Are nicotine pouches better than vaping?

Are nicotine pouches better than vaping?

When transitioning from smoking, it is important to plan which alternative nicotine therapy you plan to use in the place of cigarettes. This will give you the best chance of quitting and sticking to it. Vaping and nicotine pouches are two of the most popular smoking alternatives in the UK. We hope to provide you with the pros and cons of both, allowing you to make the decision that is right for you. 

What are Nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are a fairly new smoking replacement option, which is both smoke and tobacco free. To use a pouch, place it between your lip and gum, nicotine is then released into the blood via mucous membranes. These pouches are small and discreet and you can use them anywhere. Additionally, nicotine pouches are tobacco free, using synthetic nicotine instead. 

Nicotine pouches pros

• Nicotine pouches do not require inhalation, meaning your lungs are not at risk of damage when using them alone. 

• Pouches are discreet and legal in all public places in the UK. Just make sure you discard your used pouches in a bin.

• Zero second-hand exposure, Smoking particularly can harm those around you. Pouches involve no output at all, making them safe to use around all age groups(as long as you keep them out of the reach of children)

• No burning of tobacco is involved, keeping you safe from over 70 cancer causing chemicals.

• Hassle free: Nicotine pouches require no device, and do not have to be cleaned, recharged or refilled.

• Small and compact: pouches are easily portable, able to be transported in a range of different ways. 

• Socially they may be more accepted due to their lack of smoke/vapour.

Nicotine pouches cons

• Nicotine pouches have been found to cause some oral health problems. Problems include gum irritation, and lesions that in rare cases may become cancerous.

• There is not a large amount of longer term data on the use of nicotine pouches, due to it being a fairly new product.

• Nicotine pouches can taste very strong and may not be to some people`s personal preferences. Additionally, pouches have far more limited flavour options than you get when vaping.

• You may find your cigarette cravings are less satisfied by nicotine pouches as they don't emulate the action of smoking like vaping does.

• Public awareness of nicotine pouches is lower, which may lead to misunderstandings and assumptions if people around you aren't educated on them.

• Prices may increase if they are regulated in the future.

• For frequent users, the cost of repurchasing nicotine pouches may add up and become quite expensive.

What is vaping?

This one may seem obvious but you'd be surprised how many misunderstand the mechanics of vaping. Vaping refers to the inhalation of vapour produced by heating liquid(e-liquid). E-liquids usually contain flavourings, chemicals, water, and nicotine. Vaping is considered a far safer option than smoking, as the burning of tobacco that is considered to be a major carcinogen.

Vaping Pros

• Up to 95% safer than smoking according to Public Health England

• No burning involved, meaning you aren't exposed to tar, carbon monoxide and 70 cancer causing chemicals that are present in a cigarette.

• You can customise your nicotine levels, slowly reducing until you are completely nicotine free.

• Extensive range of flavours: there are so many flavours of e-liquid you are bound to find one to suit your taste preferences.

• Vaping is one of the closest options to smoking in terms of satisfying cravings, mostly due to the inhalation and hand-to-mouth action.

• Other customisable features: including flavour intensity, airflow settings, and vapour production.

• Vapes and vape products are widely available in most shops throughout the UK, whereas nicotine pouches may be slightly more specialist.

• The vaping subculture has a strong sense of identity, giving vapers a sense of support and belonging as they quit smoking.

• Healthier and less damaging option than smoking, making vaping generally more accepted by the public. 

Vaping Cons

• Risk of respiratory problems.( however significantly less risk than smoking)

• Easier to use incorrectly. For example, wrong inhalation technique, using too high a nicotine content etc.

• Again, long-term effects are uncertain; vaping is also relatively new so we may not understand if there are longer term effects yet.

• Upkeep: vapes need a fair amount of maintenance such as charging, cleaning, refilling, and coil changes. This may be difficult when you are very busy.

• Restricted use: In many public places it is not permitted to vape.

• Portability: Some vape kits are very large and may be difficult to carry around easily. Additionally for longer trips you may need to pack a battery charger/ spare batteries and e-liquid. However, vape kits are becoming increasingly smaller and more compact, so it's worth shopping around to minimize this issue.

• Some negative perceptions around health/ exposing others to vapour.

• Legal restrictions around vaping such as the amount of e-liquid that can be stored in your tank.

• Becoming more expensive: A new e-liquid tax is set to go into effect in October 2026. This will affect any kind of vape liquid, even ones with zero nicotine content.

• Vaping involves a higher upfront cost than nicotine pouches do. When you start vaping you will need to buy a device, e-liquid, coils, batteries etc. However, well-maintained devices last a while, so over time the cost may end up being similar to nicotine pouches.

In Summary...

It is important for you as an individual to weigh up these considerations before choosing which option will give you the best chance of success in quitting smoking. Alternatively, some people opt for both, using pouches in situations where they may be unable to vape. Either way, we have a great selection of both vape products and nicotine pouches, so why not have a browse today.