If something has nicotine in it, it’ll kick your cravings into check. The difference that matters is the medium. Vapes are great because they feel similar to smoking and taste great. Gum on the other hand tastes like ass.
I’ve dabbled – and continue to dabble – with nicotine patches; they work great, they’re relatively affordable but they don’t taste great. And that is why, nowadays, I’m using nicotine toothpicks more and more.
I started using nicotine toothpicks several months ago, I use NicPix, mostly the Blueberry Sour Raspberry variant because it tastes like my favorite Bar Salts vape juice.
And in that time, I’ve cut my vaping by about 90%.
So, yes: nicotine patches do work. They work really well and this makes them a great tool for cutting down vaping and quitting smoking.
I was something of a chain vaper. I still vape – comes with the job of running this site – but I now vape A LOT less.
Usually when I’m having a beer with friends, and sometimes not even then.
And the reason? NicPix toothpicks. I’ve tested all the major nicotine toothpick brands, and these ones are the best.
They taste the best, they last the longest, and their made right here in the UK. If you want to check them out, a pack of 20 costs £3.99 and here’s all the flavor options.
So… How Do Nicotine Toothpicks Actually Work?
Here’s the quick science bit.
Nicotine toothpicks are made from natural wood (usually birch) and infused with nicotine and flavoring.
When you chew or roll one around in your mouth, nicotine is absorbed through the soft tissues in your cheeks and gums, the same basic principle as nicotine pouches or gum.
But here’s what makes them different:
- No burn: Unlike pouches, there’s no gritty or peppery feeling.
- Controlled release: You chew a little, pause, roll it around, chew again. The delivery is steady, not overwhelming.
- Flavor consistency: Good brands (like NicPix) use bar salt-style flavoring, so the taste stays consistent and enjoyable the whole time.
Now back to my story.
My First Nicotine Toothpick Experience
I was heading into a post-lunch meeting at a vape expo last year and didn’t want to vape indoors. Instead, I grabbed a Blueberry Sour Raspberry NicPix, popped it in, and started chewing it, holding it against the side of my mouth, fiddling with it.
You do what you like, there’s no hard and fast rules for how to use them. Just do whatever feels best for you. You’ll eventually find a process that works best.
Within 90 seconds minutes? Craving gone. Completely.
What really surprised me though was the flavor—it was exactly like one of my favorite fruity bar salt juices.
Sweet, tangy, not too strong.
The flavor stayed consistent for about 40 minutes, and it left zero chemical aftertaste.
That’s when I realized: this isn’t some novelty. This is a legit alternative.
👉 You can check out the full NicPix range here
Pouches vs Toothpicks – Which Is Better?
I’ve used VELO, ZYN, and other popular nicotine pouches before. They work. But after a few days of heavy use, my gums start to feel like they’ve gone 12 rounds with a cheese grater.
Toothpicks? None of that. They’re way gentler. And there’s more to it too.
👉 Related Reading:
- My 6-Month Experience With Nicotine Pouches vs Toothpicks
- How A Toothpick Helped Me Cut Vaping by 90%
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Nicotine Pouches | Nicotine Toothpicks |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine Delivery | Fast and strong | Slower, steady absorption |
| Flavor Quality | Often artificial or bitter | Bar salt-style, sweet and clean |
| Discreetness | Very discreet | Also discreet — looks like gum chewing |
| Comfort | Can cause gum burn or irritation | Much gentler on the mouth |
| Shelf Life | Long | Long — wood preserves well |
| Ease of Use | Just pop one in | Slightly more involved (chew, rotate) |
| Cost | ~£5–7 for 20 | ~£3.99 for 20 |
| Best For | Heavy users, quick fix | Travellers, casual use, flavor chasers |
My Verdict After Switching
Nicotine pouches helped me quit smoking, sure. But I never really enjoyed using them. I’d use one, get the hit, and yank it out after 10–15 minutes because my gums felt like they were being sandpapered.
With nicotine toothpicks, though? I actually look forward to using them.
Especially NicPix.
The flavors are on point, the hit is clean and low-key, and I can use them anywhere — planes, offices, even in the pub without anyone batting an eyelid.
No recharging. No smell. No clouds. Just the fix, when I need it.
Do they hit as hard as pouches? Nope. But they’re not trying to. For casual use or cutting back, they’re exactly what you need.
👉 See our full list of the best nicotine toothpicks in the UK
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Nicotine Toothpicks?
Here’s my take:
- If you want a stronger, faster hit and don’t care much about flavor: go with pouches.
- If you care about taste, comfort, and subtlety: toothpicks win.
- If you’re trying to vape less or quit altogether: start with toothpicks. They’re cheaper, easier, and you’ll actually enjoy using them.
I went from chain vaping all day to just vaping socially, and NicPix played a huge part in that.
👉 Give them a try — they’re only £3.99 a pack
One More Thing…
If you’re curious about ditching nicotine altogether, or just want to make smarter choices while still getting your fix, sign up for The Atomized Newsletter. It’s like having a vape-savvy mate who sends you good advice, hot deals, and bad memes.
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