Nicotine Pouches vs. Vapes: How Do They Compare?

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Nicotine Pouches vs. Vapes: How Do They Compare?

Published on December 22, 2025 - 3 min read

Nicotine pouches vs vaping – what's the right nicotine product for your lifestyle?

For adult nicotine product users seeking alternatives to smoking, the rise of nicotine pouches and vapes provides a convenient tobacco-free nicotine option.

Both are aimed at delivering nicotine without the smoke, ash or smell associated with smoking cigarettes. And because they are both tobacco-free, the choice ultimately comes down to your preferences. Yes, they both serve similar purposes, but their differences in use, cost, health impact and convenience will affect which one is right for you.

Below, we break down the key comparisons between pouches and vapes. We discuss how each works and what to expect, from their host of flavour options to differing strengths. We also cover nicotine strengths, side effects, regulations and more.

Nicotine pouches vs. vaping: What’s inside?

Nicotine pouches

From inside your Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch, you can expect a blend of the following ingredients:

Nicotine: The main active ingredient, extracted from high-grade tobacco plants.
Flavourings & Additives: From Sweet Mint to Forest Berries, adult nicotine product users can pick between a wide range of flavours to craft a unique nicotine experience. Our proprietary flavour blends are created using ingredients used in the food industry plus sweeteners.
Plant-based fibers: We use a blend of plant-based fibers for a soft experience.

Vapes

For vapes, these devices will typically contain:

Battery: Rechargeable or disposable options, and powers the vape.
Coil: A metal wire that heats up, turning the vape liquid into vapour

And then your choice of e-liquid. E-liquids contain:

Nicotine: An optional component, often either freebase or salt.
Propylene glycol (PG): A colorless substance that carries flavour and creates a stronger sensation.
Vegetable glycerine (CG): A thicker, sweet liquid that helps in producing vape clouds.
Flavouring: Food-grade flavourings that give the vape juice its taste.

With both nicotine pouches and vapes, as well as flavour, nicotine product users will have a choice of how strong the product is. The typical nicotine strengths range from 0 mg (no nicotine) to 20 mg.

For more on this, check out our nicotine strength guide

Key comparisons: Nicotine pouches vs vaping

As nicotine alternatives, both nicotine pouches and vapes offer nicotine product users a tobacco-free experience. From how they release nicotine to how long a session takes, each product suits different preferences.

Here’s what sets them apart:

CATEGORY	NICOTINE POUCHES	VAPES
How They Work	Tucked between the upper lip and cheek	Inhaled through a vape device that heats up the e-liquid, turning it into vapour
Flavour Options	Popular options include mint and fruit flavours	Examples include fruits, mint and classic tobacco flavours
Nicotine Levels	Typically range from 1.5 mg to 20+ mg per pouch	Available from 0 mg to 20+ mg per ml (varies by liquid/device)
Visibility and Odor	Very discreet - no smoke, no vapour, no strong scent	Noticeable vapour clouds and often a distinctive scent
Maintenance	None - ready to use straight from the pack	Requires cleaning, charging and sometimes replacement parts
Portability	Ultra-portable - fits easily in a pocket	Quick nicotine and flavour release
Session Duration	One pouch typically lasts up to 30 minutes	Quick nicotine and flavour release
Cost	Around £4-£7 per can (usually containing 20 pouches)	Quick nicotine and flavour release
Social Use	Discreet in public – pouches can be used anywhere	Quick nicotine and flavour release
User Experience	Bold flavour release and steady nicotine experience	Quick nicotine and flavour release

The UK’s disposable vape ban

As of 1 June 2025, it became illegal to sell disposable vapes in the UK.

That said, for adult vapers or nicotine product users, the ban didn’t mean adult nicotine product users suddenly found themselves without vaping options come summer 2025. The ban did not apply to reusable vape products or nicotine alternatives like nicotine pouches.

Are nicotine pouches better than vaping?

This depends on what you value most in your nicotine product.

Nicotine pouches are small, discreet portions of nicotine and flavour placed between the lower or upper lip and gum. These smoke-free pouches produce no vapour or odor, making them ideal for situations where discretion matters – such as at work, on a flight, or in public indoor settings.

Vaping is different in that it mimics the hand-to-mouth ritual of smoking. Vapour is inhaled from a vaping device that contains e-liquid. It is often preferred by nicotine product users who enjoy the physical sensation of inhaling and exhaling physical clouds.

