I’ve used Nicotine Pouches since The Start - Here Are The Side Effects

Written by Snusmeister 

Published on May 07, 2025

Many years ago, in The US, advertisements stated that smoking was good for you. Not so long ago, vaping had become the hottest new smoking cessation product. Now, we have nicotine pouches, which many people think are new. In fact, versions of nicotine pouches (Traditional Swedish snus) dates back as far as the 16th century. One thing is for sure, nicotine impacts human physiology, no matter in what way it is processed into the system. But, in reality, understanding nicotine pouch side effects goes deeper than what scientists think they believe. Since the very first days of using nicotine pouches, and having formerly used snus, I have insight into the effect differences. I want to share them with you.

Nicotine Pouches Side Effects: Difference between Snus and Nicotine Pouches

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For purposes of confusion I think it is important to explain the difference between snus and nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free pouches containing synthetic nicotine, water, plant-based fillers, and flavoring. Snus, on the other hand, are pouches, containing water, flavoring, and ground tobacco. If the two sound similar, it is because they are! To add further insult to injury, both are called snus to most people. To my frustration, throughout the years, media have clamoured to talk about the legality of snus, painting an unfair picture to the public. Traditional snus is illegal in most countries, and most media outlets like to lean on that fact when they are writing stories. Nicotine pouches are completely legal in most countries. The colloquial name share has damaged the integrity of nicotine pouches on the whole.

 

For context, I did my first snus back in 2009, and my first nicotine pouch around 2011. Despite there being similarities between the two products there are several differences in terms of feel. Snus typically stinks, like you would expect from a tobacco product. It also tends to drip quite badly - a drip is when the moisture from the pouch drips to the back of the throat. During my snus days I went through every brand possible before finally settling on the infamous Siberia. Paradoxically, nicotine pouches rarely dripped, and felt somewhat stronger. There are distinct differences between the experience of both, however. Snus feels more organic, more natural, for want of a better word. Nicotine pouches taste ten times better, and tend to feel a bit more like a scientist has made it. Ultimately, whichever you prefer is subjective to the user, but both offer nicotine at different strength levels.

The Nicotine Pouch Side Effects I Know To Be True

A rabbit-hole dive on to the internet can reveal a ton of information about potential side effects based on scientific projection. As a normal person, knowing about the side effects first-hand through over a decade of using them, I can tell you they do exist. That being said, I also know about the side effects of drinking too much coffee and I still overdo it. So, use me as a guide to understand the true potential effects of using nicotine pouches, not a bible. 

 

Feeling Sick/Queasy using Nicotine Pouches

Everyone I know has done it, been sick using nicotine pouches. Unfortunately, this can be a byproduct of using nicotine pouches at the wrong time, overuse, or strength tolerance. When I first used Siberia (traditional Swedish snus) I regularly felt sick. In fact, I had been sick on a few occasions while using Siberia, particularly when I was drinking alcohol. I am no scientist, so would be out of my depth commenting on the physiological impacts causing sickness. But, I can certainly give you my personal experiences and why I believe it can sometimes happen.

 

The Time of Day

Even now, some 15 years or so deep using nicotine pouches, I have felt sick. But, with experience comes the ability to manage the feeling in such a way that I am not actually being sick. The first nicotine pouch of the day, usually once I have got my coffee and got back in bed, is the most likely to cause feelings of sickness. I find that the brand, also the strength of the pouch, plays a significant role in these feelings. Brands, or products, with a chemical-like taste can make me feel sick first thing. I tend to stay away from them until later in the day. Usually, any products that cause a drip seem to be enhanced in acidity in the morning. The drip that occurs can sometimes be pretty nice too, but not first thing in the morning.

 

Strength Tolerance

The strength plays a huge role in sickness. I have seen so many people through the years overestimate themselves and be sick from a pouch. For someone that has only ever used something like VELO or Zyn, to go ahead and use something like CUBA Black, can be chaotic. Nicotine pouches can contain a considerable amount of nicotine, and tolerance to strength is built over frequency. I cannot stress enough the importance of understanding your own tolerance level before diving into products that you have no experience with. Something like a CUBA Black, despite being 66mg, has one of the fastest nicotine deliveries in pouches. The uptake of nicotine, on unsuspecting users, can cause the body to reject the nicotine and feel sick. Hot sweats, dizziness, and feeling sick are a typical byproduct of lack of tolerance to a specific product. Managing that can be difficult, especially for those with no experience. So, keep water handy, and don’t play games with higher strength level pouches!

