People don’t quite use nicotine pouches for the same reasons they reach for a green smoothie or a salad. But that’s not to say there aren’t any benefits of nicotine pouches.
Frequent users often talk about their own positive experiences with pouches, from weight loss to increased focus. Are these persistent myths or convenient stories people tell themselves — or are there actually some advantages to using these teabag-like sachets, besides the delicious flavors and the nicotine rush?
And what made nicotine pouches such a popular alternative over traditional choices like cigarettes, or other tobacco-free products like nicotine lozenges, tablets, or gum?
Key Takeaways:
- As a tobacco-free and smoke-free option, nicotine pouches cause minimal mess and public annoyance.
- They’re convenient and hassle-free, and you can even travel with them.
- They come in all kinds of flavors, and new technology is constantly emerging.
- Nicotine has an energizing effect.
- Nicotine pouches are also a cost-effective alternative to cigarettes.
10 Nicotine Pouches Benefits
For the unfamiliar, nicotine pouches are tobacco-free portions of nicotine and (usually) flavorings. They look kind of like little teabags or pillows, and the user places them under the upper lip, where the mucous membranes in the mouth absorb the contents.
Curious about why this is such a winning formula? Let’s look at their biggest benefits.
1. They Won’t Annoy People in Public
As much as most people consume nicotine for themselves and not to impress others, most of us don’t want to annoy anybody in the process.
Fortunately, that’s generally not a problem with nicotine pouches. They’re so small and non-invasive that other people are unlikely to notice them under your upper lip.
Even if they do notice, they’ll have little to complain about. Nicotine pouches are free from smoke and odors, so you won’t be exposing anyone to anything unpleasant or harmful.
2. They Don’t Cause Mess
Don’t care about annoying your fellow humans? Another consideration is that a lot of traditional tobacco products, such as dipping tobacco and cigarettes, aren’t exactly convenient to use in public.
In the cases of hand-rolled cigarettes and loose portion dipping tobacco, users need to portion everything themselves. This requires space, and it’s a pretty messy process.
None of this is an issue with nicotine pouches. They come pre-portioned, so they can be placed straight into the mouth. And since they’re tobacco-free, there’s no need to worry about mess while using them either. Even moist nicotine pouches rarely produce much liquid.
3. They’re a Hassle-Free Option
The mess-free nature of nicotine pouches isn’t the only way they’re a convenient choice.
There’s also no other extra equipment to think about (unlike the need to have a charger for your e-cigarette or a lighter for your cigarette).
If you’re in a rush and want to grab your pouches before you head out, that’s literally all you need to do. One can generally contains 15-20 pouches, which is more than enough to keep you going for the day. And this can is small enough to fit into any pocket!
4. Vast Choice of Brands
Thanks to all the benefits of nicotine pouches outlined here, increasing numbers of people are getting in on the action. 0.4% of the US adult population used nicotine pouches in 2022. It might not sound like much, but there are more than 250 million US adults — meaning around a million nicotine pouch users in the US alone.
As a result, the number of available brands is always rising, leaving plenty of choice for customers.
Here are just a few of the brands we stock on Prilla:
5. You Can Travel with Them
Did you know that most airlines allow passengers to travel with nicotine pouches? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is totally cool with passengers bringing smoke-free products like pouches in their cabin luggage, and most countries have taken the same approach.
Many airlines even let passengers consume them on board.
There are a few exceptions — for instance, in Canada, pouches of more than 4mg are prohibited. It’s always best to check the rules of a specific airline and country, but generally, you should be good to go.
6. They Boost Energy and Focus
Some people reach for an energy drink or a cup of coffee when they need an energy boost. But did you know that nicotine can play this role too?
Nicotine is a stimulant — just like caffeine — which means they both have an impact on the central nervous system. While many associate the “nicotine buzz” with a feel-good sensation, it can also boost alertness.
This is due to nicotine’s impact on neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which are linked to the regulation of alertness and cognitive function. Nicotine also releases adrenaline, a hormone that increases the heart rate, therefore providing an energy boost.
Now, a disclaimer here. Nicotine newbies definitely shouldn’t be reaching for pouches for the energy benefits due to the negative health impacts and side effects.
7. They Last Longer than Cigarettes
While the “hit” of a cigarette is typically over in as little as five minutes, a nicotine pouch lasts for between 30 minutes and one hour. The exact duration varies depending on a few factors, such as moisture content and individual variation.
This not only prolongs enjoyment, but it also helps to keep costs down since there’s no need to get through dozens of pouches in a day.
8. The Technology is Evolving Fast
For those who aren’t familiar with the nicotine pouch world, it would be easy to assume that a nicotine pouch is a nicotine pouch is a nicotine pouch.
This isn’t the case. Manufacturers just keep making improvements. Some include:
- The water-free technology of VITO pouches
- The capsules that come with LUCY Breakers
- Novel new flavor combinations and formats
We add new arrivals to Prilla all the time, so watch this space!
9. They Suppress Appetite
Nicotine pouches are so notorious at suppressing that some have even wondered if ZYN is an Ozempic dupe. The short answer is no, and weight loss goals are the wrong reason to reach for nicotine pouches.
However, nicotine does reduce appetite due to its effects on hormones and the brain. Nicotine impacts a brain sensor called hypothalamic AMPK (which helps the body regulate its food intake and energy expenditure) and the signals that tell the brain we’re hungry. It also boosts movement and increases energy expenditure by stimulating brown adipose tissue (a type of fat that burns calories)
As a result, weight loss can be an extra perk for nicotine pouch users who were hoping to shed a few pounds.
10. They’re Affordable
Nobody wants to have to spend a small fortune just to enjoy nicotine. Fortunately, nicotine pouches are pretty cost-effective.
One can typically costs between $4 and $6, and contains 15-20 pouches. Meanwhile, a packet of cigarettes costs between $6 and $12.
Need we say more?
Are There Any Health Benefits of Nicotine?
Look, we’re not going to sugarcoat things — nicotine pouches absolutely shouldn’t be used for health reasons due to the potential for side effects. It is only to be used by already nicotine-consuming adults.
However, nicotine has, in some studies, shown some positive impacts on brain functions like fine motor skills and episodic and working memory. It may even help to mitigate the impact of diseases related to cognitive and memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
However, more research is needed, and the benefits may not outweigh the negatives.
