Velo (BAT) buffet of oral nicotine pouches in Pakistan: varying brand variant levels of nicotine, menthol and other flavour chemicals.

Abstract

Introduction: Global sales of oral nicotine pouches are increasing. 10 brand variants of Velo (BAT) pouches were purchased in Karachi, Pakistan in 2022 and assessed for levels of nicotine, numerous flavour chemicals, packaging and price.

Methods: Purchase prices were recorded, and colours, images and words on the containers were assessed. Samples were analysed for nicotine and 180 individual flavour chemicals. Data were examined using the values of several flavour chemical groups, including total fruit flavour chemicals (TFFCs), total non-menthol mint chemicals (TNMMCs) and total menthol/mint chemicals (TM/MCs).

Results: All brand variants indicated the nicotine content on the container (6, 10 or 14 mg/pouch). The 14 mg variants were packaged with black container tops and cost 25% more than the others, which had off-white container tops. Measured nicotine levels were similar to the labelled values. 46 of the 180 flavour compounds were detected at least once in the 10 products; four compounds were detected in all 10 products. Variation in the levels of TFFCs, TNMMCs and TM/MCs was much larger than the variation for the measured values of nicotine.

Conclusion: This is the first independent assessment of oral nicotine pouch brand variants. Nicotine is available over a range of levels; it could be considered as a regulatory target. Consumers are also offered a buffet of options with a range of flavour levels and flavour mixes. Regulation of flavour chemicals in oral nicotine pouches should be considered in Pakistan given that flavours are known to increase product appeal, initiation by adolescents and quitting difficulty.