How to spot fake nicotine pouches as experts issue health warning on counterfeit products
Many of us will have committed to making healthier lifestyle changes for 2025. Quitting drinking, exercising more, or eating more healthily will make up many of our goals for this year. And thousands of us will be attempting to quit smoking or vaping as well.
Of the many alternatives to smoking, including nicotine patches, gum, or even pills, there's one nicotine product that's seen a serious influx in UK sales in the past year or so. Nicotine pouches, sometimes referred to as snus, is the newest popular smoke-free nicotine fix.
But fake tobacco products have also been on the rise in the UK, and government-funded projects aim to tackle enforcement around the sale and use of non-compliant products.
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And it’s not only vapers and smokers at risk. Experts from Alternix, a tobacco-free nicotine pouch supplier, have issued a warning of the health risks associated with fake tobacco products including nicotine pouches.
But how can you tell if your tobacco products are real or fake? Here are some of the biggest signs and red flags to watch out for when buying smoke-free products.
Price
In most supermarkets and corner shops, a box of nicotine pouches costs around £6, although this can vary slightly depending on the nicotine strength of the product.
If the cost seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you see somewhere selling these products at a fraction of the usual price, you should do your research, and be mindful of products that seem too cheap.
Packaging
Your nicotine pouches should have high quality packaging with an unbroken seal. Always check for any signs of tampering with the packaging and pay close attention to the product label.
Check for misspellings and consistency in branding against the manufacturer’s official products. Counterfeit packaging can be harder to spot than you think, so always be vigilant when buying from a new shop or seller.
QR codes
Many products contain serial numbers or QR codes which will take you directly to the manufacturer’s website. If there's no code on the packaging, this could be a red flag.
And if there is one on the box, always scan it to make sure it takes you to an official website. If the QR code takes you to an untrustworthy source, then it’s best to avoid purchasing.
Trusted retailers
You should commit to buying all your nicotine pouches from trusted retailers such as supermarkets, directly from the manufacturer or via specialist websites.
If you find yourself unsure of an online retailer, check out their reviews to make sure you’re not getting scammed. As a general rule, you should never buy nicotine pouches from private sellers through online marketplaces like Facebook or Gumtree.
The dangers of fake nicotine pouches
Fake products can have major health complications if used, David Phillips from Alternix explains.
“Using counterfeit nicotine pouches is highly risky, as they can contain unknown and unregulated chemicals, inconsistent nicotine levels, and are produced without any quality or safety controls", he said.
"This can lead to serious health risks, including nicotine poisoning, chemical burns, and long-term harm to your health. If you’re using pouches to help quit smoking they can also set you back on your efforts as inconsistent nicotine levels can be less effective at helping to manage your cravings in a controlled way.”
While using nicotine pouches can help you to quit smoking, you should always verify that your products are legitimate before buying and using them.
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