Review: Roar Labs Nicotine Pouch Range
Roarlabs are a UK (London) based company offering vaping devices, vaping liquid and most importantly for the purposes of this review – nicotine pouches!
Offered in four flavours and three strengths, the Roarlabs nicotine pouch range serves a wide variety of users seeking a safer alternative to smoking or a reduced-harm option to complement or even replace e-cigarettes.
As is obligatory in the market – they got mint covered with a pretty standard ‘Spearmint’ flavour and also a ‘Fresh Mint’ which I found a little more interesting with hint of pepper. If like me, you prefer something more on the fruity end of the spectrum – they also offer a ‘Juicy Grape’ and ‘Triple Berry Ice’ – the latter of which has a particularly striking aroma when you open the can!
Contents
The Nicotine Pouch Range
The pouches are available in three strengths – 6mg, 10mg and 14mg. Now in my opinion these strength should cater for most people in the market. As a former heavy smoker – the 14mg is more than strong enough – and the 6mg is great for those with a lower tolerance. For this review I’m trying out the 14mg (20mg/g) pouches.
Now is a good time to say something else about strength. The figures listed for the products are in milligrams per pouch with a milligram per gram value also shown on the bottom and side of the can. For example the 14mg pouches are 20mg per gram – which is actually where I think the upper limit should sit.
What’s worth noting is some brands or stores will advertise with a mg/g strength – others will use a mg/pouch figure. I’m of the belief a per gram measure is by far the clearest and most responsible way to display the strength. Most of the major brands (Zyn, Velo, Nordic Spirit) have moved to this approach – but you do still see mg per gram figures on online stores. With Roarlabs you know exactly what you’re getting and the strength nice, clear and easy to compare with other products on the market.
The pouches themselves are what I’d call ‘standard’ in size and have some moisture. Not dry like Zyn, perhaps on par with something like Velo, but not as moist as say Ace. The pouches have a nice build quality and nothing was torn of leaking in the 4 cans I tested. The pouches sit nice and comfortably between the lip and gum and have the ‘fluffier’ feel I prefer compare to dry pouches or some lower quality moist options (I’m looking at you ‘Killa’).
One suggestion regarding size and strength: it would be perfect to see a 3mg ‘mini’ version of the pouch, possibly in a more compact container. I previously discussed the On! mini pouches – the concept of a low-strength, miniature pouch that fits effortlessly into a small pocket represents, in my view, a niche not fully explored by the current offerings across all brands.
Roarlabs have certainly nailed the basics in their initial offering though. A solid collection of flavours available in a suitable range of strengths. Good build quality, properly labeled and of course… the ever present waste disposal compartment in the lid.
Speaking With Rob from Road Labs
To get to know more about the product and company I had a call with Rob Harvey, CEO & Co-Founder of Roar Labs who had previously worked at V&YOU on their nicotine pouch range which is where our paths originally first crossed years ago.
We had a good catchup around the changing landscapes in nicotine products – with of course a particular focus on the rise of nicotine pouches.
Traditional vaping businesses, soon to be pressed hard by regulation and new taxation, are starting to see the entry of nicotine pouches as an increasingly popular product, away from the high taxation experienced with e-liquids. An increasing number of vape stores (both online and in store) are now actively promoting nicotine pouches to their customers which is a significant change since we’d last spoke.
Rob Harvey, with a long career in the vaping industry, is now focused on applying his considerable experience to the relatively new and expanding market of nicotine pouches. His company, originally focused on vaping products but now leading with nicotine pouches as their flagship product, showcases flexibility and vision amidst the fluid changes in this sector.
One key insight from this transition, shared by Rob, highlighted how nicotine pouches represent a crucial pivot for companies seeking innovative paths forward. He pointed out the opportunity nicotine pouches present for SME vape companies, emphasizing the benefits in terms of margins. “They all do realize the opportunity in nicotine pouches now. Yeah, they all realise that it does give them a lift for the margins in this game,” Harvey noted, summarising his peers’ realisation.
Harvey also emphasized the importance of openness and accountability in product testing, especially regarding environmental sustainability. “We are very open, so if we are very open in the operations of our products—well, lab products—you will see information on testing, especially the environment and the vapes. You can go online or even QR-scan the box, and you will see all our information come up for our centre,” he explained, underscoring their commitment to transparency and an environmentally friendly approach.
Companies like Roar Labs, led by visionary people like Rob Harvey, paint a picture of a nicotine pouches finally getting the attention they deserve!
The Flavours
All four flavours are available in strength of 6mg, 10mg and 14mg per pouch. For my review I’m trying the 14mg pouches. I should also mention (again) that whilst I understand the popularity… I’m never going to be a massive fan of mint!
Spearmint
“A refreshing burst of minty coolness, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.”
A cool mint flavour with a sweet aroma that will satisfy those who do like their minty pouches. From a personal point of view, the toothpaste vibes are strong here. Now for those who like a nice refreshing pouch this is perhaps a good thing but not something I’m a huge fan of myself.
Fresh Mint
“Invigorating coolness of fresh mint leaves with a hint of peppery undertones.“
The ‘Fresh Mint’ pouches were very much my preferred of the two mint options. The smell and taste isn’t too sweet and the peppermint comes through nicely. For me it’s a much more complex flavour and steers clear of the toothpaste taste I often find in mint pouches. Great option for those looking for a mint option.
Juicy Grape
“Luscious, ripe grape flavour with a blend of sweetness and subtle tartness.“
The grape pouches from Roarlabs have an interesting aroma. It’s a dark, deep grape with a hint of ‘something’ else in the background – tricky one to describe. In terms of flavour it’s most akin to a red grape juice drink but also has a tart background that makes the relatively ‘soft’ flavour sharper in the mouth. I still haven’t quite made my mind up on this flavour yet if I’m honest. The smell is rich but perhaps not sweet enough? Flavour wise they’re certainly pleasant but I’m not sure it’s one I’d personally use all day.
Triple Berry Ice
“A vibrant fusion of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a multi-layered berry experience.”
So I could tell as soon as I opened the can these were likely to be my favourite. The aroma from the pouches is a complex sweet berry blend that comes through nicely when you pop in the pouch. The ‘ice’ in the name I assume refers to the refreshing zing that comes with the pouch making for a sharp fruit flavour.
Where to Buy
Roarlabs nicotine pouches will soon be available in physical locations and online retailers (such as Haypp) – but what better than buying direct, especially when using our discount code DAILYPOUCH25 to get 25% off your order.
Shop online here – https://roarlabs.co.uk.
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