Facts about nicotine and tobacco alternatives to cigarettes

Choice is important

Whether you’re voting in an election, wanting to move house, or looking for a new challenge in your career, you can only change to something better if you have a choice.

Similarly, adult smokers looking for better alternatives to cigarettes have a variety of options to help them transition away from smoking.

Scientifically substantiated smoke-free products—from heated tobacco and vapes to nicotine pouches and snus—expose users to significantly lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes. They are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive, but they are a much better choice for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.

However, there remains a lot of misinformation and confusion about the differences between these products. In this series of Q&As, we delve into the science behind each category, how they work, and address common questions to help you understand the distinctions and make informed choices.

All about: Heated tobacco products

Heated tobacco products (also known as heat-not-burn products) have helped millions of adults around the world abandon cigarettes for good.

But, how do they compare to cigarettes? Do they produce smoke? And why are they a better choice than cigarettes?

Learn more

All about: Vaping

Vapes are handheld battery-powered devices that heat an e-liquid to produce an aerosol, commonly referred to as vapor—hence the term “vaping.”

But, what are they? Are they safe? What do they contain? And how do they compare to cigarettes?

All about: Snus, snuff, and nicotine pouches

Nicotine pouches, snus, chewing tobacco, chew bags, tobacco bits, and moist snuff are nicotine-containing products that are consumed orally.

But, what are they? How do you use them? And how do they compare to continued smoking?

Learn more

Our progress

Providing a diversity of choice for adult smokers can unlock the door to a smoke-free future

PMI's vision of a world without cigarettes will only become a reality if we deliver a range of smoke-free products that meet the needs of every adult smoker.

5 min read Find out more