What Are Nicotine Pouches? A Plain-English Guide

A nicotine pouch is a small, pre-portioned pouch that is placed between the gum and the top lip. It releases nicotine and flavour while it sits there. There is no smoke, no vapour and nothing to light.

What is in a nicotine pouch?

Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco. ASH Scotland describes them as containing a white powder infused with nicotine plus ingredients such as sweeteners and flavourings. Manufacturers usually list a plant-based filler, nicotine, flavourings and sweeteners, and sometimes a pH adjuster and moisture regulator. The exact recipe varies by brand, so check the ingredients on the can.

How are they different from snus?

Snus is a tobacco product. Selling snus has been banned in the UK since 1992. Nicotine pouches contain no tobacco, which is why they can be sold in the UK. Our nicotine pouches vs snus guide explains the difference in more detail.

How strong are they?

Strength varies a lot between products. Our shop shows strength as milligrams (mg) of nicotine per pouch, because that is the amount in each portion. Some brands print mg per gram (mg/g) on the can instead, which is a different measurement. Our strength guide shows how to convert between them.

Who can buy them?

From 29 October 2026, UK law sets the age of sale for all nicotine products at 18. It becomes an offence to sell nicotine pouches to anyone under 18. Pouch Haus sells only to adults. Read our explainer on the new rules.

Nicotine is addictive

Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. They are an adult product and are not intended for non-users of nicotine, for anyone under 18, or during pregnancy.