Pros and Cons of Nicotine Pouches

In the past, many people would go for cigarettes to satisfy their nicotine cravings. They simply have to get one from a pack, light it up, and puff the cigarette until it’s out of tobacco. As for those who have already quit smoking but still crave nicotine, they instead use smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, and snus.

Tobacco leaves, unfortunately, have been found to be the top reason why both combustible tobacco and smokeless tobacco products are deemed harmful to one’s health.

Enter nicotine pouches, which are touted to be a less harmful alternative to tobacco products. But, what are they really? When did they become popular? How do they compare to traditional tobacco products? Get to know the basics of oral nicotine pouches in this blog by NativeSmokes4Less.

What are Nicotine Pouches?

A nicotine pouch is a tiny bag that contains the highly addictive chemical nicotine and other ingredients intended to provide it with a delectable flavour, sustained moisture retention, and even nicotine release. It doesn’t rely on tobacco leaf. Instead, it uses either tobacco-derived or laboratory-made nicotine.

The main ingredients of a nicotine pouch include nicotine, water, flavourings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibres. Unlike cigarettes and cigars, a nicotine pouch doesn’t need any combustion. It is generally smokeless, which means you won’t be able to disturb anyone around you. Additionally, the same pouch is spitless, making it cleaner than chewing tobacco and dip tobacco.

You can essentially say that nicotine pouches can be a little bit similar to snus. The only difference between them is that the former doesn’t have any tobacco, which has been the key source of harmful chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, and other carcinogens.

Using nicotine pouches is easy.

You only need to get one from the container and place it in your mouth, particularly between your gum and lip for up to an hour. Once parked, you only need to leave it there and allow the pouch to release its flavour and nicotine content. You don’t need to swallow, spit, or smoke anything. Your body will then absorb the stimulant from the pouch into your bloodstream through mucous membranes in your mouth.

Many nicotine pouch brands, such as ZYN, On!, Velo, and Rogue, would advertise tobacco-free nicotine pouches as a safer alternative to tobacco products. FDA and other health agencies, however, still don’t consider them as a type of nicotine replacement therapy since using them may still lead to nicotine addiction. The only approved forms of NRT today are nicotine gum and lozenges.

Regardless, these brands would continue releasing nicotine pouches in a wide variety of strengths and flavours, catering to varying preferences of users out there. They would then take things further by using much safer ingredients to produce the pouches.

Many consumers would then continue admiring nicotine pouches thanks to their smokeless nature. So far, they also present fewer health risks than tobacco products. Therefore, many past smokers and tobacco users as well as new nicotine users would opt for nicotine pouches as a way to reduce their exposure to tobacco chemicals and regulate their nicotine intake.

History and Popularity of Nicotine Pouches

Curious about how nicotine pouches started?

The main inspiration behind the creation of nicotine pouches is snus, a type of smokeless tobacco that has been around for centuries already.

For context, snus originated in Sweden. It comes in small, moist pouches that contain pasteurized tobacco leaves. The pasteurization process allows these smokeless tobacco products to be less harmful than cigarettes since they don’t contain harmful nitrosamines.

Using snus is similar to nicotine pouches. You only need to place it under the lip and let the pouch release its nicotine content. The stimulant will then be absorbed through the gums, all without the need for spitting or chewing anything.

Even though snus positions itself as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking, it still contains tobacco leaf. This is where nicotine pouches come into play.

The technology behind producing nicotine has improved over the past few decades, giving various tobacco companies a chance to create pouches without using any tobacco. Additionally, the materials used for the pouches, as well as the ingredients for the portions, have been enhanced to make sure they can deliver nicotine and flavour without the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes or consuming smokeless tobacco products.

To better understand the history of nicotine pouches, here is a quick look at their timeline.

• 2000: Niconovum, a brand focusing on nicotine replacement therapy products like lozenges and gums, started developing the first known nicotine pouches.
• 2008: The first nicotine pouch, which is being developed by Niconovum, has been officially registered under the name “Zonnic” in Scandinavia.
• 2009: RJ Reynolds, now known as British American Tobacco or BAT, bought Niconovum. Today, BAT is known for selling VELO nicotine pouches.
• 2014: In the US, one of the first brands of nicotine pouches that was launched was ZYN, a brand from Swedish Match. It is currently one of the top brands of nic pouches not only in the US but also in other parts of the world. 
• 2019: On!, Lucy, and VELO nicotine pouches made their way to the US market. These brands offer a range of nicotine products with tons of flavours and nicotine strengths, giving users who want to quit tobacco more options than the usual forms of NRT. It was also in the same year when the sales of nicotine pouches online increased significantly.
• 2020: Rogue nicotine pouches, which also come in plenty of delectable flavours and nicotine strengths, have also entered the US market. During the same year, the sales of nicotine pouches continued to increase. It then pushed other brands like FRE to come up with their own take on nicotine products, taking advantage of synthetic nicotine. FRE nicotine pouches are likewise launched with higher nicotine strengths of 9mg and 12mg.
• 2021: It is the year when nicotine pouches have become a norm among tobacco users who want to ditch their tobacco products. Many young adults then joined the trend and used pouches as their first nicotine source instead of opting for cigarettes or vaping devices. Nicotine pouch brands continued releasing varying flavours and strengths to keep up with the market demand.

