What happens if you
swallow nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are small parcels mainly composed of a filler ingredient with a small quantity of nicotine. They are designed to fit discreetly under your lip, where you can keep them for up to 60 minutes while they slowly release nicotine.

They are a tobacco-free alternative to satisfy your nicotine cravings, avoiding the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption. With these pouches, the nicotine is absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth.

All the top brands of nicotine pouches including Zyn, Velo, Nordic Spirit, Volt and Shiro are made of very similar ingredients. The main ingredient is a filler usually made of plant-based fibres.

The purpose of the filler is simply to make the pouch more comfortable under the lip. Secondary ingredients are typically nicotine, flavourings, preservatives, salt, and sweeteners. All these ingredients meet food standards for consumption and are non-toxic.

These pouches are not made to be chewed, bitten, or swallowed. Once you have finished with the nicotine pouch, you should remove it from under your lip and discard it in a litter bin or recycling station.

However, there’s no need to panic if you accidentally swallow a nicotine pouch. As we mentioned, the pouches are made of non-toxic ingredients, so it’s very unlikely they will cause any harm. What’s more, your body will actually absorb less nicotine from ingesting a pouch due to Bioavailability.

Bioavailability is the rate substances are absorbed by our body. Depending on how we consume a substance, more or less of it is absorbed into our body. The bioavailability rate for nicotine is lower in our stomach compared to our mouth, which means we will absorb less nicotine from ingesting a pouch compared with placing it under the lip.