How do I use Nicotine Pouches?

The sight of someone placing a little white package under their top lip can be confusing when viewed for the first time. But to Swedes, nicotine pouch consumption is as simple as drinking coffee, eating a kanelbulle, or walking in the park!

This article explains how to use nicotine pouches in a few steps, including tips to avoid common problems.

How to use Nicotine Pouches

1. Choose a Product

The first step is to choose a great-tasting product. Finding the right taste profile can take a little trial and error, but it’s a process that most people enjoy!

Some of the most popular flavour profiles on the market include:

  • Mint
  • Coffee
  • Citrus
  • Liquorice

The market is getting increasingly innovative, with manufacturers creating unusual and distinctive options. However, starting with a classic flavour such as those outlined above generally makes sense.

SnusDirect also has a handy list of best nicotine pouches, so customers can check out our most frequently purchased products.

Those who aren’t seasoned nicotine users should start with a lower nicotine pouch strength to avoid unpleasant side effects from excess nicotine intake, like nausea and headaches. The least potent options have less than 4 mg per pouch — for instance, ZYN Cool Mint Mini contains just 3 mg.

Opting for a smaller pouch is another sensible idea for less experienced users. “Mini” pouches are smaller than typical pouches, so they feel less noticeable and more comfortable under the lip — without compromising flavour. They also tend to contain less nicotine (but this isn’t always the case).

2. Prepare the Pouch

Step two is to pick a pouch from the can using the thumb and index finger.

There’s very little that can go wrong here! However, there are a few nicotine pouches that have their quirks.

For instance, some pouches are in a so-called star formation, such as ZYN minis. In this case, fluff the pouch up by rolling it back and forth between the thumb and index finger.

3. Place it Under the Upper Lip

Next, place the flavourful pouch under the top lip. Lodge it up as far up as it goes (within reason), avoiding the teeth.

When they first start using nicotine pouches, most people use their fingers to place the products in their mouths.

But after getting accustomed to the practice, they often become comfortable placing the pouch on their tongue instead, using the tip to gently push the pouch into place. This has the extra perk of making the nicotine pouch usage less obvious, which can be useful when consuming them in public.

4. Enjoy the Experience

Once the nicotine pouch is in place, there’s nothing to do but wait for the nicotine and flavour release to release. This release usually takes place after the first few minutes and lasts for 30-60 minutes, with some variation depending on the type of nicotine pouch used.

Moist pouches release nicotine and flavour more quickly, but the experience is over faster (with the release lasting closer to the 30-minute mark).

In the case of dry pouches, the opposite is true — it takes longer to feel an effect, but the release can last for a full hour. It will also feel more balanced and less intense.

5. Dispose of the Remainder

Once the nicotine and flavour start to fade, the pouch is ready to come out. It’s hard to explain exactly how to know when this moment comes, but it’s generally obvious.

So, what next?

Despite common myths, swallowing a nicotine pouch isn’t harmful. However, it’s not a great idea! Instead, the nicotine pouches should be disposed of as general waste (the cans are recyclable, but not the pouches themselves).

There’s not always a bin handy, and leaving nicotine pouches on the pavement isn’t pretty. Fortunately, many nicotine pouch cans have a very practical catch lid at the top to place used portions.

Some catch-lids are even flexible and expand every time a pouch is placed in them, such as LYFT nicotine pouches like LYFT Cool Air X-Strong.

Other Tips for Using Nicotine Pouches

The steps above cover the basics of using nicotine pouches, but there’s more to know than simply how to place the pouches into the mouth. Below are some additional tips to help users maximise enjoyment and avoid common hurdles.

Pouch Storage

Anyone switching from tobacco products to nicotine may be concerned about expiration and storage. Since nicotine pouches are free from tobacco and other perishable ingredients, they don’t expire per se.

But they do lose their flavour and nicotine strength over time, and they’re generally past their best after a year from the date of manufacturing.

Storing nicotine pouches properly also helps to keep them fresh and flavourful for as long as possible. A cool, dry cupboard away from the sun will usually suffice, but they can also be stored in the fridge or refrigerator.

Spacing Out Usage

Some new users sometimes get concerned about the possibility of consuming too many nicotine pouches.

The good news here is that the upper limit of how many nicotine pouches can be consumed per day safely is around 18, which is more than even heavy pouch users would consume.

However, those who are less accustomed to nicotine consumption may experience unpleasant side effects at much lower doses. In most cases, keeping things conservative and listening to the body (i.e., looking out for side effects) is the best approach.