Nicotine Lozenge vs. Gum—What’s the Best Way To Quit Tobacco?

Quitting tobacco entails many uncomfortable side effects, including cravings, irritability, and difficulty maintaining focus.

Luckily, you don’t have to go through these symptoms because nicotine lozenges and gum can make your tobacco-free journey as easy as possible. Although they function similarly, each method offers a unique experience. That’s why we created this comprehensive nicotine lozenge vs. gum comparison to help you decide on the best option for you.

Nicotine Gum vs. Lozenge—Basic Facts

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Nicotine gum looks exactly like ordinary chewing gum, except it releases a controlled amount of nicotine when chewed. Lozenges are dissolvable mints designed to release nicotine steadily as they gradually dissolve in your mouth.

Nicotine gum and lozenges are the two most popular officially approved products used in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). They help alleviate tobacco withdrawal symptoms by delivering a controlled dose of nicotine each time you use them.

The key active ingredient in both products is nicotine in precise doses, which makes it easier to gradually wean yourself off it. Unlike chewing tobacco, dip, and regular snus, nicotine lozenges and gum are 100% tobacco-free, giving you one of the cleanest ways to overcome the urge to smoke or vape.

How Do Nicotine Lozenges and Gum Work?

Both nicotine gum and lozenges use the same mechanism of action to deliver nicotine that helps you satisfy your cravings. When you chew a nicotine gum or dissolve a lozenge, the nicotine gets absorbed by the blood vessels in your oral mucosa (the inner lining of your mouth). 

Once it enters your bloodstream, the nicotine reaches your brain, where it interacts with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, producing a stimulative effect similar to caffeine. It triggers several feel-good hormones, including norepinephrine, endorphins, serotonin, and glutamate, which increase your mood and energy while making you feel more focused and alert.

Nicotine Gum vs. Lozenges—Usage Instructions and Tips

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Always use nicotine gum and lozenges as described on the label. If you have any questions or doubts, consult a medical professional for additional guidance.

Here’s how you should typically use nicotine gum:

1. Take one piece of gum and chew it for 10–15 seconds until it becomes soft and you start to feel a tingling sensation
2. Stop chewing and place the gum between your teeth and lower cheek to let some of its nicotine content get absorbed into your system
3. When the tingling sensation fades out, chew the gum again and park it again, regularly switching sides in your mouth
4. Repeat the same process for 30 minutes or less until your cravings are completely gone

Using nicotine lozenges is even easier. All that you need to do is:

1. Take a lozenge and place it between your teeth and lower cheek
2. Switch the sides in your mouth from time to time
3. Let the lozenge slowly dissolve in your mouth for 20–30 minutes. Don’t chew or swallow the lozenge, and try to swallow as little of its juices as possible

Nicotine Lozenge and Gum—Essential Tips

Stick to these expert tips to get the most out of your nicotine lozenges and gum:

• Start using nicotine gum and lozenges as soon as you’ve quit smoking. Don’t wait until you feel a craving
• Use them every one to two hours for the first six weeks. Gradually reduce their frequency to every two to four hours and then every four to eight hours after six weeks
• Don’t drink acidic beverages, such as citrus fruit juices, coffee, soft drinks, or tea, within 15 minutes before or while using a nicotine gum or a lozenge
• Limit your use to no more than 20 nicotine lozenges or pieces of gum a day
• Don’t use more than one nicotine gum or lozenge at a time. If you find that they are too weak for your nicotine tolerance, choose a stronger option instead
• When you’re done using the gum, discard it responsibly away from children and pets
• Keep your nicotine gum and lozenges fresh by storing them away from moisture, sunlight, and heat

Nicotine Lozenge vs. Gum—Available Nicotine Strengths

Both nicotine gum and lozenges come in several strengths to cater to users with varying nicotine tolerance levels. By choosing the right strength, you can tailor your nicotine intake to your specific needs and previous smoking habits.

While certain brands like Lucy offer nicotine gum containing as much as 6 mg of nicotine per piece, most nicotine lozenges and gum typically come in strengths of 2 and 4 mg of nicotine. 

Check out the table below to find out how these strengths relate to your previous nicotine habits:

Nicotine Gum vs. Nicotine Lozenge—Absorption Rates

Despite having a similar mechanism of action, nicotine gum and lozenges differ in nicotine delivery rates.

Nicotine gum provides a faster and more intense nicotine release because its nicotine content is activated through chewing. Nicotine lozenges are much slower to release because they’re meant to dissolve gradually in your mouth.

Nicotine Lozenges and Gums—Flavor Variety

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Nicotine gum and lozenges come in several flavors designed to make quitting tobacco easier and more enjoyable. Since both products contain no tobacco leaves, stems, or dust, they don’t have a strong tobacco taste, unlike most smokeless tobacco products.

Nicotine lozenges and gum come in several delicious aromas, including:

• Minty—Mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen
• Fruity—Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, orange, lemon, mango, lychee
• Spicy—Chai, matcha green tea, cinnamon

Each of these flavors offers a pleasant consumption experience while masking the taste of nicotine.

