Nicotine pouches are small rectangles containing nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients.
Like with snus or dipping tobacco the user puts a pouch between their lip and Gums, and leaves it there while the nicotine and taste is being released.[ How to Use Nicotine Pouches] The small pouches differ from chewing tobacco in that the user does not need to spit, since the contents of the pouches stay inside the pouches during use.
There is limited independent testing of the constituents, exposure, or Biomarker of effects for nicotine pouches,[ although independent research is now emerging.]
Usage
While relatively new, nicotine pouches share similarities with Swedish snus. The first pouch product was developed in the beginning of the 2000s by a small start up company Niconovum. This company registered the product in 2008 as a medicinal nicotine replacement product (Zonnic) with 2 mg of nicotine. In 2009, RJ Reynolds (now British American Tobacco) bought Niconovum. Thereafter tobacco companies, particularly Swedish Match, became active in the pouch category. Many of Sweden’s leading snus manufacturers, such as Swedish Match, Skruf and AG Snus created their nicotine pouch brands as a direct response to demand for a nicotine option with less conspicuous, smokeless usage. While discreet and tobacco-free, nicotine pouches can still, potentially, cause some side effects like: hiccups, gum irritation, nausea and headaches. [ Nicotine Pouch Side Effects Prilla.com January 2023]
It is unclear whether smoking might switch to nicotine pouches or if they would continue to smoke and use nicotine pouches, resulting in dual use.[ Nicotine pouches typically cost about as much as a pack of regular cigarettes.][ Unlike vaping products, they require no batteries and no accessory device.][
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Nicotine pouches may entice youth as well as young adult never-smokers because they are available in an array of flavors and may be used unobtrusively.
In pharmacies in Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden, nicotine pouches are also sold as a delivery mechanism for nicotine replacement therapy. In Norway, the brand Zonnic is approved by the Norwegian Medicines Agency for smoking cessation.
Contents
In addition to nicotine, the pouches typically contain food-grade fillers, sweeteners, and flavorings.[ The main ingredient in nicotine pouches in terms of volume is plant fiber. Plant fibers are used to fill the pouch and give it the desired shape, fit, and properties. Different brands use different fibers, but some of the most common derive from eucalyptus and pine.]
Nicotine pouches are sold in a wide array of flavors, such as peppermint, black cherry, coffee or citrus.[ The nicotine content among nicotine pouch brands typically varies from 1 mg/pouch to 10 mg/pouch][ Difference between Nicotine Pouches and Snus SnusDirect February 2021]
Health risks
Nicotine pouches contain the addiction chemical nicotine.
There is limited independent testing of the constituents, exposure, or Biomarker of effects for nicotine pouches,
Several recent clinical studies and reviews have further evaluated the health effects and nicotine delivery profile of nicotine pouches. A 2025 study from Japan Tobacco International showed that nicotine uptake from pouches increased proportionally with dose, showing plasma nicotine levels comparable to Swedish snus and faster than nicotine gum. No major safety concerns were observed after single use.[. Funded by Japan Tobacco International.]
An independent 2024 clinical trial evaluating high-nicotine pouches found that 30-mg pouches delivered plasma nicotine levels twice as high as cigarettes. These pouches caused significant increases in heart rate and arterial stiffness, raising concerns about cardiovascular effects and addiction potential. The authors recommended setting upper limits on nicotine content.
Additionally, a 2024 scoping review summarized existing research and noted that nicotine pouches likely pose fewer toxicant exposures compared to cigarettes, but highlighted concerns regarding youth uptake and the lack of long-term independent studies assessing public health impact.
Advocacy groups opposed to the introduction of nicotine pouches in Kenya have protested that they may raise the risk of cancer, heart disease, and reproductive or developmental harms.[
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Classification
Nicotine pouches are regulated differently around the world.
Although nicotine pouches are not heavily regulated in the European Union, some regulatory characteristics fall under the European Union CLP-Regulation (EC) 1272/2008.
Canada
In Canada, 4 mg nicotine pouches are available for sale in pharmacies as a form of nicotine replacement therapy under the Zonnic brand.[ ] Exceptions exist for those who are a health practitioner or physician, a drug manufacturer, a wholesale pharmacist, a pharmacist, or a resident of a foreign country while a visitor in Canada.
Finland
In Finland, until April 2023, nicotine pouches were classified for medicinal use.
France
Nicotine pouches, nicotine gum and pearls are due to be banned in France from 1 April 2026.
Germany
, nicotine pouches are classified as a food product in Germany, with some being withdrawn from sale in shops under that authority due to their high nicotine content.
Norway
In Norway, their sale in general stores are banned because they are classified as a new nicotine product.
Tobacco-free nicotine pouches were for sale in Norway from 2014 to 2018, under the name Epok.
Sweden
Like snus, nicotine pouches are sold in Sweden.
Switzerland
The tobacco legislation in Switzerland allows the sale of nicotine pouches.
United Kingdom
The pouches are sold in supermarkets in the United Kingdom, and are not covered by tobacco or medical laws there. In 2022, the Action on Smoking and Health group called for a regulatory framework covering all nicotine products.
United States
It is assumed nicotine pouches are classified as tobacco products in the US because they contain nicotine obtained from tobacco.
In 2021, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and other health organizations urged the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address regulatory gaps related to synthetic nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, citing concerns about youth usage and public health impact.
