• British American Tobacco (BAT), the company behind VELO, enjoyed growth in its modern oral segment, alongside its overall revenue.
• ZYN manufacturer Philip Morris International (PMI) had good results overall.
• Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) experienced a stable performance, but XQS pouches did well.
• Imperial Brands had a very modest rise in revenue, but its modern oral portfolio was one of its better-performing segments.

British American Tobacco (BAT)

VELO pouches, alongside more traditional tobacco products.

BAT’s first half-year results for 2026 reported that revenue increased 1.4% overall. Its “New Categories” group did even better, with revenue up 18% — largely thanks to modern oral products like nicotine pouches.

BAT groups Europe and the Americas together when measuring its results, making it hard to determine exactly how well the company performed in the continent. However, across the whole region, modern oral products enjoyed an 18.9% rise in volumes compared to the first half of 2025. Its report pointed to Scandinavia, the UK, and Poland as relevant regions for these products.

Philip Morris International (PMI)

ZYN pouches, no market report would be complete without PMI.

Overall, financial results showed the company enjoyed a positive second quarter in 2026. Net revenues grew 10.4% to over $11 billion, setting a new quarterly record for the company. The smoke-free business (which includes nicotine pouches alongside other products, like heated tobacco devices) was a particular highlight.

Its results for the first half of the year were also positive, with reported growth up 9.8%.

Europe is part of PMI’s International Smoke-Free segment, which excludes results from the US. In this region, modern oral products volume growth of 14.7%, while smokeless tobacco products didn’t perform so well. Romania and Greece received special mention as markets that enjoyed plenty of growth.

The report mentioned the Middle East conflict but noted only a minor impact, which was mostly due to transport and input costs. Consumer behaviour hasn’t yet experienced a significant shift.

Scandinavian Tobacco Group

XQS pouches, a growing collection with some of the most distinctive taste profiles we stock on Snusdirect. The group has also owned Ministry of Snus since its acquisition of Mac Baren in 2024, the manufacturer behind brands like Ace pouches.

Its results showed that net sales declined by 0.3% over the first half of 2026 when accounting for exchange-rate movement. Somewhat unusual considering the overall shift away from tobacco products, STG saw its handmade cigars segment grow 6% in net organic sales (although other tobacco products didn’t fare so well).

The group is currently in pursuit of Focus2030, a five-year strategy it started in 2025. This has three goals, with the third involving an expansion of STG’s nicotine pouch business. So far, it has added menthol flavours to the XQS collection. While nicotine pouches currently account for less than 5% of group net sales, it hopes to grow further and enter new markets. Austria was mentioned as one potential location.

Also, XQS performed better than the company’s other pouch brands, with organic net sales growth of 12%. Its pouches are particularly popular in Sweden, where XQS enjoys a market share of 13.6%.

Imperial Brands

Skruf nicotine pouches.

Its half-year results (ending 31 March 2026, unlike other companies featured) revealed that Next Generation Products (NGPs) like nicotine pouches enjoyed a 7.5% rise in net revenue. In Europe, the category experienced growth of 15.3%.

CEO Lukas Paravicini said: “Our modern oral portfolio has grown strongly in European markets.”

However, overall revenue remained largely the same, with a rise of just 0.8% compared to the half-year period in 2025.

Other Nicotine Pouch Market Stories

Only the biggest tobacco and nicotine giants are publicly listed, which gives us financial results to analyse. But there’s plenty happening outside of this bubble! Below are some highlights.

ALP is Coming to Europe

ALP pouches have made a splash across the Atlantic, where they were launched in 2024 by political commentator Tucker Carlson. In July, its CEO announced Europe will be joining the action.

The team says that ALP hopes to become the second-largest brand in the European Union by 2030. This may be ambitious, but the collection has enjoyed fast growth so far thanks to its moist contents and carefully curated flavours, so who knows?

Counterfeit Nicotine Pouch Factory Found

In August 2026, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) revealed it had found a large Lithuanian factory producing fake nicotine pouches. Authorities seized more than 330,000 boxes, which contained products that were counterfeits of well-known brands.

This highlights the importance of purchasing products from reliable retailers that have relationships with their suppliers and can verify the authenticity of their products, such as Snusdirect.

France Bans Nicotine Pouches

One of the biggest regulatory stories in Europe in 2026 has been France’s decision to ban nicotine pouches in April. It introduced some of the strictest regulations in Europe, with hefty penalties for possession and sale.

However, the move received backlash, with Sweden claiming it is an attack on the Swedish way of life. There have also been legal challenges, resulting in temporary suspensions and greater complexity that could lead to further developments.

• The metabolism turns food into energy, which is used for various purposes.
• Some metabolisms work faster than others, and the same person can have a metabolism that works faster at some moments than others.
• Nicotine speeds up the metabolism, possibly due to the impact it has on breathing and heart rate.
• It’s unclear how the impact of nicotine pouches compares to other nicotine products like cigarettes or vapes.

