

The main difference between nicotine pouches and vapes lies in their usage and nicotine delivery. Nicotine pouches are small, tobacco-free products placed between the gum and the lip that deliver nicotine into the bloodstream through mucous membrane. Vapes, alternatively, are battery-powered devices that work similarly to cigarettes, allowing users to inhale the vapor and its substances into the lungs.

Are Nicotine Pouches Safer Than Chewing Vaping?

Using nicotine pouches is considered to be safer than chewing nicotine gums or tobacco products as they reduce the risk of issues related to oral health. Since they are only placed between the gum and lip, the nicotine content of these pouches is released directly to the body, minimizing jaw discomfort, excessive salivation, and dental issues.

Which is Better, Vapes or Nicotine Pouches?

In terms of accessibility, vapes are a better option since they are offered almost anywhere in Canada. They also come in a wide variety of flavors and nicotine levels, enticing smokers who want to veer away from smoking cigarettes or cigars. Nicotine pouches, however, are a cleaner option for those who are quitting nicotine dependence due to their lower nicotine content and smokeless type of compound intake.

Is There a Shop That Sells Both Vapes and Nicotine Pouches?

Yes. Many shops in Canada today sell both vapes and nicotine pouches as they try to diversify their product offerings and cater to a wide range of nicotine users. These shops include convenience stores and online retailers. 

Summary

Vapes and nicotine pouches are tobacco-free products that can serve as an alternative to smoking cigars and cigarettes. If you want to transition from a tobacco-based product and still carry out the act of smoking, e-cigarettes would be the best option. Vapes are also a better choice for those who want to try out different flavors and modulate nicotine intake.

Alternatively, you can enjoy using nicotine pouches if you intend to consume nicotine even in places where smoking and vaping are prohibited. These pouches are also suitable for those who want to gradually decrease their nicotine dependence.