Pouches, gum, or lozenges? Which oral nicotine product is best for you?

If you’re reading this post, you’re likely looking for an alternative to tobacco or vaping. If this is the case, you’ve got a tough task ahead of you. Why? Because there are so many options to choose from. So, to help you out, we’ve narrowed it down to nicotine pouches, gum, and lozenges – the most popular oral nicotine products on the market.

These products are useful tools if you’re looking to ditch the dip, chuck out the chew, or even quit smoking. All three serve the same purpose, which is to satisfy your cravings. But they are used very differently. So, if you’re considering them, it’s important to know their differences to ensure you make the right choice.

In this post, we’ll give you a rundown of the oral nicotine category and take you through each of the main products to help you decide which is right for you.

Ready? Let’s get into it.

An overview of oral nicotine products

Simply put, oral nicotine products contain nicotine and go in your mouth. Unlike traditional tobacco products, such as Grizzly dip and Red Man chew, they are 100% tobacco-free. So you can use them without staining your teeth or needing to spit.

Nicotine pouches, gum, and lozenges all get used differently, but they work identically – by buccal absorption. This means that they deliver nicotine via the lining of your mouth, enabling you to enjoy the effects without needing to inhale any smoke or vapor.

Nicotine gum and lozenges are considered forms of Nicotine Replacement Therapy, or NRT for short, which are products approved to help smokers quit. But pouches aren’t just yet.

Nicotine pouches

What are nicotine pouches? These products are small, white pouches filled with nicotine, flavoring, water, and plant fiber fillers that go under the upper lip. They come in various strengths, flavors, and formats, so there is something to suit every user.

If you’re wondering how to use nicotine pouches, it’s simple. You crack the container, take one out, and tuck it under your upper lip. Then you can leave it there for at least 30 minutes while you enjoy the flavor and kick.

If you’re a dipper or a chewer, you may be wondering why nicotine pouches go in the upper lip and whether you can use your lower lip. Can you do this? In short – yes. However, you’ll likely notice a faster, more abruptly-ending release with more drip, which might make you need to spit.

Why choose nicotine pouches?

Now that you’ve had an overview of these products and how to use them, what are the key features that might make you want to try them? Find out below:

• Super discreet
• Spit, stain, and smoke-free
• Last for 30 to 60 minutes
• Choice of fast, medium, or slow nicotine and flavor release
• Many flavors to choose from (mint, wintergreen, coffee, and more)
• Strengths of 2 mg/pouch to 15+ mg/pouch (light, normal, strong, and extra strong)

What are the best nicotine pouch brands?

Want to try these products but not sure where to start? Here are the top brands in the US:

• ZYN nicotine pouches
• VELO nicotine pouches
• On! nicotine pouches

All in all, these products are a brilliant way to satisfy your cravings, especially if you require a more intense kick and a bold taste. They also offer great bang for your buck because they last for a long time.

Nicotine gum

Let’s take a look at nicotine gum now. What is it? Essentially, it’s just like ordinary chewing gum, except it gives you a nicotine buzz when you chew it!

So, how does this work? Similar to pouches – by transferring nicotine to your bloodstream via the lining of your mouth. However, it requires you to ‘chew and park’ it to get an effect. This means you must chew the gum for a specified time (usually until it tingles) to release the nicotine before ‘parking’ it between your gum and cheek to absorb it.

Unlike pouches, nicotine gum is designed for use in the lower area of the mouth. But, with that said, there’s no reason why you can’t park it up top – it’s just less convenient!

Why choose nicotine gum?

Onto the key features. What does nicotine gum have to offer?:

• Easily disguisable as regular gum
• Spit, stain, and smoke-free
• Engaging use method (chew ‘n’ park)
• Good for a quick fix (lasts 30 minutes)
• Delicious, fresh flavors (wintergreen, pomegranate, cinnamon, and more)
• Lighter strengths of 2 mg to 6 mg per piece

Nicotine gum is a great way to get the satisfying effect you desire. It’s a tried and tested product that’s been around since the 1980s and is, therefore, one you can trust to get the job done. What’s more, it’s a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy – so if you’re a smoker – it’s proven to help you quit!

Nicotine lozenges

Nicotine lozenges are like a mix between pouches and gum. They’re small, solid discs that contain nicotine and flavor, designed to be left against your gum and cheek to dissolve and release the good stuff.

You don’t need to chew these products. But, like gum, they become activated as they get agitated, releasing more nicotine as they break down.

Why choose nicotine lozenges?

• Useable anytime and anywhere
• Spit, stain, and smoke-free
• Simple to use – pop it in and let it dissolve
• Slow and steady release that provides long-lasting satisfaction

Looking for a long-lasting experience? Lozenges are likely your best bet. They’re perfect if you don’t mind waiting a little extra for the onset. What’s more, they come in delicious flavors, like citrus and mint, that are subtle at first and intensify throughout use.

Comparison chart: Nicotine pouches VS gum VS lozenges

Still torn between which to choose? Take a look at the chart below to compare the main factors of each product.

Overall, any of these products will satisfy your cravings. Which is best for you comes down to your preference for release speed, intensity, discretion, and available flavors and strengths. If you're unsure, consider trialling each product to see how you get on with each before deciding to keep one for consistent use.

Want to read more posts like this? Check out our comparisons category.