How the Metabolism Works

Metabolism is widely known as being that thing that helps us to lose weight (or stops us from losing weight). But in more technical terms, it’s all about chemical processes and energy. The metabolism turns food and drink into energy and stores energy, which it uses for digesting food, making the heart beat, breathing, repairing cells, maintaining the right temperature, and more.

Basically, thanks to metabolism, we can keep doing all the things that make life great — and the faster the metabolism is, the more efficient it is at turning calories into energy.

Everybody has a metabolism, but not everyone’s metabolism functions the same. Even for one person, their metabolism will function differently at different points in their lifetime and their day.

Some factors that affect metabolism include:

• Age: The metabolism naturally slows as we age.
• Body size: The bigger a body is, the faster its metabolism is.
• Muscles: People with greater mass have a faster metabolism since the muscle tissue burns more calories than fat.
• Hormones: Since hormones play a role in the metabolism, they affect how fast it works.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, as everything from sleep to pregnancy to living in a very hot or cold environment can affect our metabolism.

How Nicotine Affects the Metabolism

Although nicotine won’t make anyone more muscular or change their age, there are mechanisms through which it affects the metabolism.

Nicotine is a chemical compound, and after using a product like nicotine pouches, it enters the bloodstream and heads to the adrenal glands. There, it produces adrenaline, raising the heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. Somewhere along the line, there’s also a release of dopamine, which contributes to the feel-good “nicotine rush.”

There’s evidence that nicotine speeds up the metabolism. It’s less clear why exactly this happens, but the leading theory is that nicotine makes us breathe more often and makes the heart beat faster, which all requires more energy. Remember how we said that the metabolism controls breathing and heart rate?

Some estimates suggest nicotine boosts the calories the body uses by 7-15%.

Nicotine Pouches and Weight Loss

While nicotine (and therefore nicotine pouches) can theoretically make the metabolism work faster, they shouldn’t be used as a weight loss tool.

The best way to lose weight is by managing how many calories are consumed and how many are burned. Since people with more muscle mass have a faster metabolism, increasing muscle can also make it easier to lose weight.

For those who struggle with this process, help is out there. Whether it’s working with a nutritionist or personal trainer for a diet plan or getting medical help from a health professional (such as semaglutide injections).

Many people find that using nicotine affects their appetite and makes them less hungry. While it’s likely that the metabolism is the heavy hitter here, nicotine may also impact the hunger signals in the brain (ghrelin and leptin), which reduces hunger. Often, people gain weight after quitting nicotine.

Impact of Nicotine Pouches vs Cigarettes on the Metabolism

Most existing research on how nicotine affects the metabolism has been done on cigarettes. Since nicotine pouches are a newer product, information on how they impact the metabolism is limited. But ultimately, they both use the same chemical compound, so a similar impact can be expected.

One relevant factor is that nicotine absorption varies depending on the product used. In the case of nicotine pouches, users adopt 25-30% of the nicotine, compared to about 10% of the nicotine in cigarettes.

The more nicotine is absorbed, the more impact it’s likely to have on the metabolism. So, a heavy nicotine pouch user is likely to end up absorbing more nicotine than a heavy cigarette user — especially if they opt for strong nicotine pouches. But in some cases, cigarette users may end up absorbing more nicotine, depending on how many cigarettes they use.

Plenty of the characteristics that made NICO pouches popular are remaining the same (such as the icy taste profiles). However, the new collection boasts improved quality and more choice regarding formats and strengths.

Quick Summary:

• NICO has undergone a rebrand, complete with fresh products and designs.
• Its new MINT Series consists of four icy products.
• The new range features nicotine strengths between 4mg and 16.6mg, plus large and slim formats.
• As part of the rebrand, NICO’s manufacturer has also improved quality standards.

So, What’s Changed?

At a glance, everything about the post-rebrand NICO range looks different.

The new Mint Series features four products, in contrast to the two items that were previously available. Plus, their cans have different designs.

So let’s start with a quick introduction to the flavours and nicotine strengths of the products:

• NICO Breeze Slim: 4mg of nicotine per pouch, a mint and menthol flavour.
• NICO Ice Strong Slim: 10mg of nicotine per pouch, a peppermint and menthol flavour.
• NICO Freeze Extra Strong Slim: 11.5mg of nicotine per pouch, a peppermint and menthol flavour.
• NICO Extreme Ultra Strong Large: 16.6mg of nicotine per pouch, a peppermint and menthol flavour.

It’s fair to say this new Mint Series is fresh — both in terms of its newness and the icy flavour profiles it offers.

New vs Old Products

For those who have tried NICO products previously, the main question is no doubt how the new collection compares with those previously available.

Fortunately, we’ve summarised everything in the table below.

What’s Different?

The main differences between the pre- and post-rebrand NICO products are as follows:

• The new products are moist. This results in a faster and more intense release of nicotine and flavour.
• There is now a large format available. This takes up more space below the upper lip, creating a “full-bodied” experience that many users can’t get enough of.
• There’s now a greater range of strengths. Both lower and higher strengths are now available, meaning there’s a NICO pouch for users of all preferences and experience levels.
• Quality has been improved. NICO’s manufacturer has been tweaking its processes and ingredients to ensure the new collection is better than ever.

