Recent studies continue to support the idea that nicotine pouches pose a lower risk compared to conventional tobacco products.
The outcomes of the multi-year, three-part research program add to the extensive body of research on nicotine pouch products, contributing to the understanding of the real-world health effects of such products.
The widespread use of snus and nicotine pouches has aided countries like Sweden in reducing smoking rates from 16.5% in 2004 to 5.8% today, making it the country with the lowest smoking prevalence in the EU and one of the lowest globally.
Elaine Round, the Group Head of Life Sciences at BAT, stated: “If we are committed to creating a world without smoking, we must ensure that we continue to develop leading-edge scientific evidence to demonstrate the potential of our products to be less harmful.
This research marks another significant milestone for the nicotine pouch category, adding to the substantial data that already supports our belief that less harmful*† products like Velo can be crucial in providing smokers with satisfying, complete alternatives to continued cigarette use.
Especially encouraging are the findings that the addition of specific flavors and a range of nicotine strengths did not heighten measures of cytotoxicity, given the significant role these product features can play in offering adult smokers viable alternatives.”
The first study (Bishop et al 2020) introduced a method for creating extracts of tobacco and nicotine products for in vitro testing and evaluated BAT’s Velo (then known as Lyft) against both a reference cigarette and a comparable snus product. The results supported the category of nicotine pouches, and Velo in particular, as being less harmful
The second study (East et al 2021) utilized the aforementioned method to test a variety of Velo flavors and nicotine strengths in both lung cell cultures and an oral cell model that mimics the human body, revealing limited toxicity across the product variants tested. This demonstrated that the flavors and nicotine strengths studied do not exacerbate measures of cytotoxicity for the Velo products.
The third study (Yu et al 2024) examined a selection of Velo products from the previous study using both traditional and modern tests for DNA damage and mutations, as well as assessing inflammation, and once again showed minimal reactions compared to a reference snus product. Consequently, this study further substantiated the less harmful profile of Velo.
Brands such as Zyn are attracting followers—we explored the connected health hazards and the possibility of pouches assisting in smoking cessation.
For an extended period, legislators in the United States have been embroiled in a dispute over Zyn, a favored brand of nicotine pouches.
During a press gathering in late January, Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Senate majority, issued a caution regarding the potential for young individuals to become addicted to these pouches. He also appealed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to scrutinize the health repercussions and promotional approaches of these products.
Schumer’s comments provoked a strong reaction among Republicans. “Big Brother Schumer disapproves of chewing or smoking. Now he opposes an alternative that has aided many in quitting,” posted the New York representative Richard Hudson on Twitter, accompanied by an image of himself in full camouflage, showcasing a tin of Zyn.
As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, 2.1% of adults admitted to currently using smokeless tobacco products. In 2023, the agency revealed that 1.5% of high school students had used smokeless tobacco within the preceding 30 days.
Although these figures are not high, the appeal of nicotine pouches has been on the rise. Sales of Zyn in the US surged by 58.8% between 2019 and 2022, as per one report, and then escalated by an additional 66% in the third quarter of 2023.
We delved into the health risks associated with nicotine pouches and their potential to assist individuals in quitting smoking, as some advocates assert.
Is the use of nicotine pouches more beneficial than smoking cigarettes?
“There is no definitive evidence to determine the exact level of risk these products pose compared to cigarettes,” explains Dr. Benjamin Chaffee, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry and the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education. He further notes that since nicotine pouches do not involve combustion or the inhalation of smoke, unlike cigarettes, “it is reasonable to anticipate that these products would be less harmful than smoking cigarettes.”
However, Chaffee cautions that there is no solid proof that these nicotine products facilitate the cessation of smoking traditional cigarettes. In fact, they might complicate the process of quitting nicotine.
“Many individuals who smoke cigarettes and attempt to use, for instance, an e-cigarette or another form of nicotine product, often end up using both and continuing to be reliant on nicotine,” he states. “Therefore, it does not necessarily diminish the consumption of conventional cigarettes.”
This could be partly attributed to how the body metabolizes nicotine. A study published in November 2023 in the medical journal Addiction revealed that nicotine pouches do not significantly alleviate a current smoker’s nicotine addiction. The researchers discovered that cigarette smokers obtained a quicker relief from their nicotine cravings compared to pouch users, as smoking causes nicotine levels to rapidly increase in the bloodstream within just five minutes, whereas with pouches, the increase can take up to 30 minutes.
