Your pouches are low, and you’re panicking. But – you spot a can on your shelf that you had forgotten about, which could be your saving grace. Is it still safe to use? Will it satisfy your craving? Where can you find the expiry date, and is there even one there? So. Many. Questions.
If you’ve been in this position before, are in it now, or are just looking to learn more about whether nicotine pouches like ZYN expire, keep reading because we’re here to help!
Do nicotine pouches have an expiry date?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Yes, in the sense that, by a certain date, your pouches will no longer be the same as when they were factory fresh (more on this later). And, no – because that date is unlikely to be shown or even known. Why is this? Well, unlike snus, dip, and other traditional tobacco products in the US, nicotine pouches don’t have best-before dates printed on their cans.
So, how long do nicotine pouches last?
If there’s no expiry date printed on your can, how do you know how long it’ll last? Also – will it ever expire? Most popular nicotine pouch brands in the US state that the duration for which their contents will stay at peak freshness is one to two years. Vague, right? We know. But that’s because your pouches’ longevity will depend on:
- Storage conditions: The humidity, temperature, and general cleanliness of the environment in which you store your pouches can significantly boost or reduce their longevity.
- Pouch format: A plump, moist pouch under the lip, like White Fox, is enjoyable. There’s no doubt. However, it isn’t the best choice if you’re looking for something that’ll stand the test of time.
By not giving a best-before date, manufacturers essentially don’t state whether their products go bad at all. But that’s OK because, technically, nicotine doesn’t go bad – at least not in the same way as cheese or meat. Instead, it just degrades as its molecular structure changes over time. So, with this in mind, it’s easier to understand why ‘one to two years’ is about as precise as we’ll get. Here’s what Prilla’s Product Specialist Daniel had to say about this:
“It’s true. You can’t really give pouches a precise date for when they’ll expire. Not in the traditional sense, at least. And by that, I mean when it becomes unsafe to use the product. This is because it’s less of a case of safety and more just one of satisfaction. Old nicotine pouches are unlikely to present problems beyond a potentially underwhelming experience, provided you’ve stored them correctly.”
What happens to ‘expired’ nicotine pouches?
So, if a rotten smell and a drastically different physical appearance aren’t often associated with products like VELO pouches when they’ve passed their freshness limit, what is? Check out the list below to get to grips with what you can expect before you dust off your trusty behind-the-sofa can:
- Weak flavor and aroma: What was once a mouth-numbing, eye-watering mint blast or sweet, fruity treat while fresh; may be lackluster and dull when old.
- Poor nicotine punch: If you’re accustomed to the full-strength kick of fresh pouches, you’ll likely be left wanting more from those that aren’t.
- Reduced comfort: You might not even notice your pouches under your lip while they’re in date. But this might not be the case when they’re old and dry. Some slight irritation isn’t uncommon.
How can I make my nicotine pouches last longer?
Ever buy nicotine pouches online, only to realize you’ve ordered way too many? If so, you’re not the first! Some people get tens, sometimes hundreds of products in at a time, which begs the question of how they keep them fresh. So, how? There are three ways. And the first one comes before you get them!
No.1 – Choose a robust format
As discussed earlier, moist formats are satisfying but more likely to perish quicker than their dry counterparts. So, if you’re looking for something with a lengthier window of time to enjoy at its peak, brands like On! nicotine pouches are the way to go.
No.2 – Follow these storage guidelines
For the best chance that future-you will get a full experience, ensure you keep your pouches somewhere cool, dry, and away from sunlight. Some of the best places for this are in your fridge (as long as you aren’t storing them next to your salmon), pantry, or any cupboards that are away from heat and are clean.
No.3 – Separate your cans if required
Pro tip? Divvy up your cans based on where you’ll use them. If you take the car to work every day in the summer, just bring enough for the day. That way, you can keep the rest stored correctly and not expose more than you need to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
The bottom line
While nicotine pouches don't come with an explicit expiry date, they will change over time. How fast depends on the environmental factors they are to exposed to and their format. By understanding how to store them properly and choosing the right pouch type, you can maximize their freshness and get satisfaction throughout (and maybe even beyond) their shelf life.
Remember, nicotine may degrade, but it won't expire in the traditional sense, making it OK to use even if it's weak. However, if you are concerned about whether an older product is safe to use, please get in touch with us at support@prilla.com, or talk to the manufacturer directly.
