Nicotine pouches: facts, use and risks explained

In brief:

Nicotine pouches contain no tobacco, but they do contain nicotine – and nicotine is addictive.

Smoke-free products are not risk-free either, for example for the cardiovascular system and the oral mucosa.

Nicotine pouches are legal in Switzerland; sale only to adults aged 18 and over.

Nicotine pouches have become a widespread product in Switzerland. Many adults who already use nicotine choose these small, discreet pouches. However, one misconception persists: "tobacco-free" does not mean "risk-free". According to the European Society of Cardiology, the risks are mainly linked to nicotine itself and the cardiovascular system. In this article you will learn what nicotine pouches are, how to use them, what the risks are and what the legal situation is in Switzerland.

What are nicotine pouches and how do they work?

Nicotine pouches are small, usually white portion pouches that contain nicotine but no tobacco. You place them between your gum and upper lip, where the nicotine is slowly absorbed through the oral mucosa – without smoking, vaping or chewing. They are odourless and produce no smoke.

What is inside? A typical nicotine pouch consists of:

Nicotine (synthetic or extracted from the tobacco plant, but without tobacco leaves)
Plant fibres (e.g. cellulose) as filler
Flavourings such as mint, menthol, citrus or berry
Humectants for consistency
pH regulators, which influence nicotine absorption

The difference to classic snus: traditional snus contains tobacco, nicotine pouches do not. The active substance, however, is the same – nicotine.

As soon as the pouch is under your lip, the moisture in your mouth releases the nicotine, which enters the bloodstream through the mucosa. Absorption starts faster than with a nicotine patch, but more slowly than with smoking. Many users feel a tingling sensation, especially with higher strengths.

Even without tobacco, nicotine is an addictive substance with health relevance.

Nicotine pouches come in very different strengths, stated in milligrams per pouch – from a few milligrams to very strong variants. If you already use nicotine, it is better to choose a low strength to find out your tolerance. Our guide to snus dosage and strength in mg explains how to read the strength information. You can find more about how they work in the article Nicotine pouches: effect and use.

Another aspect is moisture: there are drier and moister pouches. Drier pouches tend to release nicotine more evenly, moister ones act faster and can irritate the gum more.

Use and duration: how to use nicotine pouches

Using them is simple. Still, many people make typical mistakes the first time. Here is how to do it:

Take a pouch out of the can and hold it between your thumb and index finger.
Slide the pouch under your upper lip, in the middle or slightly to the side.
Leave the pouch in place – do not chew it or move it around, as this increases the tingling and the nicotine release.
Remove the pouch after the desired time and dispose of it in the bin. Many cans have a compartment in the lid for this.

How long a pouch stays in your mouth depends on the product and your personal habits. Around 15 to 40 minutes is common. You can tell the effect is ending when the tingling fades and the pouch loses its flavour. Our article Understanding nicotine strength also offers guidance.

Common mistakes:

Chewing or moving the pouch a lot, which releases more nicotine at once
Choosing a strength that is too high, which can cause nausea or dizziness
Leaving the pouch in your mouth for a very long time and irritating the gum
Using several pouches at the same time, which can lead to symptoms of overdose

Tip: If you already use nicotine and are trying a nicotine pouch for the first time, start with a low strength and a short duration. If you do not smoke or use nicotine, do not start.

Risks and side effects: what you should know

Nicotine pouches are not sweets. If you use them, you should know the risks and take them seriously. The European Society of Cardiology states that nicotine is not harmless for the cardiovascular system, even without tobacco.

Dependence: nicotine is addictive, regardless of the product format. Regular use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Cardiovascular system: nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate in the short term.
Oral mucosa: frequent use can cause gum irritation, dry mouth or redness.
Nausea and dizziness: especially with too high a dose.
Swallowing: swallowing nicotine-containing saliva can cause stomach discomfort.

The long-term effects of nicotine pouches on the oral mucosa and blood vessels have not yet been fully researched. Nicotine pouches are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have a cardiovascular condition or take medication, talk to a doctor first. If poisoning is suspected (e.g. a child has swallowed a pouch): Tox Info Suisse, phone 145, in an emergency 144. Always keep cans out of the reach of children.

Legal situation: what applies in Switzerland?

The legal situation for nicotine pouches varies across Europe. In Switzerland:

Nicotine pouches are legally available in Switzerland.
Since 1 October 2024, the Tobacco Products Act (TobPA) has been in force: nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, may only be sold to adults aged 18 and over – including online with age verification.
Snus and nicotine pouches are subject to a tobacco tax of 10% of the retail price.
Further advertising restrictions (implementation of the "Children without tobacco advertising" initiative) are expected to come into force in the first half of 2027.

Abroad, the situation is different: in Germany, nicotine pouches are not considered marketable and their sale is not permitted. In France, nicotine pouches have been banned since 1 April 2026, including possession and import. In Austria, they may only be sold in tobacconists (Trafiken) since 1 April 2026; online sales are prohibited there. If you are travelling, read our article Snus when travelling: flights and customs.

What to look for when buying:

Complete labelling with nicotine content in mg per pouch
List of ingredients on the packaging
Age verification at purchase
Well-known brands with transparent product information

Nicotine pouches at Snustrend

At Snustrend you will find nicotine pouches from well-known brands such as VELO and ZYN, with full product information on strength. You can read a direct comparison of the two brands in ZYN vs VELO. If you prefer classic nasal snuff, you will find it in the nasal snuff category, for example Pöschl Gletscherprise or other varieties from Pöschl. Purchases are only possible with age verification from 18.

Frequently asked questions about nicotine pouches

Are nicotine pouches really tobacco-free?

Yes, nicotine pouches contain no tobacco, but they do contain nicotine. The health risk from nicotine, for example for the cardiovascular system, remains.

What are the risks of using nicotine pouches?

Nicotine is addictive and puts strain on the cardiovascular system. Possible irritation of the oral mucosa, nausea and dizziness come on top. Tobacco-free products are not risk-free either.

How long does a nicotine pouch work?

A typical duration of use is around 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the product and habits. The tingling fades once the pouch has released most of its nicotine.

Is buying nicotine pouches legal in Switzerland?

Yes. Nicotine pouches are legal in Switzerland and since 1 October 2024 may only be sold to people aged 18 and over. In Germany and France, however, their sale is not permitted.

Note: Nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is addictive. This is not legal or tax advice.