If you've seen round cans of ZYN, Velo or Pablo behind a UK counter, here's what's inside: small sachets of plant fibre, nicotine and flavouring that sit under your top lip. There's no tobacco leaf, no smoke and nothing to light, but there is nicotine, and it's addictive. This guide is for adults who already use nicotine.
Quick answer: A nicotine pouch is a small, tobacco-free pouch of plant fibre, nicotine and flavourings that sits between your gum and upper lip. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth, with nothing burned or inhaled. Pouches contain nicotine, which is addictive, and they're for adults who already use it. You can compare UK strengths and flavours in our nicotine pouch range.
What is a nicotine pouch?
To look at, it's a small, usually white, rectangular sachet with a soft, fabric-like feel. Pouches come in a round, flat can with a lid. Pouch counts vary by brand: Nordic Spirit says its standard can holds 20 pouches, while a Mini can holds 14 (moist range) or 20 (dry range).
One thing to get straight early: tobacco-free doesn't mean nicotine-free. Every nicotine pouch contains nicotine, which is addictive, and these products are for adults (18+) who already use nicotine.
What are nicotine pouches made of?
Recipes differ between brands, but the basic building blocks are much the same. Here's what goes into a typical pouch, based on ZYN's UK ingredient guide and a July 2026 JAMA overview.
| Ingredient | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plant-based fibre or cellulose | Bulks out the pouch and carries the flavour. ZYN calls it "a taste carrier and filler". | ZYN UK; JAMA names microcrystalline cellulose |
| Nicotine | The active ingredient, absorbed through the mouth lining | ZYN UK; JAMA |
| Flavourings | Give the mint, fruit or coffee taste | ZYN UK; JAMA |
| Sweeteners | ZYN UK lists acesulfame K and says it uses no sugar | ZYN UK |
| Water or humectants | Control moisture. JAMA names propylene glycol as a humectant. ZYN Regular contains water and ZYN Mini doesn't. | ZYN UK; JAMA |
| pH adjusters | JAMA says they're used "to enhance nicotine absorption" | ZYN UK (lists pH adjusters); JAMA (quote) |
ZYN says its pouches contain no tobacco and no caffeine, and that includes ZYN Coffee. The JAMA overview (Piasecki et al., July 2026) gives the generic list above. Because every brand's recipe is slightly different, do what ZYN itself advises and check the full ingredient list printed on the can. For a line-by-line breakdown, see our ZYN ingredients guide.
Where does the nicotine come from?
JAMA says pouch nicotine is "either extracted from tobacco leaf or chemically synthesized". ZYN says its nicotine "is derived from tobacco but ZYN does not contain tobacco leaf". The ZYN UK site presents ZYN as a Philip Morris International smoke-free product.
Whichever way the nicotine is made, the legal definition covers it. As of October 2026, the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 defines a "nicotine product" to include any substance containing nicotine that is intended to be delivered into the body, other than tobacco, vapes and licensed medicines (s.51, legislation.gov.uk).
How do nicotine pouches work?
The pouch sits between your gum and upper lip, and nicotine is absorbed through the gums and the lining of your mouth (the oral mucosa). Nordic Spirit says you don't need to suck or chew it, and it shouldn't be swallowed.
Where to put a nicotine pouch
Tuck it between your gum and upper lip, on either side (Nordic Spirit). If you've been searching "where to put snus", the placement is the same. Beyond that, follow the guidance on your own can. Our guides to using ZYN and using Nordic Spirit cover brand-specific tips.
You'll usually feel a tingle on the gum. Nordic Spirit says it "usually lasts around 15 minutes" and comes from the nicotine and flavour being released.
How long to keep it in
Nordic Spirit says the experience lasts up to 30 minutes, and its usage guide says to remove the pouch after an hour at most. Treat that hour as a ceiling, not a target, and go by the instructions on your can. Use one pouch at a time. Don't double up or go beyond the manufacturer's guidance.
What to do with used pouches and empty cans
Park a used pouch in the lid compartment until you reach a bin. Nordic Spirit says used pouches are non-recyclable and go in general waste. Its cans are polypropylene, so empty the can and check recycling with your local council.
Keep cans well out of reach of children. JAMA reports that US poison-centre cases involving nicotine pouches rose more than sevenfold between 2020 and 2023. That's US data, but the point applies anywhere.
What does a nicotine pouch feel like?
For the first few minutes there's a tingle or slight burn on the gum where the pouch sits. It's more noticeable with higher strengths and with cooling flavours labelled "ice" or "cold". The flavour is strongest early on and fades over the session.
Pouches don't produce an intoxicating high. What people notice is the tingle and the effect of nicotine itself.