As the trend of ZYN and other nicotine pouches keeps growing, many users are curious about these items. The idea might seem straightforward—insert a pouch into your lip and savor the experience—but the question remains: when should you throw it away? What is the lifespan of nicotine pouches? This article aims to clarify what you can anticipate from your preferred nicotine pouches.
Utilizing nicotine pouches
Before we delve into details, let’s briefly discuss the correct way to use nicotine pouches.
Position the pouch in a cozy spot between the lip and the gum. The upper lip, to one side, is suggested. You might feel a slight tingle or burn from the nicotine for a short while; this is typical. Leave the pouch in place and let the flavors unfold and the nicotine to be absorbed. Finally, remove it from your mouth and discard it in a trash receptacle. (Most pouch brands, including ZYN, feature a concealed compartment in their tins to store used pouches conveniently while you’re out and about.)
What is the activation time for ZYN?
ZYN and other dry nicotine pouches typically begin to take effect within a couple of minutes. Dry pouches depend on the body’s own saliva to release the nicotine, so a bit of patience is necessary.
In contrast, moist pouches do not require the initial trigger from saliva. With their higher moisture content, the nicotine starts to work almost immediately.
What is the duration of nicotine pouches?
The typical time it takes for the nicotine and flavors to be fully released is generally between 20 and 60 minutes, although this timeframe can differ based on various elements.
Size of the pouch: Nicotine pouches come in different sizes, including mini, slim, and large. Bigger pouches tend to last for a longer period.
Strength of the nicotine: There is a common notion that stronger pouches endure longer. While this could be accurate, it is up for debate. Regardless of the strength, the absorption rate of nicotine is likely to be similar. However, the impact of nicotine might be felt for a longer time with stronger pouches.
Flavor profile: Some robust flavors, like mint and menthol, often persist longer than subtle or delicate flavors. Consider it akin to chewing gum: mint flavors usually outlast fruity ones.
Dry versus moist pouches: Dry pouches offer a gradual and consistent release of nicotine, often over a slightly extended period. Moist pouches provide an intense initial surge of nicotine, but the flavor and effects may diminish more rapidly.
Freshness: Pouches that are not stored correctly or have expired will not last as long as fresh ones. Nicotine and flavors lose their strength over time and when exposed to light, heat, and oxygen. Adhere to proper storage methods to maintain the freshness of your nicotine pouches.
Individual preferences: Users have varying criteria for deciding when a pouch has reached its end. For some, it might be the moment the first reduction in flavor is noticed. Others might keep it in their mouth until every last trace of flavor and nicotine has been extracted.
How long do ZYNs endure?
According to ZYN’s U.S. website, ZYN pouches can provide “up to one hour of genuine nicotine satisfaction.” Conversely, the company’s UK website asserts only “up to 30 minutes.” Such estimates are intended to set expectations, but they don’t necessarily reflect the actual duration a ZYN may last.
Irrespective of manufacturer suggestions, how long do ZYN pouches function in a practical setting? Similar to most pouches, ZYNs typically offer at least 25 to 30 minutes of enjoyment for the majority of individuals. This isn’t necessarily the point at which they should be thrown away, but rather when users start to notice a significant decrease in flavor and effects.
How do I determine when to discard my nicotine pouch?
The duration for which a nicotine pouch should be kept in the mouth is a personal decision. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Simply dispose of it when it ceases to be satisfying or when you’ve had sufficient nicotine.
When using any form of nicotine product, it’s crucial to be attentive to the body’s reaction to prevent overindulgence. An excess of nicotine can lead to “nic sickness,” characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, an increased heart rate, nausea, headaches, etc. This is unpleasant and should be avoided. For a novice or infrequent user, keeping a pouch in place for five to ten minutes might be sufficient. Others may relish nicotine pouches for a considerably longer period without any discomfort. (Note: The nicotine from a pouch may continue to be absorbed through your gums into your bloodstream for several minutes after you’ve thrown away the pouch.)
How long does the ZYN sensation last?
The initial surge experienced after inserting a ZYN typically stabilizes after 10 to 15 minutes. Nonetheless, the broader effects of nicotine can persist for much longer.
Nicotine from pouches is absorbed relatively slowly into the bloodstream—at least in comparison to vaping or smoking—so the subtle effects can endure for over an hour after discarding a ZYN. The duration will vary among individuals. Much of it hinges on your tolerance, the quantity of nicotine consumed, hydration level, and metabolism.
