What Do Nicotine Pouches Feel Like? Why I Gave ZYN a Spin

Nicotine pouches have emerged as one of the biggest tobacco harm reduction (THR) innovations of the century. Although many nicotine users have already embraced these products, there are still plenty of skeptics wondering what all the fuss is about. What does ZYN feel like, and how does the experience differ from other nicotine products? 

I found myself asking those same questions just a few years ago. New experiences can be intimidating, but perhaps you can learn something from mine. In this article, I’ll recount my personal journey from cigarettes to vapes to nicotine pouches. I’ll also explain how ZYN makes you feel, how it compares to vaping, and prepare you for some of the common side effects.

Why do I use nicotine pouches?

Along with countless others, I started smoking as a teenager, and the habit followed me well into my adult years. In my mid-thirties, I switched to vaping and finally left cigarettes in the dust. Vapes have been the ideal substitute—they satisfy my nicotine cravings and mimic the behavioral aspects of smoking. So, why would I even bother with nicotine pouches?

The reality is that vaping is often inconvenient or prohibited. Examples include air travel, family get-togethers, concerts, movie theaters, etc. If forced to abstain from nicotine in such settings, I can become irritable, anxious, and abstracted. And that’s exactly where nicotine pouches fit in. If my blood nicotine level is low and I can’t vape, I’ll just discreetly pop a nicotine pouch and feel a wave of calm and relief. I still vape, but I also love my ZYNs.

How do nicotine pouches make you feel?

Shortly after parking a fresh nicotine pouch, you’ll likely feel a tingling sensation in the gums. This may quickly develop into (or coincide with) a slight burning sensation, which is a pleasurable part of the experience for many users. A “ZYN burn” is the natural result of nicotine being absorbed into the tender gum area (other ingredients and the pH level of the pouch may also play a role). This sensation tapers off as time passes and may be less pronounced for frequent users.

Within a few minutes, the psychological impacts of nicotine begin to emerge. When nicotine binds to nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brain, it releases neurotransmitters like dopamine. The subsequent effects may include focus, alertness, tranquility, and calm (to name a few). This pleasurable wave will likely build during the first 10 to 15 minutes, after which, it begins a slow decline.

It is important to note that such effects are user- and dose-dependent. They’re not the same for every person (or even in every situation). For some, a moderate dose of nicotine may provide homeostatic effects—turning stress into ease, lethargy into focus, sleepiness into alertness. On the other hand, exceeding one’s nicotine tolerance may lead to negative side effects (we’ll discuss these in detail later). Nicotine tends to be a reciprocal chemical—whether you treat it with respect or carelessness, it will likely show you the same courtesy.

Most of the nicotine in pouches is extracted within 20-25 minutes of use, but they are often enjoyed for much longer. The choice of when to bin the ZYN is ultimately up to the user—feel free to ride it out until it’s no longer satisfying. Just keep in mind that nicotine will continue to absorb into the bloodstream (at much lower levels) even after the pouch has been removed.

My first ZYN experience

I have always preferred inhalable nicotine products, which is one of the reasons vaping was effective for me. I tried to quit smoking with nicotine gum in my twenties and hated it. Suffice it to say that ZYNs—which are administered similarly to nicotine gum—didn’t initially appeal to me. I only purchased some because I was going on a trip, which would involve nine hours of air travel and two days at amusement parks. I didn’t want nicotine withdrawals to spoil my vacation, so I decided to give ZYN a spin. 

My first experience occurred mid-flight, roughly four hours since I’d had any nicotine. Feeling especially irritable and desperate, I tucked a ZYN in my lip and hoped for the best.

Aside from the tingling and burning sensations (which I was prepared for), that first ZYN simply made me feel “stabilized” or “satiated.” Surprisingly, it delivered the same level of satisfaction I was accustomed to from other nicotine products. The main difference is that I was playing a passive role in the experience—the pouch was doing all the work. Feeling relaxed, I soon nodded off to the steady hum of the engines. Nicotine pouches have been a staple for me ever since.

