Nicotine pouches

Nicotine Pouches

What are they?

Nicotine pouches are small portion bags that contain nicotine but no tobacco.

They are used under the lip in the same way as snus.

All major tobacco companies have their own brands.

They are packaged in pocket-sized cans containing portion bags.

Young people are targeted as users, for example through flavorings and social media marketing.

What do they contain?

They contain nicotine, various flavorings, cellulose fiber, salt, water, additives, sweeteners, and stabilizers.

The flavorings in nicotine pouches are likely to increase their toxicity.

Some ingredients, such as alkaline substances that raise the pH level, can enhance the release of nicotine.

Nicotine pouches may also contain additives that increase the absorption of nicotine.

In Finland, one nicotine pouch may contain a maximum of 20 mg/g of nicotine (16,6 mg/g as of 1 February 2026).

On the European market, there are also strong nicotine pouches that can contain life-threatening amounts of nicotine.

What are the harms of nicotine use?

Causes strong addiction.

In large doses, it can cause life-threatening nicotine poisoning.

Constrains blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

Strains the heart and increases the risk of heart rhythm disturbances.

Reduces insulin sensitivity and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

May promote the transformation of cells into cancer cells and sustain the growth of cancer tissue.

Use started at a young age can cause permanent changes in the brain.

Increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and attention disorders.

Use during pregnancy harms the development of the fetus’s brain. 

Sources: 

THL (2024)
Tobakslag, finlex.fi
WHO (2023): WHO study group on tobacco product regulation. Report on the scientific basis of tobacco product regulation: ninth report of a WHO group.
The Union (2022): Novel product, youg people and policy.