Are Nicotine Pouches as Safe as Caffeine Pouches?

We received this question the other day via our Facebook page. It’s a question that has been asked on several occasions:

Question

Serious question. Are nicotine pouches (Zyn) as safe as caffeine pouches (Grinds)? I’m trying to see the difference between smokeless tobacco pouches and nicotine pouches. I quit dipping about 4 years ago and seeing those tobacco free nicotine pouches got me thinking.

Answer

There’s an argument that can be made that nicotine and caffeine have some positive effects.

I’d counter that argument by saying that people at KTC have recognized that they are addicted to nicotine and are actively working to escape that addiction. Therefore, using a product like ZYN, that contains nicotine, is a terrible idea for us.

If we were on a quit caffeine site, I’d make the same argument about a pouch product like Grinds that contained caffeine.

I’d suggest that you if you’ve been away from nicotine / tobacco for four years you should stay FAR FAR away from the nicotine pouches. Again, we are nicotine addicts.

Example… if say, Skoal Mint was your dip of choice, would you be comfortable switching to Red Man Golden Blend? Marlboro Reds? Swisher Sweets?

I understand those are tobacco, but they contain nicotine, which is what we are / were addicted to.

But from a purely philosophical point of view, I see what you’re saying. Both are a ‘foreign substance’ and I could be seen as being a hypocrite for using caffeine but not nicotine. To that, I’d say I’m choosing to use one and stay far far away from the other. It’s distinction that every person needs to make for themselves.

Do you have a question about your quit? Let us know and we’ll try to get it answered!