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Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches: Is the nicotine tobacco-derived or synthetic?
Nicotine pouches are becoming more prevalent as years go by as an alternative to tobacco-containing products, like snus and cigarettes. However, the nicotine used in some nicotine pouches is derived from the tobacco leaf, and others use synthetic nicotine. Is there a difference between these types of nicotine and which brand uses which type? The answers to these questions and those similar are answered in this blog article.
What are the sources of nicotine in tobacco-free nicotine pouches?
Nicotine is an addictive substance found naturally in the tobacco plant. But with science unveiling the negative impacts of tobacco use, tobacco-free nicotine pouches have been developed. The reason these tobacco-free alternatives have been able to be produced is because of the ability to extract nicotine from the tobacco leaf and make it synthetically.
Tobacco-derived nicotine
Tobacco-derived nicotine (TDN) is extracted from the tobacco leaf. Different processes, proven by research, isolate it from the tobacco plant. Like the scientific field, these processes continuously advance. Some of the newer extraction techniques include:
- Ultrasound-assisted Extraction
- Microwave-assisted Extraction
- Supercritical CO2 Extraction
The methods above describe ways bioactive substances, like nicotine, are extracted from tobacco. However, the more common processes to isolate nicotine are Solvent Extraction, Steam Distillation, Maceration, and Acid Extraction.
Synthetic nicotine in leaf-free nicotine pouches
Synthetic nicotine is different from TDN in the way that it is human-made in a laboratory. Moreover, it has the same chemical structure as the nicotine extracted from tobacco.
Nicotinic Acid is put through several different chemical reactions until nicotine is formed.
However, each manufacturer has a patented process, and different producers may have their own unique procedures. Each may differ by the starting substance, usually Niacin, or individual reaction steps.
How is tobacco-derived nicotine made?
There are more steps in this process other than just the extraction methods highlighted above. First, the tobacco must be harvested and collected, and the extraction sample needs purification, highlighting the complexities of creating nicotine pouches.
- First, the tobacco must be harvested and prepared for extraction - either as tobacco dust or shreds.
- Then, the extraction of nicotine is undertaken using the methods highlighted above.
- After, the isolated sample must be purified, removing unwanted substances.
- Finally, the sample is checked, assuring product quality.
Once the nicotine sample is created, it is incorporated into the nicotine pouches at the desired concentrations for each product strength.
The importance of quality control?
Some countries' own government bodies quality check non-tobacco nicotine. This is because it is an addictive substance and is isolated from tobacco, which harbors harmful chemicals. These harmful substances could be found within the sample at undesired levels if not checked, highlighting the importance of quality assurance.
Companies test their nicotine sample through chromatography, enabling them to identify specific chemicals and test their concentrations. Certain substances monitored include tobacco-specific nitrosamines and nornicotine, as well as many others.
Which tobacco-free pouches brands use tobacco-derived nicotine?
Many brands use tobacco-derived nicotine, some of the largest in the market. Some of these brands include:
Why do these brands use tobacco-derived nicotine?
Looking in from the outside, many nicotine pouch users would think that their products contain synthetic nicotine. But not all of them do. Why not use the newer, more purer nicotine sample?
- The obvious one would be because it is “cleaner” than tobacco
- It’s a repeatable process that’s been proven for years
- It has the same chemical composition as tobacco, giving a similar taste
- It is quality tested and assured
- Consumers may prefer a substance isolated from a natural source rather than a laboratory.
However, the reasons above are not to say that TDN is better than synthetic nicotine, as research in the future may state otherwise. But for now, especially in Europe, TDN is used by the majority of nicotine pouch brands.
Are there tobacco-free nicotine pouches brands that use synthetic nicotine?
As the production of synthetic nicotine becomes more prevalent, with time, more brands will start to emerge and use this pharmaceutical-grade nicotine in their products. Some brands have begun to use this, but it is still in its infancy. It may reach a point where tobacco-derived nicotine isn’t used anymore, ensuring a true tobacco-free experience by opting for synthetic.
Why is synthetic nicotine more popular in some countries?
When looking into the brands that utilize synthetic nicotine, the majority are sold outside of Europe and haven’t made their way here just yet. The reasons why synthetic nicotine is growing in popularity may include:
- Users may want a completely leaf-free nicotine pouch.
- There is less dependency on tobacco agriculture.
- Synthetic nicotine wasn’t regulated until Spring 2022, meaning laws around synthetic nicotine would’ve been looser.
- It’s becoming cheaper to produce.
How does the nicotine source affect the tobacco-free pouches experience?
Nicotine naturally occurs in two isomers (different atom arrangements), R- and S-nicotine. TDN is composed of S-nicotine, and synthetic nicotine is composed of an even mixture of both. The different chemical structures infer a differential bodily response. But what about the impact on the nicotine pouch experience?
TDN still contains traces of other chemicals, and some users postulate it affects the taste, providing a subtle bitterness and slight smell. However, both are more than 99% pure, meaning there will be little to no difference in taste and effect.
