Nicotine Pouches vs Vaping: What's the Difference
Whether you're considering switching from smoking or simply exploring new options, understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice. For the purpose of this article, we compare blu vapes to ZONE pouches.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches like ZONE are small, discreet white sachets that are placed between the upper lip and gum. They release nicotine gradually, without producing smoke, vapour, or scent. Unlike traditional snus, they contain no tobacco leaf, just nicotine plus plant-based fibres, flavourings, and sweeteners.
Nicotine pouch benefits
Key Features of ZONE:
• Discreet use: No visible vapour, smoke or smell
• No device required: Just place, taste and waste
• Lasts 30 minutes: Fast-acting nicotine release Flavours: Cool Mint, Sweet Mint, Berry Blast, Juicy Peach, Watermelon Ice
What Is Vaping?
Vaping involves inhaling vapour from an electronic device, known as a vape or e-cigarette, that heats a flavoured liquid known as an e-liquid, usually with added nicotine. Since the UK disposable vapes ban, vape devices now range from rechargeable pod kits to refillable tanks.
Vaping mimics the act of smoking more closely than pouches and offers a wide variety of flavours and strengths.
Key Features of blu:
Visible and scented vapour: Can attract attention in public
Device maintenance: Requires charging, refilling and cleaning
Session duration: Vapes can be used for one puff or more whenever the device is charged
Flavours: Fruit flavours, sours, ice blends, mint, menthol and tobacco
| Feature | Nicotine Pouches | Vaping |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Method | Absorbed through gums | Inhaled as vapour |
| Discreetness | Very discreet – no vapour or smell | Less discreet – visible vapour |
| Device Needed | None | Yes |
| Maintenance | None | Requires recharging |
| Flavour Range | Mint, fruit, citrus | Fruit, sours, ice, mint, menthol, tobacco |
| Nicotine Strength | 10-11mg per pouch | 9–20 mg per ml |
| Cost | £6.50 per can RRP | £5.99 blu bar kit device + 1 pod |
| Usage Restrictions | Usable anywhere | Often restricted in public places |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between nicotine pouches and vaping depends on your lifestyle preferences:
Prefer discretion? Go for nicotine pouches
Enjoy flavour variety and the act of inhaling? Vaping might suit you better
Want zero maintenance? Pouches are hassle-free
Looking for a smoking-like experience? Vaping mimics it more closely
Both options offer a tobacco-free way to consume nicotine, but they cater to different needs. Whether you're seeking simplicity or sensory satisfaction, understanding these differences can help you find your ideal fit.
Nicotine pouches vs vapes fortravel
When it comes to travelling, nicotine pouches have the edge since there’s no battery, no vapour and no scent. While it’s usually fine to travel with nicotine pouches, it’s best to check with the airline before flying. In most cases you can take tobacco-free nicotine pouches abroad on a plane in hand luggage, keeping used pouches in the waste lid of your tin. Simple.
Vapes on a plane are a little different as you won’t be able to vape while the plane is in flight. When taking a rechargeable vape on a plane, you will need to put it in your hold hand luggage because of the battery so you won’t be able to pack your vapes in your checked luggage to go in the hold. You’ll also need to check whether the country you’re going to allows vapes and vaping at the time of your travel since some countries don’t allow vapes or vaping at all. Some vapers are now switching to nicotine pouches for travelling abroad for the sheer convenience.
Nicotine strengths and delivery
Comparing nicotine strengths between vapes and pouches is like comparing a pint of Guinness to a glass of fortified wine – they both contain the same substance, but it’s delivered in very different ways.
Blu bar kit, blu’s answer to a rechargeable disposable vape has 20mg/ml of nicotine while ZONE’s Cool mint for instance has 11mg nicotine per pouch to offer an intense nicotine experience. Both will deliver flavour with a kick but in such different ways that it really depends on your personal preference.
About the author
Kate Thompson is a lifestyle writer who has been widely published for over 20 years in digital content; she is well-versed in the latest developments in the UK nicotine industry.