Nicotine Pouches vs Vapes: Are Nicotine Pouches Better Than Vaping? 

newPremium Mix

9.0MG p/pouch

Nordic Spirit Blueberry

6 MG

9 MG

Add to Cart

Premium Mix

Nordic Spirit Blueberry

£4.99 10 Pts/pp

6mg - Low

6mg - Low

9mg - Medium

Mix & Match Bundle Offers

• 1 Pack £4.99 pp No savings Earn 10 pts
• 5 Pack £3.99 pp Save £5.00 Earn 40 pts
• 10 Pack £2.49 pp Save £25.00 Earn 50 pts
• 20 Pack £2.49 pp Save £50.00 Best value Earn 100 pts

Add to cart | £49.80

100 Pts will be earned | Save £50.00 Savings on these items

£2.49 pp | Save £50.00

Mix & Match

10.0MG p/pouch

VELO Minty Lemon

10 MG

Add to Cart

Mix & Match

VELO Minty Lemon

£4.29 9 Pts/pp

10mg - Medium

10mg - Medium

Mix & Match Bundle Offers

• 1 Pack £4.29 pp No savings Earn 9 pts
• 5 Pack £3.99 pp Save £1.50 Earn 40 pts
• 10 Pack £3.39 pp Save £9.00 Earn 68 pts
• 20 Pack £3.19 pp Save £22.00 Best value Earn 128 pts

Add to cart | £63.80

128 Pts will be earned | Save £22.00 Savings on these items

£3.19 pp | Save £22.00

newMix & Match

30.0MG p/pouch

Pablo Exclusive Blueberry Peach Ice

50 MG

Add to Cart

Mix & Match

Pablo Exclusive Blueberry Peach Ice

£4.29 9 Pts/pp

50mg - Extra Strong

50mg - Extra Strong

Mix & Match Bundle Offers

• 1 Pack £4.29 pp No savings Earn 9 pts
• 5 Pack £3.99 pp Save £1.50 Earn 40 pts
• 10 Pack £3.39 pp Save £9.00 Earn 68 pts
• 20 Pack £3.19 pp Save £22.00 Best value Earn 128 pts

Add to cart | £63.80

128 Pts will be earned | Save £22.00 Savings on these items

£3.19 pp | Save £22.00

newMix & Match

11.0MG p/pouch

ZYN Coffee Mini Strong

6 MG

11 MG

Add to Cart

Mix & Match

ZYN Coffee Mini Strong

£4.29 9 Pts/pp

6mg - Low

6mg - Low

11mg - Medium

Mix & Match Bundle Offers

• 1 Pack £4.29 pp No savings Earn 9 pts
• 5 Pack £3.99 pp Save £1.50 Earn 40 pts
• 10 Pack £3.39 pp Save £9.00 Earn 68 pts
• 20 Pack £3.19 pp Save £22.00 Best value Earn 128 pts

Add to cart | £63.80

128 Pts will be earned | Save £22.00 Savings on these items

£3.19 pp | Save £22.00

Nicotine Pouches vs Vapes: Are Nicotine Pouches Better Than Vaping? 

Vaping has become quite a familiar sight here in the UK since as far back as 2006, with numerous health risks linked to tobacco actively making smoking less and less appealing. Although vaping also brings with it its own set of risks, not least of which being throat irritation if you are especially sensitive to propylene glycol, which is where nicotine pouches come in. Being quite a recent addition to the UK since their official introduction in 2019, nicotine pouches are primarily tobacco-free snus and have steadily been rising in popularity for their incredible subtlety and minimal restrictions when it comes to when and where they are used. Although this begs the question of which of the two is better when it comes to everyday use, not just from a health perspective but in terms of cost and effectiveness as well. Of course this will largely depend on which main feature you value most: fast-acting nicotine with flavoursome clouds of vapour or near complete freedom as to when and where you can get your nicotine fix without compromising on nicotine strength. 

