Welcome To

Pouch Aware

The Pouch Aware Database

These are the pouches that have been tested with us, and we’ve brought them together in one place. It allows you to see what is in your pouch and get a clearer picture of its safety. For manufacturers, it provides a transparent way to demonstrate responsibility, highlight safer products, and build trust with retailers and end users.
 
The more products we test, the more results we can share with you, making it easier to stay informed and confident about what you’re using in an emerging marketplace.

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Notice an issue, or want to get involved?

If you spot inaccurate information, contact us at compliance@pouch-aware.com and our team will investigate. 

If you’re part of the industry and would like to appear in our database, we welcome you to reach out too. 

Pouch Aware is an independent platform committed to transparency, fairness, and public health – your input helps us uphold these values. 

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OVERVIEW

Non-destructive Testing

Non-destructive tests assess key physical properties of nicotine pouches without altering or damaging the product. These tests are essential for evaluating consistency, quality, and shelf stability, and are often the first indicators of potential formulation issues.

 

Non-destructive testing is fast, reliable, and helps maintain the integrity of samples for further analysis if needed.

1. Pouch Mass (Average of 10 Pouches)

This test calculates the average mass of 10 individual pouches from a single product batch.

Why it matters

Consistent pouch mass is essential for uniform dosing, user experience, and trust in product quality. Fluctuations in pouch mass may suggest poor manufacturing controls or undeclared formulation changes.

2. Water Activity (Single Pouch Sample)

This test measures how much free moisture is present in the pouch (as opposed to bound water).

Why it matters

Elevated water activity can promote microbial growth and shorten shelf life. Monitoring water activity helps predict product stability and ensures safety during storage and transport—especially critical in a largely unregulated category.

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Overview

Destructive Testing

Destructive tests break open or chemically alter pouches to assess their internal composition. These in-depth analyses provide essential insights into nicotine levels, chemical content, and potential contaminants that cannot be observed from the outside. These tests are necessary for verifying claims, identifying health risks, and supporting regulatory readiness.

 

Each test typically uses 10–12 pouches per batch to ensure accurate and representative results.

1. Nicotine Assay

(Average of 3 Pouches)

Determines the actual nicotine content in each pouch.

Why it matters

Accurate nicotine delivery is essential for user safety and dosage reliability. Mismatches between labelled and tested values can raise legal, ethical, and health concerns.

2. Major Components – Glycerol & Propylene Glycol

Quantifies common additives that affect moisture retention and texture.

Why it matters

Overuse of these components can negatively impact product safety and sensory experience. Identifying unexpected or excessive amounts can flag poor formulation or undeclared additives.

3. TSNAs – NNN & NNK (Average of 3 Pouches)

Measures two tobacco-specific nitrosamines known to be carcinogenic.

Why it matters

Even in “tobacco-free” products, these harmful compounds may appear due to contaminated raw materials or manufacturing residues. This test identifies potential long-term health risks and supports harm reduction claims.

4. Water Content (Derived from NNN/NNK Sample Set)

Measures total water content (not just active moisture).

Why it matters

Total moisture levels affect chemical stability and microbial resistance. This deeper look supports claims around product freshness and shelf life.

5. Heavy Metals – Chromium, Nickel & Lead (Average of 3 Pouches)

Tests for toxic heavy metals that may be introduced during production.

Why it matters

These metals are harmful even at trace levels and are under increasing scrutiny by health authorities. Testing helps identify contamination sources and promotes safe sourcing practices.

6. pH (1–3 Pouches)

Measures the acidity or alkalinity of the pouch material.

Why it matters

pH affects nicotine absorption and user comfort. Extremes in pH can cause irritation or make the product less effective. This test ensures a balanced, tolerable experience for users.

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