But whether it’s US political commentator Tucker Carlson saying that ZYN is “not a brand for men” or brands like Kelly White emerging that explicitly cater to women, there’s no denying that gender enters the conversation. Ever been curious about how men and women differ in their pouch consumption habits? This article runs through what we know (and what we don’t).

Men vs Women What the Data Says

We’re not here to give empty speculations — let’s go straight to the data. How does nicotine pouch usage differ between men and women?

A report using data from between 2020 and 2021 in Great Britain found that men were four times more likely to use nicotine pouches than women.

It doesn’t seem like this trend is restricted to the UK, either. An analysis of young Australians (which surveyed an equal number of men and women) revealed that men were more likely to be aware of and to use nicotine pouches than their female counterparts.

Likewise, over in the US, reports have found that nicotine pouch users are more likely to be male.

That’s three continents with the same trend.

Having said that, these figures should be viewed with a dose of scepticism. The world of research moves slowly, while the nicotine pouch market is developing rapidly, so the available data may not reflect current trends. Still, here at Snusdirect, we do have more male customers.

The Counterargument

Interestingly, not all research suggests that men use nicotine pouches more than women.

The Professional Footballers' Association found that usage of nicotine pouches and snus was equally split between the genders:

• 18% of male players and 22% of female players currently used snus or nicotine pouches.
• 42% of men and 39% of women reported using snus or nicotine pouches in the past.

It also found that women were more likely to exhibit signs of nicotine dependence.

Could there be something unique about female and male footballers that distinguishes them from other men and women, or a difference between usage of nicotine pouches and snus (the report didn’t differentiate between the two)? The verdict is still out.

Patterns in Consumption

As well as differences in the number of nicotine pouches consumed by the two genders, there may be differences in how men and women consume pouches.

Some evidence suggests high-volume pouch users are more likely to be men, while low-volume pouch users are more likely to be women.

However, both genders are more likely to consume a moderate quantity than to lie on the extremes.

Unfortunately, there’s limited research here. Do women prefer spearmint pouches while men prefer peppermint? Are men more likely to be fans of VELO, while women prefer White Fox? Once again, it’s anyone’s guess.

What Does it All Mean?

If we take at face value that men use nicotine pouches more than women, the big question is: Why? Let’s look at some possibilities.

History of Nicotine and Tobacco

Historically, tobacco products like cigars and cigarettes have been more associated with men.

Almost no women used tobacco before the 1920s, while a huge number of men did. The social acceptance of female smokers grew in subsequent decades, and eventually started to level out — in 1998/99 in the UK, 28% of men and 26% of women were smokers.

Today, the ONS reports that around 14.6% of men and 11.2% of women smoke in the UK, and that these proportions have remained roughly consistent since 2011. But this history may be playing a role in impacting how people view newer nicotine products today.

Popular Culture

Over in the US, the association between nicotine pouches and men has become so strong that a new word has been termed for it — “mascuzynity.”

This phenomenon is largely due to popular culture figures who target men promoting nicotine pouches, such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

While Europe hasn’t seen anything quite like this, some may be influenced by what’s happening across the Atlantic on the internet. Could this be attracting some men and repelling some women?

Branding

Nicotine pouches aren’t quite on the level of Yorkie bars when it comes to marketing, explicitly excluding women from buying them.

But most brands favour minimalistic designs and colours like black and blue, which are commonly used when marketing to men. Meanwhile, styles and colours that typically market to women are less common.

However, some might argue that this shows nicotine pouch brands are being exclusive and not pandering to gender stereotypes.

Men vs Female Pouches

Despite most brands historically catering to men — or at least, not explicitly targeting women — this may now be changing.

The Kelly White brand is one of the first to explicitly cater to women. Its products have a touch of luxury and sophistication, with flavour profiles like Sparkling Strawberry, which fuses champagne and strawberries.

While Kelly White can designs are fairly minimalistic, the brand sells special nicotine pouch cans boasting the likes of rhinestones and leopard print for those who want to “jazz up” their pouch experience.

Although the brand is fairly new, if it turns out to have found a gap in the market, it could encourage others to take a similar female-centric approach.

Also, while Kelly White is alone in explicitly marketing to women, other brands may be trying to appeal to the female market in more subtle ways. On Snusdirect, we’ve seen an increase in can designs that are more stereotypically female. For instance, the floral design on XQS Elderflower and purple and pink hues in products like FIX Cherry Blossom.

The Gender Question

As with most things in the nicotine pouch world, this is a fast-evolving space. Will more brands emerge that cater to women? Do pouch-loving women prefer gender neutral brands over stereotypically feminine options? Is the pouch market really becoming more “mascuzyn” or are more women entering? We’ll let you know the answers as soon as we have them!

In this article, we’ll run through the typical caffeine contents of energy pouches and compare them to the quantities found in other caffeine products and the upper limit per day.

Caffeine Pouches: A Primer

There’s a fair bit of confusion about what caffeine pouches are (and what they aren’t), so let’s take a few moments to get on the same page.

Caffeine pouches (such as Wakey pouches or Scooper pouches) are an alternative to nicotine pouches. They boast the same format and similar flavours, but none of the nicotine.

Caffeine vs Nicotine-Free Pouches

However, they differ from some other types of nicotine-free pouches because they replace the nicotine with caffeine. Meanwhile, options like VELO Breezy Mango Zero simply contain various flavourings.

While caffeine and nicotine are different substances, they both provide an energising effect, which means the two products provide a somewhat similar experience.