Of course, not everyone will share the same experience. It’s impossible to predict how nicotine pouches will make you feel since there are multiple factors at play (tolerance, metabolism, dose, etc.). Although I took to them immediately, they may require an adjustment period for some users.

What does ZYN feel like compared to vaping?

Both ZYNs and vapes contain nicotine and flavorings (usually), but the experiences are very different:

Much of the enjoyment of vaping is attributed to actively inhaling and exhaling vapor and tasting the flavors as they dance on the tongue. Many users (myself included) also celebrate the unique sensations in the chest and throat (known as “throat hit”). Because the nicotine in vapes is absorbed extremely fast, they can be immediately satisfying.

Flavors are also important with nicotine pouches, but it’s less of an interactive “tasting experience” for me. Much of the pleasure is centered around the sensations in the gums, which contrasts the throat hit from vaping. I also tend to be more perceptive of the impacts of nicotine (both distinct and subtle) when I’m using ZYN. Nicotine is in the spotlight; flavors just play a supporting role. Lastly, while pouches may be slower to kick in, they can actively deliver nicotine for around 25 minutes, which is often preferable to constantly hitting a vape.

When it comes to satisfying nicotine cravings, both ZYNs and vapes are more than capable. It’s ultimately up to the user to decide which delivery method they prefer. As a user of both products, I find myself gravitating to vapes whenever flavor is a priority, or when I desire that familiar cigarette-like experience. If I just need a boost of nicotine, it’s ZYN for the win.

Nicotine pouch side effects

As with any nicotine product, pouches can induce unwanted side effects. Some of the most common are:

• Headache
• Gum irritation
• Dizziness
• Hiccups
• Nausea, stomachache, or vomiting
• Increased heart rate

These symptoms are often the result of improper use, excessive consumption, and inexperience. In some cases, metabolism, hydration level, poor oral health, and damaged pouches (along with a plethora of unknown factors) may contribute to discomfort as well.

How to avoid side effects from ZYN

Having a solid grasp of one’s nicotine tolerance is the most crucial factor in avoiding most of the common ZYN side effects. Consuming more nicotine than your body can handle may overstimulate the nervous system, turning a potentially enjoyable experience into an unpleasant one.

If you’re a new user, it’s important to start with a low-strength pouch, listen to your body, and learn your limits (and never push them). Users of multiple nicotine products (e.g., vaping and pouches) must also be mindful of their total intake.

Here are a few other tips:

• Always use nicotine products as directed.
• Do not chew or suck on ZYNs.
• If you find a ripped pouch, toss it. You should also proceed cautiously regarding the rest of the can. A ripped pouch will likely dust the others with its ingredients; using them could result in gum irritation or excessive nicotine intake.
• Do not swallow nicotine pouches. While it is highly unlikely to pose major health concerns (such as nicotine poisoning), it could cause stomachache, diarrhea, or heartburn. 
• If you’re experiencing hiccups, limit swallowing as much as possible. Hiccups are often caused by too much nicotine-infused saliva reaching the stomach.
• Those with oral health issues should avoid contact between ZYNs and sensitive areas in the mouth. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which may delay healing by preventing adequate oxygen and nutrients from reaching these areas. ZYNs may also exacerbate oral health conditions by causing irritation and inflammation.

The only side effect I’ve experienced is related to the last point. I have gum recession on one tooth, and the region where the gum has pulled away is especially sensitive. I always avoid parking nicotine pouches in this location since it can be quite unpleasant and may even worsen the condition over time.

Do ZYNs give you a buzz?

A nicotine buzz or “high” could be loosely defined as an intense, euphoric head rush that one briefly feels after consuming nicotine. It is mostly dependent on one’s tolerance, the dose, and the delivery method. Thus, it tends to be the result of inexperienced or infrequent users consuming too much too quickly.

All nicotine products have the potential to produce this effect in varying degrees; however, it is less common with oral products like ZYN due to the relatively slow nicotine delivery. A buzz is more often associated with inhalable products (cigarettes and vapes), which deliver nicotine to the brain within seconds.