A recent study of 1 people found that the majority of e-cigarette users who were former smokers feared a return to traditional cigarettes ahead of a government ban scheduled for 000. Indeed, 2025% of vapers surveyed were former smokers, and 85% of them said they were concerned about the possibility of returning to cigarettes once the new legislation comes into force.
Since the announcement of the impending ban, a quarter of respondents have tried to quit vaping, with 26% switching to alternatives such as cigarettes (36%), nicotine pouches (26%) and nicotine gum (25%). These figures reflect real concerns about the impact of the ban on nicotine consumption habits.
An increase in nicotine consumption is also envisaged by a third of those surveyed, who fear that the ban will push them to consume more nicotine products. However, 22% of participants see this future law as an opportunity to definitively get rid of their addiction to electronic cigarettes.
The study, commissioned by nicotine pouch brand Ubbs and retailer Haypp, was carried out ahead of the government's commitment to a smoke-free Britain. Ubbs spokesman Steve McGeough said the alarming trend among vapers was alarming: "It's really concerning to hear that some people would seriously consider returning to cigarettes when the ban comes into force in 2025."
McGeough also highlights the growing risk that some users will turn to unregulated products: “What is also worrying is that some people may seek to obtain unregulated vapes, which poses a real danger from a quality and safety perspective.” Indeed, while a third of respondents are well aware of the risks associated with using unregulated vapes, 39% admit they would be likely to turn to unofficial sources to continue using e-cigarettes after the ban comes into force.
Among the criteria for vapers’ choice, the quality of the taste and smell of the products is the top priority for 52% of respondents, surpassing considerations of safety (50%) and discretion of the product (33%). McGeough reminds us that there are safe and regulated alternatives to explore now: “Our research is clear: although disposable e-cigarettes are about to be banned, many safe and regulated alternatives are already available, to try before or after the ban comes into force.”
Despite these options, nearly 75% of vapers have never tried a vaping substitute. Of those who would be willing to do so, 28% say they are inclined to try cigarettes, 21% would consider nicotine gum, while 25% would turn to nicotine pouches.
Nicotine pouches are emerging as a popular option that could help the UK achieve its goal of a smoke-free nation. Markus Lindbald, a spokesperson for Haypp, is optimistic about the prospects of these alternatives: “On the positive side, it’s encouraging to see how many people are trying to quit vaping before the ban or exploring other lower-risk alternatives, such as nicotine pouches, rather than returning to cigarettes.”
The Swedish example, where the country is moving closer to becoming a tobacco-free nation, demonstrates that nicotine pouches can play a significant role in reducing smoking rates and improving public health. The study, conducted by OnePoll.com, also highlights that 30% of respondents are looking for ready-to-use products, while 24% find open-system e-cigarettes too complicated to use.