This can make caffeine pouches popular among those trying to transition away from nicotine who are finding it tough to move away from the “buzz.”

Caffeine vs Coffee Pouches

Caffeine pouches are a completely different product from coffee pouches, which contain the coffee flavour without the caffeine itself.

Most caffeine pouches boast sweet, fruity, or minty flavours rather than a coffee-based taste profile. But never say never!

How Much Caffeine Per Day?

To figure out how many caffeine pouches it’s safe to consume, let’s start by looking at the upper limit of caffeine consumption.

As a general guideline, 400mg of caffeine is the upper limit. But everyone is different — some people are particularly sensitive to caffeine, and certain groups should limit their caffeine further.

For instance, pregnant women should keep caffeine under 200mg per day.

Dosage for Caffeine Pouches

Now that we have a basic idea of what to expect from caffeine doses themselves, let’s turn back to energy pouches.

Scooper energy pouches such as Scooper Energy Fresh Mint contain 80mg of caffeine per pouch. That means that, if someone consumed 100% of their caffeine from the pouches, they could probably consume five pouches per day without experiencing any problems.

WAKEY pouches like WAKEY Cosmic Cola are less strong, with a caffeine dose of 50mg per pouch. This would mean that a non-caffeine consumer could consume as many as eight pouches per day.

But remember, this is assuming somebody only gets caffeine from pouches. As we’ll soon see, this is very unlikely.

Typical Caffeine Doses in Other Products

To start to pull together a more accurate picture of how much caffeine to consume, it’s crucial to know the amount that comes from other sources.

Spoiler: it might be more than you think!

Coffee

When most people think “caffeine,” they think coffee. But exactly how much does a typical drink contain?

In Starbucks UK products, the doses are as follows:

• Single espresso: 44.6mg
• Caffe americano tall: 89.1mg
• Cappuccino grande: 89.1mg
• Caffe latte venti: 133.7mg

Bear in mind these are approximate values since baristas aren’t robots.

For those who make instant coffee at home, the caffeine contents are likely to be much lower. A mug of instant coffee will likely contain around 30mg, though it varies depending on the brand and how generous a serving the coffee maker places on their spoon.

Even “decaf” products contain small amounts of caffeine. A decaffeinated caffe latte grande from Starbucks still contains around 3.6mg of caffeine.

Other Beverages

Coffee isn’t the only beverage that contains caffeine. Some other popular caffeinated drinks include:

• Black tea — roughly 45 mg of caffeine per 200ml
• Green tea — roughly 35 mg of caffeine per 200ml
• Yerba mate — roughly 80mg of caffeine per 150ml
• Energy drinks — roughly 80mg of caffeine per 250ml
• CocaCola — roughly 35 mg of caffeine per 200ml

Clearly, anyone who regularly drinks one or more of these caffeinated drinks could go a long way toward their final caffeine limit without a single caffeine pouch.

Chocolate

Then there’s chocolate.

The caffeine content in chocolate varies widely depending on the concentration of cocoa — while 100 grams of 100% cocoa chocolate contains 240 mg of caffeine, most people can’t handle the bitterness.

In milk chocolate, the same quantity provides around 45 mg of caffeine. That’s a lot less, but considerable for any major chocolate fans.

Other Products

There may be small traces of caffeine in the following products:

• Chocolate-flavoured foods and drinks (including hot chocolate)
• Food that contains coffee (including tiramisu)
• Caffeinated chewing gum
• Guarana
• Cold and flu remedies

Other Tips for Caffeine Pouches

Now for some final words. Based on the analysis above, it might seem tempting to try and calculate the exact amount of caffeine

But since there’s so much variation of how much caffeine any given product contains and most people aren’t weighing out their food or drink, it’s practically impossible to be accurate.

Err on the side of caution when working out how many pouches to consume. It’s best to start off slow, so anyone new to caffeine pouches should begin with one pouch per day.

Also, listen to your body. Someone might be 100% sure they’re using less than the upper limit of caffeine and still feel negative effects.

Some common side effects of excess caffeine consumption to look out for include:

• Higher blood pressure
• Increased urination
• Restlessness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety

Pulling it All Together

In summary:

• The average person can consume around 400mg of caffeine per day
• Caffeine pouches generally contain 50-80mg of caffeine
• Other products like coffee, tea, and chocolate contain significant amounts of caffeine
• It’s best to make conservative estimates about caffeine consumption and build up slowly

Try Swapping Nordic Spirit Flavours For Something Similar

There are many different Nordic Spirit flavours available, and there is much variety, meaning there isn’t one nicotine pouch that can replace the entire line. For that reason, we have provided like-for-like swaps with the most popular Nordic Spirit tasting experiences below.

Frosty Mint - Try VELO Mighty Peppermint

Frosty Berries - Try VOLT Dark Frost or FIX Blueberry Ice

Raspberry - Try 77 Raspberry or On! Berry 3

Spearmint - Try ZYN Spearmint

It’s important to note that these aren’t the only flavour profiles similar to Nordic Spirit’s; these are just a selection of ones that we feel fit best. As you may know, there are plenty of options when it comes to nicotine pouch flavour profiles. There are more unique flavour profiles for those wanting something different!

Nordic Spirit Strengths: Many Brands Have The Same

Nordic Spirit strengths are divided into three categories: regular, strong, and extra-strong, which translate to 6mg, 9mg, and 11mg, respectively. These strengths are common within the nicotine pouch market, and finding brands with a similar nicotine strength range should be relatively easy—for us, anyway! The brands highlighted below are brands we believe sit in a similar range as Nordic Spirit strengths and should be easy to swap for.

