While vaping may be the most popular alternative to smoking, nicotine pouches are growing in popularity too. These discreet, smoke-free alternatives are a great way to satisfy your nicotine cravings.
But are they better than vaping?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works well for someone else might not suit you, and vice versa. To help you out, we’ve explained how nicotine pouches differ from vapes so you can make an informed decision.
What Makes Nicotine Pouches Unique?
If you're looking for a convenient and clean way to manage your nicotine intake, these pouches might be just what you need. They differ from vapes in many ways, including:
Ease-of-use: Nicotine pouches are small and easy to use; you don’t need to think about e-juice, coils, or other factors that may impact your experience. Simply place a pouch between your lip and gum, and it will slowly release nicotine into your bloodstream.
No device or charging needed: Unlike a vape, you don’t need a device to satisfy your craving, and you certainly don’t need a charger. You’ll never run out of juice—charge or e-liquid—as the pouches don’t require either.
No maintenance required: Vapes need regular maintenance to keep them in tip-top condition. Coils wear out, tanks need cleaning, and batteries must be charged and checked. Nicotine pouches are single-use; when you’re done, you simply pop them in the bin.
Lasting satisfaction: Depending on the brand, nicotine pouches can last anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour. This means you get to enjoy a hands-free nicotine delivery system with zero effort.
No vapour: Forget second-hand vapour, nicotine pouches don’t even emit a puff. This means you can use them anywhere, whether at work, on public transport, or in other places where smoking is banned.
Safer than smoking: As a nicotine replacement product, pouches are seen as a safer option compared to traditional smoking. They don’t carry the same risk of lung damage, and since there’s no combustion, you avoid many harmful byproducts in traditional cigarettes.
No odour: Nicotine pouches don’t have any odour, so no one will know you’re using one. This makes them completely unobtrusive and extremely discreet.
Minimal risk of teeth stains: Because nicotine pouches sit between your lip and gum, the risk of staining your teeth is minimal.
Compact and easy to carry: Nicotine pouches come in a small tin that’s lightweight and easy to pop in your bag or pocket. Unlike a vape, they can’t be damaged if you drop them, and you don’t need to carry extra e-juice, a charging cable, or components that may need replacing.
More suitable for travel: If you’re travelling in the UK, you can use nicotine pouches without issues. You may also be able to use them when travelling internationally, just be sure to check your destination’s rules and regulations. Some countries restrict the use of nicotine, and this extends to pouches. For example:
-
Australia: Requires a prescription for nicotine-containing products.
-
Singapore: Bans all nicotine pouches.
-
EU countries: Legal but may be taxed or restricted.
What Makes Vapes Different To Nicotine Pouches?
Even though the end result is the same, vaping differs from nicotine patches in several ways, such as:
The mechanics of nicotine delivery: Unlike nicotine pouches, a vape works by heating e-liquid that contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. Once heated, the liquid turns into vapour, which you inhale. The nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream through your lungs, giving you a feeling similar to smoking a cigarette.
Mimics a traditional cigarette: If you’ve smoked in the past, the physical habit of using a vape can feel more familiar than placing a pouch in your mouth.
Vaping options: Vaping devices come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They range from simple all-in-one pod kits to more advanced devices with adjustable settings best suited to experienced vapers, cloud chasers, and flavour connoisseurs. These devices give you more control over your experience and can increase your satisfaction levels accordingly.
Varying strengths for customisation: Like nicotine pouches, you’ll find e-liquids with varying nicotine strengths. However, there is more room for personalisation and you can customise your experience using:
-
Nic Salts
-
Disposable Inspired Juice
-
Shortfills
-
Freebase
-
DIY & Longfills
-
Base Mix
-
50-50 Liquid
-
Nicotine Shots
Flavour ranges: Because vaping is so popular, there are far more flavour options to choose from, ranging from desserts to mint, fruit, and everything in between. While nicotine pouches come in various flavours, the choice of e-liquid far surpasses what’s currently available. That said, there’s certainly no shortage of options for pouches, either!
Safer than smoking: Vaping is also often seen as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, and research suggests it exposes you to fewer harmful chemicals, just like nicotine pouches.
Nicotine Pouches or Vaping?
While we can’t say that nicotine pouches are better than vaping, it’s easy to see they have their unique advantages.
To find out for yourself, we suggest you try nicotine pouches from one of our reputable brands, such as IVG, Lost Mary, or Velo, to see if they suit your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
You may find that you enjoy your nicotine smoke-free!