Meanwhile, the taste profiles remain similar, with a focus on refreshing minty flavours and plenty of menthol to create a “tingling” effect in the mouth.

Why Give NICO a Go?

So far, we’ve hurled a load of information about the new NICO range. But what about those who are new to NICO and have had their curiosity piqued by the rebrand?

For one, the pouches are made by Swedish manufacturer The Snus Factory (the same company that made the old NICO pouches).

The Snus Factory stays true to the cultural heritage and quality standards of Scandinavian nicotine products, ensuring every pouch contains an explosion of flavour.

NICO pouches are likely to be particularly popular among fans of brands like Siberia and VELO. Siberia pouches are known for their high-strength, minty nature — something NICO emulates with its use of menthol to create an icy effect.

Meanwhile, VELO pouches are some of the best-selling mint pouches on Snusdirect, thanks to their moist contents and the range of strength levels on offer. Two things the NICO collection also offers!

But whether it’s US political commentator Tucker Carlson saying that ZYN is “not a brand for men” or brands like Kelly White emerging that explicitly cater to women, there’s no denying that gender enters the conversation. Ever been curious about how men and women differ in their pouch consumption habits? This article runs through what we know (and what we don’t).

Men vs Women What the Data Says

We’re not here to give empty speculations — let’s go straight to the data. How does nicotine pouch usage differ between men and women?

A report using data from between 2020 and 2021 in Great Britain found that men were four times more likely to use nicotine pouches than women.

It doesn’t seem like this trend is restricted to the UK, either. An analysis of young Australians (which surveyed an equal number of men and women) revealed that men were more likely to be aware of and to use nicotine pouches than their female counterparts.

Likewise, over in the US, reports have found that nicotine pouch users are more likely to be male.

That’s three continents with the same trend.

Having said that, these figures should be viewed with a dose of scepticism. The world of research moves slowly, while the nicotine pouch market is developing rapidly, so the available data may not reflect current trends. Still, here at Snusdirect, we do have more male customers.

The Counterargument

Interestingly, not all research suggests that men use nicotine pouches more than women.

The Professional Footballers' Association found that usage of nicotine pouches and snus was equally split between the genders:

• 18% of male players and 22% of female players currently used snus or nicotine pouches.
• 42% of men and 39% of women reported using snus or nicotine pouches in the past.

It also found that women were more likely to exhibit signs of nicotine dependence.

Could there be something unique about female and male footballers that distinguishes them from other men and women, or a difference between usage of nicotine pouches and snus (the report didn’t differentiate between the two)? The verdict is still out.

Patterns in Consumption

As well as differences in the number of nicotine pouches consumed by the two genders, there may be differences in how men and women consume pouches.

Some evidence suggests high-volume pouch users are more likely to be men, while low-volume pouch users are more likely to be women.

However, both genders are more likely to consume a moderate quantity than to lie on the extremes.

Unfortunately, there’s limited research here. Do women prefer spearmint pouches while men prefer peppermint? Are men more likely to be fans of VELO, while women prefer White Fox? Once again, it’s anyone’s guess.

What Does it All Mean?

If we take at face value that men use nicotine pouches more than women, the big question is: Why? Let’s look at some possibilities.

History of Nicotine and Tobacco

Historically, tobacco products like cigars and cigarettes have been more associated with men.

Almost no women used tobacco before the 1920s, while a huge number of men did. The social acceptance of female smokers grew in subsequent decades, and eventually started to level out — in 1998/99 in the UK, 28% of men and 26% of women were smokers.

Today, the ONS reports that around 14.6% of men and 11.2% of women smoke in the UK, and that these proportions have remained roughly consistent since 2011. But this history may be playing a role in impacting how people view newer nicotine products today.

Popular Culture

Over in the US, the association between nicotine pouches and men has become so strong that a new word has been termed for it — “mascuzynity.”

This phenomenon is largely due to popular culture figures who target men promoting nicotine pouches, such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

While Europe hasn’t seen anything quite like this, some may be influenced by what’s happening across the Atlantic on the internet. Could this be attracting some men and repelling some women?

Branding

Nicotine pouches aren’t quite on the level of Yorkie bars when it comes to marketing, explicitly excluding women from buying them.

But most brands favour minimalistic designs and colours like black and blue, which are commonly used when marketing to men. Meanwhile, styles and colours that typically market to women are less common.

However, some might argue that this shows nicotine pouch brands are being exclusive and not pandering to gender stereotypes.

Men vs Female Pouches

Despite most brands historically catering to men — or at least, not explicitly targeting women — this may now be changing.

The Kelly White brand is one of the first to explicitly cater to women. Its products have a touch of luxury and sophistication, with flavour profiles like Sparkling Strawberry, which fuses champagne and strawberries.

