Best Nicotine Gum and Lozenges 2024
The best nicotine gum, lozenges, tablets, and mints on the market, and a guide explaining their usage and differences.
As nicotine pouches surge in popularity, other oral nicotine products are often overlooked. Lozenges, tablets, gums, and mints may have just as much to offer as pouches. They are similarly administered, come in a variety of flavors and strengths, and deliver nicotine with comparable efficiency.
If you’re interested in the world beyond pouches and vapes, we’ve got you covered. The list below will reveal some of the best nicotine gum and lozenges on the market. We’ll also explain how to use these products and discuss their unique differences.
How to use nicotine lozenges, tablets, and mints
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, if provided.
Put the lozenge in your mouth, ideally between the gum and cheek. Tablets and mini lozenges can also be used sublingually (under the tongue). It can be moved from side to side if desired; however, you should never chew, swallow, or suck on it. Note that you can swallow nicotine lozenge spit (in moderation), but you should never swallow the lozenge itself. Allow it to naturally dissolve in your mouth, which usually takes around 20-30 minutes for lozenges, or 2-15 minutes for tablets.
How to use nicotine gum
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, if provided.
Nicotine gum is not intended to be constantly chewed like regular chewing gum, so it may take some getting used to. Chew the gum a few times to allow some of the nicotine to release, then park the gum between the cheek and gums. You will likely feel a tingling sensation or rush of nicotine for a few minutes. When the effects have faded, chew a few more times and park it again. Repeat the process until the effects and flavor are no longer noticeable or desirable. Dispose responsibly to avoid contact with children or pets.
Nicotine gum & nicotine lozenge dosing
Most manufacturers do not recommend consuming more than one lozenge or piece of gum per hour. However, the appropriate dose is ultimately determined by the user. As with any nicotine product, listen to your body. If you feel that you’ve had enough nicotine, remove and discard the product, even if it has not fully dissolved. New users are also encouraged to start with a low nicotine strength to gauge their tolerance.
Nicotine tablets vs. lozenges
Nicotine tablets and lozenges are often conflated due to their obvious similarities:
- Similar appearance
- Orally administered
- Dissolvable
- Comparable nicotine strengths and flavors
While these products are closely related, they have a few distinct differences.
Lozenges (sometimes referred to as “nicotine candy”) are usually larger than tablets and have a harder texture. Because of this, they take longer to dissolve in the mouth (around 20 to 30 minutes, but some lozenges may last longer). They are usually parked between the cheek and gum; smaller options can also be used under the tongue.
Conversely, tablets are often much smaller and softer than lozenges, akin to a breath mint. Their size and texture promote rapid dissolving (in as little as two minutes), resulting in an accelerated delivery of nicotine. Another difference is that tablets are commonly used sublingually, rather than between the cheek and gum. (Note that tablets are sometimes referred to as “nicotine pills,” but despite the name, they should never be swallowed.)
Both products certainly have their place on the market. Nicotine pouch users will likely be more familiar with the slower nicotine release from lozenges. High-strength nicotine salt users, however, may appreciate the quicker delivery of nicotine from tablets.
Nicotine lozenges vs. pouches
Nicotine lozenges and pouches may have very different physical properties, but they function almost exactly the same. Is there any advantage to using one over the other? Objectively, it’s debatable, but there are subjective factors to consider:
Comfort: While it’s natural to assume that a soft pouch would be more comfortable resting against the gums than a hard piece of nicotine candy, this isn’t always true. For some users, parking a lozenge feels more natural (and less irritating) than a pouch. And, of course, the opposite is also true. It all comes down to personal preference.
Flavors: Nicotine pouches have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, resulting in a market loaded with options. There are dozens of brands and hundreds of flavors available. The demand for lozenges is considerably lower, leaving users with many fewer flavor options compared to pouches.
Nicotine strengths: The nicotine strength of most lozenges falls in the 2-6 mg range, whereas pouches are easily available in 12 mg strength, and can be found much higher than that. Although both products are suitable for low-to-moderate nicotine users, those with higher tolerances will likely gravitate to pouches.
Convenience and discreetness: Lozenges are sometimes considered more convenient because they don’t need to be discarded (the entire product is consumed). Pouches, on the other hand, need to be removed from the mouth after use. While this may be a minor inconvenience, it may also draw unwanted attention in some situations.
Length of use: Most of the nicotine in pouches is absorbed during the first 20 minutes, but users can enjoy them for much longer if desired. That choice is absent with lozenges since they are completely dissolved in the mouth.
Nicotine delivery: Although the evidence here is strictly anecdotal, some users report a differing rate of nicotine delivery from nicotine lozenges vs. pouches. Pouch users often experience a heightened rush of nicotine during the first ten minutes, followed by a steady decline. However, the gradual dissolving of lozenges may promote a more consistent nicotine absorption rate throughout the experience. It is still expected to taper down as the lozenge gets smaller, but (theoretically) the decline may not be as noticeable.
Recreational nicotine gum vs. NRTs
It may be assumed that Nicorette (including generic nicotine polacrilex gum) is the best nicotine gum to quit smoking since it is an FDA-approved NRT (nicotine replacement therapy). However, a comparison to “recreational” options such as Lucy or Rogue gum reveals similar ingredients:
- Nicotine polacrilex
- Sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose, xylitol)
- Flavorings
- Gum base
- pH adjusters
The key differences between these products stem from their classification, testing, marketing, and regulation.
