Nicotine pouches (NPs), a recent innovation in smokeless technology, are quickly gaining popularity as a potentially superior alternative to cigarettes. Experts emphasize their potential to significantly reduce smoking rates globally, including in traditional tobacco markets. As a study featured in the scientific journal Cureus explains:
In consideration of different categories of nicotine-containing products, these do not all carry the same level of risk. Science demonstrates that the way in which nicotine is delivered to the consumer (i.e., the delivery mechanism) plays an important role in determining the level of risk associated with using a particular product. While burning tobacco to release nicotine and inhaling the smoke is the most crucial element determining a product’s risk profile, consideration must also be given to whether products also contain tobacco leaf (even if it is not combusted/burnt) and whether the nicotine is delivered via inhalation to the lungs or some other methods.
Evolution from Snus to Nicotine Pouches
Developed as an evolution of snus, a smokeless tobacco product with roots in Sweden, nicotine pouches represent a significant departure from their tobacco-containing predecessor. Tomas Hammargren, managing director of Posimistic AB, an international strategy and policy advisor in life sciences, highlights the potential of nicotine pouches. “Nicotine pouches are a relatively new category in the harm reduction portfolio,” says Hammargren, who brings 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
David Sweanor, a public health policy expert and adjunct professor of law at the University of Ottawa, adds, “They are essentially Swedish snus without tobacco, and Swedish snus has decades of data showing the product to be exceptionally low risk compared to cigarette smoking.”
The Composition and Appeal of Nicotine Pouches
Snus is traditionally placed under the upper lip and contains ground tobacco, water, flavorings, and other additives. New technology cut the link between nicotine and the tobacco plant, creating tobacco-free products like nicotine pouches. These pouches are gaining traction in several European countries, with emerging data suggesting that users of oral tobacco products and cigarettes are switching to nicotine pouches.
“In addition to Sweden, you see this trend in the USA, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and increasingly in the UK and several other EU countries,” Hammargren notes. He also observes that vapers in countries like the UK are increasingly using nicotine pouches in situations where vaping is not feasible. “There are so many moments when they can’t or don’t want to use their vape … and where nicotine pouches will help them to stay away from smoking,” says Hammargren. “I believe there will be a similar trend with heated products.”
Offering Smokers a Choice
Hammargren advocates for offering smokers a choice among alternative nicotine products, including vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches, while ensuring proper regulation of product quality. He emphasizes the importance of regulating nicotine strength in nicotine pouches. “Based on data from the Nordic countries, including a long tradition of snus use, nicotine levels in snus are around 8-12 mg/pouch. NPs deliver nicotine a bit better than snus and are normally in the range of 3-10 mg/pouch,” he explains.
However, Hammargren expresses concern about the high nicotine levels found in some pouches in Eastern Europe and Russia, which can contain as much as 30 to 50 mg/pouch. “This is really bad for the category, and I believe that a nicotine cap is important. There is no need for an NP to contain more than 12 mg of nicotine,” he asserts.
Addressing Concerns About Youth Usage
With the growing popularity of nicotine pouches, there is often concern about adolescents picking up the habit. Hammargren addresses this by stating, “Actual data does not support a big uptake among persons under the legal age.” Proper regulation and continued monitoring are essential to ensure that nicotine pouches do not become a gateway for youth nicotine addiction.
What the Future Holds
Nicotine pouches are proving to be a promising alternative to traditional smoking. With proper regulation and quality control, they can play a significant role in public health strategies. As more data emerges and trends develop, it’s clear that nicotine pouches have the potential to disrupt the landscape of adult nicotine use.