While Kelly White can designs are fairly minimalistic, the brand sells special nicotine pouch cans boasting the likes of rhinestones and leopard print for those who want to “jazz up” their pouch experience.

Although the brand is fairly new, if it turns out to have found a gap in the market, it could encourage others to take a similar female-centric approach.

Also, while Kelly White is alone in explicitly marketing to women, other brands may be trying to appeal to the female market in more subtle ways. On Snusdirect, we’ve seen an increase in can designs that are more stereotypically female. For instance, the floral design on XQS Elderflower and purple and pink hues in products like FIX Cherry Blossom.

The Gender Question

As with most things in the nicotine pouch world, this is a fast-evolving space. Will more brands emerge that cater to women? Do pouch-loving women prefer gender neutral brands over stereotypically feminine options? Is the pouch market really becoming more “mascuzyn” or are more women entering? We’ll let you know the answers as soon as we have them!

In this article, we’ll run through the typical caffeine contents of energy pouches and compare them to the quantities found in other caffeine products and the upper limit per day.

Caffeine Pouches: A Primer

There’s a fair bit of confusion about what caffeine pouches are (and what they aren’t), so let’s take a few moments to get on the same page.

Caffeine pouches (such as Wakey pouches or Scooper pouches) are an alternative to nicotine pouches. They boast the same format and similar flavours, but none of the nicotine.

Caffeine vs Nicotine-Free Pouches

However, they differ from some other types of nicotine-free pouches because they replace the nicotine with caffeine. Meanwhile, options like VELO Breezy Mango Zero simply contain various flavourings.

While caffeine and nicotine are different substances, they both provide an energising effect, which means the two products provide a somewhat similar experience.

This can make caffeine pouches popular among those trying to transition away from nicotine who are finding it tough to move away from the “buzz.”

Caffeine vs Coffee Pouches

Caffeine pouches are a completely different product from coffee pouches, which contain the coffee flavour without the caffeine itself.

Most caffeine pouches boast sweet, fruity, or minty flavours rather than a coffee-based taste profile. But never say never!

How Much Caffeine Per Day?

To figure out how many caffeine pouches it’s safe to consume, let’s start by looking at the upper limit of caffeine consumption.

As a general guideline, 400mg of caffeine is the upper limit. But everyone is different — some people are particularly sensitive to caffeine, and certain groups should limit their caffeine further.

For instance, pregnant women should keep caffeine under 200mg per day.

Dosage for Caffeine Pouches

Now that we have a basic idea of what to expect from caffeine doses themselves, let’s turn back to energy pouches.

Scooper energy pouches such as Scooper Energy Fresh Mint contain 80mg of caffeine per pouch. That means that, if someone consumed 100% of their caffeine from the pouches, they could probably consume five pouches per day without experiencing any problems.

WAKEY pouches like WAKEY Cosmic Cola are less strong, with a caffeine dose of 50mg per pouch. This would mean that a non-caffeine consumer could consume as many as eight pouches per day.

But remember, this is assuming somebody only gets caffeine from pouches. As we’ll soon see, this is very unlikely.

Typical Caffeine Doses in Other Products

To start to pull together a more accurate picture of how much caffeine to consume, it’s crucial to know the amount that comes from other sources.

Spoiler: it might be more than you think!

Coffee

When most people think “caffeine,” they think coffee. But exactly how much does a typical drink contain?

In Starbucks UK products, the doses are as follows:

• Single espresso: 44.6mg
• Caffe americano tall: 89.1mg
• Cappuccino grande: 89.1mg
• Caffe latte venti: 133.7mg

Bear in mind these are approximate values since baristas aren’t robots.

For those who make instant coffee at home, the caffeine contents are likely to be much lower. A mug of instant coffee will likely contain around 30mg, though it varies depending on the brand and how generous a serving the coffee maker places on their spoon.

Even “decaf” products contain small amounts of caffeine. A decaffeinated caffe latte grande from Starbucks still contains around 3.6mg of caffeine.

Other Beverages

Coffee isn’t the only beverage that contains caffeine. Some other popular caffeinated drinks include:

• Black tea — roughly 45 mg of caffeine per 200ml
• Green tea — roughly 35 mg of caffeine per 200ml
• Yerba mate — roughly 80mg of caffeine per 150ml
• Energy drinks — roughly 80mg of caffeine per 250ml
• CocaCola — roughly 35 mg of caffeine per 200ml

Clearly, anyone who regularly drinks one or more of these caffeinated drinks could go a long way toward their final caffeine limit without a single caffeine pouch.

Chocolate

Then there’s chocolate.

The caffeine content in chocolate varies widely depending on the concentration of cocoa — while 100 grams of 100% cocoa chocolate contains 240 mg of caffeine, most people can’t handle the bitterness.

In milk chocolate, the same quantity provides around 45 mg of caffeine. That’s a lot less, but considerable for any major chocolate fans.

