In tobacconists you can find nicotine bags, also called nicotine pouches. They differ from Swedish snuss because they do not contain tobacco, but a mix of powdered substances including nicotine. The nicotine pouchesincreasingly popular, contain ingredients such as cellulose, pH regulators, flavors and other additives that vary depending on the brand. In Italy and Europe they are subject to precise limits by law (up to 16.6 mg of nicotine per bag) and the label must contain both information on the substances present inside and medical warnings. But are they really an alternative to “classic” cigarette smoking? Although it seems, there is no scientific evidence that it helps to quit smoking, while several studies, such as those published on Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports or Clin Pharmacol Therexplain how the high concentration of nicotine can cause addiction and increase cardiovascular risks.
What the law in Italy says about nicotine pouches
Until recently, these products were in a sort of “grey area”: they were bought online without too many checks and often there was no information on the ingredients or warnings on the packages. Indeed, some investigations (such as that of Altroconsumo) had found online bags with 40 mg of nicotine, the equivalent of smoking 10 cigarettes all at once.
With the 2026 Budget Law, things have changed. Producers now have the obligation to:
- Clearly report the chemical composition and ingredients on health
- Respect a maximum limit of 16.6 mg of nicotine per single pouch
- Include visible health warnings on the packaging
Despite these rules, there are still packages in circulation (perhaps previous stocks) that do not list the ingredients, speaking generically of “cellulose and flavourings”.
What they contain and what the ingredients are used for
If we read a complete label, we find terms that might be scary at first glance. Here’s what they’re really for:
- Microcrystalline cellulose: a plant fiber reduced to crystals that replaces tobacco, acting as a “sponge” to hold the rest of the ingredients
- Nicotine (in salts or Polacrilex): is clearly the “active ingredient”. In the Polacrilex form, the nicotine is bound to a resin that releases it slowly
- Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), carbonate and sodium bicarbonate: they seem dangerous, but here they serve as pH regulators. Nicotine is better absorbed by the mucous membranes if the environment is basic (pH>7). These ingredients raise the pH of the saliva, allowing the nicotine to “release” and immediately penetrate the blood
- Sodium alginate, hydroxypropyl cellulose and gum arabic: they are stabilizers that serve to maintain the humidity and consistency of the bag
- Sweeteners (Xylitol, Sucralose, Acesulfame K (or potassium)): They serve to give sweetness to the bag
- Flavourings: give flavor to the bag.
Side effects, risks and usefulness for quitting smoking
Nicotine, as this study reports, is a highly addictive substance that has direct effects on our body, both acute and chronic. A bag of 11 mg equals approximately 3 cigarettes taken at the same time. This can cause tachycardia, increased blood pressure, severe nausea, cold sweats and vomiting. Furthermore, nicotine damages the cardiovascular system and, although not carcinogenic in itself, can favor the proliferation of the Papilloma Virus (HPV)indirectly contributing to the development of related pathologies.
To date there is no scientific proof that these bags help you quit smoking. Often we just end up replacing one addiction with another, with the risk of taking much higher doses of nicotine than with traditional cigarettes. According to international guidelines, the best way to stop smoking is to be followed by doctors and experts. If necessary, certified drugs or nicotine replacement products can be used, ensuring that the doses are correct.
