A nicotine pouch is a small, soft pouch that sits under your top lip and releases nicotine through your gum. There is no smoke, no vapour and no tobacco leaf. You use one, throw it away, and that is it.
If you have heard people call them "snus", that is close but not quite right. Traditional Swedish snus contains ground tobacco. The pouches we stock are tobacco-free, often called "white pouches" because of their colour.
What is inside
Most pouches contain a short list of ingredients:
- Plant fibre to give the pouch its body
- Nicotine, either extracted from tobacco or made synthetically
- Flavouring, such as mint, fruit or coffee
- Sweeteners, salt and pH adjusters that help the flavour and the nicotine release
- Water, which decides whether a pouch is moist or dry
How to use one
- Take a pouch out of the can.
- Tuck it between your gum and your top lip. Either side is fine.
- You will feel a tingle or slight burn within a minute or two. That is normal, and it eases as you get used to it.
- Leave it in for anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes. You do not need to chew or move it.
- When you are done, put it in the lid compartment that most cans have, then in the bin.
Do not swallow the pouch, and avoid swallowing a lot of the saliva while it is in, especially when you are new to pouches. That is the most common cause of hiccups or an upset stomach.
Your first can
Start lower than you think you need. A Light or Regular can (roughly 3 to 6mg per pouch) is the usual starting point, even for people who smoke or vape. Pouches deliver nicotine differently, and it is easier to step up than to recover from a pouch that is too strong.
If you want a full rundown of the strength scale, read our guide to choosing a strength.
Who pouches are for
Nicotine is addictive. Pouches are for adults aged 18 and over who already use nicotine. If you do not use nicotine, please do not start. They are not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