Other Products

There may be small traces of caffeine in the following products:

• Chocolate-flavoured foods and drinks (including hot chocolate)
• Food that contains coffee (including tiramisu)
• Caffeinated chewing gum
• Guarana
• Cold and flu remedies

Other Tips for Caffeine Pouches

Now for some final words. Based on the analysis above, it might seem tempting to try and calculate the exact amount of caffeine

But since there’s so much variation of how much caffeine any given product contains and most people aren’t weighing out their food or drink, it’s practically impossible to be accurate.

Err on the side of caution when working out how many pouches to consume. It’s best to start off slow, so anyone new to caffeine pouches should begin with one pouch per day.

Also, listen to your body. Someone might be 100% sure they’re using less than the upper limit of caffeine and still feel negative effects.

Some common side effects of excess caffeine consumption to look out for include:

• Higher blood pressure
• Increased urination
• Restlessness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety

Pulling it All Together

In summary:

• The average person can consume around 400mg of caffeine per day
• Caffeine pouches generally contain 50-80mg of caffeine
• Other products like coffee, tea, and chocolate contain significant amounts of caffeine
• It’s best to make conservative estimates about caffeine consumption and build up slowly

Try Swapping Nordic Spirit Flavours For Something Similar

There are many different Nordic Spirit flavours available, and there is much variety, meaning there isn’t one nicotine pouch that can replace the entire line. For that reason, we have provided like-for-like swaps with the most popular Nordic Spirit tasting experiences below.

Frosty Mint - Try VELO Mighty Peppermint

Frosty Berries - Try VOLT Dark Frost or FIX Blueberry Ice

Raspberry - Try 77 Raspberry or On! Berry 3

Spearmint - Try ZYN Spearmint

It’s important to note that these aren’t the only flavour profiles similar to Nordic Spirit’s; these are just a selection of ones that we feel fit best. As you may know, there are plenty of options when it comes to nicotine pouch flavour profiles. There are more unique flavour profiles for those wanting something different!

Nordic Spirit Strengths: Many Brands Have The Same

Nordic Spirit strengths are divided into three categories: regular, strong, and extra-strong, which translate to 6mg, 9mg, and 11mg, respectively. These strengths are common within the nicotine pouch market, and finding brands with a similar nicotine strength range should be relatively easy—for us, anyway! The brands highlighted below are brands we believe sit in a similar range as Nordic Spirit strengths and should be easy to swap for.

• ZYN nicotine pouches range from 1.5mg to 11mg of nicotine per pouch.
• VELO nicotine pouches provide an even greater range from 4mg to 17mg.

These are two popular brands that many will be familiar with, making this swap a little easier. However, there are other brands offering similar nicotine strengths.

What Nicotine Pouches Have a Mouthfeel Like Nordic Spirit?

A key feature of a Nordic Spirit pouch is its super-functional format, which offers discreet use, a comfortable fit, and a long flavour release with minimal drip. An alternative brand that offers these benefits is Swave nicotine pouches. It features a brilliant range of bold-tasting pouches with similar attributes to Nordic Spirit's. They come in slim and mini formats with moderately moist surfaces for an ergonomic fit and a powerful onset of flavour that lasts an impressively long time. They also have the finest, softest materials to ensure a comfortable feel and no gum irritation during or after use.

How does the Nordic Spirit Price Compare?

The price of a can of Nordic Spirit online is around £6.50* making this quite an expensive product in comparison to the many available on Snusdirect.eu. To highlight this, below are the prices of nicotine pouches in our store(as of October 2024), showing what’s available at the same price or lower!

• VELO - £3.92
• ZYN - £4.52
• On! - £4.52
• LOOP - £4.69

In comparison, it is clear that Nordic Spirit pouches are more expensive than many of the best nicotine pouch brands on the market, highlighting one benefit of making the swap.

*The Nordic Spirit price above is from the official Nordic Spirit website.

Why Should You Try Something Different?

There are many reasons why users like yourself, should want to change the nicotine pouch that they’re using, and this includes swapping out other brands besides Nordic Spirit. Many factors are at play when picking a nicotine pouch. But why should you make a change?

• Looking for a cheaper nicotine pouch
• Want to try a new brand
• You’re bored of the flavour profile
• A stronger product may be required
• You want to see the difference between a moist and dry pouch
• Experimentation

How does a user know their favourite nicotine pouch unless they have tried a wide variety of products? There may be a great pouch out there that they haven’t tried yet.

New FIX Nicotine Pouches Available on Snusdirect

FIX nicotine pouches are known for their pioneering taste profiles, which the brand strives to make as eclectic and innovative as possible. In fact, Habit Factory (which manufactures FIX pouches) has a Research and Development team dedicated to doing exactly this!

Past releases have included the likes of Green Mango Lemongrass and Pineapple Rum Coconut, but autumn has seen the introduction of a whole host of unusual new flavours.

All of the below have slim formats.

FIX Irish Coffee. As the temperature drops over autumn, a warming Irish coffee starts to sound more appealing, so why not enjoy the taste in nicotine pouch format? It contains a moderate 9.8 mg of nicotine per portion.