• ZYN nicotine pouches range from 1.5mg to 11mg of nicotine per pouch.
• VELO nicotine pouches provide an even greater range from 4mg to 17mg.

These are two popular brands that many will be familiar with, making this swap a little easier. However, there are other brands offering similar nicotine strengths.

What Nicotine Pouches Have a Mouthfeel Like Nordic Spirit?

A key feature of a Nordic Spirit pouch is its super-functional format, which offers discreet use, a comfortable fit, and a long flavour release with minimal drip. An alternative brand that offers these benefits is Swave nicotine pouches. It features a brilliant range of bold-tasting pouches with similar attributes to Nordic Spirit's. They come in slim and mini formats with moderately moist surfaces for an ergonomic fit and a powerful onset of flavour that lasts an impressively long time. They also have the finest, softest materials to ensure a comfortable feel and no gum irritation during or after use.

How does the Nordic Spirit Price Compare?

The price of a can of Nordic Spirit online is around £6.50* making this quite an expensive product in comparison to the many available on Snusdirect.eu. To highlight this, below are the prices of nicotine pouches in our store(as of October 2024), showing what’s available at the same price or lower!

• VELO - £3.92
• ZYN - £4.52
• On! - £4.52
• LOOP - £4.69

In comparison, it is clear that Nordic Spirit pouches are more expensive than many of the best nicotine pouch brands on the market, highlighting one benefit of making the swap.

*The Nordic Spirit price above is from the official Nordic Spirit website.

Why Should You Try Something Different?

There are many reasons why users like yourself, should want to change the nicotine pouch that they’re using, and this includes swapping out other brands besides Nordic Spirit. Many factors are at play when picking a nicotine pouch. But why should you make a change?

• Looking for a cheaper nicotine pouch
• Want to try a new brand
• You’re bored of the flavour profile
• A stronger product may be required
• You want to see the difference between a moist and dry pouch
• Experimentation

How does a user know their favourite nicotine pouch unless they have tried a wide variety of products? There may be a great pouch out there that they haven’t tried yet.

New FIX Nicotine Pouches Available on Snusdirect

FIX nicotine pouches are known for their pioneering taste profiles, which the brand strives to make as eclectic and innovative as possible. In fact, Habit Factory (which manufactures FIX pouches) has a Research and Development team dedicated to doing exactly this!

Past releases have included the likes of Green Mango Lemongrass and Pineapple Rum Coconut, but autumn has seen the introduction of a whole host of unusual new flavours.

All of the below have slim formats.

FIX Irish Coffee. As the temperature drops over autumn, a warming Irish coffee starts to sound more appealing, so why not enjoy the taste in nicotine pouch format? It contains a moderate 9.8 mg of nicotine per portion.

FIX Pomelo Lime. The pomelo fruit is an ancestor of the grapefruit and has a similar tangy taste. Its fusion with lime in this nicotine pouch makes for a tart combination, but there are also hints of sweetness. Again, each pouch contains 9.8 mg of nicotine.

FIX Ruby Chocolate. Enjoy the delicious sweet tastes of chocolate, vanilla, lychees, and raspberry in one nicotine pouch. These contain a lower-strength 5.6 mg of nicotine per pouch.

Exciting Nicotine Pouches Released this Autumn

Everyone has their own preferences about the best flavours and nicotine pouch characteristics.

But the table below includes some fantastic portions that are worthy of all users' rotations. There should be something for everyone!

Nicotine Pouch	Flavour Description	Size and Nicotine Content	Picture
Helwit Banana	A juicy but creamy taste of a fruit previously forgotten by nicotine pouch manufacturers.	Slim & 3.5 mg/pouch
Kelly White Cucumber Mint Mini	A refreshing taste that combines cucumber and mint.	Mini & 5 mg/pouch
Killa Strawberry Lychee	A sweet combination of strawberries and lychees.	Slim & 12.8 mg/pouch
LOOP Creamy Cappuccino Strong	A creamy coffee taste with nutty and caramel hints.	Slim & 9.4 mg/pouch

Are There Any New Nicotine Pouch Brands?

As if it wasn’t exciting enough for popular nicotine pouch brands to release new products consistently, Snusdirect is also always on the lookout for brands.

We’ve recently added Chainpop nicotine pouches to our repertoire. Not only is the brand new to Snusdirect, but it was launched as recently as summer 2023.

• Chainpop Violet & Cactus. Violet and cactus are both two unusual ingredients in their own right, but Chainpop combines them both together for a truly innovative fusion.
• Chainpop Peach & Honey. These two ingredients are both sweet individually, and they combine to make an ultra-sugary combo.
• Chainpop Lychee & Coconut. A tropical flavour combining creamy coconut with fruity lychee.

Why Are There So Many New Products Released Each Year?

Companies release new nicotine and nicotine-free portions to attract new customers and solidify a relationship with their repeat consumers. One way of cementing a relationship is through retaining attention. A customer's attention is maintained when they are entertained. A bored customer will find products elsewhere with different brands, highlighting the importance of releasing new and fresh pouches for companies.

Companies release new products to attract new consumers and entertain their repeat customers, retaining their attention and custom.

New products, like the ones released in Autumn 2024, retain repeat customers and attract new users who may be loyal to other brands, highlighting the competition between them. It’s always good to see what new product developments are being released.

How to Stay Updated About New Products

With so many new additions for autumn 2024, there should be something to keep even the most novelty-seeking pouch users busy for the next few months.

