Our Pouch Testing Standards 

Nicotine pouch testing helps verify product composition and quality. Understanding what is tested and why can help adult nicotine consumers better evaluate products and understand what they are buying. 

Key Takeaways
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  • Nicotine pouch testing focuses on product composition, not health effects. 
  • An independent lab in Sweden analyzes nicotine content, pH, and selected substances. 
  • Nicokick routinely tests new products before adding them to the assortment. 

Why We Test Nicotine Pouches 

Nicotine pouches are consumer products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and all products listed on Nicokick are either authorized for sale by the FDA or currently undergoing review of a timely filed premarket tobacco product application. FDA authorization status and testing results are different things. Authorization relates to whether a product may be marketed; testing provides product-specific information about composition and quality.


Consumer-facing results that are easier to understand can improve transparency, consistency, and product understanding. 


Testing does not determine whether a product is safe or risk free. Instead, it provides objective data about what a product contains and whether it aligns with declared specifications and internal quality expectations. 

What Is Tested? 

Our tests focus on measurable product characteristics, including: 


Nicotine Content 

Laboratories analyze the amount of nicotine per pouch and compare it with declared values. This helps identify deviations or inconsistencies. 


pH Value 

pH is measured because it affects product chemistry and consistency. Results are evaluated against established reference ranges used within the industry. 


Selected Substances 

Other tests screen for the presence of specific substances, such as: 

  • Tobacco‑specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) 
  • Certain trace metals 
  • Other factors relevant to product quality 

Independent Testing and NicoLeaks

Testing is performed by the independent third‑party laboratory Eurofins in Sweden, with new results continuously published on NicoLeaks. 


NicoLeaks is a database maintained by the parent company of Nicokick that shares laboratory results for a range of nicotine pouch products across different markets. 


These results allow regulators, researchers, journalists, and consumers to review objective product data in a consistent format. 

What Does a Nicoleaks Report Look Like

Each report contains 26 unique results, corresponding to 23 measurements plus 3 sums. Here we break it down into 10 categories: 

Test/Parameter Why It's Important 
1) TSNAs (NAB, NAT, NNN, NNK)  Carcinogenic (cancer causing) 
2) Water content  Affects moisture and shelf life 
3) Trace metals  Present in many foods but harmful at high levels 
4) Mycotoxins (molds)  Carcinogenic, liver/kidney damage 
5) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)  Carcinogenic, environmental contaminant 
6) pH  Affects product chemistry and consistency
7) Pouch weight  Used to calculate mg per pouch 
8) Microbial activity  Spoilage risk
9) Nicotine  Active ingredient 
10) Humectants  Affects moisture and shelf life 

What Testing Means (and What it Doesn't)

Testing: 

  • Provides objective data about product composition 
  • Supports transparency in a growing product category 

Testing does not: 

  • Establish product safety 
  • Assess health risks 

Nicotine is an addictive substance, and no nicotine product should be considered risk free. 

Important: The products sold on this site contain nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical that may increase heart rate and blood pressure and pose risks for individuals with certain medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease. These products are intended only for adult 21+ current nicotine users and are not for non-users. Sales to persons under 21 are prohibited.