The origin of nicotine pouches and the Swedish Experience
Did you know that fewer people die from causes attributed to tobacco use in Sweden than in any other European country? This is especially surprising when you consider that the use of tobacco in Sweden is on par with everywhere else, and is slightly higher than the UK.
This paradox is referred to by researchers as the Swedish Experience, and the likely explanation is the widespread use of snus instead of cigarettes.
This phenomenon is also key to the evolution of innovative smoke-free alternatives such as nicotine pouches. Therefore, we must look at the story behind snus to understand the popularity of these new nicotine products.
How old-fashioned Scandinavian tobacco surpassed cigarettes
The smoke-free, moist, pasteurized tobacco product known as snus has been used in Scandinavia for hundreds of years. But it almost vanished in the mid-1900s, as cigarettes became the symbol of modernism. Hollywood stars and celebrities didn’t use snus – they smoked cigarettes, and so the public followed suit.
Many wondered if snus had any future whatsoever, but consumption persisted as it was the tobacco of choice among the working-class. However, starting in the 60s and 70s the trend shifted, and the snus evolution begun.
Key drivers to the Swedish snus evolution
• A 1964-report on smoking and public health requested by the American president John F. Kennedy, established elevated risk of cigarette use. From this point, public discourse and actions in response to health issues related to smoking caught on.
• The iconic round snus-can was introduced in 1967 and became a massive success. It also had the unintended advantage of keeping the product fresh for longer periods compared to the former packaging.
• The introduction of portion snus in the early 70s, as an alternative to traditional loose form snus. This rejuvenated the category and presented a product able to compete with cigarettes.
In the following decades the tables turned, with cigarette sales decreasing and snus on the rise. Original portion snus kept evolving into new forms such as white portion, slim portion, super slim and all white pouches.
The double-edged nature of nicotine
The success of snus in attracting smokers along with the Swedish Experience paradox have challenged the idea that nicotine is exclusively bad, with Cancer Research UK stating:
"The general medical position is that nicotine itself poses few health risks, except among certain vulnerable groups."
While it’s certainly the main driver of tobacco dependency, nicotine itself bears a very small risk compared to the many toxic chemicals and carcinogens released in tobacco smoke. The realisation that nicotine could be used in other ways to help with a stop smoking attempt has contributed to innovation into smoke-free alternatives, and one of the fastest growing products is the nicotine pouches. They are equipped with the main characteristics of the snus success story. The round can, the pouch that you pop under your upper lip and the nicotine, but without the need for inhalation and without the tobacco.
Nicotine pouches vs snus: what is the difference?
Snus, also commonly known as Swedish snus, is a type of tobacco which comes both loose or in pouches and is placed under the top lip where it will release nicotine. Snus is very common in Sweden and Norway, but is actually illegal in most European countries, including the UK.
While snus does not need to be burnt or smoked it is still tobacco, and so it is still responsible for many negative side effects and illnesses, but to a lesser extent than smoking.
Nicotine pouches on the other hand do not contain any tobacco. They were originally inspired by Swedish snus and so look very similar and are used in much the same way, by placing a pouch under the top lip so it can release nicotine, but as they do not contain tobacco they are legal to buy and use in the UK.
Nicotine pouches are designed as an alternative to smoking, allowing users to manage their nicotine cravings during a stop smoking attempt without the need for tobacco, smoke, or vapour.
The benefits of nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches offer a convenient and easy solution that can be used alone or alongside another alternative like a vape kit. Because they do not release any smoke or vapour they are not only very discreet, but can be used pretty much anywhere including on public transport, flights, indoors, and at work.
To help you effectively manage your nicotine cravings, nicotine pouches are available in a wide range of nicotine strengths, from mild strength nicotine pouch options like those from Helwit, all the way to extreme strength nicotine pouch options like those from Lost Mary Airplane Mode and Pablo. Allowing you to find the exact strength that will match the nicotine intake your body is used to, helping you avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine pouches are also available in a wide range of different flavours, from refreshing mint and menthol flavours to fruity options like berry and citrus, to make for a more enjoyable user experience.
How to use nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches, also known as nicopods, are very easy to use and do not require any additional accessories. Simply place a pouch in a comfortable position between your top lip and gum and leave in place for 5 – 30 minutes. As your saliva dampens the pouch it will release flavour and nicotine, and after it is used the pouch can be thrown away in any standard bin.
To make them even easier to use, nicotine pouches come in a plastic ‘can’ which keeps them fresh and makes them easy to store and carry with you. The can usually also has a handy storage compartment built in where you can keep any used pouches if you don’t have access to a bin straight away.
It is important to note that nicotine pouches should not be swallowed, chewed, or sucked, and that you will likely experience some tingling in the area around the pouch as the nicotine is released.