Nicotine pouches are a type of emerging non-combustible nicotine product. These thin, pre-filled microfibre pouches contain nicotine and are intended as an alternative for smokers looking to transition to heated tobacco products. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nicotine pouches are classified as a tobacco product. They are small fibre pouches that, unlike some other types of oral tobacco products, do not require the user to spit. During use, these pouches are typically placed between the gum and the upper lip, where the nicotine is absorbed by the body. Nicotine pouches are not intended to be heated or burned.
Nicotine pouches contain nicotine in the form of nicotine powder or nicotine salt, which can be chemically synthesized or extracted from tobacco leaves. However, they do not contain cut tobacco, ground tobacco, powdered tobacco, or leaf tobacco. Nicotine pouches may also include other ingredients such as stabilizers, fillers, sweeteners, other flavourings, and pH adjusters.
Nicotine pouches typically contain food-grade fillers, water, salt, flavourings, and nicotine. Each pouch brand varies in nicotine content. Nicotine pouches come in a variety of flavours, not just mint and coffee, but also various fruit flavours like black cherry and citrus. Mint-flavoured products are particularly popular due to their refreshing taste and mood-enhancing properties.
Additionally, as awareness of the health impacts of smoking increases, more research and policies advocate for reducing the appeal of tobacco products. However, studies show that smokers typically need nearly 30 attempts to quit smoking successfully, creating a market opportunity for non-combustible nicotine products like nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches offer a smokeless form of nicotine that can be used anywhere, providing the same amount of nicotine with reduced harm, unlike traditional cigarettes that involve inhaling substances through the lungs.
