As of Sunday, 1 June, a ban on disposable vapes has been enforced in the UK, meaning that it is now illegal for retailers to sell them.

The move is part of a wider crackdown on nicotine-based products, designed to prevent and lessen youth addiction – which, according to charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), plateaued somewhat last year, after a period of steady growth.

Another motivation for the ban is that single-use vapes are bad for the environment, with an estimated 8.2 million disposable vapes thrown away or discarded incorrectly every week in 2024, per Material Focus.

Reusable vapes, which are rechargeable and refillable, are still legal in the UK, as are regular cigarettes.

However, MPs have backed various recommendations outlined in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was first proposed by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government. It includes suggestions like making it illegal for those born on or after 1 January 2009 to ever buy tobacco. It is currently at committee stage in the House of Lords.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer also said back in August last year that his government was considering an outdoor smoking ban, but since then, health secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed the plans won’t go ahead.

Although the full effects of the vape ban have yet to be felt, one potential fallout is that young people and adults turn to alternative products, such as nicotine pouches, something you’ve no doubt heard of or seen lately.

It’s not that they’re a new thing, but they are steadily becoming more mainstream in the UK.

Here, we explore what nicotine pouches are, the potential health impacts, and whether they could replace vaping and smoking.

What are nicotine pouches and how do they work?

Nicotine pouches are small, plant-based pouches that come in a variety of minty and fruity flavours, and are made from a tea bag-like mesh.

While they do not contain tobacco or even carcinogens – which are used in tobacco-based products – they have high percentages of nicotine in them, which, owing to how you consume them, packs a pretty powerful punch.

As Dr Babak Ashrafi, of Superdrug Online Doctor, explains to Yahoo UK: “Placed between the gum and lip to deliver nicotine through the mouth’s lining, nicotine pouches are smokeless and don’t require inhalation, but they are still a source of nicotine, which is an addictive substance. They also have sweeteners and flavourings.”

Once done with – they usually last for about 30 minutes – you then spit them out and should dispose of them responsibly.

Are they as bad for you as smoking and vaping?

Dr Ashrafi stresses that the key difference is how the nicotine is delivered. He says: “Cigarettes involve burning tobacco and inhaling the smoke, which releases not only nicotine but thousands of harmful chemicals. Vapes heat a liquid to create a nicotine-containing aerosol that is inhaled. And patches deliver a steady dose of nicotine through the skin.

“Nicotine pouches, by contrast, are absorbed through the gums, providing a faster hit than a patch but without lung exposure. However, they still carry risks, especially when used frequently.”

While he says that pouches may pose fewer risks than smoking because they don’t involve combustion or exposure to tar and carbon monoxide, Dr Ashrafi says they are not harmless.

“They still contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can affect the cardiovascular system. Compared to vaping, we don’t yet have enough long-term research on the safety of pouches, so while they might reduce some risks, they’re not a risk-free alternative,” he adds.

How nicotine affects the body

“Nicotine affects the body by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenaline levels, which can add strain to the heart and blood vessels,” the doctor explains. “With pouches, there’s also the risk of gum irritation, ulcers, and damage to the soft tissues in the mouth, especially with prolonged use.”

He also warns that perhaps the biggest concern is the potential for addiction. “Nicotine is one of the most habit-forming substances, and using pouches recreationally or frequently can lead to dependence even in people who’ve never smoked,” he warns.

Will nicotine pouches replace vapes?

The use of nicotine pouches is still relatively low in the UK, with research from King’s College London and ASH finding that 1% of adults and youths currently report taking them. But they are on the rise, with the number of adults users doubling between the years 2020-2024.

When it comes to how effective the vape ban will be, Dr Ashrafi has some concerns. He tells Yahoo UK: “While a ban on disposable vapes may reduce their visibility and accessibility – especially among younger users – it’s unlikely to eliminate nicotine use entirely.

“Some individuals may turn to other forms like nicotine pouches, particularly due to their discreet design and availability. The concern is that without strong public health messaging, we risk normalising alternative nicotine products and shifting usage rather than reducing it. The focus should remain on helping people quit nicotine entirely – not just switching how they consume it.”

Similarly, while ASH doesn’t support an all-out ban, given that vapes are considerably less damaging than cigarettes and that e-cigarettes can help smokers quit, the charity is calling for stricter laws around marketing and branding.

Caroline Cerny, deputy CEO of ASH tells Yahoo UK: “The ban on disposable vapes is a step in the right direction. Our survey data indicates people have been making the switch away from disposables to reusable products and we haven’t seen any compelling evidence that people are returning to smoking. This would be concerning as smoking is significantly more harmful than vaping.

“However, it is unlikely that this ban alone will be enough to discourage children from using vapes. Both vapes and nicotine pouches are marketed in ways to appeal to young people. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently going though parliament, will give the government powers to restrict marketing, branding and availability of these products. It’s vital that the government prioritises this important piece of legislation.”

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