Have you ever thought that one day, smoking will no longer be the only form of nicotine intake? With the rapid development of technology and the increasingly diversified needs of consumers, many novel ways of nicotine intake have appeared in the market. These nicotine alternatives are not only eye-catching in form, but also deeply explored in function and applicable scenarios, providing adult smokers with healthier and more convenient alternative choices. Today, let’s embark on this nicotine replacement adventure and find out whether these novelties can become the new favorites of the tobacco industry!
New Tobacco & Nicotine Product Segmentation
Currently, academia generally divides new tobacco and nicotine products into four categories: heated pure nicotine-based products (such as e-cigarettes, vaping products), non-heated pure nicotine-based products (such as nicotine gum, Nicotine Pouches, etc.), heated tobacco-based products (such as HNB heat-not-burn products) and non-heated tobacco-based products (such as Chewing Tobacco/SNUS, collectively referred to as Smokeless Tobacco).
These are different from traditional combustible tobacco, such as cigars and cigarettes, and are gradually being accepted by smokers who are looking for alternatives. With the rise of nicotine pouches, manufacturers have also paid more attention to new ways of nicotine intake. As a result, new nicotine replacement therapy products have gradually entered the vision of manufacturers.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a medically approved treatment for tobacco addiction. Users ingest nicotine in a non-tobacco way through patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays or inhalers. These products contain only nicotine, not tobacco, and the nicotine may be extracted from the tobacco plant and some synthetic. They also usually contain added ingredients such as fillers, sweeteners and other flavors. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) offers a healthier and safer way to manage nicotine intake and help smokers gradually kick the habit.
These products include Nicotine Gum, Nicotine Lozenges, Nicotine Toothpicks, Nicotine Patches, Nicotine Pouches, Nicotine Inhalers, Nicotine Sprays, and Nicotine Gels. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved seven products as nicotine replacement therapies, including nicotine patches, lozenges, gum, oral inhalers, nasal sprays, and two other drugs (bupropion and varenicline).
Sacchetti di nicotina
With the industry’s supply chain maturing, more and more e-cigarette manufacturers are venturing into this space. This is especially true of nicotine pouch brands such as Zyn and Velo, which have already carved out a niche in the highly competitive market. ZONA The addition of these brands not only provides consumers with more choices, but also brings new vitality to the entire nicotine replacement market.
E-Hookah/Shisha
E-Hookah/Shisha, also known as electronic hookahs or e-shishas, is a modern device that simulates the traditional hookah experience. Unlike traditional hookahs, where tobacco is heated by charcoal, electronic hookahs use electronic heating devices to evaporate the flavoring liquid of the electronic hookah liquid. With the addition of electronicization and functionality, the hookah category is more convenient to use and the experience is richer.
Nictone Inhaler
In 2023, the manufacturer Dekang launched the DKiss 21 smoke-free nicotine inhaler at InterTabac 2023, which is different from traditional e-cigarettes. Although it looks like a disposable cigalike, the product claims to produce no smoke and releases nicotine by heating the capsule of solid nicotine beads. It is suitable for use in any environment and will not affect the environment or bystanders. Small in size and light in weight, it can be easily carried anywhere in your pocket.
Inhalation Nasal Vape
At the Champs show in the United States in July this year, Vozol launched the Nose Knows AT5000 disposable product, which is a revolutionary device that can bring a new change to the e-cigarette experience. As the world’s first disposable nasal steam product, it combines the characteristics of e-cigarettes and nasal inhalation, provides a unique inhalation method, can directly stimulate the sense of smell and provide an alternative nicotine intake scenario, and successfully breaks the boundary between nasal inhalation and e-cigarettes.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine Gum is usually a chewable gum containing the active ingredient nicotine polyacetate. It can be used alone or in combination with other medical treatments to help smokers quit smoking. Nicotine gum is used differently from regular gum. It is chewed a few times and then “parked” in the cheeks and under the teeth. Nicotine is mainly absorbed in the mouth. Nicotine gum is sold through most regular retailers, pharmacies and online channels without a doctor’s prescription. There are various flavors, ranging from mint, cinnamon to various fruit flavors, and the dosage ranges from 2 mg to 6 mg.