FIX Pomelo Lime. The pomelo fruit is an ancestor of the grapefruit and has a similar tangy taste. Its fusion with lime in this nicotine pouch makes for a tart combination, but there are also hints of sweetness. Again, each pouch contains 9.8 mg of nicotine.

FIX Ruby Chocolate. Enjoy the delicious sweet tastes of chocolate, vanilla, lychees, and raspberry in one nicotine pouch. These contain a lower-strength 5.6 mg of nicotine per pouch.

Exciting Nicotine Pouches Released this Autumn

Everyone has their own preferences about the best flavours and nicotine pouch characteristics.

But the table below includes some fantastic portions that are worthy of all users' rotations. There should be something for everyone!

Nicotine Pouch	Flavour Description	Size and Nicotine Content	Picture
Helwit Banana	A juicy but creamy taste of a fruit previously forgotten by nicotine pouch manufacturers.	Slim & 3.5 mg/pouch
Kelly White Cucumber Mint Mini	A refreshing taste that combines cucumber and mint.	Mini & 5 mg/pouch
Killa Strawberry Lychee	A sweet combination of strawberries and lychees.	Slim & 12.8 mg/pouch
LOOP Creamy Cappuccino Strong	A creamy coffee taste with nutty and caramel hints.	Slim & 9.4 mg/pouch

Are There Any New Nicotine Pouch Brands?

As if it wasn’t exciting enough for popular nicotine pouch brands to release new products consistently, Snusdirect is also always on the lookout for brands.

We’ve recently added Chainpop nicotine pouches to our repertoire. Not only is the brand new to Snusdirect, but it was launched as recently as summer 2023.

• Chainpop Violet & Cactus. Violet and cactus are both two unusual ingredients in their own right, but Chainpop combines them both together for a truly innovative fusion.
• Chainpop Peach & Honey. These two ingredients are both sweet individually, and they combine to make an ultra-sugary combo.
• Chainpop Lychee & Coconut. A tropical flavour combining creamy coconut with fruity lychee.

Why Are There So Many New Products Released Each Year?

Companies release new nicotine and nicotine-free portions to attract new customers and solidify a relationship with their repeat consumers. One way of cementing a relationship is through retaining attention. A customer's attention is maintained when they are entertained. A bored customer will find products elsewhere with different brands, highlighting the importance of releasing new and fresh pouches for companies.

Companies release new products to attract new consumers and entertain their repeat customers, retaining their attention and custom.

New products, like the ones released in Autumn 2024, retain repeat customers and attract new users who may be loyal to other brands, highlighting the competition between them. It’s always good to see what new product developments are being released.

How to Stay Updated About New Products

With so many new additions for autumn 2024, there should be something to keep even the most novelty-seeking pouch users busy for the next few months.

But new products and brands are always launching on Snusdirect,

To stay in the loop, it may be worth creating an account and subscribing to our mail list to be one of the first to find out about fresh releases (along with plenty of other perks).

Scandinavian liquorice comes with a salty and slightly bitter finish, which comes about from ammonium chloride, and it is used in a variety of products. From ice cream and chocolate to meat, vodka, and of course, nicotine pouches, salmiak is a traditional and cultural favourite in countries such as Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as well as certain parts of Germany.

What do we know about the history of salmiak?

Salmiak dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where liquorice root was used for medicinal reasons, as well as in drinks. The first records of sweeter and less salty liquorice being used as confectionary date back to the 18th century in England. However, there is evidence that it was used in Finland as cough medicine and in animals to prevent plague in its salty state 250 years ago. It was also used as a smelling salt to bring people back to consciousness.

In the 1930s, we have our first evidence of salmiak being used as confectionary, again in Finland, where it is known as salmiakki. By the 1950s, salmiak products grew in popularity and it was in the 1990s when it began to be used in drinks such as whiskeys, liquors, spirits, and vodka. It would only become a matter of time before it was used in snus, nicotine pouches, and nicotine-free pouches.

What SnusDirect products have salmiak in them?

SnusDirect sells a range of products that contain salmiak. These include:

• The Helwit Salmiak from Yoik AB is a slim nicotine pouch containing 6mg/pouch of nicotine, favouring intermediate users because of the moderate sensation it produces. The fairly low amount of nicotine allows the salmiak flavour to take centre stage and the moist nature of the pouch brings about the taste quicker than a drier sachet. This is a slim pouch, so it is comfortable and gives privacy under the lip
• The Swave Salmiac Liquorice is from Gotlandssnus and is designed for those who want a more intense experience, with 10.4mg/pouch of nicotine present. More experienced users are better suited to this one, which also comes in a slim format
• The Velo Lofty Liquorice Slim mixes salmiak with aromatic anise to complement an overall mint flavour. This is available as a slim pouch and with 10mg/pouch of nicotine from one of the most popular nicotine pouch brands in the world
• There is an intriguing violet aroma mixed with salty salmiak and a peppery culmination in the Zyn Violet Liquorice Slim, which has moist contents for a faster flavour delivery
• For those who want no nicotine or tobacco at all, the Qvitt Salmiak is the one to go for. The salty nature of salmiak is a good replacement for those who want to quit nicotine entirely because of its strong and iconic flavour. For those who want a more discreet experience, the Qvitt Salmiak Mini is available in an even smaller pouch

The flavours mentioned above are not an exhaustive list of all salmiak products, but are an indication of where this fascinating ingredient can be found within the sachets available on SnusDirect.

