Frequently Asked Questions

No, Pouch World is an online store and does not have a physical store. However, you are welcome to collect your online order from our logistics partner in Strand, Cape Town to save on shipping charges: Oh Ship! 11 Tailormade Park, ASLA Park, Strand, 7140, South Africa. Please place your order online before coming to collect.

Nicotine pouches are small, pre-portioned pouches containing nicotine, but they do not contain tobacco. They are used as an alternative to smoking, vaping or traditional smokeless tobacco products like snus. Nicotine pouches are designed to be placed between the gum and upper lip, where the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Key Features

• Tobacco-Free: Unlike traditional products like snus, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco leaf but deliver nicotine extracted from tobacco or synthetically derived.
• Discreet Use: The pouches are small and can be used discreetly without the need for spitting, smoke, or vapour, making them convenient for use in various settings.
• Variety of Flavours: Nicotine pouches come in a wide range of flavours, including mint, citrus, coffee, berry, and more, catering to different taste preferences.
• Nicotine Strengths: They are available in varying nicotine strengths, allowing users to choose the intensity that suits their needs.
• Convenience: Nicotine pouches are easy to carry and use, making them a convenient option for those seeking a nicotine fix without the need for smoking or vaping.

Nicotine pouches have gained popularity as an alternative to smoking or other forms of tobacco use. Here are some reasons why people might choose to use nicotine pouches:

1. Smoke-Free Alternative: Unlike cigarettes, nicotine pouches are smoke-free, which means users avoid the harmful effects of inhaling smoke, such as lung damage and exposure to carcinogens from combustion. This also makes them less harmful to those around the user (no secondhand smoke).
2. Lower Harm Potential: Nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco, which eliminates exposure to harmful substances found in tobacco products, like tar and certain carcinogens. They provide nicotine without many of the toxins associated with smoking or chewing tobacco.
3. Discreet and Convenient: Nicotine pouches are small and can be used discreetly, as they don’t produce smoke or vapor. This makes them convenient in situations where smoking or vaping isn’t allowed or appropriate, like indoors or in public spaces.
4. Less Risk of Oral Health Issues: Compared to traditional oral tobacco products (like chewing tobacco or snus), nicotine pouches are less harmful to teeth and gums since they don’t contain tobacco, which can irritate the mouth and cause gum disease or tooth decay.
5. Helps with Smoking Cessation: For people trying to quit smoking, nicotine pouches can be part of a harm-reduction strategy. They provide nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the dangers of smoking, helping some people transition away from cigarettes.
6. Variety of Flavours: Nicotine pouches come in various flavours, such as mint, citrus and fruit, which can make them more appealing and reduce the harsh taste often associated with smoking or chewing tobacco.
7. Controlled Nicotine Doses: Nicotine pouches come in different strengths, allowing users to control their nicotine intake. This can be helpful for people who want to reduce their nicotine consumption gradually.

While nicotine pouches are less harmful than smoking or chewing tobacco, they still deliver nicotine, which is addictive. It's essential to be mindful of the risks associated with nicotine use, even when using these alternative products.

1. Open the can and take out a single pouch, tuck it between your upper lip and rest it on your gum. The nicotine is then absorbed through the gum.
2. Feel a tingling sensation? That’s how you know the nicotine is being released. The tingling will fade over time as the flavour and satisfaction grows.
3. Do not chew suck or swallow the nicotine pouch.
4. Normal pouches last for about 30 minutes, while dry pouches can last up to an hour.
5. Once done, place your used pouch in the top compartment of the can if it has one, otherwise discard the pouch.
6. To minimise the risk of swallowing the product, it is not recommended to eat or drink while using a nicotine pouch.
7. If you accidentally swallow a pouch, consult a medical professional immediately.

The main ingredients of nicotine pouches typically include:

1. Nicotine – the active ingredient providing the nicotine experience.
2. Plant-based fibers or fillers – used to give the pouch its shape and bulk (e.g., cellulose).
3. Food-grade flavourings – added to give the pouches their distinct taste (e.g., mint, fruit).
4. pH adjusters – such as sodium carbonate to control the release of nicotine.
5. Sweeteners – like xylitol or other artificial sweeteners for taste.
6. Moisture agents – to maintain the pouch's freshness (e.g., water).

These ingredients work together to deliver nicotine in a smoke-free and tobacco-free form.

The main component of nicotine pouches is nicotine. While avoiding addictive chemicals is a good idea, it isn’t always the next-best step for people trying to quit smoking.

There’s a big misconception that nicotine is a carcinogenic, or cancer-causing chemical. While nicotine is considered an addictive chemical, a mild stimulant and a mild anxiolytic, it isn’t one of the many cancer-causing parts of a combustible cigar or cigarette.

In the name of harm reduction, nicotine pouches replace most of the harmful elements of a cigarette, leaving only the addictive part behind. The goal in using these products is the same as using patches, lozenges, or any of the many other commercial quit-smoking gadgets.

No, there are two main types of oral smokeless products. Snus contain tobacco in which nicotine is naturally present, while nicotine pouches contain nicotine, but not tobacco.