To make it easier to decide which is ultimately the best option for you, breaking down how both nicotine pouches and vapes work alongside what features they offer is a great way of making the correct choice when it comes to your nicotine use. 

How Nicotine Pouches Work Compared To Vaping

While both provide relief from nicotine cravings, vapes and nicotine pouches work very differently in terms of how they deliver nicotine into your system. This does have an impact on how quickly you will feel the nicotine taking effect too, let alone how restricted you might be in terms of where you get your nicotine hit, since vaping is often restricted to designated areas much like with cigarettes. 

How Nicotine Pouches Work

One of the best features of nicotine pouches is how incredibly simple they are to use, requiring no external devices and being so subtle you can use them almost anywhere without anyone around you even noticing. Small enough to be packed into compact tins, nicotine pouches are extremely portable and primarily comprised of simple plant fibres that gradually release nicotine when you place them beneath your lip. Once a nic pouch is tucked beneath your upper lip, your saliva soaks into the fibres, which allows the nicotine to seep into the lining of your mouth so it can start taking effect. This process will begin almost immediately and is gradual enough to not overwhelm or become uncomfortable, allowing you to continue with your routine and remain undetectable to those around you. This entire process means you can get your nicotine fix without any judgement or inconvenience, not to mention how they are far less harmful than tobacco products since they are distinctly different from snus due to their tobacco-free formulation. 

The three main things to remember about nicotine pouches are;

1. Nicotine pouches are discreet, allowing them to be used almost anywhere. 
2. Nicotine content is released slowly and steadily into your bloodstream with minimum distraction.
3. No external devices are needed, with no vapour being generated to potentially set off smoke alarms. 

How Vaping Works

Vaping is significantly more complex than simply popping a nicotine pouch beneath your lip, as it requires a vape device that not only needs varying levels of maintenance but also must be periodically recharged and refilled with e-liquid too. Although this does not mean using a vape is particularly complicated, once it is charged and its tank or pod is filled with e-liquid, it will be heated by an internal coil when activated, which causes the liquid to turn into the vapour you inhale. This entire process is surprisingly rapid, with nicotine-laced vapour being inhaled directly into your lungs, giving you an almost instant hit of nicotine with each inhalation, far different from the gradual release you can expect when using a nicotine pouch. Many vape devices are highly customisable too, allowing you multiple options in terms of how you can adapt the temperature and feel of the vapour, along with customising your own blends of vape liquid; not to mention, since the ban on disposable vapes, they have become much more cost-effective as well. This is all with a direct similarity to the experience of smoking a cigarette, making vaping products the most visually similar and reminiscent of the experience, making them highly popular if you are trying to quit smoking. 

The three main things to remember about vapes are;

1. Vaping is designed to generate heated vapour which is highly flavourful, scented and very visible
2. Nicotine content is released rapidly and directly into your lungs for a sharper and more intense sensation.
3. Your vape kit is an essential part of your vaping and will need to be charged and refilled regularly.

How Nicotine And Vaping Devices Compare When In Use

How The Pricing Of Nicotine Pouches Compares to Vapes 

A major factor in any decision linked to when you make a purchase is just how much it is going to cost, especially if you want to make the very most of your investment. The main thing to consider when you are deciding between using nicotine pouches or a vape is how you intend to use them, especially knowing how they work alongside your personal preference and lifestyle. 

How Much Nicotine Pouches Cost

The pricing of both nicotine pouches and vapes can vary a great deal depending on the quantity of nicotine pouches you purchase and the type of vape you choose, although generally you will find a 20 pouch can of nicotine pouches will be around £3.50-£5.00. Depending on your use, you will likely find yourself spending around £10 per week if you are using nicotine pouches fairly regularly. 

