What Is The Real Cost of Snus and Nicotine Pouches? (2025)

With nicotine prices rising in the UK, many are turning to snus and nicotine pouches as cost-effective alternatives. Find out how pouches, cigarettes, vapes, and other nicotine products compare when it comes to providing best value.

The Rising Cost of Nicotine in the UK Cost of Cigarettes Cost of Rolling Tobacco Cost of Nicotine Pouches Cost of Pods Cost of Vapes The Bottom Line on Nicotine Prices

Key Takeaways

Nicotine pouches are among the most affordable nicotine alternatives
Cigarettes are the most expensive option
Rolling tobacco is cheaper than cigarettes but still costly
Pods and vapes offer cost-effective, smoke-free options
The 2025 UK vape ban boosts demand for reusable devices and pouches

The Rising Cost of Nicotine in the UK

Snus and nicotine pouches, often considered alternatives to traditional nicotine products, have gained popularity among consumers who are looking for cost-effective options.

But how do these products compare in terms of cost? This article breaks down the financial differences between nicotine pouches, cigarettes, vapes, and other alternatives.

If you want to track your personal spending on nicotine products, check out our nicotine cost calculator for a more in-depth view.

Cost of Cigarettes

AVERAGE COST PER YEAR: £3,700-£4,650

The UK has some of the highest cigarette prices in Europe, and costs continue to rise. Based on an average of 20 cigarettes per day, annual spending can exceed £4,200. This estimate does not include additional costs such as lighters or accessories.

Beyond personal costs, smoking places a heavy burden on public finances. According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the NHS spends £1.82 billion annually on smoking-related treatments, with a further £13.9 billion incurred in social care costs.

Cost of Rolling Tobacco

AVERAGE COST PER YEAR: £2,800–£3,500

With rising cigarette prices, some consumers have switched to rolling tobacco, viewing it as a lower-cost alternative. However, the long-term savings depend on consumption habits and additional costs such as rolling papers and filters.

Average Prices:

Average cost: £21.58 per 30g pouch

Many roll-your-own (RYO) smokers find themselves consuming more than they would with pre-made cigarettes, which reduces potential savings.

Cost of Nicotine Pouches

AVERAGE COST OF NICOTINE POUCHES PER YEAR: £1,200–£1,500

Nicotine pouches are a tobacco-free option available at various price points. For example, Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches cost around £3.49–£3.99 online from Haypp UK, providing 20 pouches—approximately 17p per pouch.

Average Prices:

Haypp UK: £3.49 per can (20 pouches)
Offline Retailers: £5.50 per can (20 pouches)

Nicotine pouches eliminate many of the downsides associated with smoking, such as odours and staining, making them a practical and cost-effective alternative.

Cost of Pods

AVERAGE COST PER YEAR: £1,200–£1,500

Pod systems, including pod kits and prefilled pods, are reusable devices where users replace the liquid or prefilled pods as needed. These systems generally have lower long-term costs than traditional cigarettes.

Average Prices:

Haypp UK: Prefilled pods average £2.80 each, while pod kits average £2.80 per unit
Offline Retailers: Prefilled pods average £7.00 each, while pod kits average £7.50 per unit

Cost of Vapes

AVERAGE COST PER YEAR: £1,400–£1,600

Vaping is another option that may be more cost-effective than smoking. On average, vapers spend about £120–£135 per month, or £1,400–£1,600 annually.

Following the UK government’s ban on disposable vapes, which took effect in June 2025, users will need to explore alternatives like reusable devices, pods, or nicotine pouches, which offer both cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Average Prices:

Haypp UK: Disposable vapes average £2.20 each
Offline Retailers: Disposable vapes average £6.00 each

The Bottom Line on Nicotine Prices

Nicotine product prices in the UK vary, with cigarettes remaining the most expensive option. Rolling tobacco may offer savings compared to cigarettes but is generally more costly than alternatives like pods, vapes, and nicotine pouches.

Understanding the costs associated with each nicotine product empowers consumers to make informed financial decisions. Switching to cost-effective and smoke-free alternatives can significantly reduce expenses while improving quality of life.