In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the popularity of nicotine pouches as alternatives to traditional tobacco and nicotine products. As more individuals seek out tobacco-free nicotine options, these smokeless alternatives have gained traction as a discreet and convenient way to satisfy nicotine cravings.
Nicotine pouches are a tobacco-free alternative, similar to the traditional Swedish snus pouches. They are oral products that are placed between the upper lip and gum. They release nicotine that is absorbed through the gums and lips without the need to inhale vapour or harmful smoke.
Nicotine pouches come in various flavours and strengths, providing users with options that suit their preferences. They offer a discreet alternative for individuals who may be seeking an inconspicuous way to consume nicotine in environments where smoking is prohibited or socially frowned upon.
Swedish snus or snus pouches feature powdered tobacco encased in a pouch (sometimes referred to as a portion). Swedish snus nearly always contains powdered tobacco leaves as well as water and sodium carbonate. Some snus contain natural flavourings such as mint or menthol similar to other traditional tobacco products. The sale of traditional Swedish snus is banned in EU countries except for Sweden.
Nicotine pouches offer a tobacco-free alternative to traditional snus pouches and are also smoke and vapour-free. Similarly packaged in portions, they contain nicotine extracts, as well as fillers like plant-based fibres and a small amount of gum base. Their flavour base is also more extensive than traditional snus, offering fruit palettes on top of traditional mint and menthol offerings. Unlike snus, the sale of nicotine pouches is allowed in many EU nations, due in part to them not containing tobacco.
Snus pouches have a rich history deeply rooted in Swedish tobacco tradition. Originating in Sweden, snus gained popularity across Scandinavia, especially in neighbouring Norway.
The history of snus dates back to the 18th century when it was introduced as a form of moist tobacco. Initially, it was consumed by placing loose tobacco under the upper lip. However, this method led to messy and inconvenient use, prompting the development of snus pouches. With the introduction of snus pouches, snus became increasingly popular among both men and women.
In Sweden, snus has become deeply ingrained in the culture and is widely accepted as an alternative to smoking. The popularity of snus in Scandinavia can be attributed to perceived health benefits compared to other forms of tobacco consumption.
Over time, the demand for Swedish snus grew beyond Scandinavia's borders. However, in 1992 the EU imposed a ban on the sale of snus, categorising them as a harmful tobacco product. Sweden itself remained exempt from the ban due in part to snus cultural and historic significance within the country.
Unlike their traditional counterparts, Nicotine pouches are allowed to be sold legally in most EU countries, mainly due to the absence of tobacco as an ingredient.
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in popularity of nicotine pouches is their convenience factor. Unlike cigarettes, which require lighting up and producing smoke, nicotine pouches can be used discreetly and without any lingering odours. They offer a convenient option for individuals who want to satisfy their nicotine cravings without drawing attention or causing discomfort to those around them.
Furthermore, health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to smoking that are perceived as less harmful*. Nicotine pouches provide just that - a smoke-free option that eliminates exposure to harmful chemicals associated with traditional tobacco products such as tar. They allow users to enjoy the effects of nicotine without inhaling tar or other carcinogens found in cigarette smoke.
*NOTE: Bear in mind however that nicotine is still a prevalent ingredient and therefore nicotine pouches are addictive and should be treated with the same precautions as you would with any other product containing nicotine.
The appeal of nicotine pouches also lies in their versatility. They come in various flavours and strengths, allowing users to customize their experience based on personal preferences. Additionally, these pouches are portable and easy to use on the go, making them an attractive choice for those leading busy lifestyles.
Global market analysis indicates that the nicotine pouch industry is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years. The market size of nicotine pouches is projected to expand significantly, driven by factors such as increasing awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and a growing emphasis on health and wellness.
In the UK alone the nicotine pouch market was worth £45.8m as of July 2023, whilst globally the market sat at 1.99 billion USD in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 35.7% until 2030 *note this figure also included tobacco derivatives and products*.
Several major players have emerged in the industry, offering a wide range of nicotine pouch products to cater to different consumer preferences. These companies have invested heavily in research and development, product innovation, and marketing strategies to capture a larger share of the market.
Market growth projections indicate that the nicotine pouch industry will continue to thrive as more countries implement stricter regulations on smoking and tobacco consumption. Additionally, changing consumer lifestyles and preferences towards smokeless alternatives are expected to contribute to the expansion of this market worldwide.
With this in mind now is a good time to consider stocking nicotine pouches as part of your vape business’s offerings. With a wide range of leading brands to choose from, bulk-buying nicotine pouches from a reputable wholesale supplier like JM Distro could be the key to helping your vape business achieve its potential over the coming years.
Ensuring that your business is up to date with the regulations around nicotine-related products is vital, and nicotine pouches are no exception.
As stated previously the sale of traditional snus pouches is banned in EU countries except for their country of origin (Sweden). Sweden’s neighbour Norway is not an EU member and therefore traditional snus pouches can be sold there, the same is true of the US and Canada, however in Canada sales of snus are restricted and the US has its take on the traditional Swedish version which usually has a lower bioavailability of nicotine.
Nicotine pouches on the other hand are currently legal across most EU member states, except for Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands, which imposed a ban on the products in the Autumn of 2023. Despite this, many in the industry see nicotine pouches as a good stepping stone towards a Smoke-Free-Future, and helping those still addicted to smoking find a healthier alternative to tobacco.
JM Distro is the international wholesale arm of JM Wholesale, one of the UK’s largest vaping supply wholesalers. We stock a wide range of nicotine pouches from renowned brands to businesses across the globe. We also have a first-rate white-labelling service for brands looking to expand their range as well as an excellent manufacturing facility ensuring a premium quality product.
