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Nicotine Pouch Strength Guide
- , by Jan Kufel
- 11 min reading time
Confused by nicotine pouch strengths? Find out what the numbers mean, how they compare to smoking or vaping, and how to choose the right level.
Nicotine Pouch Strength Guide
Just like vaping and other products that avoid burning tobacco, nicotine pouches are part of the RRP family—that is, reduced-risk products. But pouches have an extra advantage: they’re discreet and incredibly easy to use. No vapour, no devices—just pop a pouch under your lip and get on with your day. The only tricky bit? The huge variety. Whether you’re trying a new brand or looking to cut down on nicotine, it can be hard to know where to start. All those strengths and numbers can get confusing fast. Let’s break it down without the fuss.
What Is Nicotine Strength in Pouches?
In nicotine pouches, strength is usually shown in milligrams (mg) of nicotine per pouch—or occasionally per gram. You’ll most commonly see ranges from 4mg to 20mg per pouch. To make things easier, manufacturers often categorise pouches by strength levels, such as Low/Light, Medium/Regular, Strong, and Extra strong, to suit different needs and preferences. Understanding the different pouch strengths is important for finding the best fit for you. But here’s the catch: not all nicotine is absorbed similarly. Since pouches go under your lip, the nicotine is absorbed through the gums. That makes the effect a bit slower than smoking or vaping, but still strong enough to curb cravings—especially if you choose the right strength.
Nicotine Pouch Strength Table (Typical Ranges)
How Do Nicotine Pouches Compare to Vapes?
Vapes usually list nicotine in mg per millilitre of e-liquid (also called vape juice), like 10mg/ml or 20mg/ml. A few deep puffs of a 20mg vape may give a quicker hit, but a pouch releases its nicotine more gradually, often over 30 to 60 minutes. That means a 6mg pouch might feel like several puffs of a stronger vape, while 12mg or more could match a longer or heavier vape session. Of course, everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s a good idea to test your own nicotine tolerance first and always start with the lower strengths if you’re unsure.
How Do Nicotine Pouches Compare to Cigarettes?
Smokers typically absorb around 1mg of nicotine per cigarette. So at first glance, a 12mg nicotine pouch might sound quite strong—almost like smoking a whole pack. But as we mentioned earlier, nicotine absorbed through the gums works differently from inhaling it through smoking or vaping. While 12mg might sound intense on paper, the slower, more gradual release means it’s often suitable for people who used to smoke more heavily—say, a pack a day or more.
If you’re trying to quit after regular smoking or high-strength vaping, this level can offer enough nicotine to keep cravings in check without needing to double up. Instead of reaching for multiple weaker pouches in a row, starting with a stronger pouch like 12mg can make the switch easier and more effective. Still far better than going back to cigarettes.
Why Are RRP Products Less Harmful Than Cigarettes?
One of the biggest advantages of RRP products—like vaping and nicotine pouches—is that they don’t involve burning tobacco. That means no smoke, no tar, and far fewer harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes. According to Public Health England, vaping is estimated to be around 95% less harmful than smoking, precisely because it avoids combustion. For the same reason, nicotine pouches are considered to be similarly less harmful. For many, switching to cigarette alternatives isn’t the final goal, but a realistic and helpful step towards reducing or even quitting nicotine altogether. Just like other RRP products, pouches are available in nicotine-free versions.
Is 6mg of Nicotine a Lot?
A 6mg nicotine pouch is generally seen as a medium strength—a balanced choice that works well for many people who are trying to cut down. If you’re used to smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes a day, or vaping with mid-range e-liquids (typically between 10mg/ml and 12mg/ml), this strength can be just right. It gives you enough nicotine to take the edge off cravings—without being too strong or too mild. The nicotine from pouches is released steadily over 30 to 60 minutes, offering a smoother and more gradual experience. If you’re looking for a moderate, reliable option to manage cravings, 6mg is a great place to start. It’s stronger than low-dose gums, smoother than a quick vape hit, and less intense.
Is 18mg of Nicotine a Lot?
Yes, 18mg is considered a high strength when it comes to nicotine pouches. And really, you should only try this level if you were a very heavy smoker or used to vaping high-nicotine e-liquids—especially 20mg salt nic, which delivers nicotine quickly and efficiently. That said, 18mg pouches are not designed for beginners or light users. The nicotine is released gradually, so the effect isn’t as immediate as smoking or vaping—but that can be misleading. You might be surprised by how strong the effect feels after an hour. So be careful—this strength can easily become overwhelming if your tolerance is low.
To be honest, we see these high-strength pouches as a short-term stepping stone—something that can help you transition away from cigarettes. Over time, it’s ideal to step down to lower strengths gradually, and with nicotine pouches, that’s easy to do. Most brands offer pouches in common strengths like 18mg, 15 mg, 12mg, 8mg, 5mg, and 3mg, all down to nicotine-free versions.
