Published 2022-09-23
Last update 2025-08-12
A Guide to Smoking Alternatives
Deciding to quit smoking is a personal choice that many consider an important life change. However, there's no single method suitable for everyone. Everyone has unique habits, needs, and preferences.
Key Points
- Smoking alternatives available in the UK include nicotine pouches, vapes, heated tobacco, and medically approved NRTs.
- Nicotine pouches offer a tobacco-free option, while vaping and heat-not-burn products provide nicotine delivery without the traditional tobacco smoke.
- Product choice depends on user preferences and lifestyle.
This guide explores various smoking alternatives available in the UK, including nicotine pouches, vapes, heated tobacco products, and medically approved nicotine replacement therapies, providing information for adult users.
Table of Contents
Understanding Smoking Alternatives Alternatives to Smoking: Key Facts Types of Smoking Alternatives Nicotine Pouches Strengths and Flavours Vapes and E-Cigarettes Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) Nicotine Gum Nicotine Patches Heated Tobacco Products Smoking Alternatives: Key Characteristics Choosing the Right Alternative
Understanding Smoking Alternatives
Smoking alternatives refer to products designed to deliver nicotine or mimic the experience of smoking without combustion or tobacco. These alternatives provide discreet, convenient ways to consume nicotine for individuals who choose options other than traditional smoking.
Alternatives to Smoking: Key Facts
Tobacco smoke from cigarettes contains harmful chemicals linked to serious health conditions like cancer and heart disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO) categorises tobacco as a major public health threat, contributing to over 8 million deaths globally each year. This is down to smoking cigarettes and tobacco-related ailments.
Additionally, second-hand smoke is a proven health risk, containing harmful substances from cigarette smoke and exhaled toxins.
Types of Smoking Alternatives
Let’s explore some of the alternatives available in the UK.
Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches, sometimes called tobacco-free snus or all-white snus, contain nicotine without tobacco leaf. They're small pouches placed discreetly under the lip. In the UK, common brands include ZYN and Nordic Spirit, available in various strengths and flavours.
Unlike cigarettes, nicotine pouches do not involve combustion, i.e. they do not burn tobacco. In the UK, ‘nicotine pouches’ and ‘snus’ are terms often used interchangeably, although traditional tobacco snus remains illegal.
Strengths and Flavours
Nicotine pouches are available in different strength levels. On Northerner UK, we only sell nicotine pouches ranging from 0-20mg of nicotine per pouch. This follows the Swedish Institute for Standards' recommendation to cap nicotine levels at 20mg/pouch.
Common flavour options include:
- Mint (spearmint, peppermint, menthol)
- Fruit (citrus, tropical, grape)
- Berry (strawberry, raspberry)
- Coffee and spiced varieties (espresso, mocha, jalapeno)
Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Vaping devices heat nicotine-containing liquid (e-liquid) to create vapour, avoiding combustion and smoke. Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, come in various formats, with a range of flavour and nicotine strength options.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs)
Medically approved smoking alternatives include nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as patches, gums, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers, which are licensed and marketed in the UK as medicines for smoking cessation.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is a common NRT, usually available in a plain or mint flavour.
Users typically chew the gum intermittently to release nicotine, following the product instructions. The effects usually last around 30 minutes per piece of gum.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches work through the skin. They provide a consistent nicotine release throughout the day for you to help minimise withdrawal effects that come when you have quit smoking.
Always make sure you read the instructions before applying a patch.
Note: These products should be used as directed, ideally alongside professional support.
Heated Tobacco Products
Heated tobacco products, such as IQOS, heat tobacco without burning to deliver nicotine, without producing traditional cigarette smoke, odour, or ash.
Smoking Alternatives: Key Characteristics
Smoking alternatives avoid combustion, eliminating smoke, ash, and strong odours associated with cigarettes. They provide discreet nicotine delivery, making them suitable for a variety of settings and personal preferences.