Going stronger than you're used to can bring light-headedness, dizziness, hiccups or nausea. If that happens, take the pouch out. If you already use nicotine and are thinking about moving up from a lower mg, read the strength section below first.
How much nicotine is in a nicotine pouch?
It depends on the brand and the line. Going by our catalogue titles, labelled strengths run from 1.5mg to 45mg. Brands don't all measure the same way: Nordic Spirit, for example, lists its Strong pouch as 9mg per pouch and 14mg per gram, so check the can before comparing. Here's how the range we stock breaks down, with normal prices per can.
| Tier | Catalogue examples | Normal price per can |
|---|---|---|
| Lighter (1.5–3mg) | 1.5mg ZYN X Low; 3mg ZYN Mini; 3mg ZYN Medium | £4.19 |
| 4–6mg | 4mg Greatest Cold Dry; 4mg Zeus; 5mg 77 Light; 5.6mg Denssi; 6mg ZYN Strong | £3.99 / £4.29 / £3.99 / £3.99 / £4.19 |
| 8–11mg | 8mg and 10mg Velo; 9mg ZYN Strong; 10mg 77 Medium; 10.2mg Pablo Silver; 10.4mg Cuba White Line; 11mg ZYN | £4.99 / £4.19 / £3.99 / £3.79 / £3.79 / £4.19 |
| 12–17mg | 13.2mg Killa; 13.3mg Greatest Cold Dry XL; 13.5mg ZYN XX Strong; 17mg Pablo Gold | £3.79 / £3.99 / £4.19 / £3.79 |
| 20mg-plus (only for people already used to strong pouches) | 20mg 77 Ghost Mini; 24mg and 30mg Pablo Exclusive; 35mg Iceberg; 43mg Cuba Black Line; 45mg Maggie Extreme | £3.99 / £3.79 / £4.55 / £3.79 / £4.55 |
This advice is for people who already use nicotine. If you're coming from 6mg, step up gradually rather than jumping a whole tier. The 20mg-plus tier is only for people already used to strong pouches. If that isn't you, leave it alone, because higher strengths make nausea and dizziness more likely.
Cuba White Line is one 8–11mg option at 10.4mg and £3.79 a can; its flavours include Cold Dry.
Mg per pouch vs mg per gram
Strength can be printed in two ways: milligrams of nicotine per pouch, or milligrams per gram of pouch material. Nordic Spirit publishes both, which makes a handy worked example:
- Regular Mini: 3mg per pouch = 9mg/g
- Regular Standard: 6mg per pouch = 9mg/g
- Strong: 9mg per pouch = 14mg/g
- X-Strong: 11mg per pouch = 17mg/g
- Max: 17mg per pouch = 24mg/g
The same 9mg/g figure means 3mg in a Mini pouch and 6mg in a Standard one, because the pouches are different sizes. You'll also see different numbers quoted for Pablo online, such as 50mg and 30mg. Our catalogue titles list Pablo Exclusive at 24mg and 30mg, so check the can and the manufacturer's spec to see which measure a number uses.
How to read the strength on a can
Brand labels like "Strong" aren't standard across brands. Even within one brand they can be confusing. Our catalogue titles label ZYN as X Low 1.5mg, Mini 3mg, Medium 3mg and 11mg, Strong 6mg and 9mg, X Strong 11mg and XX Strong 13.5mg. ZYN's UK strengths guide uses different names (6mg Mini is Medium, 9mg is Strong, 11mg is X-Strong, 13.5mg is XX-Strong), so go by the mg figure.
Other brands we stock label their lines like this:
- 77: Light 5mg, Medium 10mg and Ghost Mini 20mg
- Pablo: Silver 10.2mg, Gold 17mg and Exclusive 24mg/30mg
- Cuba: White Line 10.4mg and Black Line 43mg
Velo uses a dot system on its cans, which our Velo strength guide decodes. Flavour names give you cooling cues too: "Ice", "Cold", "Freeze" and "Frost" signal a stronger cooling feel.
Is one pouch the same as a cigarette?
There's no reliable one-to-one conversion. The mg on the can is how much nicotine the product contains, per pouch or per gram depending on the brand. The timing is different too: JAMA reports that peak blood nicotine takes 20–65 minutes with pouches, compared with 5–8 minutes with cigarettes. Choose by mg relative to what you already use. Our guide on choosing a pouch strength and flavour goes into more detail.
Nicotine pouch formats: standard, mini, XL, dry and capsule
Strength isn't the only choice. Pouch size and moisture change how a pouch sits, and moisture affects how quickly the flavour comes through.
