Nicotine Pouches and Snus: Why Athletes Use Them?

Nicotine has long been associated with smoking and tobacco, but in recent years, smokeless alternatives like nicotine pouches and snus have gained popularity—not just among regular users but also within the world of sports. Many athletes, from football players to weightlifters, have turned to these products for various reasons. But why?

According to the "Guardian" article, a new survey conducted by Loughborough University, commissioned by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), found that one in five male and female professional players use snus, nicotine pouches, or both. Furthermore, two out of five players had tried nicotine pouches at least once. Among users, 29% of male players and 55% of female players cited improved mental readiness as a key benefit, while 41% of male users and 64% of female users reported using them to relax after training or matches. Some players also use nicotine pouches as a coping mechanism or appetite suppressant, particularly in weight-sensitive sports.

Why Do Athletes Use Nicotine Pouches and Snus?

• Increased focus and alertness -  Nicotine stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing cognitive function and reaction time. This can be useful in high-pressure situations where quick decision-making is key.
• Stress and anxiety reduction - Competitive sports can be stressful, and some athletes use nicotine to manage pre-game jitters or post-match stress. This aligns with the findings of the PFA study, where a significant percentage of players used pouches to relax.
• Enhanced mental readiness - According to the survey, improved mental focus was one of the top reasons players used nicotine pouches.
• Appetite suppression - The study also confirmed that players use nicotine as a way to curb hunger, which can be beneficial for weight-class sports like boxing or MMA.
  
• Alternative to smoking or vaping - Some athletes who previously smoked or vaped switch to nicotine pouches as a cleaner alternative that doesn’t affect lung capacity. 

Does Nicotine Affect Athletic Performance?

Scientific studies on nicotine’s effect on athletic performance are mixed. While nicotine itself does not enhance muscle growth or stamina, it may indirectly benefit athletes by:

✅ Improving concentration and reaction time – Useful in sports like football, hockey, and racing.
✅ Helping manage stress and anxiety – Beneficial for high-stakes competitions.
❌ Potentially increasing heart rate and blood pressure – May be risky for some athletes.
❌ Addictive properties – Regular use can lead to dependence.

While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has not banned nicotine, it remains on its watchlist due to growing usage among athletes.

Are Nicotine Pouches a Safer Option?

Compared to smoking or chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches are a much cleaner option because:

• They contain no tobacco leaves, meaning no tar or harmful combustion chemicals.

• They don’t impact lung function like smoking or vaping.

• They come in different strengths, allowing users to control their intake.

• They are discreet, making them easy to use anywhere.

Nicotine Pouches & Snus in Different Sports

🏒 Ice Hockey

Nicotine pouches and snus are particularly popular in ice hockey, especially in countries like Sweden, Finland, and Canada, where traditional snus use has a long history. Many players use them for focus and stress relief, with some teams reporting widespread use in locker rooms. Due to the fast-paced nature of the game, players rely on nicotine for quick reaction times and heightened alertness.

🏋️ Weightlifting & Bodybuilding

In strength sports, nicotine pouches are used primarily as an appetite suppressant. Maintaining a low body fat percentage is crucial for bodybuilders and powerlifters, and some rely on nicotine to curb hunger cravings during cutting phases.

🏎️ Motorsports & Esports

In Formula 1, NASCAR, and esports, where mental focus is the key to split-second decisions, some professionals turn to nicotine pouches to enhance concentration and sustain focus during long races or gaming sessions.

🥊 Boxing & MMA

Combat sports athletes often use nicotine to reduce stress before fights and to stay within their weight class. While some rely on nicotine pouches to calm nerves, others avoid them due to potential cardiovascular concerns.

Where to Buy Nicotine Pouches?

For those looking for high-quality nicotine pouches, Snus Core offers a wide selection of trusted brands like Velo, Iceberg, Glick, and Zeus. Whether you need a light pouch for occasional use or a strong one for intense focus, you’ll find the right product to match your needs.