Few things are less fun than a nicotine craving that you can’t satisfy. Most people consider vaping more socially acceptable than smoking, so there are some places where you can vape but wouldn’t want to smoke – but there are also plenty of situations in which you’re not allowed to vape. If you’re on a plane, at the theater or spending the afternoon at a national park, you could face a fine or be removed from the venue if you vape. Stealth vaping to circumvent the rules might seem tempting, but it’s a horrible idea because you’ll definitely get caught. Everyone knows that vaping looks and smells like, and you won’t fool anyone.

So, are you in an environment where you’re not allowed to vape? That doesn’t mean you’ll have to experience nicotine cravings – you can just use an alternative nicotine product instead. One of the best things about vaping is the fact that it has helped to kickstart an entire alternative nicotine industry that’s continuing to grow at a rapid pace.

Can’t vape? Use one of these products instead.

Snus

Nicotine content: 8-43 mg per gram; most portions weigh 0.5 gram

Snus is a tobacco product that originated in Sweden in the 18th century. It usually comes in a half-gram pouch that’s placed behind the upper lip and held there for about a half hour, although loose snus is also available. Unlike traditional oral tobacco products, snus doesn’t cause your mouth to produce excess saliva and doesn’t require spitting – so you can use it virtually anywhere.

Although snus does contain tobacco, there is some evidence suggesting that it may not have the same cancer risk as other tobacco products. That’s because the Swedish method of snus production involves steam pasteurization, which inhibits the formation of carcinogenic compounds called tobacco-specific nitrosamines. Traditional American smokeless tobacco, on the other hand, is fermented and has a higher nitrosamine content as a result. In addition, most American snus brands are not made according to the Swedish method and aren’t pasteurized.

Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine content: 2-15 mg per pouch

Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free oral products that essentially function as alternatives to snus and chewing tobacco. They’re available in very high nicotine strengths for those who need them, although you’re likely to prefer a lower strength such as 2 mg if you vape. You use a nicotine pouch in the same way that you’d use snus – by placing it between the gum and lip until the flavor fades. A nicotine pouch usually lasts about a half hour.

Nicotine pouches contain no tobacco. They contain powdered nicotine along with flavors. To provide substance, a nicotine pouch also contains a filler that’s usually made from plant fiber. A nicotine pouch is usually placed behind the upper lip, but you can also place the pouch behind your lower lip if you like. Placing a pouch behind your lower lip may trigger increased saliva production, though, which can draw the flavor and nicotine out of the pouch more quickly.

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine content: 2-4 mg per portion

Nicotine gum was the first type of nicotine replacement product. It was developed in the 1960s and released in the 1970s – and with decades of research and usage history to back it up, it’s considered quite safe when used as directed. The active ingredient in nicotine gum is nicotine polacrilex, which is a resinous form of nicotine that’s released slowly and absorbed through the oral mucosa. You use nicotine gum by chewing it until you feel a tingle. You then park the gum between your cheek and gum until the sensation fades, at which point you chew again until the tingle returns.

Compared to nicotine pouches and snus, nicotine gum has two drawbacks. The first is that the nicotine gums that are approved as pharmaceutical products are only available in a few flavors such as mint, cinnamon and fruit. The flavors aren’t great, but they do last a long time. The second drawback is that the strength of nicotine gum is lower than that of snus or nicotine pouches.

You can also find newer nicotine gums that have been released in the past few years and are marketed as smoking alternatives rather than smoking cessation products. Because they’re not approved as medicines, they’re available in a wider variety of flavors – but they’re not easy to find in all regions.

Nicotine Lozenges

Nicotine content: 2-4 mg per lozenge

Along with gums, nicotine lozenges are the other oral nicotine replacement products that you’ll find at your local supermarket or pharmacy. Lozenges also contain nicotine polacrilex, which dissolves slowly in your mouth. You use a nicotine lozenge by parking it between your cheek and gums, moving it from side to side as necessary to prevent irritation. Although you might be tempted to suck on a nicotine lozenge, you shouldn’t because the saliva will cause the nicotine to be released too quickly.

Compared to nicotine gum, some people find that nicotine lozenges have a chalky flavor that’s not quite as palatable. With nicotine gum, though, some people have difficulty remembering to park the gum instead of chewing it. That can cause the nicotine to be released too quickly, which can cause hiccups and stomach discomfort. Nicotine lozenges are less likely to cause those issues. In addition, you don’t have to worry about where you’re going to put a nicotine lozenge when you’re done with it because the lozenge dissolves completely.

Nicotine lozenges come in two forms: traditional and mini. A traditional lozenge is round, and a mini lozenge has an oblong shape. Because mini lozenges are much smaller, the nicotine is released more quickly. That may a benefit or a drawback depending on your needs.

Nicotine Patches

Nicotine content: 7, 14 and 21 mg (24-hour patch); 10, 15 and 25 mg (16-hour patch)

Although oral products are the most popular alternative nicotine products on the market, nicotine patches are also well regarded because one patch can last the entire day. To use a nicotine patch, you put it directly on your skin in a location such as the upper arm. The patch delivers a slow and steady supply of nicotine to your bloodstream through the skin over the course of several hours. This might be a good option for relieving your nicotine cravings during a very long flight.

Nicotine-Free Products

You don’t necessarily have to use nicotine in situations where you aren’t able to vape. Maybe you’re not interested in adding another nicotine product to your life, and you’re just looking for something that keeps your mouth busy and provides a pleasant tingle. If that’s the case, you can find a wide variety of nicotine-free snuff that’s available both loose and in pouches. Some of the common ingredients in nicotine-free snuff include mint, cinnamon, anise, tea, coffee and even powdered caffeine. These products can be great alternatives if you expect to be without nicotine for a while.