What are Nicotine Pouches Made of?

Nicotine pouches differ from traditional tobacco snus in several ways. But as you surely know, the main difference is that nicotine pouches do not contain any tobacco. That’s why nicotine pouches are sometimes called “tobacco-free nicotine pouches” to emphasize the fact that they have no tobacco.

Since nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, the content needs to be replaced with something else.

What are nicotine pouches made of?

Instead of tobacco, nicotine pouches use different types of plant fibers. Different brands and manufacturers use different types of plant fibers to achieve the properties they want in their pouches.

The main components of nicotine pouches are plant fiber, nicotine, and various flavors and aromas for taste.

Let’s take a closer look at the contents of nicotine pouches from the most common manufacturers:

Velo contents

Water, filler (E460), flavor enhancer (salt), xylitol, nicotine, flavors, thickener (E401), salmiac, acidity regulator (E500), sweetener (E950)

Zyn contents

Ingredients: water, filler (E 460), plant fiber, moisturizing agent (E 422), vegetable oil, salt, acidity regulator (E 525), flavors, nicotine, emulsifier (E 471), sweetener (E 950).

VOLT contents

Water, filler (E 460), plant fiber, moisturizing agent (E 422), acidity regulator (E 500, E 509), salt, flavors, nicotine, emulsifier (E 471), sweetener (E 950).

Zone X

Water, filler (E 460), plant fiber, moisturizing agent (E 422), acidity regulator (E 500, E 509), salt, flavors, nicotine, emulsifier (E 471), sweetener (E 950).

Loop

Fiber, water, nicotine, flavors, sweeteners (E968, E950), acidity regulators (E500, E330), moisturizing agents (E401, anti-caking agent (E551) sodium chloride, preservatives (E202)

What is plant fiber?

Plant fiber is exactly what it sounds like, fiber from plants. Plant fiber can come from a variety of plants and different manufacturers use different forms of plant fiber. Wikipedia’s definition of plant fiber is as follows:

“Plant fibers are made up of cellulose and are usually extracted from woody plants. Plant fibers are usually divided into seed and fruit fibers and stem and bast fibers. Cotton and kapok belong to the first group, while flax, ramie, and hemp belong to the second group.”

Different types of plant fiber have varying stiffness and this is also one of the reasons why different manufacturers choose to use different types of plant fiber. As you have surely noticed, nicotine pouches from different manufacturers can feel different, and this is an important reason. Another reason is of course also how the plant fibers are treated and how well they are ground.

As you can see, all nicotine pouches use plant fiber as a filler in their beads. However, there are different types of plant fibers and the information about which type of plant fiber different manufacturers use is not always clear. The only manufacturer that explicitly states which type of plant fiber is used is Velo.

Types of plant-based fibers used by different nicotine pouch brands

Velo plant fiber

Velo is made with plant fiber from eucalyptus and pine.

 Zyn plant fiber

Plant fiber – does not specify the type.

VOLT plant fiber

Plant Fiber – does not specify type.

Zone X

Plant fiber – does not specify the type.

Loop

Plant fiber – does not specify type.

The benefit of plant fiber in nicotine pouches

There are several advantages to using plant fiber for the filling of nicotine pouches, which is why it has become the central ingredient to replace tobacco.

First and foremost, plant fiber does not leak like tobacco does. Furthermore, plant fiber has no taste, which enables flavoring in a completely different way than with tobacco. This is the reason why there are so many good flavors to choose from when it comes to nicotine pouches.

Plant fiber also makes the pouches last longer and release both flavor and nicotine for a longer time. This makes tobacco-free nicotine pouches last longer than traditional tobacco snus.

Another fantastic benefit is that tobacco-free nicotine pouches do not need to be stored in a refrigerator. Tobacco snus needs to be stored in a refrigerator and has a significantly shorter shelf life than nicotine pouches, even when stored in a refrigerator. Furthermore, tobacco snus tends to become dry and lose flavor over time, especially when not kept chilled.

All white snus” can be taken with you anywhere, anytime, without having to take up half of the refrigerator or worry about it becoming old. “All white snus” has a shelf life of approximately 12 months, which is significantly longer than that of traditional tobacco snus.