Published 2025-06-12
How Much Nicotine Is Actually in Hyper Strong Snus?
How strong is extra strong? Recent lab tests show that nicotine pouch strength doesn’t always match the label. Here’s what we found.
The Rise of Extra Strong Nicotine Pouches What Do Labs Actually Measure? Key Findings: Labelled vs Tested Nicotine Levels Why This Matters to Consumers Northerner’s Approach to Strength Categorisation Transparency and Trust in the Nicotine Pouch Industry How to Choose the Right Strength Final Thoughts: Towards a More Transparent Market
Key Points
- Independent lab tests show that the actual nicotine content in some super strong pouches is lower than advertised.
- Discrepancies between labelled and measured strengths highlight the need for greater transparency in product marketing.
- Northerner UK uses strength bands and regular testing to help adult users make informed pouch choices.
The Rise of Extra Strong Nicotine Pouches
Tobacco-free snus, also known as nicotine pouches, continues to grow in popularity among adult users looking for discreet, smoke-free alternatives. To meet this demand, some manufacturers are now promoting “extra strong” or even “hyper strong” options, with labelled strengths often exceeding 20 mg of nicotine per pouch.
This raises questions about the accuracy of strength claims.
In early 2025, Haypp Group, the parent company of Northerner, commissioned independent testing of several high-strength pouches to determine how closely the measured nicotine levels aligned with what was listed on the packaging.
What Do Labs Actually Measure?
To verify nicotine strength, laboratories typically assess several key factors, amongst others:
|
Testing Parameter |
What It Tells Us |
|
Nicotine per pouch (mg) |
Total measured nicotine in each pouch |
|
Moisture content (%) |
Affects how quickly nicotine is released |
|
pH value |
Influences nicotine absorption in the mouth |
The testing is designed to validate packaging claims and ensure transparency across the industry.
Key Findings: Labelled vs Tested Nicotine Levels
Here’s a summary of three anonymised products tested in the study:
|
Product |
Labelled Nicotine (mg/pouch) |
Measured Nicotine (mg/pouch) |
|
Product 1 |
43mg |
32mg |
|
Product 2 |
35mg |
27.6mg |
|
Product 3 |
30mg |
27.5mg |
These results confirm all three are high in nicotine, but none reached their stated levels.
While these results still identify the products as extra strong, they reveal a gap between the marketed and actual nicotine content.
Note: Although the tested pouches exceed 20 mg, Northerner UK only lists products within the 0–20 mg range, in line with Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS/TS 72:2024) guidelines.
Why This Matters to Consumers
Nicotine tolerance varies, and some users actively seek out higher-strength pouches. But inconsistencies in labelling can cause confusion, especially when:
- A pouch contains significantly less nicotine than advertised.
- A higher pH level increases nicotine absorption, which may make a lower-mg pouch feel stronger than expected.
- Products with inflated strength claims create unrealistic expectations or influence buying decisions.
That’s why transparency and consistent testing are essential—not only for safety and trust but for informed choice.
Northerner’s Approach to Strength Categorisation
To help adult users navigate product strength, Northerner UK groups tobacco-free snus into three nicotine bands.
These categories are specific to Northerner and help simplify comparisons:
- Normal: 0–6 mg of nicotine per pouch
- Strong: 6.1–9 mg per pouch
- Extra Strong: 9.1–20 mg per pouch
This approach supports clear communication and is reinforced by regular laboratory testing for all listed products via Nicoleaks.
Transparency and Trust in the Nicotine Pouch Industry
The findings from this study underscore the importance of responsible marketing in the nicotine category. Retailers and manufacturers play a role in:
- Ensuring that nicotine claims are accurate and independently verified
- Making strength classification consistent and easy to understand
- Avoiding exaggerated language or unverified marketing descriptors
At Northerner UK, we prioritise clear product listings, lab-tested quality, and a focus on informed adult use.
How to Choose the Right Strength
Choosing a nicotine pouch is personal. While some experienced users may prefer extra strong options, some adult users prefer starting with lower strengths and adjusting based on personal preference.
Whether you’re just starting out or know what strength suits you, use our guides to find the right fit:
Final Thoughts: Towards a More Transparent Market
Independent testing like this helps raise awareness about labelling discrepancies and reinforces the importance of transparency in the oral nicotine market.
Northerner UK supports accurate, clear, and responsible information, giving adult users the tools to make informed choices that align with their preferences.
Tobacco-Free Snus
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