But new products and brands are always launching on Snusdirect,

To stay in the loop, it may be worth creating an account and subscribing to our mail list to be one of the first to find out about fresh releases (along with plenty of other perks).

Scandinavian liquorice comes with a salty and slightly bitter finish, which comes about from ammonium chloride, and it is used in a variety of products. From ice cream and chocolate to meat, vodka, and of course, nicotine pouches, salmiak is a traditional and cultural favourite in countries such as Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as well as certain parts of Germany.

What do we know about the history of salmiak?

Salmiak dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where liquorice root was used for medicinal reasons, as well as in drinks. The first records of sweeter and less salty liquorice being used as confectionary date back to the 18th century in England. However, there is evidence that it was used in Finland as cough medicine and in animals to prevent plague in its salty state 250 years ago. It was also used as a smelling salt to bring people back to consciousness.

In the 1930s, we have our first evidence of salmiak being used as confectionary, again in Finland, where it is known as salmiakki. By the 1950s, salmiak products grew in popularity and it was in the 1990s when it began to be used in drinks such as whiskeys, liquors, spirits, and vodka. It would only become a matter of time before it was used in snus, nicotine pouches, and nicotine-free pouches.

What SnusDirect products have salmiak in them?

SnusDirect sells a range of products that contain salmiak. These include:

• The Helwit Salmiak from Yoik AB is a slim nicotine pouch containing 6mg/pouch of nicotine, favouring intermediate users because of the moderate sensation it produces. The fairly low amount of nicotine allows the salmiak flavour to take centre stage and the moist nature of the pouch brings about the taste quicker than a drier sachet. This is a slim pouch, so it is comfortable and gives privacy under the lip
• The Swave Salmiac Liquorice is from Gotlandssnus and is designed for those who want a more intense experience, with 10.4mg/pouch of nicotine present. More experienced users are better suited to this one, which also comes in a slim format
• The Velo Lofty Liquorice Slim mixes salmiak with aromatic anise to complement an overall mint flavour. This is available as a slim pouch and with 10mg/pouch of nicotine from one of the most popular nicotine pouch brands in the world
• There is an intriguing violet aroma mixed with salty salmiak and a peppery culmination in the Zyn Violet Liquorice Slim, which has moist contents for a faster flavour delivery
• For those who want no nicotine or tobacco at all, the Qvitt Salmiak is the one to go for. The salty nature of salmiak is a good replacement for those who want to quit nicotine entirely because of its strong and iconic flavour. For those who want a more discreet experience, the Qvitt Salmiak Mini is available in an even smaller pouch

The flavours mentioned above are not an exhaustive list of all salmiak products, but are an indication of where this fascinating ingredient can be found within the sachets available on SnusDirect.

How do I maximise or minimise the salmiak flavour?

Salmiak is a very distinctive flavour, and users tend to either love it or hate it; there isn’t often a middle ground. Some people will worship it and want to experience it in as visceral a way as possible, while others may enjoy the sharp tang of the flavour in the background, and prefer a more subtle approach.

Moist pouches bring about flavour quicker, so if you want the full salmiak force, these types of sachets are better. Products with more nicotine will also create a more intense sensation of the flavour, so those who want to take the experience in a more nuanced direction are best looking for very little or no nicotine.

Whatever way you prefer it, there is no doubt that salmiak is here to stay. Its role in Scandinavian culture is as important and lofty as the snus and nicotine pouch itself, so from a heritage perspective, it makes perfect sense that manufacturers explore the possibilities that salmiak brings.

It is an intriguing prospect to discover how salmiak will be used in snus, nicotine pouches, and nicotine free pouches in the future, so watch this space for more products using this interesting ingredient in the future.

Yet there are also some significant differences between the two products, which can be off putting for those who are trying to make the switch. Below are six tips for a smoother transition.

1. Choose a Comparable Strength

When swapping one nicotine product for another, matching the nicotine strength is crucial.

For those used to consuming portion snus, this is simple enough. Users can simply check the amount of nicotine each portion contains and match it with the dosage of their favourite snus product for a comparable experience.

On Snusdirect, we prominently display the amount of nicotine per pouch or sachet, so pay attention to this over brand strength ratings or mg/g for a more direct comparison.

It may be more difficult to figure out which strength to start with for those who are used to consuming loose snus, as it is down to the user to create their portion. In this case, it may be best to choose a low-strength pouch first and slowly graduate to higher strengths until satisfied.

However, nicotine strength itself isn’t the only thing that determines the potency of a pouch experience. There’s also the moisture level to consider, as we’ll discuss in tip number four.

2. Start with a Classic Flavour

Snus became popular thanks to its tobacco-centric formulations. This results in a dark and bitter taste profile in some cases, while other snus products have floral or citrus hints.

Nicotine pouches are known for sporting a wide variety of flavours, including fruity, minty, and coffee-flavoured options. For many fans, this is one of the most exciting things about them — but long-time snus users may prefer to start with a flavour profile more similar to what they’re used to.

To some snus-ers, the less natural flavours of nicotine pouches can taste too artificial. Fortunately, although all nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, many use other ingredients to mimic the tobacco flavour.

For instance, Lundgrens Mörk All White has a dark, earthy taste profile.

3. Opt for a Full-Bodied Size

Traditionally, snus comes in large portions, providing an immersive and full-bodied experience.

Meanwhile, the most popular nicotine pouch size is the slim format. This thinner shape results in a less messy and more comfortable experience, and may make it easier for users to consume pouches in public.