How Much Vapes Can Cost

Unlike nicotine pouches, vapes can vary a great deal more in price depending on the number of features they have included with the device. As a result you may find a prefilled pod kit starting as low as £3, which can increase to around £17, whilst more advanced sub ohm vape devices may be up to £50-£65 in comparison. This is, of course before you take into consideration the cost of e-liquid refills and any spare coils or tanks you may also need over the course of its use. This means that once you purchase a vape kit even for light use, you will likely spend around £15-£30 per month to cover the cost of e-liquid refills or any spare parts. 

Different Nicotine Strengths Available For Nicotine Pouches Compared To Vapes

Knowing how nicotine pouches and vapes work is only part of what you need to consider when comparing the two, especially since the nicotine is delivered differently at a significantly faster or slower rate depending on which of them you choose. Ultimately the nicotine content itself will make a large difference in your experience,, and the options available with nicotine pouches and vapes are quite different too.

Nicotine Pouch Strengths Are Predictable & Pre-Measured

In keeping with the simplicity of nicotine pouches themselves, the way in which the nicotine is measured per pouch is also exceedingly simple but highly accurate too, with nicotine measured to the milligram. As nicotine pouches themselves tend to be between 0.5-1 gram, their nicotine content, on the other hand, can vary a great deal. This does not mean it is difficult to work out which nicotine strength to select when you pick your pouch, though, since nicotine pouches generally are split into clear strength categories ranging from low 3mg strengths all the way to extra strong 66mg , making it very easy to adjust your nicotine strength as you see fit, depending on the needs of your routine.

Nicotine Strength With Vaping Is More Customisable 

Much like how some vaping devices are highly customisable, the nicotine content for use with vapes can also be adapted to your personal preference. Although the nicotine strength in e-liquids used in vapes is generally lower than that of nicotine pouches, it is important to remember that nicotine from a vape is transferred into your lungs much faster than nicotine from a pouch is released into your bloodstream. So it's important to consider that nicotine pouches might be stronger, because vapes transfer the nicotine much faster; they do not need to be more potent in comparison. Generally speaking, vapes will use e-liquids that fall into two main categories, which will denote their nicotine strength. Nicotine salts typically range from 5mg–20mg and offer a smoother vaping experience at higher strengths, whilst freebase e-liquids usually run from 3mg–18mg and provide a stronger, more noticeable impact on your throat. This is where the vape device itself can play a large part in how you experience your vape session, as depending on your vape, you can adapt multiple functions and features, such as the wattage, switching out a coil or simply adjusting the airflow to adapt your experience to suit. 

How Nicotine And Vape Nicotine Strengths Compare

The Flavour Variety Of Nicotine Pouches And Vapes

Should you be more familiar with vaping or nicotine pouches, a huge part of your experience isn't just the nicotine strength but also the flavour that accompanies it. Of course this is why you'll always find new flavour innovations with vape liquids available quite regularly, although nicotine pouch flavour options aren't always quite so adventurous. 

Nicotine Pouch Flavours Tend To Be Less Potent

You might have already noticed that there seems to be less of a selection when you put the flavour options for any brand of nicotine pouches directly alongside a brand of vapes, although there is a reason for this. Since nicotine pouches work by slowly releasing nicotine via the mucous membranes in the mouth, this does, in fact, limit which flavours can work well before they start to interfere with nicotine absorption. More potent flavourings can end up irritating or even burning the gum tissue in your mouth because it is so sensitive, resulting in sharp, spicy or highly artificial flavours being virtually nonexistent when you look through the nicotine pouch flavours available. This is largely why you will primarily see mostly fruit and mint blends available with nicotine pouches, although you can certainly find dessert and coffee options too as more flavours are constantly being developed, you will usually find they have a lighter flavour profile for this reason.

