Why More Smokers in the UK Are Choosing Nicotine Pouches Over Vapes

If you’ve noticed more people using discreet sachets of nicotine lately, you’re not imagining it. The UK market for oral nicotine pouches is booming and for good reason. At Hama, we’re seeing this shift up close. More adults are moving away from traditional smoking and from vaping, and gravitating toward nicotine pouches. Why? Because they offer a modern, smoke‑free alternative that fits everyday life.

Why the shift?

1. Discreet & device‑free
Unlike vapes, which require a device, battery, charging, changing pods, and often carry a visible “smoke” or vapour cloud, nicotine pouches simply sit under the lip. They’re portable, quiet, and usable in more places. That makes them appealing for people seeking convenience and less hassle.

2. Tobacco‑free & smoke‑free
Oral nicotine pouches are tobacco‑free. As explained by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), they’re small pouches placed between the lip and gum, releasing nicotine into the bloodstream, and they do not contain tobacco leaf. ASH+1 For adult smokers seeking an alternative to cigarettes, this change is attractive: you reduce exposure to smoke and many of the by‑products of combustion.

3. Lifestyle fit
Many people today want choices that fit their lifestyle, on the go, indoors, discreet, without lingering smell. Nicotine pouches fit that bill. Whether you’re commuting, socialising, or working, they can blend into your day with less fuss.

4. Growth in the UK market
The UK is catching up fast. According to industry data, the UK nicotine‑pouch market is now worth over £170 million annually (excluding online sales), and growth in convenience‑store channels was +88% year‑on‑year. Tobacco Insider This momentum shows that pouches are no longer a niche, they’re becoming mainstream.

If you’re considering a switch from smoking or vaping, or just looking for a discreet and modern oral nicotine option, then nicotine pouches may be worth exploring. With Hama, you get a brand that understands the lifestyle you live, flexible, modern, and fit for purpose.