Nicotine Pouches UK

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

Nicotine pouches (or "nic pouches") are small, white, tobacco-free oral nicotine products designed for sublingual and buccal absorption. These smokeless nicotine delivery systems consist of nicotine, plant-based fibres, flavourings, and pH adjusters contained within a permeable pouch material. Unlike snus and other traditional tobacco products, nicotine pouches contain no tobacco leaves, making them a tobacco-free alternative for nicotine consumption.

Nicotine pouches are manufactured in 4 main size categories as listed below.

• Slim pouches: Most popular format in the United Kingdom market
• Mini pouches: Smaller, more discreet option
• Large pouches: Increased content capacity
• Super slim: Thinnest profile for maximum discretion

What Are Nic Pouches Made Of?

Nicotine pouches are made of a food-grade permeable outer material that allows nicotine and flavour compounds to release while containing the filling materials. The filling materials in nicotine pouches are made of plant-based fillers, including microcrystalline cellulose, maltitol, and acacia gum. These ingredients are combined with pharmaceutical-grade nicotine derived from tobacco plants through extraction processes. pH adjusters like sodium carbonate are added to optimise nicotine absorption rates. Food-grade flavourings provide taste profiles, while sweeteners enhance palatability.

What Is a Tub of Nicotine Pouches?

A “tub” or “can” of nicotine pouches is a circular container that measures approximately 70 mm in diameter and 25 mm in depth. Each nicotine pouch tub typically contains 20 individual pouches. This quantity represents the industry standard across most manufacturers and brands. Some variations include 15-pouch containers or larger 30-pouch formats, though 20 pouches per can remains the predominant packaging size.

Nicotine pouch containers typically feature white or light-colored cylindrical cans as the base packaging colour. Adhesive labels are positioned on the top, bottom, and circumferential areas of the container. These labels display brand information, nicotine strength, flavour identification, health warnings, and regulatory compliance information.

Manufacturers often employ colour coding systems to differentiate strength levels and flavour profiles. Common coding includes specific colours for strength gradations and distinct hues for flavour identification. For example, Velo nicotine pouches recently transitioned from traditional white packaging to vibrant, flavour-inspired designs featuring distinctive colours and icons for improved product identification. Learn more about these changes in our guide to “Velo Nicotine Pouches Packaging Change”.

Integrated Waste Compartments

Nicotine pouch containers typically feature integrated waste compartments, allowing you to dispose of used pouches within the original container. Standard recycling guidelines for nicotine pouch containers specify "Empty Can and Recycle" protocols. Make sure you remove all pouches from the waste compartment before recycling nicotine pouch tubs.

What Colour Are Nicotine Pouches?

Individual nicotine pouches are typically white in colour, reflecting their tobacco-free composition. This white appearance results from the plant-based filler materials and the absence of tobacco leaves. Some nicotine pouches may display slight colour variations when natural ingredients are incorporated. These variations can include light brown or cream tones, depending on the specific plant-based materials used in the formulation. This is completely normal and does not indicate the presence of tobacco.

Who Manufactures Nicotine Pouches?

Leading nicotine pouch manufacturers include Swedish Match (Sweden), British American Tobacco (UK), Altria Group (USA), and Japan Tobacco International (Japan). These companies represent the primary producers of oral nicotine products globally.

The four main countries where nicotine pouches are made are listed below.

• Sweden: Pioneered modern nicotine pouch technology
• Denmark: Notable production facilities and innovation centres
• United States: Growing manufacturing base and market adoption
• United Kingdom: Significant market presence and regulatory framework

What Strength of Nicotine Pouch Should I Use?

The appropriate nicotine pouch strength depends primarily on your previous tobacco usage and existing nicotine tolerance. Nicotine pouch strength is measured in milligrams per pouch (mg/pouch), ranging from 2mg for light users to 20mg+ for heavy tobacco users.

Former heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes daily) should use strong pouches (10-20mg), moderate smokers (10-20 cigarettes daily) need regular strength (6-10mg), light smokers (1-10 cigarettes daily) should use light to regular strength (4-8mg), while individuals with no previous tobacco or nicotine use should not use nicotine pouches at all, as there is no therapeutic benefit to initiating nicotine consumption.

The below list summarises what nicotine pouch strength you should use.

• Nicotine-Naive Users (No Previous Tobacco Use): Do not use nicotine pouches if you have no previous tobacco use. You have no existing nicotine dependence and no therapeutic benefit from nicotine initiation. Avoid nicotine products entirely to prevent dependence development.
• Light Tobacco Users (1-10 Cigarettes Daily): Use 4-8mg per pouch strength as your low existing tolerance requires moderate nicotine replacement. Begin with 4-6mg strength and adjust upward if needed for adequate satisfaction.
• Moderate Tobacco Users (10-20 Cigarettes Daily): Use 8-12mg per pouch strength as your established tolerance requires adequate replacement for satisfaction. Begin with 8-10mg strength, which represents the most common user category for nicotine pouch consumers.
• Heavy Tobacco Users (20+ Cigarettes Daily): Use 12-20mg per pouch strength as your high tolerance requires strong nicotine delivery for adequate replacement. Begin with 12-15mg strength and increase cautiously if insufficient satisfaction occurs. If you are a heavy smoker, you should use nicotine pouches to help you quit smoking.
• Transitioning Vapers (High-Nicotine E-liquids): Use 10-15mg per pouch strength as vaping tolerance is often equivalent to moderate-heavy smoking patterns. Match your previous daily nicotine intake through appropriate pouch strength selection.