Why Vapes Have More Flavours Available

Vaping, or more specifically the e-liquids used when vaping, largely faces no limitations on what sort of flavour combinations can be formulated, but that is mostly down to how the nicotine is released into your body as you vape. Unlike nicotine pouches that need constant contact with the sensitive tissues of your mouth for a gradual release, vaping allows nicotine to almost immediately enter your lungs without requiring ongoing exposure. As a result, the propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine blends used in e-liquids are much more adaptable in terms of what flavour compounds can be used since they are designed for a rapid and fast-acting hit as opposed to prolonged exposure. This effectively eliminates the sort of tissue irritation that would otherwise be caused, giving vapes a vastly wider pool of options when it comes to what flavours you can encounter. E-liquids can offer everything from classic tobaccos and menthols to complex cocktail-style or dessert-inspired blends, all with vibrant and highly defined flavour. 

Check Out The Most Popular Nicotine Pouch Flavours

VELO Freezing Peppermint

Pablo Blue Raspberry Exclusive

VELO Icy Berries

Pablo Banana Ice Exclusive

What Does the Nicotine Experience Actually Feel Like Between Nic Pouches And Vapes?

Since both nicotine pouches and vapes are nicotine products, both can alleviate cravings for adult nicotine users, although there is indeed a difference between how vapers experience the nicotine from their vape juice compared to how a pouch user will experience very similar nicotine content. 

Nicotine Pouches Are A Slow Burn For Longer-Lasting Craving Relief 

Since nicotine pouches work in a gradual and highly subtle manner without combustion or vapour, they do have an equally laid-back and gentler approach to their nicotine release. Very much unlike vaping, nicotine pouches will have a building sensation rather than an immediate one when it comes to how you experience your nicotine, making them less effective for quick relief from cravings but far more satisfying for a longer-lasting buzz. 

Vapes Are Fast-Acting With High Impact

Since vaping adopts an approach that is much more similar to smoking, you will get an almost immediate rush of nicotine from the first puff, although, just like smoking cigarettes, such an experience can contribute to the temptation to chain vape in order to maintain that initial rush. Not only can this result in you using up your vape liquid far more rapidly, but it will also massively increase your nicotine intake as opposed to a singular nicotine pouch gradually releasing a set portion of nicotine over a longer period of time. 

Are Nicotine Pouches Easier To Use Than Vapes?

Since both vapes and nicotine pouches are already quite different in many ways, it isn't straightforward to directly state which is a better alternative since it is largely down to your own personal preference; this includes the process of using them too! Undoubtedly, nicotine pouches are simpler and faster to use than vapes, which require some initial setup, regular e-liquid refills, part replacements and ongoing maintenance. Although it is important to remember that the use of nicotine pouches are also far less restrictive too, since they can largely be used anywhere without concern of being limited to designated areas or unwanted judgement from those around you. 

Nicotine Pouches VS Vapes – Are Nicotine Pouches Better Than Vaping?

Since both nicotine pouches and vapes are a much safer alternative when it comes to getting a tobacco-free nicotine fix, both are an ideal alternative to smoking but equally can offer a very different experience. Oral nicotine pouches are both much more subtle and convenient by design, and since they also feature no smoke or vapour, they arguably have less of a negative health impact too, not to mention incredible ease of use. The gradual nicotine release keeps your cravings under control with an easily manageable nicotine intake, which might be more of a challenge when you vape. Of course, vaping is less harmful than smoking too and much faster to deliver nicotine when you want a quick resolution to your cravings as well. Vaping also offers a hugely diverse selection of flavours in comparison to when you use nicotine pouches, giving you fast-acting variety, but limitations on where you can use it and a higher chance of chain vaping in order to maintain that same initial nicotine high. You will also need to purchase a vape kit along with all the accessories, ensure it remains charged and of course purchase a selection of compatible vape liquids, which might feel a great deal more complicated than a simple tin of nicotine pouches. 

Nicotine pouches and vaping offer two very different experiences, with nicotine pouches largely winning out when it comes to being the most discreet, cost-effective and hassle-free, and you can find all the top nicotine pouch brands here on our website with fast UK delivery readily available too!