Why we’re flagging this: Some small pouches that look like nicotine pouches actually contain caffeine instead of nicotine.
Last checked: 30 September 2026
What are caffeine pouches?
They are small pouches placed under the lip. UK retailers list a range of brands and flavours, with examples containing roughly 50 mg to 200 mg of caffeine per pouch.
Why does this matter?
They are not nicotine products, but they can look very similar to nicotine pouches and may come in similar round tins.
This means a pouch found in a school, home or youth setting should not automatically be assumed to contain nicotine.
What does the government say?
The UK Government discussed caffeine pouches and gums in its 2026 work on high-caffeine energy drinks. It did not include them in the England drinks restriction, saying there was less evidence about how children use or access them and that the issue would be watched.
What don’t we know?
Being sold in the UK does not tell us how many young people use caffeine pouches. We have not found a reliable Wales-wide figure for use among children or young people.
By ASH Wales