How to Use Nicotine Pouches: A Step-by-Step Guide
Nicotine pouches, also known as nic pouches or tobacco-free snus, are a smoke-free way to enjoy nicotine. Similar in design to traditional Swedish snus, they are small, tea bag-like products that fit comfortably between your upper lip and gums. However, unlike traditional snus, nicotine pouches are entirely tobacco-free, providing a nicotine experience without the associated odour.
While they are growing in popularity in the UK, how do you use nicotine pouches? Whether you’re new to nicotine pouches or looking for tips to enhance your experience, this guide will walk you through the essentials.
Nicotine pouches are an alternative to smoking and vaping, offering a discreet and odour-free way to consume nicotine. In this guide, we’ll cover what they are, how to use them, and tips for selecting the perfect pouch.
Nicotine Pouches: How to Use in 4 Simple Steps
Ready to give nicotine pouches a try? Follow these four steps to get started:
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1. Open your nicotine pouch can
You may be wondering how to open snus cans or nicotine pouch cans. For the cans that are round cans, just break the seal around the can to begin. After that, open the nicotine pouch can by squeezing it with your thumb and forefinger, gently on the sides of the can. Some cans may have different instructions, like the On! cans, so always check the label on the can for specific instructions on how to open unique snus cans.
2. Position the pouch under your upper lip
Once you have got the lid off your can of nicotine pouches, take a single pouch out of the can and use your index finger to pop it in your mouth, between the top lip and gums. These pouches park comfortably, which allows you to enjoy the flavour and nicotine without anyone noticing. There is no real “proper placement” - just make sure you use them orally and place them between either the top lip and gum or lower lip and gum.
3. Use the pouch for up to 60 minutes
Some users report a tingling sensation when using pouches for the first time. If you are new to nicotine pouches (even if you have used other products containing nicotine), we recommend you only leave the pouch in for a short amount of time (5-15 minutes) and choose a pouch with lower nicotine content. As you get more accustomed to the pouches, you can enjoy them for longer. For example, for up to 30 minutes and adjust the nicotine strength you choose as required.
4. Dispose of the pouch responsibly
Once you are done enjoying your nicotine pouch, it is important to properly dispose of it. Most cans have a handy extra compartment on top of the lid, where you can store your used pouches when there isn't a bin nearby. Since the materials used to create the majority of the actual pouches are not recyclable, you mustn't throw the pouches on the ground or elsewhere. If you are looking to recycle the plastic you can make sure to remove any pouches before you add them to the recycling bin.
What are Nicotine Pouches made of?
Before using a new nicotine product it’s a good idea to know what’s in it. Nicotine pouches are made from small woven cellulose-based envelopes that contain nicotine suspended in granules. Designed to be placed between your top lip and gum, these pouches allow you to absorb nicotine through the mucous membrane, providing a nicotine experience without the use of tobacco.
While nicotine pouches are completely tobacco-free, they generally do contain a small number of other food-safe ingredients such as preservatives, flavour enhancers like glycerol, and pH modifiers.
Considering Nicotine Pouches: Features to Keep in Mind
Many consider nicotine pouches as an alternative to traditional tobacco products. Here at Northerner, we like to make sure our customers get a balanced view of the products we offer. To that end, we have noted some key characteristics to help you better understand them:
Notable Features
- Portable and Convenient: Nicotine pouches are compact and ready to use without the need for additional devices.
- Discreet Usage: These products can be used in smoke-free spaces, providing a subtle alternative to traditional nicotine consumption methods.
- Cost-Effective Option: Typically priced around £4 for a 20-pack, they can be a more economical choice compared to many alternatives.
Drawbacks
- Evolving Market: The range of flavours and brands is still expanding as nicotine pouches become more widely available.
- Awareness: Nicotine pouches are governed differently than vaping products under UK regulations. While they currently don't fall under the same regulations, it's very likely that they'll become more regulated in the future. As with any product, it’s important to purchase from trusted retailers who prioritise product quality and safety.
Choosing the Right Nicotine Pouch
Selecting the ideal pouch involves considering several factors:
- 1. Nicotine Strength: Beginners should opt for lower strength options (e.g., 3-6 mg) and gradually increase as needed.
- 2. Flavour: Popular choices include mint, berry, and citrus. Choose a flavour that aligns with your personal preferences.
- 3. Brand: Explore different brands to find the one that suits you best. Starter packs with mixed options can be a great way to sample various products. Some of the most popular nicotine pouch brands include Nordic Spirit, ZYN, and VELO.
Exploring Sizes and Moisture Content of Nicotine Pouches
The variety in sizes and moisture content of nicotine pouches enables users to tailor their experience to individual preferences and lifestyles. These options range from ultra-compact mini pouches to larger sizes, offering different experiences based on user needs. Below is an overview of the features and characteristics of different pouch types, to help understand the available options.
Sizes of Nicotine Pouches
- Mini Pouches
- - Popularity: Mini pouches are increasingly selected for their compact design.
- - Key Features: Small and compact, mini pouches offer the smallest size option with lower nicotine content
- Slim Pouches
- - Popularity: Slim pouches are the most chosen option due to their moderate size.
- - Key Features: A middle ground in size, offering a balanced nicotine delivery and flavour profile.
- Regular (Large) Pouches
- - Popularity: Often chosen by experienced users seeking a strong nicotine release.
- - Key Features: Larger size for a longer-lasting flavour and higher nicotine content.
Moisture Content in Nicotine Pouches
- High Moisture Pouches
- - Popularity: High-moisture pouches are popular among users seeking quicker flavour activation.
- - Key Features: Designed for rapid flavour and nicotine delivery, providing a pronounced experience.
- Low Moisture Pouches
- - Popularity: Low-moisture pouches are chosen by users who prefer a longer usage period.
- - Key Features: Offer slower flavour and nicotine release, suitable for extended sessions.
Understanding the Nicotine Strengths
When choosing between the different nicotine strengths, you should consider whether you are used to nicotine or not and how often you use nicotine products. On Northerner we categorise strength in four different groups.
So, how strong are nicotine pouches? On Northerner, we use the following 3 categories of nicotine strength as a guide:
- - Normal Strength (3 - 6mg of nicotine per pouch)
- - Strong (6.1 - 9mg of nicotine per pouch)
- - Extra Strong (9 mg and over of nicotine per pouch)
Final Tips for Using Nicotine Pouches
If you are new to nicotine pouches you may be wondering about the safety and usage of this type of tobacco free product. Here are three final tips worth considering:
Use Moderately
Excessive use may lead to discomfort. If this occurs, remove the pouch, adjust usage, and consider a lower-strength option for next time.
Proper Disposal
Never litter. Use the designated compartment in your can or dispose of used pouches in regular waste bins.
Avoid Swallowing
While swallowing a nicotine pouch is rare and unlikely to cause harm, seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
Common Questions
Buy Your Nicotine Pouches from Northerner UK
When using tobacco-free snus, you must remember to make sure you get proper products by choosing to buy from legitimate retailers such as Northerner. If you want to buy snus or nicotine pouches online, make sure to do your research before you add to cart! Our selection includes top brands and fast delivery from our UK-based warehouse.
Northerner’s Bestsellers
Discover popular nicotine pouch options available at Northerner, with fast, free shipping from our UK warehouse. Shop from trusted brands like Nordic Spirit and VELO to ensure you’re purchasing genuine, high-quality products.
Choose nicotine pouches as an alternative to traditional nicotine products. Whether you’re exploring the options or looking for your next favourite, Northerner UK is your trusted source for top-quality pouches and exceptional service.
