Unlike regular snus or tobacco pouches that contain tobacco—Velo nicopods don’t. Made using a blend of pharma-grade nicotine and food-based ingredients, Velo nicopods provide a safer way to consume nicotine without most of the harmful effects of cigarettes, vapes, and dip pouches.
But what happens if you ingest a nicopod? Is it safe? This guide will explain what happens if you swallow a Velo pouch, what are the risks and potential side effects, and how to use nicotine pouches safely.
What Happens If You Swallow a Velo Pouch?
Accidentally swallowing a Velo pouch shouldn’t cause serious harm. Velo pouches are tobacco-free, so you won’t experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if you swallow one. Still, Velo and other nicotine pouches are not meant to be swallowed and may, on rare occasions, cause digestive discomfort.
If you thought about swallowing Velo pouches to get a better buzz, don’t do it. Velo nicopods release nicotine, which you absorb through the inner lining of your mouth. If you swallow the pouch, your digestive system will process it instead.
As nicotine is poorly absorbed through the stomach lining, only a fraction would ever reach your bloodstream, so it wouldn’t affect your buzz at all.
The nicotine content in a single Velo pouch, usually between 4 mg and 17mg, isn’t enough to cause adverse health effects. You’d need to swallow much more than one nicopod to experience severe side effects like tachycardia, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.
Is It Safe To Swallow Velo Pouch Spit?
Source: Velo
It’s generally safe to swallow Velo pouch spit, so don’t worry if you ingest some nicotine-infused saliva. Your digestive system will break down the nicotine, absorb some of it, and eliminate the rest.
Velo nicopods are also designed to minimize drip, so you won’t swallow a lot of Velo spit—especially if you follow the daily usage guidelines.
While swallowing Velo spit shouldn’t cause problems, swallowing a lot of it may lead to minor side effects like:
- Throat irritation
- Heartburn
- Sore throat
- Hiccups
- Upset stomach
- Unpleasant aftertaste
Keep in mind that the frequency and severity of these side effects depend on the strength of the Velo pouch and your body’s tolerance to nicotine. Besides the unpleasant aftertaste and mild throat irritation, it’s not likely you’ll experience any of these reactions. If, by chance, you feel uncomfortable or sick, do the following:
- Spit out excess saliva
- Drink water to soothe your throat and stomach
- Take a two-hour break from Velo nicopods
- Switch to a milder pouch
Velo Nicopod Ingredients—Are They Safe To Swallow?
Velo nicotine pouches contain a blend of food-grade ingredients and nicotine salts derived from tobacco leaves.
The table below describes the typical Velo pouch ingredients and whether they are safe to swallow.
Ingredient | What Is It? | Safe To Swallow? |
Nicotine salt | Medical-grade nicotine derived from tobacco leaves. It delivers a smooth and satisfying nicotine kick | Yes, but it’s addictive |
Flavorings | Natural and artificial flavorings that give pouches their distinctive aroma. Typical Velo flavors include mint, citrus, and berry | Yes, but they may cause allergic reactions in some individuals |
Acesulfame potassium (E950) and Xylitol (E967) | Sugar alternatives that enhance the pouch taste without adding calories | Although Ace K was classified as potentially carcinogenic, it’s impossible to ingest a harmful dose from Velo pouches. Xylitol is safe to consume |
Sodium chloride | Regular table salt, used as a flavor enhancer | Yes |
Ammonium chloride (E510) | pH regulator and a flavor enhancer that masks the nicotine taste | Yes |
Sodium bicarbonate (E500) | It helps maintain optimal pH levels for more efficient nicotine absorption | Yes |
Microcrystalline cellulose (E460 (i)) | It binds the ingredients and adds bulk to the pouches | Yes |
Sodium Alginate (E401) | A stabilizer that provides texture and consistency to the pouches | Yes |
Water | Purified water moistens the pouches to ensure rapid nicotine and flavor release | Yes |
While the ingredients in Velo nicopods make a safe-to-use product, they are not suitable for:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Individuals suffering from cardiovascular diseases (heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure)
- People allergic to nicotine or any of the ingredients listed above
- Individuals taking medications that may interact with nicotine, like antidepressants, beta-blockers, and insulin
Velo nicotine pouches are also not to be used by minors (under the age of 21). Not only is it not legal for them to buy and use nicopods, but nicotine can potentially stomp their development.
Can Swallowing Velo Nicopods Cause Nicotine Poisoning?
No, swallowing Velo pouches won’t cause nicotine poisoning. The amount of nicotine you absorb from swallowing pouches is minimal and unlikely to cause serious harm.
That said, swallowing several Velo pouches at a time isn’t a good idea. While rare, this might lead to nicotine poisoning, which can cause serious health problems.
