Nicotine Absorption: Nicotine Pouches Vs Snus

With nicotine pouch popularity on the rise, many snusers are giving them a try, leading many to question the actual strengths of products due to how they feel. The sole factor at play is nicotine absorption which differs between individual nicotine pouches and snus, as well as the two types of products. For your information, this topic is explored, shedding light on the differences, the reasons for them, and what to expect.

How is Nicotine Absorbed?

Nicotine pouches and snus are used by placing them against the gum under the upper lip, meaning nicotine is absorbed in the mouth, unlike vapes and cigarettes. But how does this work?

Nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa, and then into the bloodstream where it binds with receptors in the brain and adrenal glands. However, the nicotine doesn’t just jump from the pouch to the membrane of the gums, a vehicle is required. This transport system is our saliva, which will be explained below. It dissolves in the water and then leaves the pouch through our saliva, enabling contact with the oral mucosa.

What Factors Affect the Speed of Absorption?

There are three main factors when considering the speed of nicotine transfer. One is pouch moisture, the other is pH, and a more fundamental factor is the source.

Pouch Moisture. Nicotine is released when the pouch is moist. In turn, the more water the pouch contains, the less saliva is needed and the faster it will be released and absorbed into the bloodstream.

pH. pH affects nicotine as it determines whether it is protonated or unprotonated. The substance is a weak base with a pKa of 8, meaning at pH’s greater than 8 it is unprotonated, also called freebase nicotine. No matter the type, it is water-soluble. However, freebase nicotine readily crosses membranes and is absorbed much faster. In turn, products with a pH greater than 8 will ensure it is absorbed faster.

Source. The state of nicotine in a product will also affect absorption speed. Whether it is in the form of tobacco or salt, it will affect how it is extracted. Nicotine in a salt or resin is much more readily available than it is in tobacco, meaning products like nicotine pouches can deliver more at a quicker pace.

Nicotine Absorption and Product Strength

The rate at which the nicotine is absorbed will affect the product's strength. The more absorbed, the stronger the sensation and feeling. However, just because a product says it contains more nicotine, doesn’t necessarily mean it will “feel” stronger due to the factors above, especially when comparing nicotine pouches and snus which are discussed below. In turn, if you’re changing brands or product types, it’s better to be aware of this to begin with. There’s nothing worse than buying something a little too strong or not potent enough.

What’s the Difference Between Nicotine Pouches and Snus?

One major difference when comparing Snus vs Nicotine Pouches is the presence of tobacco. As you know snus contains tobacco and pouches do not and because the source of nicotine affects its absorption, there is a difference between these two products.

A study compared the amount of nicotine extracted from ZYN 6 mg and General 8 mg. It was found that 3.5 mg of nicotine was extracted from the possible 6 mg per pouch of ZYN (59%) compared to only 2.4 mg of the 8 mg available (32%) in the General snus.

Therefore, the results from this study may explain why many users experience strength differences when changing the products they use.

What To Expect From Both Products

So, what should you do if you’re changing products and aren’t sure whether you should keep the same strength or go higher or lower than you usually would? In terms of nicotine pouches and snus, both have a different sensation due to how the nicotine is absorbed.

Pouches contain nicotine salt which is much more readily available to absorb, they also tend to be moist and the pH heightened to ensure optimal nicotine transfer. In turn, they tend to feel stronger and more intense in comparison to snus.

On the other hand, snus’ nicotine is in tobacco form which takes longer to extract, meaning the release isn’t as fast nor intense but more gradual, offering a more enjoyable and milder experience at the same strengths.

So when going from snus to nicotine pouches maybe go down a strength step and vice versa if going from pouches to snus. See what you think and whether you can notice the difference.