Quit Smoking Guide

A Complete Guide for Australians Looking to Quit Smoking

A collection of ZYN nicotine pouches in various flavours laid out on a wooden surface. The 6mg strength tins feature different coloured lids including blue for Peppermint, navy for Smooth, green for Spearmint, dark green for Wintergreen, brown for Cinnamon, lime for Citrus and teal for Menthol. Each tin displays a prominent warning label about nicotine content.

 

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

Nicotine pouches are small sachets that contain nicotine without the harmful carcinogenic chemicals found in tobacco. They contain only nicotine and food-grade flavourings and sweeteners similar to those found in chewing gum. These pouches are completely tobacco-free and dead simple to use. You can carefully place the pouch under your upper lip, and it releases a steady stream of nicotine to help you effectively combat cigarette cravings.

 

What’s In Them?

  • Nicotine Salts: Isolated or synthesised from tobacco, a 100% tobacco-free stimulant that suppresses nicotine cravings
  • Flavourings: Food-grade additives that give you taste, available in various fruit, mint and spicy flavours
  • Fillers: Organic cellulose (plant fibre) used as a base for absorbing and releasing nicotine and flavourings
  • Sweeteners: Similar to those in chewing gum, zero-sugar, zero-calorie sugar alternatives like xylitol and sorbitol
  • pH Regulators: Sodium carbonate and bicarbonate added to increase alkalinity in the pouch for better nicotine absorption

 

Usage Duration

You can keep nicotine pouches in your mouth for 5 to 45 minutes. They do take longer to activate compared to ciggies or vapes. For most pouches, you’ll typically start experiencing the product’s effects after a few minutes, and we reckon you should keep the pouch in for at least 5 to 10 minutes for the nicotine to effectively start suppressing your cravings. If you want to boost the overall effect, you can gently chew the pouch until it releases the extra kick you’re after.

 

Popular Sizes and Duration

The most popular form is the slim size. The slim, tapered shape is popular because it strikes a good balance between subtlety and duration; the pouch is practically invisible under your lip while delivering solid effects for 30-45 minutes. Some larger or “regular” sized pouches can go for up to an hour. Bigger pouches might last even longer. Mini pouches are brilliant for discreet use, being much narrower and flatter than slim or regular sizes if you need total privacy, delivering up to 20 minutes of discreet, quick nicotine.

All brands of nicotine pouches last roughly the same time. The only difference is in the impact duration and start-up time. VELO hits faster with shorter duration compared to ZYN.

 

Timeline for Nicotine Delivery in Slim Pouches:

  • 0-5 minutes: Your saliva starts moistening the pouch and activating its contents, you should start feeling a tingling sensation and begin noticing the flavour
  • 5-10 minutes: As the flavour intensifies, nicotine begins entering your bloodstream and circulating through your body
  • 10-20 minutes: Your nicotine cravings ease off as most of the nicotine enters the bloodstream. Flavour peaks and you’ll experience its full depth
  • 30-45 minutes: Nicotine levels peak and your cravings should be fully satisfied. You might notice the flavour intensity has started to taper off
  • 45 minutes-1 hour: Nicotine levels begin gradually decreasing, pouch is still usable but with reduced nicotine content and flavour

 

 

Safety and Comfort Tips

 

Can I Swallow the Pouch?

You definitely shouldn’t swallow nicotine pouches. While the nicotine content in pouches is still lower than traditional ciggies or snus, you still risk nicotine poisoning if you swallow a large number of pouches.

 

Why Do Nicotine Pouches Burn?

Common reasons for burning sensation:

  • High nicotine concentration
  • Sensitivity to pH regulators
  • Overuse
  • Existing oral health issues
  • Physical irritation

 

Tips to Avoid Burning:

  • Start with lower strengths
  • Take regular breaks between uses
  • Change position
  • Stay hydrated
  • Try moistened pouches

If you find your nicotine pouch uncomfortable no matter what, you should take it out and consider changing strength or size. Remember, it might take a bit to get used to, but once you find a quality nicotine pouch that suits you, you’ll barely notice it’s there.

 

Usage Guidelines

You should use it throughout the pouch’s entire lifespan, during which and after your cravings should be fully satisfied. Starting with low doses and gradually increasing is the safest and most effective way to find what works for you.

For example, if you smoke 10 ciggies a day, you might start with lower nicotine pouch strengths of 3mg to 6mg.

For nicotine pouches to be absorbed through the oral cavity walls, their pH (alkalinity) must be higher than saliva. To achieve this, nicotine pouches contain pH regulators to optimise nicotine absorption.

 

Storage and Shelf Lif

To extend your nicotine pouch life, keep them fresh. Store them in a cool, dry spot away from extreme temperatures. High temps will reduce moisture content in the pouches and throw everything out of whack.

Before buying nicotine pods, check the manufacturing date and best-before date. After purchasing your favourite nicotine pods, store them in a cool spot. Some people even chuck their nicotine pouches in the fridge.

Most nicotine pouches have about a year’s shelf life. When stored properly, VELO, 77 or ZYN pouches can stay fresh for months.