VELO Strengths: What to Expect
VELO is one of the most widely recognised and trusted nicotine pouch brands in the UK —and for good reason. Known for its clean flavours, consistent quality, and sleek design, VELO has become a go-to choice for many people. One of the things that sets VELO apart is its straightforward strength system. From lower-strength Mini pouches for light users to high-strength Slim pouches designed for more experienced users, VELO’s lineup makes it easy to choose what suits your current needs—and adjust as you go.
Typical VELO Nicotine Strengths:
VELO nicotine pouches are known for their clean, tobacco-free nicotine experience, available in a wide range of strengths and pouch sizes. VELO offers a clear strength system and two main pouch formats: Slim and Mini.
Slim vs. Mini: What’s the Difference?
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Slim pouches are the standard format for VELO—long and narrow, they’re designed to sit comfortably and discreetly under the upper lip.
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Mini pouches are even smaller and more compact, perfect if you want something ultra-discreet that won’t be visible or feel bulky during use.
Although Mini pouches contain less total nicotine, they often have a higher nicotine concentration per gram due to their smaller size. That means they can still deliver a satisfying hit, especially in higher-strength variants.
VELO Nicotine Strengths at a Glance
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4mg – Typically found in Mini versions, great for light users or those new to nicotine pouches.
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6mg – A common starting point, ideal for lighter smokers, casual vapers, or anyone stepping down from higher strengths.
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10mg – A balanced, mid-to-strong option like VELO Crispy Peppermint, suited to moderate or regular users.
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14mg and above – VELO’s strongest formats, often in Slim pouches, recommended only for experienced users with a higher nicotine tolerance.
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Up to 17mg – The highest strengths available in the VELO range, delivering a powerful kick.
Snus Strengths and Nordic Spirit Options
The word snus originally refers to traditional tobacco pouches, popular in Sweden and Norway, which contain moist tobacco placed under the lip. However, these products are banned in most EU countries, and can only be legally sold and used in a few places where they remain a cultural tradition. That’s why today, many people use the word snus more loosely to describe any pouch-style nicotine product—including modern, tobacco-free nicotine pouches that deliver nicotine without any tobacco content at all, like those from Nordic Spirit.
Nordic Spirit is one of the most established brands in the UK for modern, tobacco-free snus alternatives. Their pouches use plant fibre instead of tobacco and come in moderate nicotine strengths that appeal to a wide range of users.
Typical Nordic Spirit Nicotine Strengths:
Nordic Spirit is known for its clean, modern take on nicotine pouches. It offers a tobacco-free alternative with a focus on smooth delivery and balanced strength. The brand avoids extremes, instead offering a selection of mid-to-strong options that suit most everyday users, whether you’re cutting down, maintaining, or looking to step away from smoking or vaping.
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6mg (mini format 3mg) – A great starting point for lighter smokers or casual vapers. This strength provides a mild nicotine release, ideal for daytime use or those new to pouches.
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9mg – A popular middle ground. It’s smooth enough for daily use without being overwhelming, but still strong enough to manage regular cravings.
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11mg – For those who need something a little more substantial, 11mg offers a more noticeable kick, while still avoiding the harsh edge of high-dose options.
Mini Format: Extra Discreet
In addition to standard slim pouches, Nordic Spirit also offers mini versions—even smaller sizes, with roughly 3mg of nicotine per pouch. These are ideal if you want a lighter strength or a discreet option that won’t show or shift while in use. Despite their size, Mini pouches offer the same clean flavour and smooth release, just in a smaller dose.
Why Try Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches offer several practical benefits that make them an attractive option.
No smoke, no vapour – There’s no combustion, no cloud, and no lingering smell. That means no smoke in your clothes, hair, or breath, and no vapour filling the room. You get your nicotine fix without disturbing the people around you.
Discreet and easy to use –Pouches are slim, lightweight, and completely silent. You simply place one under your upper lip, and that’s it. There is no device, no batteries, no need to step outside or find a smoking area, and you can use them in most situations.
Tobacco-free – Nicotine pouches contain no tobacco leaf. Instead, they deliver nicotine through a base made of plant fibre and food-grade flavourings. This makes them cleaner and simpler than traditional snus or cigarettes.
Straightforward way to step down – Pouches come in clearly marked strengths. That makes it easy to reduce your intake over time gradually. You can start with a higher dose to manage cravings, then slowly move to milder options, or even go nicotine-free.
Final Thoughts: Choosing What Works for You
All in all, nicotine pouches are a smart option within the world of RRP products—especially if you’re looking for something smoke-free, discreet, and easy to manage. Thanks to clear strength labelling from established brands (and hopefully thanks to this guide), there’s no need to guess which pouch is right for you. Use this nicotine pouch strength guide to find what fits your needs—and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go. Whether you’re into VELO, Nordic Spirit, Clew, KILLA, Pablo, or any other brand, the important thing is that you’re moving in the right direction. Small switches really do add up—and we believe that one day, you just might reach zero nicotine.
Browse the wide selection at great prices over at Pouch Central.