Gum Recession using Nicotine Pouches

Truth of the matter is you are attaching a pouch to your gum that contains bicarbonate of soda (in most products), that is where the tingle comes from. So, I have no doubt that using nicotine pouches can cause gum recession. That being said, I have used them consistently and exclusively for the past six years and have not seen that in my own gums. It is not to say that it will not happen. I use a lot in comparison what would be recommended. I use upwards of 15 pouches a day, without fail. I do use a variety of different brands due to my work, so perhaps that is something to do with mine not receding yet. Yes, I used the word yet, because I am unsure as to whether it will actually happen.
 

Gum Recession in snus

On a side note, but still pertaining to the topic, snus definitely causes recession. I used Siberia, Odens, and Thunder for some seven or eight years before I moved to pouches. I had bleeding gums sometimes and I decimated two teeth. Both teeth broke, which was alien to me as I have never had issues with my teeth. Perhaps it was something to do with the tobacco, perhaps not. But, ultimately, it was because of my teeth breaking that I permanently moved to nicotine pouches.

 

Headaches Using Nicotine Pouches

I am someone quite prone to getting headaches, I have suffered since I was a kid. From my experience, nicotine pouches have the ability to make you feel considerably dehydrated. Throughout the day, overuse can definitely cause headaches, especially if you tend to use pouches at higher strength levels. If I am not hydrated, strong nicotine pouches can push me over the edge and I start to get a headache. That being said, I feel the same if I drink too much coffee. So, it is something to bare in mind that headaches can occur using pouches but can be mitigated by hydrating correctly.

Addiction to Nicotine Pouches

I have had insightful conversations with people about addiction through the years. As human beings we can become addicted to pretty much anything, right? We have all got the drunk uncle that decides to do a Salsa Dance by himself at family gatherings. Some of us have family members that are addicted to drinking, drugs, or gambling. Typically when you hear the word addiction you think of the worst. I have to think more objectively about addiction because, in truth, I am addicted to nicotine pouches, and I understand that. It is not the pouch, it is the nicotine substance I am addicted to, and is that a bad thing? In my opinion, no. Nicotine has no recorded health complications to date, in fact it is the delivery of nicotine that causes complication.

 

If you take the social taboo out of the word addiction and you will come to realise that we are all addicted to something. Some of us addicted to work, or sugar, or coffee, or the gym. But, for the most part, the word addiction seems to escape conversation in most of these pastimes. So, to be addicted to nicotine, a substance that has shown no complication to human health, is it a bad thing? Maybe, it depends on the delivery I guess. Currently, there is speculation as to the delivery method from a pouch, but still unsubstantiated claims. So, the topic remains an open book, by my estimation.

 

Reality is, nicotine is an addictive substance, as we are consistently reminded on the backs of the cans. So is sugar, so is coffee, and so is going to the gym. But, if you are going to use nicotine pouches then you should be aware that you can become addicted. And, therefore should take serious consideration as to whether or not you want to try them. For those of you that smoke or vape, these pouches are a game changer for nicotine delivery so, welcome to the party! Lets get those lungs clean. For sure, nicotine pouches can help quit vaping!

 

 

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In Conclusion

After more than a decade of consistent use, I can confidently say nicotine pouches are not without side effects — but they’re also not the villain some make them out to be. Like anything we consume regularly, there are pros, cons, and consequences. Feeling queasy, gum sensitivity, headaches, and addiction are all real possibilities, but they are also manageable with awareness and moderation. For me, the benefits still outweigh the drawbacks, especially compared to traditional tobacco products. I do not claim to be a scientist or health professional, just someone who has been through the motions and learned from experience. If you are thinking about trying nicotine pouches, go in with your eyes open, understand your tolerance, and stay hydrated. And if you are looking to kick the smoking or vaping habit, this might just be the tool you need. Just remember: it is your body, your choice, your responsibility.

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