The facts about nicotine pouches

What are nicotine pouches?

• Nicotine pouches are small pouches placed between the lip and gum
• They slowly release nicotine, which is absorbed into the bloodstream
• They are usually sold in a small container with around 20 pouches
• They come in a wide variety of flavours
• They do not contain tobacco

Nicotine pouches are not the same as snus

Nicotine pouches are sometimes incorrectly called 'snus '.

Snus is a Swedish tobacco product. It contains tobacco and is also placed in the mouth.

Snus has been banned in the UK and European Union since 1992.

Links to the tobacco industry

Many nicotine pouch brands currently available in the UK are owned by tobacco companies.

There are concerns about how these products are marketed to appeal to children and people who do not smoke.

Nicotine pouches are not risk-free

Using nicotine pouches is likely to be less harmful than smoking tobacco. However, nicotine pouches are not risk-free.

More research is needed into:

• using nicotine pouches as an aid to stop smoking
• the longer-term health effects of nicotine pouches

Nicotine is addictive.

Use of nicotine pouches in Great Britain

Use is currently low, but has increased in recent years.

• 1.4% of adults currently use nicotine pouches.
• 6.6% of adults have tried nicotine pouches.
• Use among 18- to 34-year-olds increased from 1.2% in 2023 to 3% in 2026.
• Men are more likely than women to have tried or currently use nicotine pouches.
• In 2026, 62% of adults were aware of nicotine pouches, compared with 45% in 2023.

Source of adult statistics

The adult statistics are from the 2026 Action on Smoking and Health adult survey, conducted by YouGov.

The survey included 13,259 adults. Fieldwork took place from 18 February to 19 March 2026. The figures were weighted to be representative of adults aged 18 and over in Great Britain.

Nicotine pouches and young people

Among young people aged 11 to 17:

• 3.8% have tried nicotine pouches, equivalent to around 210,000 young people across Great Britain
• 1.5% currently use nicotine pouches

Nicotine is highly addictive and can affect the developing adolescent brain.

Increased awareness, marketing and promotion of nicotine pouches have raised concerns about use among young people.

Source of young people’s statistics

The statistics about young people are from the 2026 Action on Smoking and Health youth survey, conducted by YouGov.

The survey included 2,926 young people aged 11 to 17. Fieldwork took place from 3 April to 6 May 2026. The figures were weighted to be representative of young people aged 11 to 17 in Great Britain.

Changes to the law

Until 29 October 2026, there is no minimum age for the sale of nicotine pouches in the UK.

From 29 October 2026

• It will be illegal to sell nicotine pouches to anyone under 18.
• It will be a criminal offence to buy nicotine pouches on behalf of someone under 18.
• Free distribution will be banned. This includes free samples, promotional giveaways and vouchers.

From 1 June 2027

• Advertising and sponsorship of nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, will be banned.
• The Tobacco and Vapes Act gives the government powers to restrict the packaging, display and content of nicotine products, including nicotine pouches. Further consultation is needed before these regulations can come into effect.

Report a concern

To report concerns about vapes, nicotine pouches or cigarettes anonymously, call 0300 999 6 999.