However, there are various nicotine pouch sizes to choose between, including large. For instance, Siberia -80 All White Maxi boasts plump portions that weigh 1.5 grams each (compared to the usual 0.8 to 1 g weight).

4. Consider Moisture Level

As touched on earlier, the amount of nicotine isn’t the only factor that determines strength. When pouches or snus portions are more moist, they release nicotine and flavour faster, resulting in more of an immediate “kick.”

The most traditional snus production processes result in a high moisture content since ground tobacco is mixed with water (along with other ingredients) and there’s no fermentation. Also, tobacco leaves naturally retain moisture.

Nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco, instead using less moist, plant-based fibres. This makes them naturally drier. Plus, many manufacturers use drying techniques to reduce moisture further.

Despite this, some nicotine pouches are made to be more moist, which can be a good option for those who are used to snus. This is the case with FIX nicotine pouches, such as FIX Watermelon Ice.

However, those who typically stick to white snus portions may prefer to stick to dry nicotine pouches for a more similar experience.

5. Prepare for a Different Experience

Since traditional snus has a high moisture content, it often has a “wet” feel in the hands and mouth and causes “dripping” — when excess moisture drips into the mouth or down the throat.

This isn’t an issue with typical nicotine pouches, most of which are dry and slim (although some more moist pouches may cause a small amount of dripping).

Since nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco, they also won’t cause stains or odours. This can make it more convenient to use “on-the-go.”

As a result, the pouch experience can be quite different, so snus-ers may want to rethink their current routine when making the switch.

However, those who consume white portions may not find the difference as considerable.

6. Enjoy the Easier Storage

One of the factors of nicotine pouch usage that most snus users can easily adjust to is the longer shelf life.

Nicotine pouches expire roughly two years after production.

Meanwhile, snus usually has a shorter shelf life, of 20-30 weeks after production. This is primarily due to the presence of tobacco, which is a fresh ingredient.

The exact best before date and expiration date will appear on each can.

Also, snus must be refrigerated to keep it refreshed, while nicotine pouches can be stored anywhere dry and out of sunlight (such as a cupboard). While some users may decide to store their pouches in the fridge or even freezer to maximise usage or because they enjoy the cool sensation, it’s rarely necessary.

This article outlines the typical price of pouches — including popular names like VELO, smaller brands, and nicotine-free options. We’ll also reveal some tips for securing the best price possible.

How to Calculate the Price of Pouches

At first glance, working out the cost of pouches might seem as simple as looking at the price tag of any given product.

However, for those who want the best value for their money, it may make more sense to compare the weight of pouch cans or the number of pouches instead.

Weight of the Can

Cans with a greater net weight effectively contain more product, meaning better value for money.

For instance, On! Mint 3 and XQS Arctic Freeze Ultra Strong both have prices starting at €4.79. But the former has a net weight of 6.4 g per can, while the latter has a net weight of 14 g — more than double. As a result, On! pouches turn out to be more expensive.

However, pouch cans at both ends of the price spectrum sometimes provide the same contents. This is the case with VALØ and FIX nicotine pouches, for instance. Despite a price differential of more than two euros, both brands offer cans with a net weight of 14 g.

Number of Pouches

In some cases, it may make sense to work out the cost per pouch instead of the cost per can. While most brands offer 20 pouches per can, there is some variation.

For instance, Zone X Fuji Zing Extra Strong contains 24 pouches. So while prices start from €4.79, pouches cost roughly 20 cents each.

Puff & Pouch Lime Mint 12mg costs the same, but each can contains 20 pouches. As a result, the pouches cost a slightly more expensive 24 cents each.

Average Price of Pouches

While we recommend keeping the factors outlined above in mind when comparing prices, we have focused on the cost of cans here for simplicity.

Below are some examples of prices for some of our most popular products and brands, separated into three categories:

• Affordable
• Mid-range
• Premium

Affordable Pouches

FIX is one of the most nicotine pouch brands we stock, with prices starting from just €2.89. Despite the lower price tag, FIX products are known for their innovative taste profiles, demonstrated by the brand’s “flavour index.” This is shown by flavours like pineapple rum, cherry blossom, and green mango lemongrass.

Other affordable brands include:

• SNATCH: from €3.49
• DOPE: from €3.49
• KLINT: from €3.29

Mid-Range Pouches

The pouches in our mid-range category are a slight step up in price from the most affordable options.

Europe’s most popular nicotine pouch brand, VELO, fits into this category, with prices starting at €3.79. There are endless choices, including some of our bestselling products, like VELO Crispy Peppermint (previously VELO Ice Cool).

Other mid-range pouch brands are:

• HIT: from €3.69
• Ace: from €3.89
• Skruf Superwhite: from €3.79
• Killa: from €4.40
• NICO: from €4.40
• LOOP: from €3.89

Premium Pouches

Price isn’t everything, and some people would prefer to pay a little more to get their nicotine pouch brand of choice.

The most expensive are VALØ nicotine pouches, which have prices from €5.49. To live up to its price tag, the brand offers silky smooth pouches, moist contents, and unique flavours such as mint and juniper.

However, in most cases, premium pouches are only 50 cents or less more expensive than mid-range pouch prices.

Other brands in this category include:

• ZYN: from €4.79
• Lundgrens: from €4.79
• White Fox: from €4.89
• Siberia: from €4.89
• STRÖM: from €4.79
• NOIS: from €4.79
• LYFT: from €4.99

Factors that Affect the Price of Pouches

Wondering why some pouches are more expensive than others? We’ll briefly outline the main factors.

