The nicotine content of the three main product groups in a nutshell: a cigarette contains around 10 to 12 mg of nicotine, of which approximately 1 to 2 mg is absorbed when smoked. Vape-Liquids may contain a maximum of 20 mg per millilitre in Switzerland. Snus and Nicotine Pouches range from 4 to over 40 mg per gramme, depending on the variety. At first glance, the figures appear comparable, but they are not quite the same, as what matters is how much actually reaches the body. Here are all the figures in detail.
How much nicotine is there in a cigarette?
The tobacco in a cigarette contains around 10 to 12 mg of nicotine. Only a portion of this is absorbed when smoking: around 1 to 2 mg per cigarette. At one packet a day, this adds up to 20 to 40 mg of nicotine absorbed.
Incidentally, the figure printed on the packets (often around 1 mg) refers precisely to this absorbed quantity as measured according to the standard, not to the nicotine content in the tobacco.
How much nicotine is there in Vapes and Liquids?
In Switzerland, there is a statutory upper limit of 20 mg per millilitre for nicotine-containing Liquids. Common strengths are 0, 10 and 20 mg/ml.
A full 2-ml bottle of Pod at 20 mg/ml therefore contains 40 mg of nicotine, whilst a 10-ml bottle of Liquid contains up to 200 mg. Only a fraction is absorbed per puff, which is why a Pod lasts for several days, depending on your puffing habits. You can find the range of strengths at the Liquids, nicotine-free options amongst the nicotine-free Vapes.
How much nicotine do Snus and Pouches contain?
This is where the range is greatest. Here is an overview:
| Product | Nicotine content | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Cigarette | Contains 10–12 mg, 1–2 mg consumed | Reference value |
| Vape–Liquid (CH) | 0 to a maximum of 20 mg/ml | 2 ml Pod: capacity up to 40 mg |
| Mild to medium pouches | 4–12 mg/g | Beginners’ and everyday use |
| Heavy-duty pouches | 12–20 mg/g | For experienced users |
| Extreme varieties | over 20 mg/g, peak around 43 mg/g (Siberia) | For very experienced consumers only |
Details for each brand can be found in our Snus - Comparison of thicknesses, which are the highest figures in the Ranking of the strongest strains.
Why the figures tell only half the story
Nicotine content does not necessarily equate to absorption. The amount of nicotine that reaches the bloodstream depends on the method of consumption: when smoking or vaping, nicotine is rapidly absorbed through the lungs, whereas with pouches, it is released more slowly and over a longer period via the oral mucosa. Other factors include inhalation patterns, duration of use and habituation.
In practice, this means that comparisons within a product group work well, whilst comparisons across groups are only approximate. And regardless of the form, one thing remains true: nicotine is highly addictive.
Frequently asked questions about nicotine content
How much nicotine is there in a cigarette?
A cigarette contains around 10 to 12 mg of nicotine. However, only about 1 to 2 mg of this is absorbed when smoking.
How much nicotine is there in a Vape?
In Switzerland, the maximum permitted concentration is 20 mg/ml. A full 2-ml Pod at 20 mg/ml therefore contains 40 mg of nicotine, although only a fraction of this is absorbed per puff.
How much nicotine is there in Snus?
Depending on the strain, 4 to over 40 mg per gram. Mainstream pouches usually contain between 4 and 14 mg/g, whilst extreme strains such as Siberia contain around 43 mg/g.
Can you directly compare cigarettes, Vape and Snus?
Only to a limited extent. What matters is not the amount present in the product, but what the body actually absorbs, and that depends on how it is consumed, the duration of consumption and habituation.
Warning: This product is harmful to your health and is highly addictive. Only available to persons aged 18 and over.
Author: Klaudi, goodvibe editorial team. Last updated: September 2026.