Standard, mini and XL
Standard is the usual size. Nordic Spirit notes that its Standard size has more flavours and strengths than its Mini. ZYN calls its larger size Regular (Slim).
Mini pouches are smaller. Nordic Spirit says its Mini fits more comfortably under the lip for a more discreet look. We stock 3mg ZYN Mini Cool Mint and 6mg ZYN Mini Strong Cool Mint, both at £4.19.
At the other end is XL. Greatest Cold Dry XL is an XL-format version of Greatest's Cold Dry, at 13.3mg and £3.99. That puts it in the 12–17mg tier, so it's for people already comfortable at that level.
You may also see capsule pouches. Our catalogue lists Iceberg Capsule Watermelon Mint at 35mg, which sits firmly in the very strong tier.
Moist vs dry
Nordic Spirit says moist pouches have "increased moisture for a softer feel and quicker flavour release". Dry pouches have a "drier feel" and "bold flavour release". ZYN says ZYN Mini contains no water, unlike ZYN Regular.
Flavour families
Most flavours fall into a handful of groups: mint and menthol, fruit, cola, coffee and "cold" or "ice" cooling blends such as Cuba and Killa Cold Dry. ZYN Coffee tastes of coffee, but ZYN says it contains no caffeine.
Snus, white snus or Pablos: what nicotine pouches are called
The names get muddled, and some are flat-out wrong. Here's a quick decoder.
| Name you'll hear | What it actually means | Is it accurate? |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine pouch / nic pouch | A tobacco-free pouch containing nicotine | Yes, this is the correct generic term |
| Snus | A traditional oral product that contains tobacco | No. True snus contains tobacco and is illegal to sell in the UK (see below). |
| White snus | Usually means tobacco-free nicotine pouches | A misnomer, because there's no tobacco in them |
| Nicopods | A term people search alongside Pablo | Informal; "nicotine pouch" is the proper name |
| ZYN, Velo, Pablos, Killa | Brand names used as shorthand for any pouch | Only accurate for that brand |
What are Pablos?
Pablo is a brand of tobacco-free nicotine pouches, and "Pablos" has become shorthand for them. We stock Pablo nicotine pouches in three lines: Silver 10.2mg, Gold 17mg and Exclusive 24mg and 30mg, all at £3.79 a can. Silver is the lowest Pablo strength we stock, and it comes in mint options including Spearmint, Peppermint and Cold Mint.
Why do UK shops still say snus?
Because that's how people search. Selling tobacco for oral use (traditional snus) has been illegal in the UK since 1992 under the Tobacco for Oral Use (Safety) Regulations 1992. As of October 2026, the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 re-enacts the ban from 29 October 2026 (s.8). SnusBox sells tobacco-free nicotine pouches only, never tobacco snus. For the full background, read our explainer on whether snus is legal in the UK and our comparison of smokeless tobacco pouches vs tobacco-free pouches.
Nicotine pouches vs nicotine patches vs caffeine pouches
These three get mixed up a lot, and the numbers on the packs mean very different things.
| Nicotine pouch | Nicotine patch | Caffeine pouch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Nicotine | Nicotine | Caffeine (labelled in mg of caffeine) |
| How it's used | Placed between gum and upper lip | Worn on the skin; nicotine is absorbed through the skin | Placed under the lip |
| How strength is shown | mg of nicotine | As stated on the medicine's packaging | mg of caffeine (e.g. Denssi 100mg) |
| "Nicotine product" under s.51 (as of October 2026)? | Yes | No: patches are licensed medicines, which s.51 excludes | Sold as caffeine pouches, labelled by mg of caffeine; check the ingredient list on the can |
The patch row follows the s.51 definition, which leaves out licensed medicines.
Caffeine pouches in our catalogue include Denssi 100mg and Iceberg's 75mg and 150mg pouches. These are separate product lines from those brands' nicotine pouches. Don't mistake a 75–150mg caffeine figure for nicotine strength. Our caffeine pouches guide covers them properly.
The main UK brands and what a can costs
Here's a quick rundown of the brands you'll see most, with our normal prices per can.
- ZYN: £4.19 per can, from 1.5mg to 13.5mg in our range. ZYN UK presents it as a Philip Morris International product.
- Velo: £4.99 per can. We stock 8mg and 10mg Purple Grape and 10mg Icy Berries.
- Pablo: £3.79 per single can, from 10.2mg to 30mg.
- Killa: a brand of tobacco-free nicotine pouches at 13.2mg, including Cold Mint and Cold Dry, at £3.79 per can.
- Cuba: £3.79 per can, split into White Line at 10.4mg and Black Line at 43mg.
You'll also see Nordic Spirit in UK shops. We've quoted its usage and strength guidance throughout this article.
