Can I Buy Nicotine Pouches in California?

Yes, you can buy nicotine pouches in California—but only if they’re unflavored or tobacco-flavored. State law prohibits the sale of other flavored nicotine pouches in stores and online. Adults aged 21+ can still legally purchase compliant options that meet California’s definition of non-flavored.  

Read more to discover all you need to know about buying nicotine pouches in California, what a flavor ban means, and why products with a tobacco-inspired flavor aren’t included in the ban. 

California law prohibits the sale of most flavored tobacco and nicotine products. This includes flavored nicotine pouches, which fall under the same category as flavored vapes and menthol cigarettes. These restrictions apply to both in-store purchases and online orders delivered to California addresses. 

California law prohibits the sale of nicotine pouches with added or characterizing flavors, which are defined as any distinguishable taste or aroma other than tobacco. This includes: 

• Mint and menthol (e.g., wintergreen, peppermint) 
  
  
• Fruit flavors (e.g., mango, citrus, berry) 
  
  
• Coffee, dessert, or candy-style profiles 
  
  
• Any pouch with added flavoring agents that enhance taste beyond a tobacco base 
  
  

Retailers are prohibited from selling or shipping these flavored nicotine pouches to California consumers. 

You can legally purchase unflavored or tobacco-flavored nicotine pouches in California if you're 21 or older.  

Under California law, tobacco-flavored products are not considered "flavored" because they do not contain non-tobacco characterizing flavors. These products are designed to mimic the natural taste of tobacco without adding sweet, fruity, or minty flavor profiles.

To be compliant: 

• The flavor must be limited to tobacco taste only 
  
  
• The product must not contain any additional sensory-enhancing agents, such as menthol, sweeteners, or fruity undertones 
  
  

This exemption allows adult users to access nicotine pouch options that align with traditional tobacco experiences, while still meeting state regulations aimed at reducing youth appeal. 

Yes — if the product is compliant with California law. Online orders for unflavored or tobacco-flavored nicotine pouches are legal, but certain restrictions apply. 

Retailers must: 

• Use your shipping address to filter for legal products 
• Perform age verification at checkout 
• Require an adult signature at delivery 
• In some cases, contact customers by phone to confirm compliance 

California's flavor ban is aimed at reducing the appeal that nicotine products may have for an unintended audience, including youth and non-tobacco or non-nicotine users. The state has applied a uniform ban to all flavored tobacco products, including: 

• Flavored e-cigarettes and vapes 
• Flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes 
• Flavored smokeless tobacco and nicotine pouches 

Yes — but only for personal use. It’s not illegal to bring flavored nicotine pouches into California if they were purchased elsewhere and are not being resold or distributed. However: 

• You cannot sell or ship flavored products within California 
• Retailers cannot legally send flavored nicotine pouches to California addresses 

Retailers that violate California's flavor ban may face: 

• Fines up to $250 per violation 
• Suspension or loss of business licenses 
• Enforcement actions by local and state authorities 

Online retailers must strictly follow the law when selling or shipping products to California customers.