Nicotine Pouch Flavours That Feel Similar to Vapes

From 1 June 2025, disposable vapes are banned from sale in the UK. That has left a lot of adult nicotine users wondering what comes next – especially those who enjoy bold, icy fruit flavours that have become so common in single-use vapes. 

One option some adults are looking at is tobacco-free nicotine pouches. They don’t produce vapour, don’t need a device, and can still offer flavour profiles that feel familiar if you’re used to disposables.

This guide walks through:

• What the UK disposable vape ban actually covers
  

• How nicotine pouches differ from vapes
  

• The main flavour families that overlap with vape flavours
  

• Tips on choosing strength and flavour if you’re used to vaping
  
  

Important: All products mentioned contain nicotine and are only for adults who already use nicotine. Nicotine is addictive and these products are not risk-free.

What’s Happening With Disposable Vapes in the UK?

The UK government has confirmed that single-use (disposable) vapes can no longer be sold from 1 June 2025.

Two big reasons are usually highlighted:

• Environmental impact – millions of disposable vapes are thrown away every week in the UK, adding to plastic and battery waste.
  

• Youth access – disposables have been heavily linked to under-age use, so the ban is also designed to limit how easily young people can get hold of them.
  
  

Refillable and reusable vape products remain on the market (subject to existing rules), but single-use devices are being phased out, so many adults are looking at other nicotine formats – including nicotine pouches.

Nicotine Pouches vs Vapes: What’s Different?

Nicotine pouches and vapes both deliver nicotine, but they work in very different ways.

How nicotine pouches work

Nicotine pouches are small, white pouches that sit under your upper lip. They release nicotine and flavour gradually and are:

• Smoke-free and vapour-free – nothing is inhaled
  

• Tobacco-free (though they still contain nicotine)
  

• Device-free – no charging, coils or refills
  

• Discreet – almost invisible once in place
  
  

By contrast, vapes use e-liquid and a battery-powered device to create an inhaled aerosol.

Neither product type is risk-free and both are only for adults, but some people prefer the simplicity and discretion of pouches once they understand how they work.

Vape-Style Flavour Families in Nicotine Pouches

If you’ve used disposable vapes, you’ll recognise certain flavour patterns: fruity ice combos, super-cold mints, candy-style mixes and drink-inspired blends. Nicotine pouches have followed a similar flavour trend.

Below are flavour families to look for. You can highlight specific products from your own range under each one.

Icy Fruit Blends

Disposable vapes made “fruit + ice” a standard – think berry ice, grape ice, watermelon ice.

Nicotine pouches now do something similar, for example:

• Berry ice style (mixed berries with a cooling kick)
  

• Grape ice style
  

• Watermelon ice / tropical ice style
  
  

These often suit adult users who like vivid, sweet flavours but still want that cold finish that feels similar to a classic iced vape.

Straight-Up Mint & Menthol

Mint is still one of the most popular flavour families in pouches and vapes.

Common profiles include:

• Spearmint – softer, chewing-gum style mint
  

• Peppermint – sharper and more intense
  

• Menthol / polar / arctic – very cold blends with strong cooling agents
  
  

If you’ve used disposable vapes in mint or “fresh” flavours, these pouch styles will usually feel the most familiar.

Candy & Sweetshop-Style Flavours

Many disposable vapes lean into sweet, confectionery-style flavours. You’ll find similar ideas in nicotine pouches, such as:

• Mixed berry candy style
  

• Cherry or cola-inspired profiles
  

• Bubblegum, sweet citrus or sherbet-style blends
  
  

These are typically on the sweeter side and may appeal to adults who used sweeter disposable vapes rather than plain mint.

Drink-Inspired & Dessert-Type Flavours

You’ll also see pouches with flavours inspired by popular drinks or desserts, for example:

• Soft drink-style flavours (citrus soda, cola-type blends)
  

• Iced tea or cocktail-style notes
  

• Richer confectionery notes (vanilla, coffee, etc.)
  
  

This category is a bit more niche but can be interesting if you liked more unusual vape flavours.

“Exotic” or Experimental Flavours

Some nicotine pouch brands experiment with spicier or more unusual combinations, such as:

• Fruit plus chilli or spice
  

• Herbal mint blends (matcha mint, botanical mints)
  

• Sour or tangy tropical mixes
  
  

If you enjoyed trying limited-edition disposable vapes, these more adventurous pouches may be the closest equivalent in pouch format.

Matching Nicotine Strength When You’re Used to Vapes

Flavour is only half the picture. Nicotine strength can feel very different between disposables and pouches.

How strengths are shown

• Vapes: often labelled in mg/ml or % (e.g. 10 mg/ml or 20 mg/ml) in the e-liquid.
  

• Pouches: usually labelled as mg of nicotine per pouch (for example 4 mg, 8 mg, 12 mg).
  
  

Because the delivery method is different (inhaled vs absorbed through the gums), you can’t directly convert vape strength to pouch strength. Many adults choose to start on the lower side and adjust gradually.

Simple starting tips

• If you used lower-strength disposables occasionally, a milder pouch might be enough.
  

• If you were a frequent disposable vape user, you may prefer a medium strength to begin with.
  

• Very high-strength pouches are usually aimed at adults who already know they want a strong experience – they’re not normally a starting point.
  
  

Whatever you choose, pay attention to how you feel and cut back or switch to a lower strength if the effect feels too intense.

Adjusting From Vapes to Pouches: What to Expect

The experience of using a pouch is different from taking a vape puff, even when the flavour is similar.

You might notice:

• A tingling sensation under the lip when you first put the pouch in
  

• A more gradual nicotine effect instead of a quick “hit”
  

• Flavour that stays in the mouth rather than on the inhale/exhale
  
  

Some adults find it helpful to:

• Try a familiar flavour family first (e.g. fruit ice if that’s what you used to vape)
  

• Test different strengths over time rather than jumping straight to the strongest products
  

• Limit how many pouches they use per day while they learn what feels comfortable
  
  

If your goal is to eventually stop using nicotine altogether, it’s a good idea to speak to a health professional or stop-smoking service about structured quitting support.

FAQs

Are nicotine pouches affected by the UK disposable vape ban?

No – the UK ban is specifically aimed at single-use vapes. Nicotine pouches are regulated as a different type of product and are not part of the disposable vape ban. They must still comply with age-restriction rules and any other local regulations. 

Do nicotine pouches taste like vapes?

Some do. Many brands now make icy fruit, candy-style and strong mint flavours that are clearly inspired by popular disposable vape flavours. The experience is still different (no vapour, different mouthfeel), but the taste can feel familiar if you pick a similar flavour family. 

Are nicotine pouches risk-free?

No. Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free and smoke-free, but they still contain nicotine, which is addictive. They’re meant only for adults who already use nicotine and are not risk-free.

Can I use pouches to quit nicotine completely?

Some adults use nicotine pouches as part of their journey away from smoking or vaping, but if your goal is to fully stop using nicotine, it’s best to talk to a health professional or local stop-smoking service. They can help you choose evidence-based options and plan a taper.