It’s important to be mindful of nicotine poisoning symptoms so you can take prompt action if it happens. Early signs of nicotine poisoning (usually vomiting) occur within 15 minutes to an hour, graduating into more severe reactions over the next four hours.
You can check the table below for the most common symptoms of nicotine poisoning:
Mild Reactions | Severe Reactions |
Nausea and vomiting | Diarrhea |
Increased heart rate | Low blood pressure and slow heart rate |
Elevated blood pressure | Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms) |
Headache | Seizures and tremors |
Dizziness | Coma |
Abdominal pain | Muscle weakness/paralysis |
Pale skin | Shallow breathing |
Sweating | Difficulty breathing |
Rapid, heavy breathing (hyperpnea) | Respiratory failure |
In most cases, the mild reactions will subside on their own as the nicotine is processed and eliminated from your body. If you experience severe symptoms, don’t ignore them. Seek immediate medical attention to prevent serious health complications.
Source: Andrea Piacquadio
How To Use Velo Nicotine Pouches Safely
Knowing not to swallow the Velo nicopod is only one way to ensure a safe and satisfying experience. To hit all the boxes and enjoy a pleasant nicotine buzz every time, do the following:
- Wash your hands before handling a pouch
- Place the pouch between your upper lip and gum and use your tongue to adjust it slightly if needed
- Use the nicopod for up to 30 minutes
- Remove the used pouch and dispose of it responsibly
If you’re using Velo pouches for the first time, don’t worry about the subtle burning sensation you’ll experience a few seconds after placing the pouch in your mouth.
It is a sign that the pouch is working and will fade over the next 5–10 minutes. In the meantime, you’ll enjoy your favorite Velo flavor and experience a satisfying nicotine buzz.
Pro Tips To Elevate Your Velo Pouch Experience
Source: Katie Treadway
Beyond using Velo pouches safely, follow these tips to make the most out of every Velo pouch you consume:
- Pick the right pouch strength—If you’re new to nicopods or aren’t sure about your tolerance, it’s best to start with a milder pouch and work your way up to stronger products
- Rotate pouch placement—To prevent irritation or gum sores, avoid placing the pouch in the same spot every time. Alternate between the left and right cheek with each new pouch
- Don’t suck or chew the pouch—If you chew the pouch, the contents might leak out, which can lead to an unpleasant taste or even irritation in your mouth and throat if you accidentally swallow it
- Don’t eat or drink—Eating or drinking while using a Velo pouch increases the risk of accidentally swallowing the pouch. This could also cause the pouch to move, which will prevent you from absorbing the nicotine
- Take breaks—Take 1–2 hour breaks between pouches to process and eliminate the nicotine
- Store pouches properly—To maintain the freshness and potency of your pouches, keep them in their original Velo packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Don’t reuse Velo pouches—Used pouches are depleted and won’t give you a buzz. They also taste bad, can grow bacteria, and could ruin the remaining pouches in the can
- Don’t stack pouches—Using multiple pouches can be overwhelming and lead to side effects. It isn’t cost-effective, either. If the pouch you’re using doesn’t give you the desired nicotine hit, switch to a stronger one
- Drink water—Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration or potential throat irritation
Since Velo is a reputable manufacturer, you should also get their products from reliable sellers that only stock the finest brands. This ensures that you get authentic, high-quality Velo pouches that are safe to use and deliver a pleasant experience without fail.
Where To Buy Velo Pouches
Source: SnusBoss
Velo is made in the EU, which guarantees superior quality compared to most local U.S. brands. U.S.-based manufacturers are constrained by restrictive regulations after the FDA disincentivized further nicopod development in 2016 by classifying them as smokeless tobacco products.
Industry experts at SnusBoss were aware of the EU’s progressive laws that gave Velo a 7-year advantage to perfect its nicopod recipes, resulting in premium products with a more potent kick, innovative aromas, and higher moisture levels. That’s why SnusBoss offers a huge selection of Velo pouches curated for Americans who want to experience the best nicopods in the world.
To get your hands on a pack of Velo pouches, you need to:
- Visit the online store
- Select your favorite flavor and strength
- Provide your payment and shipping info at checkout
SnusBoss also has other premium products from popular and niche brands, including:
ZYN | Killa | White Fox | Chapo | GOAT |
Denssi | Thor | Jäger | Glitch | Kozmo |
Paz | Oryx | Snatch | Klint | Roger |
Kick | Dope | Hit | Pablo | Kurwa |
Siberia | Pik |
If you choose the express shipping option, you’ll receive your package in two to three days. For orders above $249, you can also benefit from free shipping.
Featured image source: Velo