Quality

Brands that charge a little more for their products often go to greater lengths to provide a luxurious experience.

This could mean using premium ingredients, better nicotine pouch manufacturers and production processes, or more high-end materials in the can itself.

Brand

A more expensive product doesn’t always mean better quality ingredients or a better product.

Some brands simply like to position themselves as more “premium” and spend the extra money they receive from sales on their advertising.

Quantity of Contents

Generally, brands charge the same for all their products, regardless of factors like nicotine strength or flavour. But some brands charge more for products with more contents.

For instance, the nicotine-free pouch Onico Original has 24 pouches that weigh 1 g each, while Onico Original Mini has 20 sachets weighing 0.5 g each. To make up for this, there’s a slight price differential.

How to Get Pouches for a Lower Price

While some brands will always be more expensive than others, there are ways to get any product for the lowest price possible.

One of the best options is shopping online, which tends to be cheaper than buying nicotine pouches from grocery stores or convenience stores.

On Snusdirect, customers can save even more by creating an account, which provides access to our rewards scheme and the chance to be in the loop about offers and discounts.

Bulk buying is another way to get the best value for money. Buying a roll (10 cans) instead of a single can on Snusdirect can lead to savings of between €5 and €15!

The nicotine absorption process is somewhat more complex, but it’s important to understand — especially for those who want to switch from other nicotine products to pouches. Let’s break it down.

How Does the Body Absorb Nicotine?

Absorption is one key to the intensity and duration of a nicotine experience. Let’s examine the basics.

Nicotine can be absorbed in many ways, including through the lungs and the skin. In the case of nicotine pouches, the mouth plays this role. Users place nicotine pouches below their upper lip, and they absorb nicotine through the oral mucosa (the lining of the mouth).

Then, nicotine enters the bloodstream and is distributed to tissues and organs, including the brain. This activates some of the body’s reward systems, increasing dopamine concentration. It also stimulates the adrenal glands, which release adrenaline.

As the absorption process continues, nicotine levels in the brain and blood rise, and the peak of this sensation is sometimes known as a "nicotine rush".

Humans already have a small amount of nicotine in their plasma that comes from various plants — around 2.1 nanograms per milliliter. The use of nicotine products increases this, and levels can reach up to 29 ng/mL from nicotine pouch consumption.

Over time, these levels reduce, and the pouch sensation wears off.

Factors that Affect Nicotine Absorption

The nicotine absorption process itself may be fairly consistent, but the speed and efficiency at which it takes place can vary considerably.

This will depend on:

• Method of absorption — such as mouth, skin, and lungs
• Type of nicotine — nicotine salt vs freebase nicotine
• Specifics of the product — a product’s pH, moisture content, and even size
• Specifics of the individual — the efficiency and tolerance of their body

This article will run through each factor in greater detail.

Salt Nicotine vs Freebase Nicotine Absorption

Nicotine salt occurs naturally in tobacco leaves. To use it in nicotine products, the salt is generally extracted from the plant (or, in the case of synthetically created nicotine, from the lab) and blended with an acid like citric acid or benzoic acid.

Meanwhile, freebase nicotine is nicotine salt with the salt protons stripped away, creating a more “pure” form of nicotine. It’s often found in cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

A study focused on e-liquids and vaping found that nicotine salts are absorbed 30-40% faster than freebase nicotine. They also resulted in users reaching peak nicotine levels more quickly and having a higher concentration of nicotine in their bloodstream.

Why? The chemical structure of nicotine salts may make nicotine salt more bioavailable, therefore aiding absorption.

Users who want to absorb as much nicotine as possible will be pleased to learn that nicotine pouches generally contain nicotine salt.

Absorption Rates of Different Products

Different nicotine products boast different absorption rates, partly due to the absorption methods they use and partly due to their design.

On average, a smoker absorbs 1-2 milligrams of nicotine per cigarette, which is only around 10% of the total nicotine contained. The nicotine is also absorbed very quickly, with the nicotine going from the lungs to the bloodstream in a matter of seconds.

Nicotine pouches have a higher absorption rate of 25-30% since absorption happens through the mouth’s mucous membranes (the inner lining of the mouth). As there are a lot of blood vessels in the mouth, this is a relatively effective absorption method.

Meanwhile, nicotine patches have one of the highest absorption rates, at 75-80%. However, the skin absorbs nicotine much more slowly, with the release taking up to 24 hours compared to the 30-60 minutes from nicotine pouches.

Nicotine Pouches

Based on the absorption rates outlined above, a user could expect to receive the following amounts of nicotine if they consumed a nicotine pouch with the stated contents:

• 3 mg — 0.75 mg
• 4 mg — 1 mg
• 6 mg — 1.5 mg
• 8 mg — 2 mg
• 10 mg — 2.5 mg

But remember, these are just rough estimations. As we’ll soon examine, the reality of absorption partly comes down to specifics.

Individual Factors

The body impacts absorption — and everyone’s works a little differently.

We mostly rely on the liver to metabolise nicotine, although the lungs, brain, kidneys, and respiratory membranes may also play a role. Some bodies metabolise faster than others, which affects absorption.

Body mass and genetic components may also play a role in how resistant we are to nicotine.

Plus, as someone uses more nicotine, their body’s response to the substance may change.

Differences Between Nicotine Pouches

Even the same person may absorb two nicotine pouches differently.

