Nicotine pouches and cigarettes are two distinct products that deliver nicotine to users in different ways. While cigarettes involve the combustion of tobacco, nicotine pouches contain nicotine-infused material. This means that they provide a unique way to experience - nicotine without combustion.

Although nicotine pouches are not risk-free, they are generally considered to be a potentially reduced risk alternative to smoking. For example, Nordic Spirit users are not exposed to cigarette smoke which may reduce the harm associated with combustible cigarettes. Nicotine is not carcinogenic, however, it is addictive.

For example: Nordic Spirit users are not exposed to cigarette smoke which may reduce the harm associated with combustible cigarettes. Nicotine is not carcinogenic. However nicotine addictive.

What is a cigarette alternative?

A cigarette alternative is the ideal way to replace cigarettes. And while they are used by nicotine product users who do not necessarily smoke, they are also used by individuals who want to stop smoking. These are also known as cigarette substitutes, and are a great way to limit exposure to cigarette smoke, manage nicotine addiction, and better manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Whether you're looking to cut down, quit or find the best cigarette alternative, there are plenty of cigarette replacement products on the market today. These include heated tobacco products, vaping devices, nicotine pouches, nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), prescription medications and non-nicotine options.

Alternatives to cigarettes: main categories

1. Nicotine pouches

Nicotine pouches are small, scentless, smokeless, tobacco-free products that are placed between the lip and gum. They deliver nicotine through the gums, and are considered a great nicotine replacement product.

• Composition: Nordic spirit pouches contain plant-based fibers, additives and food-grade flavourings, and high-purity nicotine meeting pharmaceutical standards. Remove the rest
• Use: Nicotine pouches are easy to use, portable and incredibly discreet. Simply place the pouch between your lips and gum for a steady release of nicotine.
• Accessibility: They are available over-the-counter or online in the United States, United Kingdom, many countries within the EU and other regulated markets.
• Travel: Typically, they are allowed through airport security. To be sure, please check local rules, especially if flying with cigarette and e-cigarette airport restrictions.
• Cost: Varies from brand to brand, though generally regarded as less expensive than cigarettes per use.

Discover Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches

2. Heated tobacco products

Heated tobacco – also known as heat-not-burn – warms processed tobacco to release a nicotine-containing aerosol. These devices differ from cigarettes as they do not burn the tobacco.

• Composition: Heated tobacco sticks, intended for use with the Ploom system, contain a tobacco blend with additives, such as humectants and flavourings.
• Use: Requires a compatible heating device, as well as specially designed tobacco sticks or capsules.
• Accessibility: Available under brand names like Ploom. Regulated in many countries.
• Travel: If travelling with heated tobacco products, please check airline regulations before flying.
• Cost: The initial investment involves the cost of the device. From there, there are ongoing expenses for refill sticks.

3. Vapes

Vapes are devices that heat e-liquid to produce a vapour that contains nicotine.

• Composition: Usually contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings and nicotine.
• Use: Inhaled via a battery-powered device. Available in refillable formats. Disposable vapes are still available, but the legal landscape is rapidly changing on a global scale.
• Accessibility: Available in-stores and online in the UK and United States. flavours and nicotine limits are usually regulated.
• Travel: As with heated tobacco products, it’s best to check specific airline rules and guidelines beforehand. Most airlines require you to pack your device in your hand luggage, but in-flight use is strictly prohibited.
• Cost: Initial investment of a reusable device, as well as ongoing expenses for e-liquid.

For a more in-depth comparison, read our article: Nicotine pouches vs. vapes: How do they compare?

How to choose the right alternative to smoking

You will need to consider your:

• Nicotine requirements: Do you want to moderate usage or stop nicotine completely?
• Lifestyle: Are you comfortable using a device or do you prefer discreet usage?
• Budget: Some alternatives are more cost-effective than others over time.

Cigarette alternatives: Travel and regulation tip

• Please check the regulations of your destination country, especially if you are travelling with heated tobacco or e-cigarettes.
• If you have a battery-powered device – such as an e-cigarette, vape, or heated tobacco device – put it in your hand luggage - not your checked baggage. This is because the lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk.
• Check the regulations in place for declaring tobacco or nicotine products at customs.
• Nicotine pouches are the most convenient option for air travel, especially if you’re a frequent flyer.
• For more information, check out our article, ‘Can you travel with nicotine pouches?’

What are the effects of smoking cigarettes?

Cigarettes contain many chemicals. Switching to an alternative has the potential to reduce the risks associated with smoking and your exposure to cigarette smoke.

Reduced-risk products (RRPs) are products with the potential to reduce the risks associated with smoking.

Their emergence has responded to an evolution in consumer preferences and a shift from a singular consumer demand world (combustibles) to a multifaceted consumer world (RRP and combustibles).

JTI’s RRP mission is to provide fulfilling moments by delivering scientifically substantiated RRP propositions to our adult consumers. Our ambition is to ultimately exceed the experience of combustible products and to build power brands that will be chosen by the majority of existing adult consumers.

With Ploom, we have been present in the heated tobacco product segment since 2011. Further, we also market three other RRP segments: Modern Oral, E-Vapor and Infused Tobacco.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much nicotine is in a cigarette?

The amount of nicotine in a cigarette varies depending on the brand. A cigarette typically contains up to 10 mg of nicotine.

Can you take cigarettes on a plane?

Yes, you can carry cigarettes in your hand luggage or checked baggage, but it is illegal to smoke on planes. Check customs and declaration rules if travelling internationally