When looking through the history of nicotine pouches, you can immediately tell how they have been well-received by users, especially past tobacco users and beginners. In 2023, the global value of the nicotine pouch market was just over USD $7.4 billion, which is up from $4.7 billion in 2022. Additionally, 15.5 billion units of nicotine pouches were sold all over the world in the same year.

It is a clear testament to how popular nicotine pouches are. Their popularity, however, didn’t stop with adult nicotine and tobacco users.

Young people, unfortunately, were found to be using nicotine pouches not to satisfy their nicotine cravings but to only join the trend, avoid social pressures, or satisfy their curiosity. This then led to health authorities calling for stricter regulations regarding nicotine pouch access and usage. It also prompted governments to somehow ban specific flavours that are known to entice young people and children from using these pouches.

Comparison to Traditional Tobacco Products

If you look closely, nicotine pouches were meant to directly compete with traditional tobacco products. They are made to provide tobacco users with a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, snus, and other tobacco products. And even though the long-term health consequences of nicotine pouches haven’t been established yet, many nicotine users already believe that using nicotine pouches could be a more viable alternative in the long term.

Are nicotine pouches safer than traditional tobacco products? Can you quit nicotine dependence with nicotine pouches? To answer these questions, here are some of the most common tobacco products out there and their key differences with nicotine pouches.

• Cigarettes: Cigarettes require combustion for them to provide your nicotine hits. Once you puff one, you can easily gain nicotine hits through inhalation. Cigarette smoke, unfortunately, produces tar, carbon monoxide, and other harmful byproducts found in tobacco. Nicotine pouches, on the other hand, don’t produce any smoke or odour, making them technically less harmful and more discreet. They also provide a slower, controlled release of nicotine, allowing you to somehow regulate your overall nicotine consumption.
• Chewing tobacco: Chewing tobacco is a form of smokeless tobacco that requires you to chew and spit. It then contains natural tobacco leaves, exposing you to nitrosamines or cancer-causing chemicals. Nicotine pouches, alternatively, are spit-free and tobacco-free. They are also cleaner since you don’t have to spit anything. They won’t likewise produce any bad odour.
• Dipping tobacco: Another form of smokeless tobacco you can get today is dipping tobacco. Dipping tobacco involves placing moist tobacco strands or leaves between your gum and lip and leaving them there until you’re satisfied with their nicotine content. It, however, requires spitting due to excess saliva production. Nicotine pouches don’t require spitting. They also don’t contain any tobacco leaves, eliminating any risks of gum disease, oral cancer, and stained teeth. 
• Snus: Snus and nicotine pouches are consumed similarly. You only have to one between your lip and gum and let it release its nicotine content and flavour. One major difference between them, however, is that snus possesses tobacco leaves. Nicotine pouches, on the other hand, don’t have any tobacco. Instead, they use synthetic nicotine or tobacco-derived nicotine. Nicotine pouches likewise provide a smoother release of nicotine than snus.

In general, nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco leaves, making you safe from many harmful compounds associated with the combustion of tobacco like tar and carcinogenic chemicals. They can then deliver nicotine by placing them between the cheek and the gum. This allows the nicotine to be absorbed by the lining of your mouth. You don’t have to inhale any smoke or chew any tobacco.

As for the nicotine content of nicotine pouches, they typically come in plenty of levels. Traditional tobacco products, alternatively, often possess a consistent amount of nicotine.

You only, however, need to watch out for the addictiveness of nicotine pouches. Since they still contain nicotine, they can be somehow addictive when used regularly for a long time. You might then experience some side effects, including mouth or gum irritation, nausea, and nicotine dependence.

Convenience and Accessibility

One contributing factor behind the popularity of nicotine pouches is convenience.

You see, unlike traditional tobacco products, nicotine pouches don’t need combustion, spitting, or extensive preparation. You can just place one pouch between the gum and lip and you’re good to go. You can already enjoy its nicotine content while traditional tobacco users are still finding a place to light up or consume their tobacco products.

Additionally, nicotine pouches don’t produce any odour. So, even if you’re at work or at home, you can still enjoy their nicotine content and flavour without causing a disturbance. You cannot say the same thing with cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

Convenience is likewise showcased by nicotine pouches thanks to their portability. Unlike cigarettes, nicotine pouches come in small, resealable containers that you can effortlessly fit into your pocket or bag. They also tend to last for a longer time, as long as you seal the containers properly. 

Accessibility is another huge advantage of nicotine pouches.

You can easily buy nicotine pouches in the US and Canada today in convenience stores, gas stations, and specialty tobacco shops. They are also available from online retailers like Native Smokes 4 Less, a reputable store that sells a bunch of nicotine and tobacco products.

