How Do Nicotine Pouches Work?

Nicotine pouches have exploded in popularity over the last several years, thanks to the smoke-, spit-, and tobacco leaf-free experience they offer users. And with a wide variety of flavors available, it is no surprise they have become a popular alternative to nicotine patches, nicotine gums, and tobacco products. But how, exactly, do nicotine pouches work? And how effective are they?

Nicotine pouches are small, pre-portioned bags that release nicotine when placed between the lip and gum. As the pouch sits in the mouth, nicotine is absorbed through the gums. These pouches do not require spitting or chewing, offering a tobacco-free option for nicotine use.

The process by which nicotine enters your system when the pouch comes in contact with the mucous lining of your mouth is called oral absorption. The nicotine reaches your brain within around 10 seconds of when it enters your body. Nicotine reaches your brain within about 10 seconds of entering your body, triggering the release of adrenaline, which gives you that feeling of pleasure and energy. As for how long nicotine pouches work, that can vary depending on the strength of the pouch, which brand of nicotine pouches you use as well as your nicotine tolerance.  

Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, a stimulant which speeds up communication between brain and body. When used, the nicotine does not go directly to the brain, but takes a detour through the circulatory system - unlike when smoking a cigarette. This causes the brain to release adrenaline, which can give a feeling of pleasure and energy. Generally, only 10-20% of the nicotine in the pouch reaches the blood, but this may vary from person to person.  

Recent research suggests that the effects of snus and nicotine pouches on the body are minimal. A study by Dr Nyström (Professor of Internal Medicine at Linköping University, Sweden) on the short-term effects of snus on metabolism and hormones when eating a meal reported a slight increase in blood pressure, and a rise in cortisol levels, but no change in metabolism or appetite-regulating hormones.

As for how long does it take a ZYN to work, the amount of time nicotine from a nicotine is active in the body can vary depending on factors such as body mass, metabolism, and the frequency and duration of use. Generally, this is what the timeline of effects looks like:

• Immediately: Nicotine begins to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membrane in the mouth, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
• 10 - 20 minutes: Nicotine reaches the brain, stimulating the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
• 30 - 40 minutes: Peak nicotine levels in the bloodstream are usually reached around this time.
• 2 - 3 hours: Nicotine levels drop by half due to its two-hour half-life. Cravings and withdrawal symptoms may begin.
• 8 - 10 hours: Most nicotine and its metabolites should be cleared from the body, although regular pouch users may take longer.

Are there any differences between how different brands of nicotine pouches work? We break down how the 3 top brands on Nicokick work.

ZYN works by delivering nicotine orally. Just like other nicotine pouches, the nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream via the oral mucosa (the lining of your mouth), providing a quick and convenient way to get your nicotine without smoke or spit. If you want to learn more about ZYN, read our dedicated ZYN FAQ page. 

ZYN nicotine pouches give up to 60 minutes of nicotine release, and are one of the longer-lasting brands. 

VELO nicotine pouches work just the same as the other brand: the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. These pouches give up to 30 minutes of nicotine release. 

Again, Rogue nicotine pouches also work orally: so the nicotine is absorbed via the lining in your mouth. The size of Rogue pouches are slightly bigger than both ZYN and VELO pouches, but they give up to an hour of nicotine release. 

Nicotine pouches have several uses, but primarily they are an alternative to traditional oral tobacco or smoked tobacco products: as they can offer an oral way to get nicotine without the tobacco or smoke. 

Unlike cigarettes, vaporizers, and snus, nicotine pouches offer a mess-free way to consume nicotine. Because the pouches are self-contained and free of tobacco leaf, nicotine pouches do not require spitting - plus they aren’t likely to stain your teeth. Nicotine pouches can be disposed of easily, without anyone noticing. Also, because they are smoke-free, nicotine pouch users have more freedom to decide where and when they want to consume them.

The 5 most popular reasons people switch to and buy nicotine pouches are: 

1. Convenient to Use

If you have ever wondered how long nicotine pouches work for, it is a hard question to answer as it varies depending on many factors such as pouch strength, brand of pouches and a nicotine pouch user’s tolerance. However, you can typically leave a pouch in for 30 minutes at a time. Often, the lid of the containers the pouches come in include a place to dispose of the pouches if a trash can is not available. There’s no need to run outside for a cigarette and no odor that sticks to your clothes and follows you throughout the day.  Nicotine pouches are a portable option that are smoke-free and can be parked between the upper lip and gums at any time. 

2. Flavor Variety

Nicotine pouches come in many flavor options, from menthol and other popular mint flavors (such as wintergreen) to fruit flavors such as mango and berry. No matter your preference, nicotine pouches come in many flavor options meaning there are flavors for most adult nicotine users. There are even unflavored nicotine pouch options if you prefer a pouch without added flavor! Brands like ZYN sell a range of both flavored and unflavored pouches which means that nicotine pouch users can experience the range of flavors that vaping offers without any of the smoke. 

3. Strength Variety

Nicotine pouches are sold in a wide variety of strengths, unlike many other nicotine and tobacco products. As a result, adult nicotine pouch users have more options to choose from and can better tailor their nicotine routine. Nicotine pouches allow users to customize their nicotine experience, with strengths ranging from 2mg to 15mg per pouch on Nicokick..And since most pouches last up to 60 minutes, there is no need for several cigarette breaks each hour.

4. No Mess

With only a white, self-contained pouch tobacco leaf-free pouch , nicotine pouches offer all the nicotine effects you get from dip without the need for spitting and because there is no tobacco leaf, your teeth are less likely to get stained. Similarly, the lack of smoke, ashes, and butts make nicotine pouches a popular choice to use while out in public. Simply throw away the pouch, or put it in the storage catch lid (if your can has one), when finished. 

5. Smoke-Free

Unlike combustible products, nicotine pouches are placed in the mouth where the nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa. This means that they are not burnt, do not produce smoke, and require no inhaling. The same can’t be said of cigarettes and vaping. Nicotine pouches are a popular way to consume nicotine, especially when you’re on the move, at a crowded concert or in the office.