Nicotine pouches are completely legal to sell, purchase, and use in the UK. Tobacco pouches, known as Snus, have been illegal in the UK since 1992. Unlike Snus, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, therefore don't come with the same risks as tobacco products offer. Nicotine pouches are currently protected under the General Consumer Product (2005), not the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (2016) meaning there are less regulations and rules set out for them.
Yes, generally it's ok to swallow saliva your mouth produces while using a nicotine pouch. Swallowing the nicotine pouch itself is highly discouraged and can cause an upset stomach, nicotine poisoning, and a sore throat. Nicotine pouches contain food safe ingredients and nicotine which are designed to be absorbed in the mucous membranes located in the mouth, not through the digestive system.
You don't have to swallow the spit produced, some people like to spit it out. If you do prefer to spit, make sure it's somewhere discreet where people don't see. Remember to not spit on the floor as it's unpleasant and anti-social.
There's no recommended lower or higher limit on nicotine pouch usage, however it's generally recommended to not exceed 10-15 pouches a day. If you feel like you're using nicotine pouches excessively, you may need a higher nicotine strength. Most people use a new nicotine pouch every 1-2 hours, either keeping one parked throughout, or removing it and leaving time between the next one.
Nicotine pouches are stored in a plastic 'cans' and are ready to use straight out of the pack. Follow these simple steps to ensure you're using your nicotine pouch correctly.
- Remove the nic pouch from the can.
- Gently roll between your fingers to distribute the product (optional).
- Place the pouch in between the gum and lip, choose from the upper gums or lower gums. Adjust position with tongue.
- Leave the pouch in your mouth until nicotine cravings are satisfied.
- Discard the pouch in the bin or in the top compartment of the nic pouch can if available.
Nicotine pouches feature five main components; plant fibres, flavourings, pH regulators, fillers, and nicotine. The pouch itself is made out of organic plant fibres and is teabag-like in texture. Fillers, and pH regulators are added to the ingredients to stabilise the nicotine and allow it to disperse when in contact with your gum. Food grade flavourings are added to the pouch as an additive for consumer enjoyment. Nic pouches are available in a multitude of flavours. The nicotine inside of a nic pouch can be extracted from tobacco leaves or synthetically created in a laboratory.
