Jessica Smith
31/10/2024 • 6 min read
Heated tobacco, also known as "heat-not-burn" tobacco, offers a modern alternative to traditional cigarettes by heating real tobacco instead of burning it. This approach allows users to experience the flavour and nicotine from tobacco with fewer harmful chemicals produced. By avoiding combustion—the primary source of toxic smoke—heated tobacco products are designed to deliver nicotine in a cleaner way. For adult smokers seeking something different, heated tobacco offers a practical option that bridges the gap between smoking and smokeless alternatives.
At the heart of heated tobacco are devices that don’t burn tobacco but heat it instead. This process releases nicotine and flavour, creating a similar experience to smoking but with reduced toxins. How? By avoiding the combustion that occurs with traditional cigarettes! Popular brands like IQOS, Glo, and Ploom are leading the charge, offering a range of sleek and modern devices. These products heat specially designed tobacco sticks, plugs, or capsules to a temperature just below the burning point. The result? A satisfying nicotine-infused vapour that feels close to smoking but without the heavy smoke.
The magic behind these products lies in the technology. Heated tobacco devices typically consist of a holder and a charger, making them easy to carry and use on the go. The devices heat tobacco sticks to around 250-350°C, enough to release nicotine but not enough to burn the tobacco. This means you get the familiar sensation of smoking but with significantly fewer toxins compared to conventional cigarettes. The user experience is one of the standout features of heated tobacco. For many, it closely mimics the ritual of smoking—a comforting routine for adult smokers—while also reducing exposure to harmful substances. It’s all about balance: tobacco satisfaction with potentially less harm.
Heated tobacco is making waves in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. As part of the UK government's harm-reduction strategy for smokers, these products have been recognised for their potential to reduce smoking-related risks. They are regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (2016), ensuring consumers can confidently use them. As of 2024, heated tobacco products are available in many stores across the UK, and more adult smokers are exploring these alternatives. Campaigns are also helping spread awareness of how these products could be a less harmful option compared to traditional smoking. With the backing of regulation and growing availability, heated tobacco is fast becoming a popular choice for those looking to make a switch.
The key to understanding heated tobacco lies in the "heat-not-burn" concept. Unlike e-cigarettes, which use liquid-based nicotine, or cigarettes, which burn tobacco, heated tobacco uses real tobacco that’s warmed up to release nicotine. By heating tobacco rather than burning it, users can avoid the high levels of carcinogens typically associated with smoking. The idea is simple: enjoy the tobacco experience with fewer harmful emissions. However, while heated tobacco products produce fewer harmful substances, they are not entirely risk-free.
This is the million-dollar question: is heated tobacco safer than smoking? Research so far suggests that heated tobacco products emit fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes. But here’s the catch – they still contain nicotine, which is addictive, and ongoing studies are needed to understand the long-term effects fully. Health authorities like Public Health England recognise heated tobacco as a potentially less harmful option, especially for adult smokers who are looking to reduce cancerous risks without giving up nicotine altogether. It’s all about harm reduction—while it may not be completely risk-free, it’s a step in the right direction for those seeking an alternative.
Sometimes, heated tobacco products are referred to as "heated cigarettes." This can cause a bit of confusion, but it simply refers to the fact that they use real tobacco sticks, often called "cigarettes," that are designed to be heated—not burned. The sensation of using heated tobacco is often described as "warm tobacco." Users report that it provides a smoother, warmer experience than e-cigarettes, without the burnt taste that comes with traditional cigarettes. It’s closer to the real thing but with less of a downside.
Heated tobacco is quickly carving out a niche as a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking. For those who want the ritual and satisfaction of tobacco without the smoke, it’s an exciting option to explore. With innovative products, evolving regulations, and growing interest from smokers in the UK and beyond, heated tobacco is set to play a major role in the future of harm reduction. Are you curious to learn more? Explore Freesmo for the latest heated tobacco devices and discover how they could fit into your lifestyle!