The nicotine pouches being sold in these places come in a diverse range of flavours and nicotine strengths, accommodating not only novices and beginners but also seasoned nicotine users and enthusiasts. And since they are tobacco-free, the number of restrictions implemented against nicotine pouches is fewer than traditional tobacco products.

Cost Analysis

If you’re curious about the overall cost of nicotine pouches, then you might want to consider varying factors such as brand, nicotine strength, flavour, and location.

In Canada, a can of nicotine pouch may set you back around $15. Premium nicotine pouches may cost more, but they can guarantee you better flavours and more potent nicotine hits. 

At NativeSmokes4Less, you can get high-quality nicotine pouches at lower prices if you buy them in bulk. You can save up to 14% when you buy 5 cans or more of nicotine pouches.

Now, if you’ll be comparing the pouches to cigarettes or dipping tobacco, they are essentially considered a more cost-effective option, especially for those who only consume nicotine in moderation, since each can contains around 15 to 20 nicotine pouches. A pack of cigarettes, alternatively, may cost more than a can of pouches. You might then have difficulties in controlling the amount of dipping tobacco you consume since you need to pinch them by yourself.

Remember, however, that regional taxes and shipping fees may affect the final price of nicotine pouches. Hence, making online purchases may or may not be economical depending on your location. 

In the long term, nicotine pouches may be a more budget-friendly alternative to cigarettes and other tobacco products since you don’t need any accessories like lighters, tobacco spit cups, and more. Additionally, they tend to last longer and are only used in smaller quantities, allowing you to spend less over time, especially if you only consume them moderately.

Heavy nicotine users, alternatively, may purchase nicotine pouches more frequently just to restock their supply. This is why it’s important to compare pricing options to find the best value possible.

Social and Legal Considerations

Today, nicotine pouches are typically viewed as more discreet and socially acceptable due to their smokeless and spit-free nature. These are the key reasons why many past smokers and new nicotine users prefer them in public spaces as they don’t produce secondhand smoke. Even those who used to vape e-cigarettes are now opting for the pouches since they are more discreet.

Some workplaces and public establishments, however, may still impose restrictions on their use, especially in places where any form of nicotine consumption is discouraged.

From a legal standpoint, regulations pertaining to nicotine pouches may differ from one country to another. In Canada, nicotine pouches that contain tobacco-derived nicotine are regulated under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act orTVPA. They are also subject to restrictions similar to tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, snus, and smokeless tobacco.

In contrast, Sweden has more lenient laws regarding nicotine pouches. After all, the country widely accepts snus as a primary source of nicotine for adult users.

Some regions have outright banned nicotine pouches from being sold or required strict labelling and packaging regulations. These limitations and restrictions are caused by a significant increase in younger people using the pouches. 

In multiple studies, they found that many teens have tried using nicotine pouches due to the number of flavours available. They would then go for pouches with fruit and drink-inspired flavours. 

Apart from their enticing flavours, nicotine pouches are gaining popularity among young people also because of their attractive packaging. Initially, these pouches did not include warnings that would have indicated the health effects of nicotine. Additionally, they were designed in a manner that resembled candies, which may have contributed to their appeal.

Young people are strongly advised against using nicotine pouches as well as other nicotine products due to the effects of nicotine on their brain development. Additionally, they might find it difficult to quit nicotine later. Once they try to quit using nicotine pouches, they may manifest nicotine withdrawal symptoms that can somehow affect their day-to-day life.

Conclusion and Future Research

Nicotine pouches have truly gained popularity for their convenience, discretion, and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals found in cigarettes and other tobacco products.

While they offer a potential harm reduction option for smokers who want to quit, they don’t remain risk-free. A lot of concerns persist about their long-term health effects, the potential for nicotine addiction, and appeal to younger users. Social acceptance and legal regulations regarding nicotine use through nicotine pouches likewise vary across regions, which further sparks ongoing debates about their role in nicotine consumption trends and public health.

Hence, future research should deliver into the long-term health implications of nicotine pouches. Long-term data is essential so their effects can be compared to cigarettes and other nicotine delivery systems. They can likewise be investigated in terms of their effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the negatives of nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, which can be highly addictive and lead to dependency with prolonged use. They may then cause side effects like gum irritation, nausea, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms if usage is stopped abruptly. 

Are there benefits to nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches provide a smoke-free and spit-free alternative to cigarettes and other tobacco products, which helps reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide. They also offer a discreet way of consuming nicotine without producing secondhand smoke or strong odours, making them more acceptable in various social settings.

Summary

Nicotine pouches have rapidly gained traction as a modern alternative to smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and consuming tobacco products since they offer a smokeless, discreet, and potentially less harmful way of consuming nicotine. Their popularity is then seconded by their growing market presence, providing former smokers and nicotine users a much more convenient option.

They are generally accessible, easy to use, and come with a variety of strengths and flavours.

Despite their advantages, nicotine pouches are not without concerns. The long-term health data regarding these pouches remain scarce, and their addictive nature continues to raise questions about potential nicotine dependency. Moreover, their appeal to younger demographics has led to stricter regulations and calls for more oversight in many countries around the world.