Nicotine Lozenge
Nicotine Lozenge is a tablet that improves the release of a dose (usually with flavoring) that looks like small hard candies. It is usually used by placing a piece between the gums and cheek. There is also a Nicotine Sublingual tablet that is held under the tongue. As it slowly dissolves, a warm or tingling sensation is felt. There is no need to chew or swallow. Nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and into the blood vessels. It dissolves slowly in the mouth, releasing nicotine within 20 to 30 minutes. Nicotine lozenges are usually over-the-counter and are generally available in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths.
Nicotine Patch
The Nicotine Patch is a transdermal patch that releases nicotine into the body through the skin. It comes in different shapes and sizes. Typically, you apply one nicotine patch to your skin in the morning and leave it in place throughout the day. It releases nicotine throughout the day, which is absorbed through your skin. This product is approved by the FDA in the United States and is considered one of the safer nicotine replacement products for treating tobacco use disorder.
Nicotine Ora Inhaler
Nicotine Ora Inhaler is usually a small plastic tube shaped like a thick cigar. A doctor’s prescription is required to use it in the United States. Unlike asthma inhalers, the medication is not inhaled into the lungs, and the nicotine is mainly absorbed in the back of the throat.
Nicotine inhalers sold as nicotine replacement therapy are very similar to e-cigarettes, but should not be confused with e-cigarettes – e-cigarettes produce an aerosol through a heated coil, usually derived from tobacco extracts, while nicotine inhalers produce a non-burning/non-heated nicotine aerosol.
Nicotine inhalers are easier to use than e-cigarettes, are usually disposable, and contain fewer parts than e-cigarettes. VOKE, the next generation nicotine inhaler system approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) last month, is a distinctive nicotine oral inhaler.
Nicotine Toothpicks
Nicotine Toothpicks are an interesting and innovative nicotine delivery tool. Based on the traditional toothpick, the right amount of nicotine is added through the process. By using the toothpick in the mouth, nicotine can be quickly absorbed through the oral mucosa, thus providing a quick way to relieve smoking addiction. The portability and ease of use of nicotine toothpicks make them an ideal choice for smokers who want to control their nicotine intake at any time in their daily lives.
Oral Nicotine Spray
Oral Nicotine Spray is another convenient nicotine replacement therapy product that can quickly absorb nicotine through the oral mucosa, helping smokers effectively relieve their cravings for nicotine during the process of quitting smoking. This spray-form product is easy to carry and use, allowing users to control the dosage according to their needs while avoiding the inhalation of harmful substances in tobacco smoke.
Nicotine Nasal Spray
Nicotine Nasal Spray is another fast-acting nicotine replacement therapy. Through nasal administration, nicotine can quickly enter the bloodstream, almost immediately relieving nicotine cravings and helping users effectively control the urge to smoke. This nasal spray provides a convenient, controlled way to take in nicotine to meet the body’s need for nicotine.
Nicotine Gels
Nicotine Gels are another tobacco product that is applied to the skin for absorption. Nicotine gels are not heated or combusted. Nicotine gels contain nicotine, either added directly or as part of a tobacco extract. They may also contain other ingredients that help stabilize the product and enhance absorption, humectants such as propylene glycol, preservatives, binders such as xanthan gum, and penetration enhancers.
Nicotine Stripe
Nicotine Stripe is usually in the form of an oral film, which is an ultra-thin bio-based orally dissolvable strip with a specific amount of nicotine. It dissolves when placed on the tongue, avoiding the trouble of swallowing or chewing, and does not need to be spit out, making it easy to use. It can also provide nicotine quickly, improves the taste and is easy to carry, making it a convenient and practical way to take nicotine without smoking.
These nicotine replacement therapy (“NRT”) products exemplify the diversity and complexity of the tobacco and nicotine markets, and there may be many more to come, each with its own unique market niche and consumer demographic. Compliance requirements for these nicotine products vary from country to country in the global marketplace, and some are even strictly regulated as pharmaceuticals.
As global efforts to reduce the harms of tobacco continue to intensify, we expect these new nicotine products will continue to undergo changes and innovations in the coming years, providing a broader range of support and choices for those who wish to reduce or eliminate traditional tobacco use.
Although these nicotine alternatives offer new options, they still contain nicotine, which has addictive properties. No tobacco or nicotine product can be considered completely harmless. Consumers should remain cautious and seek professional medical advice when choosing to use these products.
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