Nicotine pouches contain a powder made of nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients. The powder dissolves in the mouth, and nicotine is absorbed through the gums and lining of the mouth. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that is especially dangerous for youth, young adults, and pregnant people
- Nicotine pouches are small microfiber pouches that contain a powder made of nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients. People typically put pouches between their lip and gum, where the nicotine is absorbed.3 Nicotine pouches do not require spitting and are disposable.
- Products have different amounts of nicotine per pouch and can contain high levels of nicotine.2
- Nicotine pouches come in different flavors, such as cinnamon, citrus, mint, or coffee.3 Hundreds of communities have prohibited the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including nicotine pouches.
- Nicotine pouches do not include tobacco leaf. Some contain nicotine made from tobacco plants. Some contain nicotine made in a laboratory. These pouches may be referred to as synthetic nicotine or non-tobacco nicotine (NTN) products and may be marketed as “tobacco-free.” There is little chemical difference between tobacco-derived nicotine and synthetic nicotine.
- Nicotine pouches are marketed as smokeless products, similar to moist snuff and snus.
Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free products that are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. They are held between the user’s lip and gum to provide a source of nicotine. This article describes the composition of nicotine pouches, the legality surrounding their production and sale, patterns of use and explores possible oral and general health effects of their usage.
Key points
- Nicotine pouches, a tobacco-free product, are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and globally.
- Nicotine pouches are likely to be a substantially ‘lower-risk product’ as compared to tobacco smoking.
- Nicotine pouches may present another option in tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation.
- The oral health effects from the use of this product are unknown but likely to be in keeping with other orally administered nicotine products. Localised gingival recession might be seen.
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