Nicotine Pouches: The New Frontier in Smoking Alternatives | Vape News | Vapouround

CONTENTS:

1. Introduction, The Rise of Smoke-Free Alternatives In the Vaping Community
2. What are Nicotine Pouches and How Do They Compare to Vaping?
3. Why Smokers Are Turning to Nicotine Pouches as a Tobacco-Free Option
4. How Nicotine Pouches Offer Convenience for On-the-Go Users
5. Nicotine Pouches vs. Vaping: Complementary or Competitive?
6. Conclusion: The Future of Smoking Alternatives for Vapouround Readers

Introduction, The Rise of Smoke-Free Alternatives In the Vaping Community

Over the past decade, there’s been an exciting shift away from the cigarette and vaping industries towards modern, smokeless alternatives for adult use.  Of course, people nowadays are well-versed in the dangers of smoking.  It is widely known that cigarettes cause many deadly diseases, most especially cancer.  As well as tobacco-related cancers, smoking also damages the cardiovascular system, plays havoc with the respiratory system and impairs immunity.  There are other problems associated with smoking, but the point is that cigarettes remain the number one cause of death in the world, responsible for 8 million premature deaths every year.  So when vapes first appeared in 2003, they became a popular choice amongst smokers who wanted to quit cigarettes, but still wanted to enjoy the same sensation.  Within just a few years, the popularity of vaping soared and vape manufacturers created exciting vaping devices, as well as an abundance of superb flavour options for users to enjoy.  The last few years, however, have seen more focus on the dangers of vaping.  While not as hazardous as cigarettes, vapes do pose some risk to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, mainly because of the inhalation of vape liquid.  What’s more, there is a small risk of inhalation of second-hand vapours that can impact others, especially those with existing respiratory problems (e.g., asthmatics).  

The UK government has cracked down on single-use vapes, banning them from the 1^st June 2005 mainly due to the environmental problems associated with excessive waste but many public spaces don’t permit vaping indoors and it looks possible that it might face the same bans as smoking.  This is one reason why vaping enthusiasts in the UK have welcomed nicotine pouches as a suitable alternative – but there are other reasons why these smoke-free products are beginning to impact vape sales as their popularity continues to grow.

What Are Nicotine Pouches and How Do They Compare to Vaping?

Nicotine pouches are tiny, perforated sachets that are worn orally, usually tucked behind the front teeth or in-between the cheek and gums.  Inside each sachet is a powerful blend of nicotine, flavourings, water, sweetener and plant-based fibres.  There are different strengths and flavours to choose from, much like vapes and the flavours themselves are very similar.  Once a nicotine pouch is in place, it begins to release nicotine and flavourings into the mouth.  These cause a distinct tingling sensation as they filter through the mouth’s membrane and the nicotine starts its magic!  Users report feelings of happiness, an energy buzz, or in contrast deep relaxation.  

Nicotine pouches also satisfy those cigarette (and vape) cravings, so those who want to stop smoking or vaping find these excellent cessation tools.  The real power is that the sensation lasts so much longer than a vape inhalation or smoking a cigarette.  Depending on the strength, flavour and brand, some users report the feeling lasting up to 2 hours, although around half an hour is the most common length of time.  Pouches only need to stay in the mouth for 10 minutes (30 minutes maximum) before being disposed of – and there’s no odour, fumes or mess associated with nicotine pouches, nor is there tobacco, immediately eliminating the risks of cancerous diseases.

So – in terms of comparison to vapes, nicotine pouches are fume-free (they don’t impact other people at all).  They’re also not subject to any bans, which means they can be used anywhere and at any time, making them extremely convenient!  They’re entirely discreet, no one needs to know if someone is wearing one at all, and let’s be honest, vapes aren’t discreet at all!  Another advantage is that they’re significantly cheaper than vaping paraphernalia, you don’t need a vessel, neither do you need a charger, replacement coil or vape liquids.  As an adult recreational product, nicotine pouches are inexpensive – just £2.99 (approximately) for a can of 20 pouches.

Nicotine pouches are also better for the environment.  Vape products end up in landfill and contribute to the vast environmental problem the world faces.  The vapour is responsible for some pollution (unlike cigarette smoke) also posing a risk to our world. Products from the Snus -store, on the other hand, decompose within weeks – so there’s no environmental problem and obviously they’re smoke-free, so they don’t pollute the air, impacting its quality.

Why Smokers Are Turning to Nicotine Pouches as a Tobacco-Free Option

Millions of smokers have already switched over to prducsts from stores like the nicotine pouches as a tobacco-free option and are enjoying a healthier lifestyle as a result.  Much of the reason for the switchover is the ban on smoking in public places in the UK (both indoors and outdoors) but also because of the known health risks.  The cost of a packet of cigarettes in the UK is now in excess of £10 per pack of 20 – another reason why smokers have found they need an alternative.  Vapers too are also facing the rising cost of vape equipment and the growing concerns over the risks of vapours, which is why they’re looking for an alternative.

The Health Benefits of Switching to Smoke-Free Alternatives

That leads us onto the health benefits of switching over to nicotine pouches:

• These tiny sachets don’t impact others as there’s no risk of second-hand smoke inhalation.
• There’s zero tobacco in nicotine pouches, which reduces the risk of tobacco-related cancers.
• As you don’t inhale a nicotine pouch, there’s no impact to the respiratory system.
• Nicotine pouches do not impact immunity.
• The sachets contain “white” snus (which means tobacco-free) so teeth don’t become discoloured.
• Nicotine actually has multiple benefits, especially in terms of cognitive performance (increased alertness, mental clarity, focus, concentration etc.).

How Nicotine Pouches Offer Convenience for On-the-Go Users

The convenience is a great bonus because in most cases, smokers and vapers come up against public bans, so can’t relax and enjoy a cigarette or vape whereas snus is suitable for any setting.  So, vapers especially are switching over because they can still enjoy the sensation of vaping along with their favourite flavours.  There are lots of flavours available, and multiple strengths too, ranging from low dose 1. Mg (ideal for new users) right up to 10.5 mg+ (perfect for seasoned smokers and vapers)

Nicotine Pouches vs. Vaping: Complementary or Competitive?

One question is whether nicotine pouches are complementary to vaping or are they direct competition?  This can be argued both ways!  They’re potentially very competitive, especially as they’ve become so popular, not just in the United Kingdom, but worldwide.  They also have lots of endorsement by important public figures (particularly in the USA where senators are advocating for their use) because they’re safer than smoking and vaping (and better for the environment).  They’re also complementary – because they’re the ideal alternative when vaping isn’t possible.  So some people like to use a combination of both.  It will be interesting to see how they grow in the future – projections are encouraging, with the market expecting to reach $183 billion by 2030.

Conclusion: The Future of Smoking Alternatives for Vapouround Readers

The big question here is that while nicotine pouches are revolutionising both the smoking cessation market and the smoking/vaping market, what is the future?  Well, many of the big tobacco industry names (e.g., British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and Philip Morris International) have introduced their own smokeless alternative categories and are developing next-generation nicotine pouch smokeless alternatives.  There are more and more technologies being introduced to improve the comfort and wearability of these sachets, including even greater sustainable ingredients.  Plus, wearable tech is coming into play with apps to track usage.  It is difficult to assess whether or not nicotine pouches will take over vaping and smoking in the near future but perhaps in the distant future, these innovative products could pave the way for a smoke-free future – watch this space!