Nicotine Pouches vs Vaping
Since nicotine pouches have become popular in the UK, many people are wondering if they’re any better or worse than vaping. In 2025, vaping is still the more popular choice. However, there’s a big trend in people moving over to nic pouches from smoking and even vaping. There are pros and cons to both nicotine pouches and vaping and ultimately up to you (the user) in deciding which cigarette replacement is best for you. We’ll go through the benefits of both, fully explain how they work, and why both nic pouches and vapes are used and by which type of people.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
In short, nicotine pouches are small, rectangular, and white pouches filled with powdered nicotine, flavourings including sweeteners, and binding ingredients. Nic pouches are designed to be placed in-between the gum and lip for a gradual nicotine release into your bloodstream. If you’re looking for a more in-depth explanation, check out our ‘Nicotine Pouches - Explained’ blog. Nicotine pouches are sold in cans of around 15-20 pouches, with people using anywhere between 5-15 pouches a day. They’re most popular in the Nordic areas of the world.
Nicotine pouches are a tobacco free version of Snus (pronounced snoos). Snus is a pouch of tobacco that's placed in between the gum and lip allowing for a gradual release of nicotine. It's been used for centuries across the world, however it has been banned in the UK since 1992 through the European Union.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of heating up e-liquid inside of a device to produce a vapour. Vaping comes in many different forms, although every vape works the same way. Vapes utilise e-liquid which is made from VG (vegetable glycerine), PG (propylene glycol), liquid nicotine, and flavourings including sweeteners. The vapour produced is designed to be inhaled the same way you would a cigarette. There is a type of vaping known as DTL vaping that allows you to inhale the vapour directly to your lungs (sub-ohm vaping), however this type of vaping is more suited to experienced vapers. Vapes require a battery, a coil, and e-liquid in order to create vapour.
Vaping became more mainstream in 2015, with forums and communities forming around it. Vapes have changed a lot since then, with disposable vapes leading the growth within the recent years. The most common type of vape used in the UK, ignoring disposable vapes, is the pod kit. It's simple to use and easy to get along with.
The Basic Differences
|
|
Nicotine Pouches |
Vapes |
|
Nicotine Strength Range Average |
0.5mg-50mg Per Pouch |
0mg-20mg Per ml |
|
Contains Tobacco |
No |
No |
|
Smoke/Vapour Free |
Yes |
No |
|
Flavour Variety |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Discreet |
Yes |
No |
|
Immediate Satisfaction |
No |
Yes |
|
Maintenance Required? |
No |
Yes |
|
How To Use |
Place in-between gum and lip, remove when satisfied. |
Fire device and innate vapour the same way you would a cigarette. |
Laws & Regulations
Nic Pouches
Nicotine pouches are legal in the UK and there’s no specific sales restrictions placed on them. This means no nicotine strength regulations. Because of this, there’s an increase in ‘fake’ nicotine pouches arising in the UK. However, as long as you purchase from reputable businesses whether in person or online, you should be ok. Most brands have a way of authenticating the product through a QR code or link. As nicotine pouches are becoming more popular in the UK, we’re more likely to see tougher regulations in place when it comes to fake and overly strong nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches display nicotine warnings and feature child-resistant packaging.
Vapes
As well as strict regulations already imposed on vaping products, disposable vapes are due to be banned in the UK in June 2025. Both vaping e-liquids and disposable vapes are regulated to a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml, and vape tanks/pods regulated to a 2ml capacity. This has encouraged illegal vapes to crop up in the UK. Vapes need to be packaged according to MHRA and TRPR. This includes safety warnings and child-resistant packaging and lids. It’s likely that a tax on vape juice per ml is being introduced in 2026. This may put a huge price increase on regular 10ml e-liquids, as well as shortfills and longfills resulting in vaping costing incredibly more than before.
Flavours & Strengths
Nic Pouches
There are hundreds of nic pouch brands, with around twenty brands being in the main spotlight globally. This means there are many flavours to choose from. Nicotine pouch flavours range from mints, fruits, drinks, candies, desserts, and even more savoury flavours like chilli and coffee. Even though there’s a large range flavours, it can be tricky finding your desired strength in each flavour. For example, you may enjoy 4mg lower strength nicotine pouches, however only a few brands create 4mg pouches which limits the flavours you can enjoy. This is why many people stick to a flavour they like, stopping them from branching out.
Vapes
Most disposable vapes feature very similar flavours, albeit a large range. The flavours are consistent and available in many brands. Vape juice comes in thousands of flavours being available in either nic salt or freebase nicotine. Nicotine salts come in three standardised strengths, 5mg/ml, 10mg/ml, and 20mg/ml. Freebase nicotine is commonly found in strengths of 3mg/ml, 6mg/ml, 12mg/ml, and 18mg/ml. The majority of vape juice brands use these standardised strengths it’s much easier to find an array of flavours in your desired nicotine strength.
Social Factors
Nic Pouches
Nicotine pouches are so discreet that most of the time you won’t realise someone is using a nicotine pouch. They’re very small and are stored typically in plastic “cans” that will easily fit in a pocket or a small bag. They do not produce any smoke or vapour and can be easily disposed of using the top storage part of the can. Nic pouches can be used indoors and virtually anywhere that smoking and vaping are prohibited. However, some people may miss the social action of stepping outside for a vape or cigarette which is an addictive part of smoking.
