Are nicotine pouches safe?

Nicotine pouches have become a popular nicotine product in recent years, partly due to their tobacco and smoke-free nature. Many users have converted to nicotine pouches instead of smoking cigarettes because they are thought of as being “cleaner” and easier to use in public. This article aims to delve into this topic and understand the factors that affect the safety of this product, allowing you to make an informed decision about nicotine pouch safety.

Understanding nicotine pouches

Before discussing nicotine pouch safety, you must understand what nicotine pouches are. Therefore, the product is briefly described below, with the ingredients highlighted, giving you a brief introduction to the nicotine pouch.

What are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are tobacco and smoke-free nicotine products used by placing them under your upper lip against your gum. Once placed under your lip, nicotine and flavour are released and last up to 60 minutes. They come in different flavours, nicotine strengths, and portion sizes, ensuring all preferences are met. Moreover, many brands are available, and more are released each year, diversifying the market and providing more choices.

Nicotine pouch ingredients: What’s inside?

All nicotine pouches use the same types of ingredients, and the ratios of the substances mentioned below may change depending on the flavours, nicotine content, or moisture level.

• Nicotine Salt (tobacco-derived or synthetically made) - the concentration of nicotine salt depicts the nicotine strength.
• Plant fibres (fillers) - a material that fills the portions and holds the flavour, moisture, and nicotine salt.
• Flavourings and sweeteners - these additives provide distinct and unique flavour profiles, meaning they may change for different tasting experiences.
• pH adjuster - pH is important for nicotine release. An alkaline environment is needed, so sodium carbonate is added, ensuring optimal conditions.
• Water - portions can be dry or moist, affecting the volume of water needed.

Are there rules and regulations around nicotine pouches?

Depending on where you are in the world depends on how strictly nicotine pouches are regulated. In the EU, nicotine pouches are not covered by the current tobacco product laws, but countries are increasing the regulation around nicotine pouches. For example, Belgium announced a complete ban on the product in March 2023. On the other hand, in the UK, nicotine pouches are regulated by the general consumer product safety regulations. Some of these requirements include:

• Display potential risks of using the product.
• Actions consumers can take to reduce such safety risks.
• These can include providing an age limit and displaying toxicity warnings.

The factors affecting nicotine pouch safety

Certain factors affect nicotine pouch safety, and if these can be regulated and avoided when you use them, you will reduce the risk, and your experience will be more enjoyable. The things to be mindful of are discussed below so you know what to look for on your nicotine pouch journey.

Nicotine content

Nicotine is a natural compound that belongs to the alkaloid family, meaning it occurs naturally and contains nitrogen. The amount of nicotine in a portion can change drastically, from as little as 4 mg per pouch to upwards of 30 mg per pouch, allowing people to consume more than is needed. Those who used to smoke may get caught out by these strong strengths, so make sure a reasonable nicotine strength is selected, not a potent one.

Nicotine pouch side effects

Nicotine pouch side effects occur when too much nicotine is absorbed at once, highlighting the importance of using a nicotine strength in line with your nicotine tolerance.

Some of the adverse effects include nausea, sore gums, and headaches.

Nicotine pouches can be used without experiencing these effects, but lower strengths are needed. Be sure to choose a nicotine pouch with a steady effect, ensuring your needs are met and not exceeded.

The addictive potential of nicotine and chasing the nicotine rush

Nicotine is considered to be an addictive compound due to cycles of use and cravings. Nicotine causes the release of dopamine, causing a temporary feel-good sensation, which is later craved. This “feel-good’ sensation is also known as a nicotine rush, and many nicotine pouch users chase it. However, this is not encouraged as chasing the nicotine rush will lead you to use stronger pouches, increasing your nicotine intake and resulting in an increased likelihood of addiction and the side effects mentioned above.

Are nicotine pouches safer than tobacco products?

Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, impacting their safety when compared to products that do contain tobacco. Research shows that tobacco use is linked with illness, whether smoked or consumed in a pouch. However, the same study highlighted snus as a potential harm-reduction product compared to cigarettes. This may be due to a reduction in harmful chemicals due to the pasteurisation of the tobacco in snus.

Nicotine pouches do not have the same long-term data as cigarettes and snus do, impacting the analysis of the product's safety. However, nicotine pouches do not contain the toxins and tar that the tobacco leaf does, implying that nicotine pouches, in theory, could be less toxic.

To conclude: use nicotine pouches responsibly

Even though nicotine pouches could arguably be seen as a less harmful product compared to cigarettes, there are potential risks with nicotine pouches, and little research on nicotine pouches exists. Therefore, the most obvious action you can take to ensure pouch safety is at its highest is to use nicotine pouches responsibly. Below is a checklist you can tick off that details points, from buying to using, that will make your nicotine pouch experience the safest.

1. Buy from a trusted retailer like Snusdirect.
2. Pick a pouch with nicotine content in line with your nicotine tolerance.
3. Don’t chase the “nicotine rush”.
4. Don’t use portions back to back.
5. Be conscious of the product's addictivity.