At normal prices, most standard cans we stock sit between £3.79 and £4.99. If you're stocking up, our multi-buy discount gives 10% off when you buy 10 or more cans, 15% off at 20 or more, and 20% off at 30 or more, applied automatically in the basket. UK Standard delivery (Royal Mail Tracked 48) takes 2–3 business days, costs £2.99 and is free on orders over £25 (checked 13 October 2026; see our delivery page).
Side effects, addiction and what isn't known yet
Nicotine is addictive. JAMA says people "often develop nicotine dependence that causes cravings", and ZYN UK says its products are "not risk free and provide nicotine, which is addictive".
The long-term picture isn't settled. In July 2026, JAMA stated: "The long-term health consequences of nicotine pouches, including effects on the oral and cardiovascular systems, and the risk of cancer, are unknown."
JAMA also cites a US survey of adult users. About half reported mouth lesions, more than a third reported mouth soreness and about 20% reported a sore throat. That's US data. Some people also notice gum irritation, hiccups, or nausea and dizziness at higher strengths.
Nordic Spirit's warning lists nausea, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, rapid heart rate, hypertension and loss of balance. It says the product isn't for non-nicotine users, under-18s, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people at risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or ulcers. Anyone on medication should speak to a healthcare professional first. For more, read our guide to nicotine pouch side effects.
Nicotine pouches and UK law (as of October 2026)
As of October 2026, the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is law: it received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026 (legislation.gov.uk). From 29 October 2026, it is an offence to sell a vaping or nicotine product, including nicotine pouches, to anyone under 18 in England and Wales (s.10).
Pouches fall within the Act's "nicotine product" definition (s.51), covered in the ingredients and patches sections above. Tobacco snus remains illegal to sell, as explained in the name decoder. SnusBox sells tobacco-free pouches only.
As of June 2026, the government intends to ban the advertising and sponsorship of nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, across the UK from 1 June 2027. Retail websites will still be able to give factual, non-promotional product information (DHSC blog).
Scotland and Northern Ireland bring these rules in under separate parts of the Act with their own commencement. SnusBox customers confirm they are 18+ on the site.
FAQs
Are nicotine pouches legal in the UK?
Yes, for adults. As of October 2026, the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 treats them as nicotine products (s.51). From 29 October 2026, selling them to under-18s is an offence in England and Wales (s.10), and tobacco snus remains illegal to sell (s.8).
How much nicotine is in a nicotine pouch?
It depends on the brand and line. Our range runs from 1.5mg (ZYN X Low) up to 45mg, going by our catalogue titles, and anything 20mg-plus is only for people already used to strong pouches. Check whether a figure is per pouch or per gram, and don't confuse caffeine pouch mg with nicotine.
Do nicotine pouches get you high?
No, there's no intoxicating high. You'll notice a tingle on the gum and the effects of nicotine. Going stronger than you're used to can cause dizziness or nausea.
Are nicotine pouches the same as snus?
No. Snus contains tobacco and has been illegal to sell in the UK since 1992, while nicotine pouches are tobacco-free. People still say "snus" out of habit, but SnusBox sells tobacco-free pouches only.
Are nicotine pouches drugs?
They contain nicotine, which is an addictive drug. They aren't licensed medicines. As of October 2026, the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 treats them as "nicotine products" and excludes licensed medicines from that definition (s.51).
Are nicotine pouches harmful?
They're not risk-free. Nicotine is addictive, side effects include gum irritation, hiccups and nausea, and JAMA (July 2026) says the long-term health consequences are unknown. The side-effects section above has the detail.
How many cigarettes is one nicotine pouch?
There's no reliable conversion. The mg on the can may be per pouch or per gram depending on the brand, and JAMA reports pouches take 20–65 minutes to reach peak blood nicotine, compared with 5–8 minutes for cigarettes. Choose by mg relative to what you already use.
How long do you keep a nicotine pouch in?
Follow the guidance on your can. Nordic Spirit says the experience lasts up to 30 minutes, and its guide says to remove the pouch after an hour at most. That hour is an upper limit, not a target.
Are Pablos 50mg or 30mg?
You'll see different numbers quoted online. Strength can be shown per pouch or per gram (Nordic Spirit publishes both for its range), and our catalogue lists Pablo Exclusive at 24mg and 30mg. Check the can and the manufacturer's spec to see how a figure is measured.
Are caffeine pouches the same as nicotine pouches?
They're separate product lines. Caffeine pouches are labelled by mg of caffeine (Denssi 100mg, for example), not mg of nicotine, so check the ingredient list on the can to see exactly what's inside.
For adult nicotine users only (18+). Contains nicotine, which is an addictive substance.