Vaping
Vaping in generally not accepted in many indoor places. Although there’s no proof that second hand vapour will cause issues to the people around you, some people may not like the clouds or the smell. This can sometimes limit where you can vape. Something that stands out with vaping compared to other NRTs is the social community it offers. There are online forums, group chats and even YouTube channels about vaping. This can bring a sense of community to vapers and aid them in their journey to quit smoking.
Nicotine Satisfaction
Nic Pouches
Because the nicotine has to pass through the mucous membrane of the gums and cheeks, the nicotine inside of a nicotine pouch is absorbed gradually. They don’t offer an instant and strong hit, however they do keep your nicotine cravings away for much longer. This is a big adjustment when moving over from cigarettes or vaping and does require some resilience when starting. Once you’re used to the gradual release of nicotine, you’ll know when you need a nicotine pouch and how long of a time you can go without. If a nic pouch with a strength that’s too high for you is easily noticeable due to the intense burning, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. This can discourage people from trying nicotine pouches. The best way to avoid getting ‘nic sick’ is by starting on a lower nicotine strength and working your way up until your cravings are satisfied.
Vapes
Vaping offers an immediate and intense nicotine release. This is fantastic for beating those cigarette cravings. The nicotine hit is very satisfying, however the nicotine doesn’t stay in the body for very long. You’ll probably crave nicotine very soon after having a puff on your vape. To combat a more intense nicotine dependency, we’d recommend gradually reducing the nicotine strength of your e-liquid or pre-filled pod if possible.
Maintenance
Nic Pouches
Nicotine Pouches require no maintenance and are ready to use straight out the pack. You simply buy a new can when you’ve run out. Once the can is empty, simply recycle the can if possible or discard responsibly.
Vapes
Using a refillable vape kit does require some maintenance. The coil will have to be replaced periodically once its burnt, as well as the battery requiring charging whether it’s an internal or external battery. If you have a vape that has separate coils and pods/tanks you’ll have to source them individually. Although there’s parts of a vape that requires changing or maintaining, this does allow for extra customisation. There are so many possibilities when it comes to customising a vape that even building your own coils has become a hobby for many.
Cost
Nic Pouches
Just like anything available to buy, every brand will offer a different price point and quality. In the UK you can grab nicotine pouches at an average of £4.99 for a can of twenty. Like anything there are brands that cost more or less than this. The average person will go through 5-15 nic pouches a day so the cost can quickly add up. One thing that many retailers offer is a bulk deal on nicotine pouches. You’re able to buy sleeves of cans which in turn lowers the price per can. As nicotine pouches offer a lower start-up cost, people may be more inclined to give it a go rather than buying a vaping device.
Vapes
The initial setup of a vape can be costly as you’ll need the device, coils/pods, and vape juice. Depending on the level of vape kit you go for, the set up cost will vary. A starter kit with one pod and a bottle of vape juice can cost as low as £10. Purchased individually, a bottle of vape juice will cost around £3.50-£4. You can however get vape juice at a lower price by utilising 4 for £10 and 3 for £10 deals, making each bottle only cost around £2.50. Vape juice deals are available in virtually every vape store as well as online vape retailers. Like nicotine pouches, the ongoing cost is completely dependent on how much you use it.
Health
Nic Pouches
When using a nicotine pouch, the nicotine is absorbed through the mucus membranes in the mouth and enters the bloodstream directly. Nicotine completely bypasses the lungs unlike smoking or vaping. This is a common reason why athletes decide to use nicotine pouches to curb their cravings. Just because nicotine pouches don’t intrude on the lungs doesn’t mean they’re without issues. As the UK haven’t been using nicotine pouches for a while, not a lot of research has been done into the long-term affects of nicotine pouches leaving a lot of the side affects to people’s imagination. As you’re holding something in your gums for an extended amount of time, it’s possible that nic pouches can cause localised gum recession due to nicotine being a vasoconstrictor (reduces blood flow to the gums). Using nic pouches in moderation can combat this, as well as rotating the gums used.
Vapes
We know that vaping is much safer than smoking cigarettes, however they are not without risk. There aren’t many long-term studies on the risk of vaping. Some reports show mouth irritation and lung irritation. The unfortunate side effect of vapes being so good to quit smoking with is that they're available almost anywhere, increasing the number of young people getting a hold of them. Vaping should only be used as a way to quit smoking, not as something to start. There’s evidence shown that vaping is a fantastic method of NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) and has successfully stopped a large number of the UK smoking. As they’re available almost anywhere, they encourage people so give up smoking.
Shop Our Recommendations
Conclusion
Like everyone else, we wouldn’t say that one method of quitting smoking is better than another. This is because everyone’s preferences vary and everyone requires a different amount of nicotine so satisfy their cravings. If you’re looking for something discreet that doesn’t interfere with the lungs, go with nicotine pouches. If you’re seeking an instant nicotine hit that offers a lot more customisation, then pick up a vape. At Prime Vapes we’ve seen customers successfully quit smoking with both of these methods and would encourage you plan your quit smoking journey with whichever works best for you.