One factor is the pH level. When nicotine is slightly alkaline, the body absorbs it more efficiently. For this reason, manufacturers add pH stabilizers to nicotine pouches.

Another aspect that affects nicotine pouch strength and absorption is moisture content. Dry pouches release nicotine more slowly than moist pouches, and they also tend to have better absorption rates.

Finally, pouches with a larger surface area allow the mucous membranes to absorb more nicotine.

Absorbed All That?

Understanding nicotine absorption is an essential part of being able to select the right product and know how many nicotine pouches per day to consume. People generally absorb 25% to 30% of nicotine pouch contents, with the exact absorption rates depending on factors like the type of pouch used and the person using them.

Swedish Match

Nicotine pouches hail from Sweden, where they were introduced as a modern, tobacco-free alternative to traditional snus.

Swedish Match has played a key role in the story of Sweden’s tobacco and nicotine products. In 1918, the company was formed as a merger between the Swedish government’s tobacco monopoly and a match manufacturer (which is where the “Match” part of the name comes from).

While Swedish Match originally focused on tobacco products like snus, chewing tobacco, and cigars, it has since moved into tobacco-free nicotine pouches and even nicotine-free products.

In 2022, Phillip Morris acquired Swedish Match for $16 billion, but it continues to use the Swedish Match brand name due to its reputation for premium products and traditional Swedish methods.

Swedish Match manufactures:

• ZYN nicotine pouches for the European market
• VOLT nicotine pouches
• Swave nicotine pouches
• Qvitt nicotine-free pouches

British American Tobacco

British American Tobacco (BAT) closely follows Swedish Match in the league of well-known, major nicotine pouch manufacturers. It also shares a similar history — the firm was established in 1902 as a joint venture between the UK’s Imperial Tobacco Company and the American Tobacco Company (from the US).

Fast-forward to today and BAT boasts the highest net sales of tobacco in the world and has expanded into tobacco-free areas like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. It also produced EPOK, the predecessor to VELO that helped to kickstart the transition from snus to nicotine pouches.

Unlike Swedish Match, it hasn’t been acquired by a bigger firm in the market.

BAT manufactures VELO nicotine pouches — the most popular brand for this market segment in Europe — and LYFT nicotine pouches.

While VELO is now the biggest name of the two, LYFT actually predates the brand. Some LYFT products have also been rebranded as VELO, leading to confusion over VELO vs LYFT for many consumers.

BAT initially launched LYFT in Europe and VELO in the US. It then replaced LYFT with VELO in Europe (except for Sweden) — but finally decided to bring LYFT back to Europe with a whole new range in 2022.

Many pre-2022 LYFT flavours are now VELO products, with the current LYFT range boasting a whole new collection. Plus, VELO underwent a fresh rebrand in 2024.

Skruf Snus AB

Skruf Superwhite is one of the more popular nicotine pouch brands, and it’s made by a manufacturer of the same name. The company was first founded in 2002 to produce snus and challenge the larger brands. However, it transitioned to tobacco-free nicotine pouches in 2018.

Småland, a tree-dense province in southern Sweden, is the home of Skruf. While the brand is now popular across Scandinavia, Skruf still places emphasis on its roots and counts the small town of Sävsjö, Småland as its base.

The Imperial Tobacco Group (ITG) — the world’s fourth-largest cigarette company after Philip Morris, BAT, and Japan Tobacco — obtained full ownership of Skruf Snus AB in 2008. However, as with the case of Swedish Match, the Skruf brand name remains.

As well as Skruf Super White, Skruf Snus AB manufactures the newer Zone X brand, launched in 2021.

GN Tobacco

GN Tobacco is a Swedish company that produces smokeless tobacco and nicotine products. It was established in 2004 by Gevorg Nalbandyan with the same mission as Skruf Snus AB — challenging the small number of large brands dominating the market.

Now, GN Tobacco offers more than 80 products across its brands, which are sold in more than 90 countries. Its production is based in Enköping, a small locality around one hour from the bigger cities of Uppsala and Stockholm.

White Fox is GN Tobacco’s most well-known collection. Following the success of White Fox, GN Tobacco launched a second collection, HIT nicotine pouches, in 2022.

The Ministry of Snus

Now, we move on to some newer blood in the market. The Ministry of Snus was launched in 2018, more than a decade after original challenger brands like Skruf and GN Tobacco. While most nicotine pouch manufacturing is based in Sweden, The Ministry of Snus is from Denmark.

This isn’t the only way in which the firm shows a commitment to doing things differently. The Danish manufacturer invites an “expert panel” of its customers to its headquarters regularly, giving them a chance to share feedback and aid product development.

It’s also known for its commitment to sustainability, using 100% recycled plastic in its cans.

Despite having “snus” in its name, The Ministry of Snus produces tobacco-free products. Ace nicotine pouches are the manufacturer’s most popular collection, including Ace Superwhite and the full-bodied Ace X pouches. It’s also behind the GRITT brand.

Another Snus Factory

Despite a name hinting that it’s generic, Another Snus Factory is a modern, forward-thinking company based in Stockholm. Its Instagram bio says it all: “We’re not like them. We are Another Snus Factory.”

While only launched in 2019, Another Snus Factory has already made some headway in the market.

Its popular LOOP range shows how innovative the manufacturer is, as the products use InstantRush™ Technology to provide an immediate nicotine delivery and come in the recycled PlantCan™ (which is made entirely from natural materials).

Another Snus Factory also makes Lynx nicotine pouches.

