The history of nicotine pouches began with snuff in Central and South America. From there, the alternative to cigarettes spread all over the world—and took on other forms. One of these forms is tobacco-free nicotine pouches—wonderful!
The nicotine pouch comes to Europe
The history of nicotine pouches begins in the 16th century, when the French diplomat Jean Nicot sent the first tobacco plants to his homeland. As a result, the traditional forms of tobacco consumption, especially snuffing and chewing, spread throughout Europe. Whether sniffing, chewing, or smoking; anyone who wanted to consume tobacco stood out. The search for a more discreet form of consumption therefore began in Sweden—and with it the history of nicotine pouches.
From snuff to snus: history of nicotine pouches
Before the first tobacco-free nicotine pouches existed, ground tobacco was packed in a pouch and placed under the upper lip. The nicotine contained in the pouch is released and takes effect. You can find out more about this in our blog post on how to use VELO nicotine pouches.
This type of tobacco consumption originated in Sweden and became known as snus in the 18th century. The origin of nicotine pouches, therefore, lies within the history of snus. But are nicotine pouches different from tobacco products such as snus? Do nicotine pouches contain tobacco? No, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco and leave less discoloration on the teeth.1 In addition, they contain 99 % less toxicants than a cigarette.2 Nevertheless, the history of nicotine pouches is closely linked to that of snus.
Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are produced
Since 1992, the sale of snus has been banned throughout the European Union. The sale of all forms of snus is banned in the EU, with Sweden being the only exception. In the 2010s, a tobacco-free alternative to snus came onto the market.
VELO nicotine pouches are used in the same way as snus, but differ in one important respect; they contain no tobacco! VELO is an innovative, white, tobacco-free3 oral nicotine pouch that offers adult tobacco and nicotine users a convenient, hands-free alternative for nicotine consumption.
What do VELO nicotine pouches contain?
A nicotine pouch consists of a pouch with plant-based materials, nicotine, and other ingredients. All VELO nicotine pouches contain:
- Water
- Nicotine
- Flavorings
- Plant-based materials
- Sweeteners
In contrast to snus, nicotine pouches are legally available in many European countries. They are particularly popular in countries where the history of nicotine pouches began. In Norway and Denmark, nicotine pouches are regarded as a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes. It remains to be seen how the history of nicotine pouches will continue, but we at VELO are certain: we are also writing it! In 2024, we have therefore given our cans a fresh redesign; a new look with the same high-quality ingredients.
Are you new to us and want to try out VELO first? Then you can order your starter kit here and see the variety of our flavors for yourself. Or get to know the VELO family with its different intensities directly in our shop. Kind of weird, but wonderful every time! Get involved in something crazy and unleash the wonderful—try it out!
1 Compared to cigarettes and snus. Based on laboratory tests. Individual results may vary. This product does not reduce existing tooth discoloration. Other factors may contribute to tooth discoloration.
2 This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance. Comparison based on an evaluation of cigarette smoke (i.e., a standard scientific reference cigarette containing approximately 9 mg of tar) and ingredients released during the use of a VELO pouch with reference to the World Health Organization's recommendation to reduce the levels of 9 harmful ingredients in cigarette smoke.
3 This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance.
Return to articles
