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Oral Nicotine Pouches: The New Alternative to Cigarettes?

As more people become health-conscious, there is a growing desire to drop cigarettes for good. Approximately 70% of cigarette smokers want to quit; however, according to one review, quitters on average make six attempts before succeeding. People might choose to quit for various reasons, from health concerns, pressure from family and friends, or even to cut costs – the American Lung Association notes that smokers can save between $1,380 and $2,540 annually by saying goodbye to their pack-a-day habit.

In this vein, more smokers are considering nicotine pouches. They tend to be comparatively cheaper than cigarettes while sparing users from the more adverse health effects found in cigarette tar and tobacco. And because they contain no batteries, they don’t carry risks of overheating or explosion like e-cigarettes or vapes do, which we discussed in a previous post. But what are nicotine pouches, and how do they work?

Nicotine pouches, explained

Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product designed to provide a discreet and smokeless nicotine consumption experience. Typically, they come in cans of 19 to 24 pouches and are available in various flavors and strengths. The pouches are placed between the gum and upper lip to use. From there, users can enjoy the gradual release of nicotine and flavorings as the gums absorb the nicotine into the bloodstream. Nicotine pouches can either contain synthetic or lab-synthesized nicotine with no tobacco constituents or tobacco-derived nicotine, which is taken from the tobacco plant. With this alternative, one can prevent common cigarette side effects like smoker’s breath, yellowed teeth, and tar stains around the mouth and fingers.

Top nicotine pouch brands

Since the invention of the first nicotine pouch in the late 2000s, various brands have emerged as the best in the market. ZYN is known for its variety of mint flavors and intensities, from wintergreen, spearmint, peppermint, cool mint, and more. Conversely, Rogue offers “Tabac” pouches that mimic the natural and earthy flavor of tobacco for those who miss the taste. Those seeking a drip-free experience, this site offers On! pouches that come in an ultra-compact mini-dry format. This makes the pouches invisible under the lip and not prone to causing excessive drip, which occurs when too much salivation forms juices that burn the throat or prompt the user to spit. Since these pouches are 100% tobacco-free, users can swallow the buildup of fluid generated without any worries.

For those who want to minimize exposure to nasty ingredients while enjoying nicotine, VELO products have been tested to contain -99% less toxicants. A study compared the product to smoke from a scientific standard reference cigarette and measured with the nine components that have been identified as harmful. Because nicotine pouches do not emit smoke or odor, they are generally allowed to be used in places where cigarettes are banned.

Nicotine pouches as a cigarette alternative

Nicotine pouches are well-established as a potentially effective form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The benefits of nicotine pouches can be enjoyed not just by prospective quitters but also by smokers looking for flexibility during long periods of transit, such as on airplanes or in countries where the sale of cigarettes is banned. By gradually decreasing strength over time, one may find success in quitting nicotine for good. But for those who want a new nicotine experience, experimentation is critical to finding the suitable nicotine pouch for your preferences and lifestyle. With the wide assortment of options available today, there is bound to be a flavor and strength combination to suit your tastes.