How many nicotine pouches equal a vape?

There are a number of differences between nicotine pouches and vapes. First of all, nicotine is released differently. The key differences are outlined below:

PRODUCT	APPROX. ABSORBED NICOTINE	USAGE TIME	NOTES
3mg nicotine pouch	~1–1.5mg	30 minutes	Slow, steady release via the mouth lining
10mg nicotine pouch	~3-5mg	30 minutes	Comparable to 3–5 cigarette puffs
10-15 puffs of vape (12mg/mL e-liquid)	~1–2mg	5-10 minutes	Fast-acting via lungs

So, how many nicotine pouches equal a vape?

3mg nicotine pouch is roughly 10–15 puffs of a typical vape
10mg pouch is approximately half a disposable vape in terms of nicotine

Bear in mind that the rate and intensity of nicotine release can vary. Vaping releases a quick spike of nicotine, while pouches offer a slower, steadier release. To learn more, check out our article, Do you pouch the same amount as you smoke?

Are nicotine pouches a good way to stop vaping?

For many adult nicotine product users, nicotine pouches can be a useful way to moderate smoking or vaping. While they are not risk-free, they do prevent users from inhaling the substances contained within cigarettes, vapes, or heated tobacco products.

Concluding note: Making your choice

So, with all that in mind, making your choice will be a question of your own personal taste. Before purchasing, consider the following:

Nicotine pouches: If you’re looking for a product that’s totally discreet - no vapour or smoke smell – ultra-portable and offering a consistent nicotine strength without you having to purchase extra bits of equipment.
Vapes: If you value the hand-to-mouth inhalation habit, enjoy customisation of vaping devices, or are keen to try a broad range of flavours, and don’t mind visible vapour clouds.

Want to try for yourself? Claim your free nicotine pouch.

And there you have it - the main areas where nicotine pouches compare to vapes. But, of course, you can explore for yourself.

At Nordic Spirit, our nicotine pouches are completely tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapour-free. Available only to existing adult nicotine product users, our pouches are full of flavour and designed for your convenience.

Claim a free Nordic Spirit sample today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to replace vaping with?

Nicotine pouches are a good option if you’re looking to replace vaping. They are tobacco-free, smoke-free, and vape-free, and very discreet. Simply place a pouch between the lip and gums for a gradual release of nicotine.

Do nicotine pouches work for vaping?

Nicotine pouches have not been tested or approved as a cessation aid. There is no strong evidence that they can help people quit smoking or vaping.

How many nicotine pouches equal a vape?

Depending on the nicotine content of the pouch being consumed – let's say a 6mg Zyn pouch – the nicotine ingested through 10 pouches would be equal to smoking 1 to 1 ½ packs of cigarettes or 1 ½ e-cigarette pods of 2% vape juice per day. For more information, check out our Nicotine Pouches Strengths Guide.

How to switch from vaping to pouches

Start low: You may be used to vaping a 20mg nicotine strength, but absorbing nicotine through your gums requires acclimation. Start with a low strength and gradually work your way up to your desired strength. This will ensure you have a comfortable experience.

Are nicotine pouches a good alternative to vaping?

Yes, nicotine pouches can be a good alternative to vaping [insert link to Nicotine Pouches vs. Cigarette Alternatives article], especially if you’re looking for a discreet, smoke-free way to consume nicotine.

Can I use pouches to quit vaping?

While nicotine pouches have not been tested or approved as a product that helps people to quit vaping, they are often used as a cigarette replacement product or as a way to moderate vaping or nicotine consumption.

Are pouches a good way to quit vaping?

Nicotine pouches have not been tested or approved as a replacement for vaping, as there is no strong evidence to suggest that they are a good way to quit vaping. That being said, some people use them instead of vapes because they are smoke-free, vape-free, and non-combustible.

How long do you keep nicotine pouches in your mouth when you vape?

When using nicotine pouches, you don’t vape them. Simply place a pouch between your lower or upper lip and gum, and the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth.

How to switch from vapes to pouches

Start by choosing a nicotine pouch strength that matches your usual vape habits. Next, replace 1 to 2 vape sessions per day, then gradually replace more vaping sessions with pouches. Once you’re using pouches most of the time, aim to replace vaping completely with pouches.

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