Manufacturers must complete a comprehensive approval process to register an NRT with the FDA. This involves extensive research, clinical trials, and documentation that establish their product’s efficacy, side effects, long-term impacts, etc. Following their approval, the FDA highly regulates the sales, usage recommendations, and branding of NRTs.
Recreational nicotine gum is not required to undergo this drug approval process, so it is regulated as a tobacco product (despite not containing tobacco). Consequently, manufacturers are not authorized to make health claims or market these products as cessation aids.
Does this mean NRTs are the most effective cessation aids or the healthiest nicotine gum options? Not necessarily. NRT is a seal of approval, indicating that these products are justified in making reduced risk and cessation claims. There are excellent products in both camps, but recreational nicotine gum is superior when it comes to variety, and the price is often lower. Many users also claim that the texture and flavor are better than NRTs, but that all comes down to personal tastes.
What are nicotine mints?
“Nicotine mints” are mint-flavored nicotine lozenges and tablets. They do not fall into a unique product category, it’s simply a nickname referencing their taste, appearance, and texture. Nicotine mints are administered like any other lozenge or tablet, NOT like regular breath mints. They are available in various shapes and sizes, including mini lozenges (often pill-shaped), small discs, and larger rectangles.
What is the best-tasting nicotine gum?
Flavor is highly subjective, so users have different opinions on the best-tasting nicotine gum. There is no right answer, but we can push you in the right direction with a few popular recommendations.
Best-tasting mint nicotine gum: Fans of mint flavors would be hard-pressed to find a better option than Rogue Wintergreen. Its slightly creamy, fresh mint profile makes for one of the most refreshing nicotine gums on the market. If you’re not a fan of Wintergreen, check out Lucy Mint—a sweet mint flavor with dominant notes of spearmint. Lastly, Rogue Peppermint offers a classic peppermint flavor with a refreshing burst of sweet menthol.
Best-tasting fruit nicotine gum: Rogue Fruit is a great option for those looking for an approachable fruit flavor. This tropical citrus blend delivers notes of orange balanced by hints of tangy lemon and lime. More adventurous palates may also appreciate Lucy Pomegranate, a ripe pomegranate flavor with a touch of lemon and mint. Granted, this tends to be a divisive (love-it-or-hate-it) flavor, but it’s beloved by many. Lastly, Lucy Berry Citrus is recommended for those who enjoy a sweet and tart blend of fruits and citrus.
Refreshing mint and bright fruit flavors certainly aren’t for everyone, and that’s where cinnamon comes in. It’s a wild card, catering to those looking for a bit of spice. If that sounds like your cup of tea, Lucy Cinnamon is worth seeking out. This bold flavor delivers a strong sense of warming to the taste buds, in contrast to the cooling effect commonly associated with nicotine gum.
Why does nicotine gum give me hiccups?
Hiccups are a common side effect associated with the use of nicotine gum, lozenges, and many other nicotine products (sometimes referred to as “niccups”). These occurrences tend to result from improper use, too much nicotine, or a combination of both.
Chewing nicotine gum prompts the release of nicotine, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream via mucous membranes in the mouth. This is why “parking” (allowing the product to rest between the cheek and the gums) is crucial—it fosters the absorption of nicotine.
Hiccups often occur when users over-chew nicotine gum (or suck on lozenges like regular candy). This behavior accelerates the release of nicotine and increases saliva production. If too much of the nicotine-infused saliva enters the gastrointestinal tract, it could trigger muscle spasms in the diaphragm, resulting in a case of hiccups. Other unpleasant side effects may include acid reflux, heartburn, or a stomach ache.
Thankfully, hiccups from nicotine gum are often avoidable. Those who are struggling with this annoying side effect might consider the following tips:
- Always follow the instructions on the package.
- Don’t over-chew. Gently chew the gum a few times until you feel a tingling sensation (or taste the peppery flavor of nicotine), then park it and leave it alone. If hiccups continue to occur, reduce the number of chews until you find a routine that works for you. Some trial and error may be required.
- Lower the nicotine strength. Using higher-strength nicotine gum may result in more nicotine reaching the stomach.
- Minimize swallowing as much as possible. Nicotine gum does not require spitting; however, swallowing too much saliva may cause discomfort for some users.
- Avoid drinking while using nicotine gum. Drinking not only flushes more nicotine into your stomach, but it may also hinder nicotine absorption. Acidic beverages (soda, coffee, etc.) lower the pH level in the mouth, making nicotine less bioavailable.
- Never swallow nicotine gum (or any nicotine product). While this is unlikely to cause serious health concerns, it could induce gastrointestinal issues.
Avoiding the issue entirely is the goal, but if you’re struck with a case of the “niccups” along the way, try the following remedy:
Inhale and hold your breath for a few seconds, slowly breathe out, and repeat. Breathing through a paper bag might also have the same effect.
This technique is believed to raise carbon dioxide levels in the lungs, which relaxes the diaphragm and neutralizes muscle spasms.
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