A Look at Nicotine Pouches and Why They Work for Cessation

Quitting smoking has significant health benefits. While quitting can be beneficial at any age, those who start earlier are more likely to see a dramatic decrease in the risk factors for stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, and smoking-related cancers. Additionally, a previous article about Clean Living among previous smokers discusses the findings of a research study in which participants who had quit smoking earlier tended to have higher adherence to healthy recommendations for weight, diet, exercise, and alcohol intake. As a result, their risk for disease mortality was 27% lower than those with lower adherence to said lifestyle recommendations.

Growing interest in nicotine pouches

However, even when combined with healthier lifestyle choices, quitting smoking is easier said than done. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps former smokers deal with nicotine cravings without having to relapse or fall back to previous smoking habits. Among the fastest-growing NRT products is the nicotine pouch. A survey about nicotine pouch awareness in the Tobacco Control journal reveals that in 2021, nearly 30% of the population-based sample of US adults have seen or heard of the product. Adult smokers who recently planned or attempted to quit smoking were also more likely to be interested in using nicotine pouches.

How nicotine pouches work

Classified as oral NRT products, nicotine pouches deliver nicotine by placing them between the gum and the lip. While similar to snus in terms of use and packaging, nicotine pouches are smokeless and tobacco-free; only nicotine, flavors, or aromas are added to the permeable pouch material. They do not contain the toxicants found in both traditional and electronic cigarettes, hence making them a suitable alternative when one is trying to deal with withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine pouches are lightweight; they can be carried around and used wherever and whenever needed. Once the pouch has been flattened against the gum, it remains discreet even while talking or laughing. There is also no spitting involved, so each pouch can be discarded once the nicotine wears off. Since nicotine pouches have varied strengths, Prilla sells strong nicotine pouches for adult smokers with moderate to heavy dependency (between 10 and 20+ cigarettes per day). It also helps to adjust the nicotine strength to your needs. An inadequate dosage could lead to increased smoking urges, while a higher dosage can more likely result in side effects like headaches.

Aside from being convenient and inconspicuous, nicotine pouches are highly accessible. A nicotine pouch market report on Yahoo! Finance states that these over-the-counter NRT products are sold through online and offline channels, accounting for about 87% of total global sales. They are available in major regions like North and South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The flavor profile is also similar to other oral nicotine products like gums and lozenges, ranging from mint and menthol flavors to coffee and fruit-based ones.

Unlike gums that have to be chewed or lozenges that have to be dissolved, nicotine pouches have the most immediate nicotine release speed. The nicotine effects can generally be experienced within a couple of minutes of use and can last from 30 to 60 minutes. The delivery experience is said to be similar to medicinal nicotine and cigarettes. However, it is still advisable to try out different brands since longevity can still be affected by other factors like daily usage, portion amount, and preferred strength.

What also makes nicotine pouches a viable cessation product is their compatibility with other NRT products. Since pouches offer a fast release upon use, it can be more effective to curb nicotine cravings throughout the day by pairing them with the steady release of nicotine from transdermal patches.