If you’re new to nicotine pouches, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking for a discreet way to deal with cravings while travelling, you’ve been hearing about nicotine pouches as an alternative to smoking, or you’re just curious, we’ve got everything you need to know right here.
What are nicotine pouches?
Nicotine pouches, which are sometimes also referred to as nicopods, are small pouches that are designed to be comfortably placed between your top lip and your gum. They deliver nicotine to you through the lining in your mouth and are normally left in place for somewhere between 5 and 60 minutes. Once you’re done with your nicotine pouches, they can be thrown away in a normal bin.
How do nicotine pouches work?
These small pouches are made from natural ingredients and are designed to slowly release nicotine into your bloodstream.
Nicotine pouches do not have any tobacco in them. Instead, they contain nicotine that has been taken from the tobacco plant. This is combined with gum and food-grade flavourings, then sealed into a pouch made from plant-based fibres. When saliva dampens the pouch, the flavour and nicotine is released and can be absorbed into the body.
Nicotine pouches can be used alongside vapes, to give you more flexibility throughout your day, or as a replacement. Interested in finding out more? You might enjoy our in-depth look at the origin of nicotine pouches.
Using nicotine pouches: a step-by-step guide
Using nicotine pouches is easy, here’s a quick breakdown of the process.
Prepare your pouch
Take your nicotine pouch out of its tin or case and gently roll it between your fingers to help the contents loosen and soften.
Place your pouch
Using your forefinger, place your pouch between your lip and your gum. Most people choose the top lip and a position off to one side of your front teeth, but you can place your pouch against your lower gums too. Push the pouch until it feels snug in its position and isn’t touching your teeth. You can also use your tongue for any final adjustment. Do not suck, chew or swallow your pouch.
Wait to feel a tingling
Once nicotine pouches have been dampened by your saliva, they start to slowly release their flavour and nicotine. This normally starts to happen within the first few minutes and starts off as a tingling sensation. This can be quite a strong feeling the first few times you use pouches, which then becomes less intense as you get used to them.
Leave pouch in place until done
The length of time your pouch will remain active for tends to range from anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. However, you can take it out sooner if your nicotine craving has been satisfied. Once you’ve taken your pouch out, throw it away responsibly. Do not ever swallow your nicotine pouch.
How to choose the right nicotine pouch for you
When it comes to picking out nicotine pouches to try, there are likely to be two main factors you’ll want to consider: nicotine strength and flavour. There are also lots of big brands and trusted names you may want to experiment with, such as ZYN, Nordic Spirit, Killa and many more.
Choosing nicotine pouches by strength
Nicotine pouches are available in a huge range of strengths, so it’s easy to find the one that best suits your preferences. Here at Evapo, we categorise our pouches into four strengths: mild, regular, strong and extreme. Within each of these, you’ll find a range of different strength options.
Nicotine pouch strength can be chosen based on two different measurements, the nicotine per pouch and the nicotine per gram. This is because each pouch weighs less than a gram, and so these measurements differ. Some users choose to select pouches based on the strength per pouch while others chose to shop by the strength per gram, and it is entirely up to you which option is easier for you. We list both the per pouch and per gram strength of all of our nicotine pouches in the product description, so no matter your preference you can clearly find the strength of each product. Do note that for the purpose of this article the strengths listed below are per pouch.
For example, in our range of mild strength nicotine pouches, you’ll find a great selection of flavours from Helwit with 3.5mg of nicotine per pouch.
In our regular strength selection, you’ll find nicotine pouches ranging from 6-10mg with choices such as the 6mg VELO pouches and a 9mg range from Nordic Spirit.
If you’re looking for strong nicotine pouches, we have some great options like 20mg Lost Mary Airplane Mode.
And for those who’re looking for an extreme experience, there’s an excellent selection of flavours combined with 30mg of nicotine per pouch available from Pablo.
Choosing nicotine pouches by flavour
The other major factor when it comes to choosing a nicotine pouch in the flavour – and there are tons to choose from. From enlivening mints to mellow mochas, there’s a flavour sensation to suit everyone.
For a sweet and fruity option, there’s the popular Helwit blueberry nicotine pouches 24 pack or the light floral flavours of Lost Mary Airplane Mode Rose Grape.
Another great pick is VELO tropical breeze, which offers a lovely blend of exotic flavours, or the sweet and succulent Pablo Exclusive strawberry lychee.
For coffee lovers, there’s the caramel overtones of Helwit mocha pouches or if you prefer a minty flavour, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From the intense Poke freeze mint to the more subtle Ubbs spearmint, there’s something to suit every palette.
The benefits of nicotine pouches
There are some handy benefits to choosing nicotine pouches. For example:
- Smokeless and vapourless, nicotine pouches are a very discreet way to absorb nicotine
- They can be used anywhere, including trains, planes and other public spaces
- They are very convenient and can be enjoyed without disturbing anyone around you
- Nicotine pouches come in their own carry tub and are lightweight and easy to transport
- No additional accessories are needed, making them an affordable option
- There’s a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths available
Can you take nicotine pouches on a plane?
Yes, it’s fine to take nicotine pouches on a plane. In fact, they can be a very handy alternative option in situation like flying, where you’re not able to vape – you’ll even find products designed exactly for that, like Lost Mary Airplane Mode. Nicotine pouches can also be useful if you’re travelling to a country where smoking or vaping it banned or only allowed in restricted areas.
They can also be helpful in situations where you may experience nicotine cravings but it’s not convenient for you to vape. For example, in a workplace, cinema or other public place.
How do nicotine pouches make you feel?
Nicotine pouches release nicotine into the body more slowly than vaping or smoking, which means that you may feel a gentler and more gradual buzz. The nicotine “high” is also often longer lasting and offers a mellower experience, with some people finding it more satisfying than faster nicotine delivery systems.
If nicotine pouches sound like something you’d like to explore, be sure to check out our huge range of pouches online or have a look at our guide to the best nicotine pouch flavours of 2024. You can also pop into your local Evapo store, where our friendly staff will be happy to chat about the various options available.