Information  /  Nicotine pouches

What are nicotine pouches?
Small sachets placed between the lip and gum. They contain nicotine but no tobacco leaf. Nicotine enters the body through the lining of the mouth.

Are nicotine pouches safe?
They are not risk-free. Nicotine is addictive, and the long-term health effects of pouches remain uncertain. If you do not use nicotine, do not start.

What are the side effects?
Possible side effects include mouth irritation, feeling sick, dizziness and headaches. Evidence on how often these occur is limited.

Last reviewed: 27th October 2026

Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed between the lip and gum. Nicotine is released into saliva and absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Products vary in flavour, size and nicotine strength. The amount of nicotine absorbed can vary between products and users. You may see nicotine pouches called Nicopods; “lip pillows” and “upper deckies” are informal slang for oral pouches. These names can be used loosely, so check the packaging rather than assuming every pouch contains the same ingredients.

Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco.

Snus contains tobacco. Snus and similar oral tobacco products have been banned from sale in the UK for decades.

The products can look similar, so packaging matters more than appearance alone.

Pouches deliver nicotine without smoke, but nicotine is addictive. Some products can deliver substantial amounts of nicotine.

The UK Committee on Toxicity has identified major gaps in long-term human evidence, particularly for higher-strength products and prolonged exposure inside the mouth.

Not in the UK. Nicotine pouches are not licensed stop-smoking products and are not currently recommended by NICE for smoking cessation.

The NHS says there is not yet enough independent evidence on how safe they are in the short or long term, or how well they help people quit smoking.

If your goal is to stop smoking, established options such as licensed NRT, stop-smoking medicines and vaping for adults who smoke have a stronger evidence base.

The biggest health gain comes from stopping cigarettes. You do not need to choose a quit aid before asking for help.

Help Me Quit can talk through NRT, medicines, vaping and support with you.

Nicotine pouches can be small, discreet and easy to use without smoke or vapour. That can make them harder for adults to notice.

Young people who do not use nicotine should not start. Nicotine can create dependence, and the Committee on Toxicity has highlighted accidental exposure in children as a safety concern.

Keep nicotine products out of reach of children.

Our Parent Support guide shows common nicotine products, what the packaging may tell you and how to start a conversation without turning it into an interrogation.

From 29th October 2026, it will be an offence to sell nicotine pouches or other nicotine products to anyone under 18.

Adults will also be prohibited from buying or attempting to buy these products on behalf of someone under 18.

From the same date, promotional giveaways and substantial promotional discounts for nicotine products will be restricted, and vending machines selling nicotine products will be banned.

If you also smoke, stopping cigarettes is the priority. If pouches are your only nicotine product and you want to cut down or stop, a pharmacist or healthcare professional can help you think through dependence and cravings.