More Americans are changing their habits and preferences, and this includes the use of tobacco products. In fact, a popular oral nicotine alternative known as nicotine pouches is increasingly becoming popular in the US market. A recent industry study revealed that nicotine pouch sales increased from 163,178 units ($709,635) in 2016 to a whopping 45,965,455 units ($216,886,819) during the January to June survey period in 2020. This indicates the growing interest of American consumers toward oral nicotine substitutes and away from traditional cigarettes.
But despite its popularity, some people are still unaware of what nicotine pouches really are. In this article, we will describe the nature of nicotine pouches and discuss their efficacy, benefits, and appropriate usage.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches are oral nicotine products containing small amounts of nicotine but without any harmful tobacco leaves. Because they’re tobacco-free, they’re preferable substitutes for individuals who crave nicotine but want to avoid tobacco products. Apart from nicotine, most nicotine pouches contain flavorings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibers, which are stored inside the small white sachets that can be conveniently placed inside the mouth, between the lip and the gum. Since they are smoke-free and taken orally, it offers users discreet usage, allowing them to satisfy their nicotine cravings virtually anywhere. In addition, nicotine pouches don’t cause teeth stains and foul breath, unlike traditional cigarettes.
Efficacy of Nicotine Pouches
Some people may be reluctant to switch to nicotine pouches because they’re unsure if they are as effective as other nicotine alternatives. However, a blog post on Prilla showed that studies have found that nicotine pouches are as effective as other smokeless products. In fact, evidence suggests that while pouches had a lower overall nicotine amount than snus or snuff, they delivered the nicotine just as quickly. For this study, researchers specifically looked at ZYN pouches in various strengths. They concluded that when using two higher doses of 6mg and 8mg of nicotine, they worked similarly to most smokeless tobacco products in the market. Moreover, researchers assured that no matter which nicotine pouch strength individuals used, there are no alarming side-effects associated.
Benefits of Using Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches come with practical benefits that help users in their daily lives. For instance, our article ‘Can Vaping Help You Focus and Reduce Stress’ shared that nicotine enables individuals to reduce their feelings of stress. This is because nicotine stimulates the production of feel-good chemicals in the brain called dopamine, which create feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Since nicotine pouches release regulated amounts of nicotine gradually, users can have a longer-lasting pleasant experience without using too many pouches. Additionally, a study on Springer Link covering oral nicotine pouches discussed how these products help reduce the harm associated with the use of tobacco products while delivering satisfactory levels of nicotine. This is because nicotine pouches have lower and varying strength levels, which allows users to adjust their nicotine intake accordingly.
How To Use Nicotine Pouches
Buying and using nicotine pouches is easy. You can buy them through trusted sites and have them shipped directly to your house. They are also available in convenience stores if you prefer to buy them personally. Popular brands like On!, ZYN, VELO Max, and Rogue all offer various flavored pouches, and their nicotine levels vary from 2, 4, or 8 mg.
To use them, you only need to roll the pouch between your thumb and forefinger to fluff it up a little before tucking it underneath your top lip. Make sure that it’s pressed against your teeth and gums. By letting it stay in your mouth for an hour, the nicotine will seep into your gums, and you will start to feel a tingling sensation in your mouth. The tingling sensation will last for about 15 minutes, and then you’ll just enjoy the flavor of the nicotine pouch afterward. When the flavor and nicotine are gone, you only need to take the pouch out of your mouth and toss it in the trash.
Nicotine pouches are one of the best oral nicotine substitutes you can use. So whether you’re looking for an alternative nicotine product for ease of use or health reasons, nicotine pouches can help you achieve that goal.