While the question probably doesn’t come up frequently in conversation, at some point, the majority of ZYN consumers have probably wondered whether it’s safe to swallow spit from ZYN nicotine pouches. Fortunately, we’ve got some good news for you. The short answer is Yes, you can swallow ZYN spit. We have all of the answers you’re looking for. It’s time to learn the truth about ZYN pouches.
But first, let’s quickly discuss what ZYN nicotine pouches are. ZYN pouches are smoke-, spit-, and tobacco leaf-free pouches that don’t need batteries or refills. This means that they’re easy to enjoy on the go and almost anywhere you go. ZYN is available in a range of flavors and strengths..
Can zyn nicotine pouches be swallowed?
The real question isn’t whether you can swallow ZYN nicotine pouches, but whether you should. According to ZYN’s website, “the nicotine and other food-grade ingredients in ZYN are not harmful to adults if consumed in small amounts.” However, we advise consulting a doctor immediately if you swallow a ZYN nicotine pouch.
Can you swallow youur saliva while using Zyn?
Yes, you can definitely swallow your saliva while using ZYN nicotine pouches, but doing so may eventually cause irritation to your throat tissues. The decision to swallow your saliva or not while using ZYN pouches is largely a matter of personal preference. Some individuals dislike swallowing their saliva, or the “ZYN juice,” during use due to the taste or the subsequent sensation. Others, however, find pleasure in swallowing their saliva from ZYN nicotine pouches, primarily because it enhances the absorption of nicotine.
Do you need to spit when using zyn?
ZYN, a form of oral nicotine, has been crafted with a user-friendly design that reduces saliva production, thereby removing the need for spitting. Unlike conventional smokeless tobacco products like snus, ZYN is entirely spit-free. This means that once you position a ZYN pouch beneath your upper lip, you can savor a spit-less experience without any hassle.
What happens if you swallow zyn？
Ingesting the contents and components of a ZYN pouch would undoubtedly be unpleasant. Many pouches contain flavored nicotine salts. If you swallow one, you’re likely to experience a stomach ache. However, consuming an excessive number of nicotine pouches could have serious consequences, so exercise caution.
Regardless of how you phrase the question, the answer remains consistent—do not swallow ZYN pouches. If you adhere to this one rule, you’ll be in good hands.
Nicotine pouches, such as Nordic Spirit, Zyn, and Velo, are compact sachets filled with nicotine and other components that are positioned beneath the upper lip. These pouches are not meant to be chewed or sucked, as doing so would not deliver the full nicotine effect. Additionally, while they resemble snus, nicotine pouches are free of tobacco and are frequently viewed as aids for quitting tobacco use. As with snus, it’s crucial that nicotine pouches are not ingested but are instead removed with a finger and discarded.
Should you accidentally swallow a nicotine pouch, there’s no need for alarm. Since these pouches are tobacco-free, they won’t trigger severe internal reactions like those that might occur with snus. In fact, less nicotine will enter your bloodstream compared to using the pouch as directed.
The ingredients in the pouches, aside from nicotine, are generally benign. The list of ingredients is reminiscent of a typical household concoction: water, salt, food-grade additives, and optional flavorings. However, the pouches themselves are not meant for digestion, so users are advised to take them out from under the lip and dispose of them, similar to how one would treat chewing gum—another item not intended for the digestive system.
Ingesting a pouch or two over a lifetime is unlikely to have significant consequences. Nonetheless, if you frequently swallow nicotine pouches, it’s advisable to cease this practice, as the ingredients are not suitable for large-scale consumption. Remember that nicotine is a chemical and should only be used as instructed on the packaging.
Using nicotine always carries some risk, so it’s important to be mindful of your body’s response. Although nicotine isn’t carcinogenic, an excessive amount can lead to nicotine poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, dehydration, and elevated blood pressure. While the risk of death from nicotine poisoning is low, it can disrupt your body’s functions and should be a consideration if you’re tempted to swallow a nicotine pouch again.
It’s vital to keep nicotine pouches away from children. If a child were to find and consume these pouches, the effects on their small, developing bodies could be more severe.
Always pay attention to your body’s signals; it will communicate its state if you listen. If you’ve swallowed a nicotine pouch and feel unwell or anxious, consulting a healthcare provider for a quick examination is a wise choice. When in doubt, it’s better to be cautious.
