Nicotine-free pouches explained: what they are and what's inside

Nicotine-free pouches are small pouches that sit under your upper lip and contain no nicotine and no tobacco. Some contain caffeine, some contain other ingredients such as vitamins or plant extracts, and some are flavour only. Optimal Native pouches are nicotine-free, tobacco-free and sugar-free, with 200 mg (Morning Energy), 75 mg (Daily Flow) or 0 mg (Evening Relax) of caffeine per pouch.

Key points
• Nicotine-free pouches are also called nicotine-free snus or non-nicotine pouches.
• "Nicotine-free" tells you what is not in the pouch, so read the label for what is.
• Caffeine pouches are the most common type of nicotine-free pouch.
• Optimal Native contains no nicotine, no tobacco and no sugar.

Table of contents

• What are nicotine-free pouches?
• Types of nicotine-free pouches
• How to read the label
• What is in Optimal Native pouches?
• How to use them
• FAQ

What are nicotine-free pouches?

A nicotine-free pouch is a small, soft pouch that you place under your upper lip. It contains no nicotine and no tobacco. Instead, it contains other ingredients and flavouring. You keep it in for a while and then throw it away.

People search for them as nicotine-free pouches, nicotine-free snus or non-nicotine pouches. They describe the same format.

Types of nicotine-free pouches

• Caffeine pouches (also called caffeine snus or energy pouches): contain caffeine, often with vitamins or amino acids. The caffeine per pouch varies a lot between brands. See What is caffeine snus?
• Caffeine-free pouches with other ingredients: for example amino acids, minerals or plant extracts.
• Flavour-only pouches: flavouring only, with no active ingredients.

Optimal Native makes caffeine pouches (Morning Energy and Daily Flow) and a caffeine-free pouch (Evening Relax).

How to read the label

"Nicotine-free" tells you what is not in the pouch. These are the things to check for what is in it:

• Caffeine per pouch: food supplements must state the amount. The UK food safety agencies say up to 400 mg of caffeine a day from all sources is unlikely to cause adverse effects in adults (Food Standards Scotland and the FSA, 2024).
• Ingredients: the full list, including sweeteners and flavourings.
• Sugar: check whether the pouch contains sugar.
• Warnings: products with caffeine carry a warning that they are not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women.

What is in Optimal Native pouches?

Per pouch	Caffeine	Also contains
Morning Energy	200 mg	L-theanine 50 mg, nicotinamide riboside (NR) 50 mg, vitamins B6 and B12
Daily Flow	75 mg	L-theanine 50 mg, choline 100 mg, NR 50 mg, vitamins B6 and B12
Evening Relax	0 mg	L-theanine 100 mg, GABA 75 mg, chamomile extract, lemon balm extract, magnesium

Work out your own total: caffeine calculator.

Vitamins B6 and B12 contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. All three pouches contain no nicotine, no tobacco and no sugar. More: L-theanine and caffeine: what they are.

How to use them

1. Place one pouch under your upper lip.
2. Keep it there for 20–40 minutes.
3. Dispose of it after use.

One pouch at a time. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose. Morning Energy contains 200 mg and Daily Flow 75 mg of caffeine per pouch. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children. Optimal Native sells only to adults aged 18 and over.

FAQ

Do nicotine-free pouches contain tobacco?
Optimal Native pouches contain no tobacco and no nicotine.

Do nicotine-free pouches contain caffeine?
Some do and some don't. Optimal Native Morning Energy contains 200 mg and Daily Flow 75 mg per pouch; Evening Relax is caffeine-free.

Is nicotine-free snus the same as nicotine-free pouches?
Yes, they are names for the same pouch format.

Do nicotine-free pouches contain sugar?
Optimal Native pouches contain no sugar. Other brands vary, so check the label.

Read more: Caffeine pouches in the UK · What is caffeine snus?

Optimal Native is coming to the UK. One stack for the whole day: Morning Energy, Daily Flow and Evening Relax. Pre-orders ship from 15 December 2026.