Wubi News

Extra-strong nicotine pouches packaged like children's sweets

2025-08-07 07:00:08

Trading Standards said they were concerned about products with a "worrying child appeal" as well as flavours and "eye-catching packaging" that mimicked sweets.

However, there is no law restricting the age of sale for nicotine pouches, so any child can legally enter a shop and buy the addictive products.

The pouches are small sachets that contain nicotine

The pouches are small, pillow-like sachets that contain nicotine - a chemical found in tobacco which acts as a stimulant.

There are no restrictions on the strength of the nicotine in the pouches.

They are placed under the top lip, against the gum and deliver a nicotine hit which can be stronger than cigarettes or vapes.

Some people use them as a way to quit smoking, though they are not recommended by the NHS.

The pouches are significantly less harmful than cigarettes, and because chemicals do not enter the lungs, they may carry fewer risks than vapes.

However, they can cause a variety of side effects including nicotine addiction, oral health issues and gastrointestinal problems.

People may experience gum irritation and recession. The pouches can also lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Kate Pike, from the Chartered Institute of Trading Standards, said it was "outrageous" that products were mimicking popular sweet brands in a bid to target children.

The Disclosure programme spoke to young people who said they had used pouches.

Alex started taking them two years ago when he was 15 in school and became addicted.

He said he had never tried smoking or vaping before.

It was the packaging, how the different flavours were advertised and seeing his friends take the pouches, that made him want to try them himself.

He said: "I think it was just something different.

"It went from one a day to three a day to - at my highest - I was using probably 15 a day.

"If I didn't take them, I'd just get withdrawals and just feel demotivated and like I didn't want to do anything until I took another one."