NicLeaf Nicotine Pouches

NicLeaf describes its product as a nicotine pouch without the pouch. Rather than a filled pouch, every piece is one ultra-slim leaf. As a result, it tucks away neatly under your lip, and NicLeaf calls the feel barely there.

The leaves are moisture-activated. So once a leaf meets the moisture on your gum, you feel a tingle as the nicotine starts to release. NicLeaf leaves are made in Indonesia, and the brand flavours them with natural extracts.

Each can holds 20 leaves, and every flavour costs £3.99 here. NicLeaf positions them for discreet use, for example at work, on your commute or at the cinema.

The range is small, so choosing is quick. Firstly, Citrus blends a medley of citrus fruits into a slightly sweet and sharp taste. NicLeaf itself calls it bright and zesty. Secondly, Strawberry keeps the fruity taste of ripe strawberry throughout, with a balanced sweetness rather than a candy one.

Thirdly, Watermelon is juicy, sweet and tropical, while NicLeaf calls it clean and easy-going. Finally, Fresh Mint pairs sweet spearmint with crisp peppermint. It is the only mint in the range, and NicLeaf notes it has no icy kick.

So if you like fruit, start with Strawberry or Watermelon. If you prefer something sharper, try Citrus instead, or pick Fresh Mint for a cool, classic mint.

NicLeaf comes in 3mg, 5mg and 7.5mg here. However, Strawberry is the exception, with 3mg and 7.5mg only. Every strength costs the same £3.99 a can, so changing level never changes the price.

If leaves are new to you, start at 3mg, the lowest option, and work up only if you need more. Already use nicotine pouches? Then NicLeaf suggests starting at the level that matches your usual pouch and adjusting from there.

Also, three of the four flavours share all three strengths. As a result, swapping flavour rarely means swapping level.

Using a leaf takes three simple steps.

1. Place one leaf between your upper lip and gum, slightly to the side.
2. Within seconds, you will feel a tingle as the nicotine starts to release.
3. Leave it in place for up to 30 minutes, then remove it once it has finished.

Afterwards, drop the used leaf into the built-in compartment on top of the can, or into a bin. That way, the can doubles as a tidy holder until you are near one.

NicLeaf sells to adults aged 18 and over only, and so do we.

A NicLeaf works much like a regular nicotine pouch, since both sit under your top lip. The difference is the format. A slim pouch wraps its filling in pouch material, whereas a NicLeaf is one ultra-slim, all-in-one leaf.

According to NicLeaf, that format changes four things.

• Fit: the leaf is slimmer and less bulky, so it feels barely there.
• Release: the moisture-activated leaf gives a smooth, steady release rather than an uneven one.
• Nicotine: with no pouch to hold any back, NicLeaf states that all of the nicotine is released.
• Flavour: natural extracts aim to keep the taste consistent from start to finish.

Meanwhile, a can holds 20 leaves, and at £3.99 that works out at about 20p per leaf.