Our Testing Explained

Pouch Aware offers comprehensive testing tailored to your needs, identifying potential chemical risks and providing transparent safety insights to support informed decisions in an evolving, lightly regulated market.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN

Database Explained

Low Risk

For nicotine content, this shows that results fall within recognised safety thresholds. For other tests, this shows that the substance was below our limit of detection and is not considered present.

Medium Risk

This shows that a substance was detected, but levels remain within our safety limits (which are specified below).

High Risk

For nicotine content, this shows that results exceed recognised safety thresholds. For other tests, this shows that the substance was found above our safety limits.

Not Tested

This symbol shows that this criterion was not tested for this sample.

At Pouch Aware, we conduct testing across a range of metrics designed around your requirements and informed by best practice for nicotine-containing products. Some of the chemicals we detect may be influenced by flavourings or other ingredients.

These can sometimes form harmful by-products during use. High levels can indicate issues with product design or ingredient quality, rather than an intentional decision to create unsafe products.

Our aim is to provide a balanced and transparent snapshot of a pouch’s safety, helping consumers, retailers, and manufacturers make more informed decisions in a marketplace where regulation is still developing.

Pouch mass refers to the total weight of the nicotine pouch, including its contents and outer material. Consistent pouch mass is important to ensure consistent amounts of nicotine and other ingredients, and is an important quality control check. Significant variations may indicate inconsistent manufacturing, which can affect product quality and user experience.

Water activity measures the amount of water available in the pouch that can support growth of microbes such as mould and yeast. Lower water activity reduces the risk of mould developing, which is especially important for oral products. It also influences shelf life and product stability.

This test determines the exact amount of nicotine present in a pouch. It’s essential for confirming that the nicotine content matches what’s stated on the label, helping users manage their intake. Accurate nicotine levels are also important for product safety and regulatory compliance.

Glycerol and propylene glycol are common substances used to retain moisture and improve mouthfeel. While generally considered safe at controlled levels, their presence and concentration should be monitored. Excessive amounts can affect product texture and potentially cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

NNN and NNK are carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco products. Although nicotine pouches are typically tobacco-free, trace levels can still be present and should be minimized. Monitoring these ensures the product remains within safe limits and reduces the cancer risk.
Water content measures the total moisture in a pouch, influencing taste, texture, and shelf stability. Too much moisture can promote bacterial growth, while too little can lead to a dry, unpleasant experience. It also plays a role in the release and absorption of nicotine.
Heavy metals like chromium, nickel, and lead can enter products through raw materials or manufacturing equipment. Even in small amounts, these metals pose health risks when ingested regularly. Testing ensures levels are within safe limits and helps protect users from long-term exposure.

The pH level affects how nicotine is absorbed in the mouth — a higher pH generally leads to faster, more efficient absorption however can cause irritation or discomfort in some users. Measuring pH helps balance effectiveness with user safety and comfort.

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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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