Nicotine Lozenge vs. Gum—Common Ingredeints

Despite their different consumption methods, nicotine lozenges and gum share most of their ingredients.

Check out the table below for an overview of common food-grade ingredients contained in each product:

Here’s a brief explanation of what each of these ingredients does:

• Nicotine polacrilex—A mixture of nicotine and ion-exchange resin that is commonly used in NRT products to increase the bioavailability of nicotine
• Artificial sweeteners—Common food-grade sweeteners like acesulfame K, aspartame, sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol that give the product a sweet flavor without significantly raising the blood sugar level or causing damage to your teeth
• Acidity regulators—Ordinary household items that raise the alkalinity level during consumption, creating an optimal environment for nicotine absorption
• Different flavorings—A unique combination of artificial and natural flavorings that create the overall flavor profile of a product, making the consumption experience more satisfying and pleasing
• Gum base—A calorie-free substance that gives the nicotine gum an elastic and chewable texture, serving as a primary carrier for flavor and nicotine
• Carnauba wax—Provides the nicotine gum with a shiny outer layer that prevents its contents from drying up

Nicotine Lozenges vs. Gum—Potential Side Effects

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Since they contain no tobacco, nicotine gum and lozenges don’t carry the health risks of traditional tobacco products. 

Some symptoms you may experience while using nicotine lozenges and gum typically include:

• Mouth and throat irritation
• Excessive salivation
• Hiccups
• Coughing
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Weight gain
• Flatulence
• Insomnia

These side effects are rare and usually occur with improper use. Stop using nicotine gum and lozenges immediately and contact a health care professional if you get an allergic reaction to nicotine, typically manifested as:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat or a fluttering sensation in your chest
• Tightness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
• Problems with your jaw or teeth
• Blisters on the inside of your mouth

Nicotine Pouches—A Perfect Solution for Those Who Want To Keep Enjoying Nicotine

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Nicotine pouches are an ideal solution for those who want to quit tobacco but want to keep enjoying nicotine in a safer and cleaner way. These small sachets that fit comfortably under your lip contain only freebase nicotine or nicotine salts and food-grade ingredients, giving you a long-lasting nicotine release without smoke, vapor, or spitting.

Here are some reasons why nicotine pouches are a better alternative to tobacco compared to nicotine lozenges and gum:

• Ease of use—Nicopods don’t require chewing or moving around in your mouth. Park a nicotine pouch under your lip and enjoy a steady stream of nicotine and flavor that lasts from 30 minutes up to an hour, depending on the brand
• A wider range of strengths—Unlike nicotine gum and lozenges, which come in strengths ranging from 2 to 6 mg per piece, nicotine pouches cover a much broader spectrum. You can find nicopods with strengths ranging from 1.5 to over 32.8 mg per pouch contained in some of the strongest products. There are even zero-nicotine pouches for those who prefer to indulge only in their delicious flavors
• Flavors for every palate—Nicotine pouches offer one of the biggest flavor selections, ranging from minty and spicy to delectable fruity and sweet options. With new flavors coming out every month, there’s no shortage of new and delicious options to enjoy
• Duration—While most nicotine gum manufacturers claim that their products last up to 30 minutes, nicotine gum typically tends to last between 10–15 minutes, depending on how much you chew it. This isn’t the case with nicotine pouches, which give you a steady nicotine release that lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the brand
• More discreet—Nicotine pouches don’t need to be constantly chewed like nicotine gum, which may be inappropriate in certain situations. Unlike nicotine lozenges, their compact size and slim shape don’t create a noticeable bulge when you use them

How To Use Nicopods Properly

Here’s how to use a nicotine pouch for the best experience:

1. Place a single pouch between your gums and upper lip
2. Let the pouch rest comfortably in your mouth for 5–45 minutes, depending on your preference and nicotine tolerance. Don’t chew, suck, or swallow the pouch
3. Once you feel satisfied, remove the used pouch and dispose of it responsibly, either by using the dedicated catch lid on the can or by throwing it in the trash

SnusBoss—The Best Place To Get Premium Nicopods

SnusBoss is a reputable vendor of premium nicopods led by a team of experts with over a decade of experience in the industry. The store offers a wide selection of the most popular EU-made nicotine pouch brands, which deliver richer flavor, higher moisture, and a stronger buzz than most U.S. products.

The FDA’s decision to classify all nicotine pouches as tobacco products had a major impact on nicotine pouch production in the States. Following this ruling, all U.S. manufacturers were required to undergo long and complicated pre-marketing evaluations, which disincentivized further product development.

Check out the table below to discover the full selection of popular brands available on SnusBoss:

Ordering from SnusBoss is quick and easy. This is all you need to do:

1. Visit the online store
2. Select your desired brand, strength, and flavor
3. Enter your shipping and billing info

To have your order delivered in two to three business days, choose express delivery at checkout. All orders above $249 qualify for free shipping.

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