Choosing the Right Alternative
Finding the most suitable nicotine-based smoking alternative depends on individual preferences, nicotine tolerance, lifestyle factors, and personal health considerations.Users may wish to explore different options and strengths to determine what best suits their needs. For any uncertainties or questions regarding the appropriate choice, consulting a healthcare professional is advised.
Availability and Access
Alternatives such as nicotine pouches, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products are widely available online and in retail stores across the UK. Websites like Northerner UK provide comprehensive information and easy access to these products.
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X All White X Summer Dive Slim Extra Strong
10-pack 39.90 £ 3.99 £/unit
X All White X Summer Dive Slim Extra Strong1-pack 4.49 £ 4.49 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 21.45 £ 4.29 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 39.90 £ 3.99 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 75.80 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock -
Lost Mary Airplane Mode Lost Mary Airplane Mode Ice Mint Strong
10-pack 34.90 £ 3.49 £/unit
Lost Mary Airplane Mode Lost Mary Airplane Mode Ice Mint Strong1-pack 3.99 £ 3.99 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 18.95 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 34.90 £ 3.49 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 65.80 £ 3.29 £/unit Out of stock -
It's It's Watermelon 20mg
New10-pack 34.90 £ 3.49 £/unit
It's It's Watermelon 20mg1-pack 3.99 £ 3.99 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 18.95 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 34.90 £ 3.49 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 65.80 £ 3.29 £/unit Out of stock -
Roarlabs ROARLABS Spearmint 6mg
10-pack 34.90 £ 3.49 £/unit
Roarlabs ROARLABS Spearmint 6mg1-pack 3.99 £ 3.99 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 18.95 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 34.90 £ 3.49 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 65.80 £ 3.29 £/unit Out of stock -
X All White X Berry Fresh Extra Strong
10-pack 39.90 £ 3.99 £/unit
X All White X Berry Fresh Extra Strong1-pack 4.49 £ 4.49 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 21.45 £ 4.29 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 39.90 £ 3.99 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 75.80 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock -
Avant Avant Menthol
10-pack 34.90 £ 3.49 £/unit
Avant Avant Menthol1-pack 3.99 £ 3.99 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 18.95 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 34.90 £ 3.49 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 65.80 £ 3.29 £/unit Out of stock -
RUSH Nicotine Pouches RUSH PRO Green Mint Extra Strong
OfferOfferOfferNew10-pack 26.90 £ 2.69 £/unit
RUSH Nicotine Pouches RUSH PRO Green Mint Extra Strong1-pack 3.99 £ 3.99 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 14.95 £ 2.99 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 26.90 £ 2.69 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 49.80 £ 2.49 £/unit Out of stock -
CLEW CLEW Menthol 5mg
OfferOffer10-pack 24.90 £ 2.49 £/unit
CLEW CLEW Menthol 5mg1-pack 3.99 £ 3.99 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 18.95 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 24.90 £ 2.49 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 45.90 £ 2.30 £/unit Out of stock -
NEAFS NEAFS Blueberry Ice 16mg
OfferOffer10-pack 27.89 £ 2.79 £/unit
NEAFS NEAFS Blueberry Ice 16mg1-pack 4.49 £ 4.49 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 14.99 £ 3.00 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 27.89 £ 2.79 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 75.80 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock -
NEAFS NEAFS Menthol 12mg
OfferOffer10-pack 27.89 £ 2.79 £/unit
NEAFS NEAFS Menthol 12mg1-pack 4.49 £ 4.49 £/unit Out of stock5-pack 14.99 £ 3.00 £/unit Out of stock10-pack 27.89 £ 2.79 £/unit Out of stock20-pack 75.80 £ 3.79 £/unit Out of stock
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are popular alternatives to smoking in the UK?
Common alternatives include nicotine pouches, vapes, other nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gums, lozenges), and heated tobacco products.
Are smoking alternatives legally available in the UK?
Yes, nicotine pouches, vapes, other NRT products, and heated tobacco products are all legally available in the UK. Note, traditional tobacco snus remains prohibited.
How long do nicotine pouches typically last?
Nicotine pouches usually last between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the strength and personal preference.
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