A caffeine pouch is a small pouch containing caffeine that you place under your upper lip. You do not swallow it and you do not chew it. You just leave it there. No water, no cup, no bin.
It has the same shape as the nicotine pouches that became common in the Nordic countries, but what is inside is caffeine rather than nicotine. In Japan it is still an uncommon format.
How it differs from a drink
The main difference is that the act of drinking disappears entirely.
| Caffeine pouch | Coffee | Energy drink | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking | Not needed | Needed | Needed |
| Water / equipment | Not needed | Needed | Not needed |
| Waste | None (stored in the lid) | A cup | An empty can |
| Where it works | Meetings, driving, mid-task | Needs a seat and time | Needs a seat and time |
| Knowing the amount | Printed on the pack | Varies with how it is brewed | Varies by product |
In a meeting you cannot get up. While driving you cannot spill anything. Sometimes your hands are simply not free. In those situations "I will have one later" does not help. The gap a pouch tries to fill is not a lack of drinks — it is that there was no format you could use on the spot.
How it is used
- Take one pouch from the can
- Place it between your upper lip and gum
- Leave it there — do not chew, do not swallow
- Put the used pouch in the compartment in the lid
How long the flavour lasts varies by product. For Ne9 it is about 90 minutes.
Common questions
What if I swallow it?
Do not swallow the pouch itself. It is intended for use in the mouth only.
Does it contain tobacco or nicotine?
Caffeine pouches contain no nicotine and no tobacco. They only look similar to nicotine pouches — the contents are a different thing entirely.
How many can I use?
Each product sets its own daily guideline. Ne9 contains 100mg of caffeine per pouch, with a guideline of up to 2 pouches a day. Adjust for coffee, tea and any other caffeine you take.
Before you use one
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, sensitive to caffeine, on medication or under treatment, avoid use or ask a doctor first
- Avoid using it before bed
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
Ne9 is a food product (a caffeine-containing food) with 100mg of caffeine and 75mg of L-theanine per pouch. Flavours are Spear Mint, Tropical and Creamy Coffee, at about ¥60 per use. It has not launched yet — you can sign up for updates (the form is in Japanese).
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.