How do I maximise or minimise the salmiak flavour?

Salmiak is a very distinctive flavour, and users tend to either love it or hate it; there isn’t often a middle ground. Some people will worship it and want to experience it in as visceral a way as possible, while others may enjoy the sharp tang of the flavour in the background, and prefer a more subtle approach.

Moist pouches bring about flavour quicker, so if you want the full salmiak force, these types of sachets are better. Products with more nicotine will also create a more intense sensation of the flavour, so those who want to take the experience in a more nuanced direction are best looking for very little or no nicotine.

Whatever way you prefer it, there is no doubt that salmiak is here to stay. Its role in Scandinavian culture is as important and lofty as the snus and nicotine pouch itself, so from a heritage perspective, it makes perfect sense that manufacturers explore the possibilities that salmiak brings.

It is an intriguing prospect to discover how salmiak will be used in snus, nicotine pouches, and nicotine free pouches in the future, so watch this space for more products using this interesting ingredient in the future.

Yet there are also some significant differences between the two products, which can be off putting for those who are trying to make the switch. Below are six tips for a smoother transition.

1. Choose a Comparable Strength

When swapping one nicotine product for another, matching the nicotine strength is crucial.

For those used to consuming portion snus, this is simple enough. Users can simply check the amount of nicotine each portion contains and match it with the dosage of their favourite snus product for a comparable experience.

On Snusdirect, we prominently display the amount of nicotine per pouch or sachet, so pay attention to this over brand strength ratings or mg/g for a more direct comparison.

It may be more difficult to figure out which strength to start with for those who are used to consuming loose snus, as it is down to the user to create their portion. In this case, it may be best to choose a low-strength pouch first and slowly graduate to higher strengths until satisfied.

However, nicotine strength itself isn’t the only thing that determines the potency of a pouch experience. There’s also the moisture level to consider, as we’ll discuss in tip number four.

2. Start with a Classic Flavour

Snus became popular thanks to its tobacco-centric formulations. This results in a dark and bitter taste profile in some cases, while other snus products have floral or citrus hints.

Nicotine pouches are known for sporting a wide variety of flavours, including fruity, minty, and coffee-flavoured options. For many fans, this is one of the most exciting things about them — but long-time snus users may prefer to start with a flavour profile more similar to what they’re used to.

To some snus-ers, the less natural flavours of nicotine pouches can taste too artificial. Fortunately, although all nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, many use other ingredients to mimic the tobacco flavour.

For instance, Lundgrens Mörk All White has a dark, earthy taste profile.

3. Opt for a Full-Bodied Size

Traditionally, snus comes in large portions, providing an immersive and full-bodied experience.

Meanwhile, the most popular nicotine pouch size is the slim format. This thinner shape results in a less messy and more comfortable experience, and may make it easier for users to consume pouches in public.

However, there are various nicotine pouch sizes to choose between, including large. For instance, Siberia -80 All White Maxi boasts plump portions that weigh 1.5 grams each (compared to the usual 0.8 to 1 g weight).

4. Consider Moisture Level

As touched on earlier, the amount of nicotine isn’t the only factor that determines strength. When pouches or snus portions are more moist, they release nicotine and flavour faster, resulting in more of an immediate “kick.”

The most traditional snus production processes result in a high moisture content since ground tobacco is mixed with water (along with other ingredients) and there’s no fermentation. Also, tobacco leaves naturally retain moisture.

Nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco, instead using less moist, plant-based fibres. This makes them naturally drier. Plus, many manufacturers use drying techniques to reduce moisture further.

Despite this, some nicotine pouches are made to be more moist, which can be a good option for those who are used to snus. This is the case with FIX nicotine pouches, such as FIX Watermelon Ice.

However, those who typically stick to white snus portions may prefer to stick to dry nicotine pouches for a more similar experience.

5. Prepare for a Different Experience

Since traditional snus has a high moisture content, it often has a “wet” feel in the hands and mouth and causes “dripping” — when excess moisture drips into the mouth or down the throat.

This isn’t an issue with typical nicotine pouches, most of which are dry and slim (although some more moist pouches may cause a small amount of dripping).

Since nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco, they also won’t cause stains or odours. This can make it more convenient to use “on-the-go.”

As a result, the pouch experience can be quite different, so snus-ers may want to rethink their current routine when making the switch.

However, those who consume white portions may not find the difference as considerable.

6. Enjoy the Easier Storage

One of the factors of nicotine pouch usage that most snus users can easily adjust to is the longer shelf life.

Nicotine pouches expire roughly two years after production.

