Nicotine pouches and snus – Just the Facts

Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco and are often used to help people to stop smoking.

They’re small pouches that look a bit like small tea bags. They are filled with a powder, which is infused with nicotine and other ingredients such as sweeteners, flavourings and sometimes caffeine.

A nicotine pouch is placed under the top lip, where it releases its nicotine and flavour. They are not designed to be chewed or swallowed. 

Nicotine pouches or snus?

Nicotine pouches are often referred to as ‘snus’, which is a specific type of nicotine pouch that contains tobacco and is banned in the UK and across most of the EU. So although you may have heard people referring to pouches as ‘snus’, it’s a different product to the nicotine pouches that are generally available in the UK. 

Nicotine pouches are also different to chewing tobacco such as paan and gutkha.

The health impact

Nicotine pouches are substantially less harmful than smoking, which is why some people use them to quit smoking. However, prolonged use may increase the risk of oral health problems such as dental issues and oral cancers.  

Nicotine pouches should only be used as a tool to try and quit smoking, as nicotine is a highly addictive substance which can put strain on organs like your heart. This can be especially risky for children and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Read more about nicotine here, or learn more about ways to quit smoking by clicking here.

The dangers

If you’re going to purchase nicotine pouches, ensure it’s from a reputable retailer. There may be a danger connected with buying pouches over the internet as they could come from a supplier who has not been checked for quality. You can never be certain of what any pouch that has not been purchased from a legitimate retailer will contain, even if it looks safe to consume or has brightly coloured appealing packaging. 

There are less regulations on nicotine pouches compared to many other products that contain nicotine, so you should carefully consider where you are buying them from and the strength of the pouches before doing so. Nicotine can have toxic effects when it is consumed in high doses. 

Nicotine pouches and sport

A recent study by Loughborough University found that one in five professional footballers use nicotine pouches, however there isn’t reliable evidence to suggest that nicotine has any performance enhancing benefits in any sport. 

Read more facts on nicotine pouches on the ASH Scotland website.

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

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