Habit Factory

Habit Factory is another Stockholm-based manufacturer, although it also plans to open a nicotine pouch factory in Finland.

The manufacturer has a focus on great tastes, and its factories contain an in-house laboratory to explore unique pouch flavours and set new trends. This commitment shines through in Habit Factory’s products, which include the KLINT and FIX collections.

Other Nicotine Pouch Manufacturers

Combined together, the manufacturers outlined above cover Europe’s most popular nicotine pouch brands. But it’s far from an exhaustive list, with plenty more small, international, or up-and-coming manufacturers.

Which is your favourite?

Below, we’ve compiled our ten most unique nicotine pouch flavours — whether it’s obscure fruits or whacky combinations.

1. Cactus Sour

For most people, a cactus is a prickly plant found in the desert or an aesthetically pleasing houseplant — not a food or drink flavour. But XQS Cactus Sour Strong proves otherwise, with a one-of-a-kind taste profile.

The nicotine pouch has a tart flavour that may be popular among fans of lemon or lime who are looking for something a little different.

Cactus Sour isn’t the only unusual flavour from XQS, with the brand also offering options like elderflower and hallonsoda. But it definitely wins the title of “most unique”!

Let’s take a look at a recent review:

“Taste is an individual thing. I happen to enjoy it very much. Slightly sour, not too sweet, and it's distinctive without being overpowering.”

2. Gingery Liquorice

Individually, ginger and liquorice are divisive tastes. Combine them, and they create a formidable combination that some will love and others will hate. The only way a pouch user can decide which camp they fall into is by giving it a try!

STRÖM Gingery Liquorice combines ginger's spiciness and liquorice's bitterness with a subtle apple flavour to help the two ingredients blend together.

3. Eucalyptus and Honey

There’s nothing particularly “out there” about eucalyptus or honey as individual ingredients. Sweet and minty are two of the most popular nicotine pouch flavours, and products that combine fruits with mint have been rising in popularity.

But Lyft Eucalyptus & Honey Strong provides something a little different. Eucalyptus has an aromatic taste that’s somewhat fruity and sweet compared to true mints like peppermint or menthol. Meanwhile, honey has a sweet taste with subtle floral notes. The result is a flavour unlike any other.

Just hear it from one of our customers:

“A refreshing, at first subtle taste of pine needles from the eucalyptus and an earthy freshness from the honey. I was worried this would be too sweet but it's not. The moisture level is just a little drier than Velo so less drip which suits me. Since my first tin I've bought ten more!”

4. Honeydew Black Pepper

Honeydew is a sweet, juicy melon that can be added to fruit salads or eaten plain as a refreshing snack. Melon and pepper aren’t a common combination— but Ace X Honeydew Black Pepper proves the fusion can make sense.

A sweet taste dominates, but black pepper adds a hint of spice. Since the pouches are moist, these flavours hit all at once.

5. Cuba Libre

A classic Cuba Libre contains rum, cola, and lime — but Swave Cuba Libre also adds vanilla and cinnamon for its own unique take on the beverage. It’s a unique formulation that makes for a perfect cocktail alternative.

6. Hot Rhubarb

A couple of years ago, any nicotine pouch flavour combining fruit with spices could have been considered “whacky.” More recently, the stakes have been amped up, with an increasing number of products falling into this category.

But despite it getting harder to stand out as a cutting-edge flavour, Loop Hot Rhubarb manages to do just that. It combines rhubarb's tart yet sweet taste with spicy green chilli for a truly intriguing experience.

7. Maracuja

Most people are unaware of the maracuja, an exotic fruit native to South America that’s known as passionfruit in English. But that didn’t stop it from appearing in GRITT Maracuja.

The nicotine pouch boasts a tangy yet sweet flavour that takes the taste buds on a journey. It’s a bold release in the GRITT collection, which was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Snus.

8. Zone X Fuji Zing

Zone X Fuji Zing Extra Strong combines ginger with yuzu fruit, which native to Japan. The fruit has a tart flavour that’s somewhat similar to lemon or lime but has its own unique “Fuji zing.”

Who’s brave enough to give it a go?

9. Green Mango Lemongrass

Lemongrass is an aromatic herb that’s a staple ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, as well as medicine and cleaning products. It tastes similar to lemon, but it’s less bitter and has a spicy edge.

FIX Green Mango Lemongrass combines the taste of the plant with green mangoes for double the tanginess, plus a fruity touch. It’s also a moist portion and contains 11.5 mg of nicotine per pouch, providing an intense experience.

The FIX brand is known for its pioneering flavour profiles, with a “Flavour Index” including options like Fig Raspberry, Cherry Blossom, and Chai Latte.

One of our customers was divided:

“I have to admit - strong flavour. Super recommend, if you are looking for taste. :) Cant get that Mango thou and lemongrass isnt for my taste buds but its flavory. Good for daily usage.”

10. Swave Cloudberry Lemon

Swave is the only brand to appear on this list twice, which shows its commitment to developing unusual taste profiles.

A cloudberry is a fruit that most people outside of Scandinavia aren’t aware of. But it’s time for that to change! This berry looks somewhat like a yellow raspberry and can only grow in arctic and subarctic regions, so it’s a privilege to have the chance to consume it from anywhere in Europe.

The Swave Cloudberry Lemon nicotine pouch combines its taste with lemon. What better way to enjoy the Swedish tradition of oral nicotine?

A Whole New World

After venturing out of the bestsellers list and popular flavour categories like mint, there’s another world of flavours waiting to be discovered on Snusdirect. The only question is what to try first.