Meanwhile, snus usually has a shorter shelf life, of 20-30 weeks after production. This is primarily due to the presence of tobacco, which is a fresh ingredient.

The exact best before date and expiration date will appear on each can.

Also, snus must be refrigerated to keep it refreshed, while nicotine pouches can be stored anywhere dry and out of sunlight (such as a cupboard). While some users may decide to store their pouches in the fridge or even freezer to maximise usage or because they enjoy the cool sensation, it’s rarely necessary.

This article outlines the typical price of pouches — including popular names like VELO, smaller brands, and nicotine-free options. We’ll also reveal some tips for securing the best price possible.

How to Calculate the Price of Pouches

At first glance, working out the cost of pouches might seem as simple as looking at the price tag of any given product.

However, for those who want the best value for their money, it may make more sense to compare the weight of pouch cans or the number of pouches instead.

Weight of the Can

Cans with a greater net weight effectively contain more product, meaning better value for money.

For instance, On! Mint 3 and XQS Arctic Freeze Ultra Strong both have prices starting at €4.79. But the former has a net weight of 6.4 g per can, while the latter has a net weight of 14 g — more than double. As a result, On! pouches turn out to be more expensive.

However, pouch cans at both ends of the price spectrum sometimes provide the same contents. This is the case with VALØ and FIX nicotine pouches, for instance. Despite a price differential of more than two euros, both brands offer cans with a net weight of 14 g.

Number of Pouches

In some cases, it may make sense to work out the cost per pouch instead of the cost per can. While most brands offer 20 pouches per can, there is some variation.

For instance, Zone X Fuji Zing Extra Strong contains 24 pouches. So while prices start from €4.79, pouches cost roughly 20 cents each.

Puff & Pouch Lime Mint 12mg costs the same, but each can contains 20 pouches. As a result, the pouches cost a slightly more expensive 24 cents each.

Average Price of Pouches

While we recommend keeping the factors outlined above in mind when comparing prices, we have focused on the cost of cans here for simplicity.

Below are some examples of prices for some of our most popular products and brands, separated into three categories:

• Affordable
• Mid-range
• Premium

Affordable Pouches

FIX is one of the most nicotine pouch brands we stock, with prices starting from just €2.89. Despite the lower price tag, FIX products are known for their innovative taste profiles, demonstrated by the brand’s “flavour index.” This is shown by flavours like pineapple rum, cherry blossom, and green mango lemongrass.

Other affordable brands include:

• SNATCH: from €3.49
• DOPE: from €3.49
• KLINT: from €3.29

Mid-Range Pouches

The pouches in our mid-range category are a slight step up in price from the most affordable options.

Europe’s most popular nicotine pouch brand, VELO, fits into this category, with prices starting at €3.79. There are endless choices, including some of our bestselling products, like VELO Crispy Peppermint (previously VELO Ice Cool).

Other mid-range pouch brands are:

• HIT: from €3.69
• Ace: from €3.89
• Skruf Superwhite: from €3.79
• Killa: from €4.40
• NICO: from €4.40
• LOOP: from €3.89

Premium Pouches

Price isn’t everything, and some people would prefer to pay a little more to get their nicotine pouch brand of choice.

The most expensive are VALØ nicotine pouches, which have prices from €5.49. To live up to its price tag, the brand offers silky smooth pouches, moist contents, and unique flavours such as mint and juniper.

However, in most cases, premium pouches are only 50 cents or less more expensive than mid-range pouch prices.

Other brands in this category include:

• ZYN: from €4.79
• Lundgrens: from €4.79
• White Fox: from €4.89
• Siberia: from €4.89
• STRÖM: from €4.79
• NOIS: from €4.79
• LYFT: from €4.99

Factors that Affect the Price of Pouches

Wondering why some pouches are more expensive than others? We’ll briefly outline the main factors.

Quality

Brands that charge a little more for their products often go to greater lengths to provide a luxurious experience.

This could mean using premium ingredients, better nicotine pouch manufacturers and production processes, or more high-end materials in the can itself.

Brand

A more expensive product doesn’t always mean better quality ingredients or a better product.

Some brands simply like to position themselves as more “premium” and spend the extra money they receive from sales on their advertising.

Quantity of Contents

Generally, brands charge the same for all their products, regardless of factors like nicotine strength or flavour. But some brands charge more for products with more contents.

For instance, the nicotine-free pouch Onico Original has 24 pouches that weigh 1 g each, while Onico Original Mini has 20 sachets weighing 0.5 g each. To make up for this, there’s a slight price differential.

How to Get Pouches for a Lower Price

While some brands will always be more expensive than others, there are ways to get any product for the lowest price possible.

One of the best options is shopping online, which tends to be cheaper than buying nicotine pouches from grocery stores or convenience stores.

On Snusdirect, customers can save even more by creating an account, which provides access to our rewards scheme and the chance to be in the loop about offers and discounts.

Bulk buying is another way to get the best value for money. Buying a roll (10 cans) instead of a single can on Snusdirect can lead to savings of between €5 and €15!