Is it Safe to Swallow Nicotine Pouches?

DISCLAIMER: Snus Direct is not a health professional. If you are concerned about your health while using the products on our website, seek medical advice.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you swallowed a nicotine pouch? If so, you are not alone. It is a thought that has crossed every user's mind at least once. These products are designed for oral use and not for ingestion, which hints that it would be unsafe to swallow one. But what is the actual truth? Would it be a medical emergency, or would you only experience minor symptoms? To find out, continue reading.

Are Nicotine Pouches Safe?

Due to nicotine pouches being a reasonably new product, there hasn’t been enough time for research studies to illuminate any long-term repercussions of using them. However, there is also no data to say they are safe to use either. But what we do know is that they do not contain tobacco, so are “cleaner” and “safer” than similar tobacco-containing products. In addition, this product is used by millions and made from plant-based materials, with most now being recyclable. The only adverse effects known are its side effects which only occur if too much nicotine is absorbed and are short-lived. So if you are new to nicotine pouches, start off with a lower nicotine content and then work your way up if that is what you wish.

Why Should You Not Swallow Nicotine Pouches?

Although letting a pouch go down the hatch might be tempting because you are enjoying the flavor so much, cannot take it out, or are in pursuit of an intenser buzz (does not work), you should not do it. These products are meant for oral use, the same way as how to use snus, which is under the upper lip, as this is where they work best in terms of nicotine release, taste, and comfort. In fact, you may feel no satisfaction at all if you swallow one. Nicotine absorption by the stomach is poor because of the highly acidic gastric fluid.

What Happens If You Swallow a Nicotine Pouch? Is It Unsafe?

If you do swallow a nicotine pouch, do not panic. The ingredients are tobacco-free and, in small quantities, can be ingested, but you should not make a habit out of it. Since the contents are made to be absorbed by the gums rather than the stomach, you may experience some of the following minor side effects upon accidental ingestion:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Upset stomach

N.B - There is a chance that you could develop a more severe reaction if you swallow a pouch. If you feel very unwell, we recommend that you seek medical advice.

Also, we often get asked questions about specific products, like "can I swallow ZYN?". All nicotine pouches have fundamentally the same ingredients. So, the same ‘try not to swallow rule’ applies to them all.

Can You Swallow the Spit From Nicotine Pouches?

You may think that if you should not ingest a nicotine pouch, you should not swallow the spit or juice from it. But, the fact is, you can safely swallow the saliva generated by a pouch. The contents in the saliva swallowed are of such small quantities that no side effects should occur.

Many users enjoy pouches that cause drip, as it causes a quicker release of flavor. However, if you do not like the dripping caused by products with high moisture content, such as Thunder nicotine pouches, you could opt for dryer pouches, like Nordic Spirit.

The Take-Home Message

To wrap things up, it is not a good idea to go around swallowing VELO, but if you do, it is likely not a cause for concern. Just an unpleasant inconvenience. With that said, you should always pay attention to your body and not hesitate to seek medical assistance if you do not feel right. Everyone is different. While one person might be able to tolerate accidentally swallowing one with just a slightly upset stomach, the other could be worse. So, the moral of the story is, keep your pouches where they are meant to go. Under your upper lip!