What are Nicopods?

To use a nicopod, simply place the pouch between your upper lip and gum, where it releases nicotine that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth​.

Unlike cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products which involve smoking or chewing, nicopods can be used without spitting and without any special devices.

Using nicopods is straightforward and doesn’t require any equipment. 

The goal is to park the pouch in your mouth so the nicotine can absorb. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Begin by opening the container and taking out one nicotine pouch.

Lift your upper lip with your tongue or finger and tuck the pouch between your upper gum and lip, off to one side.

Do not chew, swallow, or tear the pouch. Just let it rest in place.

You’ll typically feel a tingling sensation within a few minutes. There’s no need to spit.

The contents are designed to stay in the pouch while nicotine and flavour release.

You can leave the nicopod in for about 20–60 minutes, or as directed by the product, depending on when the effects fade.

When you’re done, remove the pouch with your fingers. Dispose of it in a trash bin.

Do not litter – many nicotine pouch cans have a built-in compartment under the lid where you can store used pouches until you find a bin. Never swallow a used pouch.

Pro tip: If you’re new to nicotine, start with a shorter usage time (e.g. 10–15 minutes) to gauge its effects. You can always use the next pouch longer once you know how your body reacts.

Nicopods are small, discreet pouches resembling little tea bags, made with carefully selected ingredients to deliver nicotine and flavour in a smokeless, tobacco-free form.

Here’s a breakdown of typical ingredients and formulation components:

• Nicotine – The active ingredient, usually in a purified salt form. Each pouch contains a measured dose of nicotine.
• Plant-based fibres (fillers) – These fibres give the pouch its bulk. The filler helps evenly distribute nicotine and flavour within the pouch.
• Flavourings and sweeteners – Food-grade additives that provide the pouch’s taste. Nicopods are available in a variety of flavours, including mint, berry, citrus, and coffee. 
• pH adjusters – Chemicals that control the acidity of the pouch contents. A common additive is sodium carbonate (and/or bicarbonate), which makes the mixture alkaline​.
• Preservatives and others – Many pouches include small amounts of preservatives and humectants. These ensure the pouches don’t dry out.

Because there’s no tobacco leaf, nicopods are sometimes called “all-white” snus – the pouches remain white before and after use, with no staining.

Using nicopods responsibly will help you get the best experience while minimising issues. Keep these best practices in mind:

• Use one at a time: Stick to one pouch at a time, especially if you’re new.
• Choose an appropriate strength: Nicopods come in various nicotine strengths. If you are just switching to nicopods or have a lower tolerance, opt for a pouch with a lower nicotine dose (often around 2–4 mg per pouch) initially.
• Don’t swallow or chew: Nicopods are not meant to be eaten. Never swallow the pouch – the material isn’t digestible. If you accidentally swallow a pouch, seek medical advice.
• Time your usage: Keep a pouch in for the recommended duration (often up to 30 minutes). Once the flavour or nicotine effect fades, dispose of it.
• Store properly: Keep your nicopods in a cool, dry place. Heat or direct sunlight can dry them out. Always close the lid tightly after taking a pouch to maintain freshness.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets: Treat nicotine pouches with the same caution as any nicotine product. Always store your cans somewhere secure.
• Dispose responsibly: Used nicopods should be thrown in the trash. Since they contain nicotine residue, don’t flush them.

By following these tips, adult users can ensure they handle nicopods safely and get a consistent experience. 

Always read any instructions or warnings on your nicopod product packaging as well.

Nicopods are a smokeless, tobacco-free way to consume nicotine. 

While they avoid combustion and smoke, they still carry risks because they deliver nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Understanding potential side effects and health considerations is important for all users.

Nicotine stimulates your body. Using a nicopod can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure shortly after placement.

Some users may experience tingling, warmth, or a mild burning sensation where the pouch sits against the gum.

If irritation becomes uncomfortable, it is advisable to remove the pouch and consider using a lower strength or a different flavour.

Using nicotine pouches—especially in higher doses or for inexperienced users—can lead to nausea, dizziness, headaches, or hiccups. 

These effects are more common if multiple strong pouches are used in quick succession.

If you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or dizzy, remove the pouch and rest. Reducing nicotine intake or choosing a lower-strength product can help minimise these effects in the future.

Not all nicopods are created equal – some are much stronger than others in terms of nicotine content.

The “strength” of a nicotine pouch generally refers to how much nicotine it delivers.

Here’s how to understand nicopod strength and what makes one pouch “stronger” than another:

The primary measure of strength is the amount of nicotine in each pouch, usually given in milligrams.

Most brands clearly indicate the nicotine content on the can or in the product description.

As a frame of reference, many “standard” strength nicotine pouches on the market have around 4–6 mg of nicotine each, while “extra-strong” varieties might have 9–12 mg or more. ​

Nicotine strength is sometimes described with words or a rating system (since not all consumers focus on the mg number).

You’ll see descriptors like “Strong,” “Extra Strong,” or numbers like 2/4 or 4/5 dots on the package.

However, these labels are not standardised across brands.

One brand’s “strong” might be 6 mg per pouch, while another brand’s “strong” could be 9 mg.

The result is that a pouch labelled “strong” from one manufacturer could deliver nearly double the nicotine of a “strong” pouch from a different brand​.

The only reliable way to compare strength is by looking at the actual mg of nicotine.

So, as a user, get to know the numbers: if you need a lighter experience, choose a product in the lower single-digit mg range; if you want more intensity, look for higher mg.

Nicotine content is the main factor determining strength, but formulation can fine-tune how strong a pouch feels.

The pH level inside the pouch influences nicotine absorption – a more alkaline pouch (higher pH) releases nicotine faster in the mouth.

Many strong nicopods use pH adjusters to ensure a high percentage of the nicotine is free-base (readily absorbed).

This is why even two pouches with the same nicotine content can feel different if one has a higher pH or uses a different nicotine salt formulation.

Additionally, pouch size and moisture can affect the release rate. But as a rule of thumb, more milligrams = more nicotine impact.

When buying or using nicopods, look for the nicotine content on the can.

Many brands print the mg per pouch (e.g., “Nicotine: 6 mg/pouch”) on the side or bottom.

Some, however, might list mg per gram or use a star rating. If it’s not obvious, consult the brand’s website or a reputable source for the exact nicotine amount.

Being informed will help you choose the right strength for your needs and avoid accidentally choosing something too strong.