Nicotine pouches: Do they work, are they safe and are they better than vaping?
December 17, 2025 by independent.co.uk
Nicotine pouches: Do they work, are they safe and are they better than vaping?
Nicotine pouches, a new smoking cessation trend, are tobacco-free sachets with nicotine. Marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking and vaping, they aren't as regulated as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and can be easily bought. Despite being less addictive than cigarettes, some pouches contain high nicotine levels and other chemicals. They have side effects like nausea and headaches, impacting oral health in the long term. Not regulated as medicines, they lack strict testing for safety and efficacy. The UK plans to regulate pouch sales to over-18s only, banning ads. While popular, their potential risks warrant caution, suggesting regulated NRTs may be a safer choice for quitting smoking.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