It is important to get the strength of the pouch right, as intaking too much nicotine can make you feel unwell. Likewise, using too low a strength might not satisfy your nicotine cravings, and you may end up reaching for a cigarette. 

When choosing between the different strengths of nicotine pouches, you should consider whether you are used to nicotine or not and how often you use nicotine products. The more you use nicotine products, the more likely you have a stronger nicotine tolerance. If you are not sure where to start, try something less strong as a starting point, and work your way up to a stronger pouch.

As a rough guide, a 4-6mg pouch would be best for light smokers, and those new to nicotine pouches. 8-12mg per pouch would be best for moderate smokers, who smoke at least 10-15 cigarettes a day, while 14mg per pouch and higher would be best for heavy smokers, who smoke a pack or more each day. If you eat cigarettes for breakfast or want the strongest kick available, give the 20mg and above pouches a go!

Ultimately, we cannot choose a nicotine strength for you. It’s a very personal choice that you have to make, and you must consider your unique nicotine tolerance and former nicotine use when making this decision.

It is also completely fine to change strengths throughout the day, or depending on the occasion. Some nicotine pouch users report using a stronger pouch in the morning, perhaps with a coffee for an extra kick start to the day. Furthermore, a slightly higher strength pouch may be useful in situations that may tempt you to revert to smoking or vaping, for example in a bar, club, or after a stressful situation, and a lower strength pouch for relaxing or whilst working.

Most users of nicotine pouches report that they consume around 6-12 pouches a day. Naturally, there are some who exceed this average and there are those who consume far less.

The amount of nicotine you can handle varies from person to person, and how long you've been using nicotine products for.

The best approach is to evaluate how the nicotine pouches affect you. If you experience nausea or have trouble sleeping, it could be a sign that you’re consuming too much nicotine. In that case, it’s advisable to reduce the number of pouches or switch to a lower strength to avoid discomfort. Ultimately, it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your consumption accordingly to achieve the best results.

Hiccuping while using a nicotine pouch is relatively common and usually occurs due to how nicotine affects your body or the way the pouch interacts with your oral and digestive systems. Here are some potential reasons:

1. Nicotine Irritation

Nicotine can irritate the lining of your mouth or esophagus, stimulating the phrenic nerve (which controls the diaphragm). This irritation may trigger involuntary diaphragm contractions, resulting in hiccups.

2. Increased Saliva Production

Nicotine pouches often increase saliva production. If you swallow saliva quickly or in large amounts, it can irritate your oesophagus or stomach, potentially triggering hiccups.

3. Nicotine Relaxing the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

Nicotine can relax the LES, the muscle that prevents stomach contents from entering the oesophagus. This can cause minor reflux or air entry into the stomach, which may lead to hiccups.

4. Diaphragm Stimulation

The act of placing a nicotine pouch under your lip might stimulate nearby nerves (such as the vagus or phrenic nerves), which play a role in hiccup reflexes.

5. Fast Nicotine Absorption

A rapid spike in nicotine absorption can activate receptors that affect your nervous system, sometimes resulting in hiccups as a side effect.

How to Minimise Hiccups While Using Nicotine Pouches:

1. Adjust Placement

Position the pouch in a less sensitive area, such as the lower lip.

2. Start with Lower Nicotine Levels

If you’re new to nicotine pouches or using a high-strength product, try a lower nicotine concentration to reduce potential irritation.

3. Swallow Slowly

Be mindful of swallowing saliva slowly and avoid gulping, as this can reduce the chance of triggering hiccups.

4. Hydrate

Drink water while using the pouch to minimise irritation and wash down excess saliva gently.

5. Take Breaks

If you notice hiccups occurring frequently, remove the pouch for a while to let your body settle before using it again.

If hiccups persist or become uncomfortable, you might want to try a different brand or consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the pouches aren’t irritating you in a specific way.

The colour cast on your nicotine or energy pouches is completely normal and occurs due to the natural ingredients and manufacturing process.

Factors like the flavouring agents, caffeine content, or other active ingredients can sometimes create slight variations in colour. Additionally, exposure to air and light over time may enhance this colour, but this does not affect the quality, safety, or effectiveness of the product.

Energy pouches are an innovative way to get your caffeine fix without sipping on a cup of coffee or energy drink. These little powerhouses are changing the way we energise!

Energy pouches are small, portable pouches that contain caffeine and sometimes other ingredients like Taurine, designed to provide a quick and convenient energy boost.

They are similar in concept to nicotine pouches but do not contain nicotine. Energy pouches offer an alternative way to consume caffeine without the need for traditional coffee or energy drinks. They come in various flavours and caffeine strengths, providing a customisable and on-the-go solution for individuals looking to stay alert and focused.

Pouches typically have a shelf life, but they are completely safe to use beyond the expiry date. They don't expire in the same way as food or medication, and this date is more about maintaining the quality of the product rather than its safety, as nicotine itself is a very stable compound. 

What is important is that the seal around the can is intact. If the seal is broken, the pouches may have been exposed to air, drying the pouches out.