Smoke-Free Alternatives to Smoking Cigarettes

Published Mar 30, 2023

For many legal age (18+) adult smokers considering switching from smoking cigarettes to a smoke-free alternative, the extensive number of alternatives readily available on the market may seem shocking - even overwhelming. The best thing to do is to quit smoking cigarettes and nicotine altogether, but knowing where to start in the journey to select a suitable smoke-free alternative begins with understanding more about these products – from heated tobacco and e-cigarettes to nicotine pouches. This article explores what these products are and how they work. 

Importantly, these wide-ranging product types present an alternative to continued smoking. However, these products are not risk-free and one reason why this is the case is the presence of addictive nicotine. 

What are the Smoke-Free Alternatives to Smoking Cigarettes?

For those adult smokers who would otherwise wish to continue to use tobacco or nicotine-containing products, with so many options available, it’s worth researching and considering the different types of smoke-free products available in shops or online. You might have heard of some, or all, of these.

• Vapes (or e-cigarettes)
• Heated tobacco
• Nicotine pouches

Why Choose Smoke-Free Alternatives?

The dangers of smoking cigarettes are widely known, and arguably the most widely discussed harmful aspect of cigarettes are the substances and chemicals released because of the burning of the tobacco. When a cigarette combusts or burns, thousands of potentially harmful chemicals are released within the cigarette smoke. This poses irritation not only to you but to others around you too. By removing the burning, the number of harmful chemicals is minimized. It must be acknowledged that smoke-free products are not risk-free. Vaping/e-cigarette products, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches are not risk-free, and contain nicotine, which is addictive. However, these alternatives to smoking don’t work in the same way that cigarettes do.

So how do these smoke-free alternatives work? What are the differences, and how can you find the right smoke-free alternative for you?

1. Vape (Or E-Cigarette, or E-Vapor) Devices

One of the alternatives to smoking are vape devices, also known as e-cigarettes. These use an e-liquid, typically containing nicotine as the main ingredient (either produced from tobacco or synthetic nicotine) that creates a vapor when heated. There are four different types of vape, from mod systems to vape pens, to cigalikes and pod devices.

2. Heated Tobacco

As an alternative to smoking, heated tobacco devices heat tobacco and do not burn it. This is different from cigarettes, which rely on combustion to deliver tobacco.

3. Nicotine Pouches

A nicotine pouch is a small, individually packaged product that contains nicotine which is delivered through the gums. Pouches are smoke-free, vapor-free and tobacco-free, so they provide a convenient nicotine experience. This means there’s no need to step outside to use one. A pouch can be ideal and convenient choice for different nicotine moments.

Why Smoke-Free Alternatives?

One reason of switching to an alternative to smoking is the differences they can offer compared to cigarettes. When determining which smoke-free alternative type is right for your needs, an important factor to consider is personal preference and the type of experience you want.

Some legal age (18+) adult smokers might prefer a product that heats tobacco and provides cigarette-like satisfaction but which overall, is better than continued smoking. A product that looks and feels very different to a cigarette, and thus supports a deliberate change from smoking, may work for others. Of course, the best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. For adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products, IQOS has a range of smoke-free products that are a better alternative than continuing to smoke. However, IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.

IQOS Product Range

IQOS has a range of products available in the online store. Here, we explore what’s available and look at the differences in devices.

IQOS heated tobacco is one option that offers real tobacco taste and satisfaction. The HEETS^TM tobacco sticks are the consumable that accompanies an IQOS device. The tobacco stick slots inside and is heated to a controlled temperature, rather than burned.

Tar is the residue from smoke after a cigarette is burned. IQOS does not produce tar because it heats tobacco instead of burning it. Instead, IQOS generates an aerosol that is essentially different from tar but still provides cigarette-like satisfaction*. Learn more about Tar in Cigarettes.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The absence of tar does not mean that IQOS is risk free. IQOS provides nicotine which is addictive.

*Based on 3-month clinical studies conducted in US and Japan with 160 adult smokers each under real conditions (ambulatory).

Furthermore, cigarettes burn tobacco, which produces high amounts of carbon monoxide. Some of the additional benefits of IQOS include less smell than produced by cigarettes. IQOS are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

^{IQOS are only for adult smokers who otherwise wish to continue to use tobacco or nicotine containing products. IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.}

^{This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.}