Nicotine Toothpicks: A Buyer's Guide

Nicotine toothpicks are a small category, and the brands differ more than you might think. Here is what to look at before you buy, and where Stokes stands on each point.

1. Nicotine per pick

Brands range from about 2 mg to 5 mg per pick. More nicotine means a stronger, longer session. If you are used to strong pouches, a low-strength pick may feel like nothing. If you are used to light products, a high-strength pick may be too much.

Stokes: 5 mg per pick, the same in every flavor, released over 20 to 60 minutes.

2. Ingredients

Look for a full list. Some picks use artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and artificial flavors. Some do not list everything.

Stokes: Five ingredients. American white birch, pure nicotine, certified organic flavors, organic monk fruit and vegetable glycerin. No sugar, no sucralose, nothing artificial.

3. The wood

A toothpick sits in your mouth for a long time, so the wood matters. Hardwoods such as birch are smooth and do not splinter easily. Some picks are plastic.

Stokes: American white birch from managed forests in the United States. It breaks down naturally after you throw it away.

4. Flavors

Most brands offer a few. Try a mild one first.

Stokes: Four flavors. Vanilla Mint is creamy and cool and is the best seller. Lemon Ginger is bright with a warm finish. Cinnamon Clove is warm and spicy. Absinthe is herbal, like black licorice, with no alcohol.

5. Price per pick

Divide the pack price by the number of picks. Then check for multi-pack or subscription discounts.

Stokes: $7 for a pack of 16. Six-packs and twelve-packs cost less per pack. Bundles mix all four flavors. Subscriptions take 10% off every delivery.

6. Shipping

Check where the brand ships, how fast, and when shipping is free.

Stokes: Ships within 1 to 2 business days to any US address that allows flavored nicotine. Free shipping on orders over $48. No international shipping.

7. The guarantee

Flavors are personal. A guarantee lets you try without risk.

Stokes: 30-day money-back guarantee on every order.

8. Age and honesty

A trustworthy brand verifies age and tells you plainly that nicotine is addictive.

Stokes: Adults 21 and over only. Age is verified at checkout. Nicotine is an addictive chemical, and Stokes picks are not a product to help you quit smoking or vaping.

A quick checklist

• How much nicotine per pick?
• Can I read every ingredient?
• What is the pick made of?
• Which flavor is mildest?
• What does it cost per pick after discounts?
• When is shipping free?
• Is there a guarantee?

Where to start

If you want to try Stokes, the Variety Bundle has one pack of each flavor. If you want one pack, start with Vanilla Mint.