How to Open a Nicotine Pouch Can

Nicotine pouch cans are designed to open in a second, but the mechanism differs between brands. Most brands use a round can with a lid you lift or twist, while a few use a small rectangular can with a sliding panel. This guide explains how both types open, how to use the compartment for used pouches, what to do when a lid is stuck and what to do with the can once it is empty. All products at White Pouches are tobacco-free nicotine pouches.

Opening a round can

Most brands, including VELO, LOOP and XQS, pack their pouches in a round can. On a new can, start by removing the seal if there is one. It is usually a thin plastic band or sticker around the edge of the lid that shows the can has not been opened before.

Then open the lid:

Hold the can firmly by the base, not by the lid.
Lift the lid at the edge with your thumb so that it pops open.
If the lid feels tight, give it a gentle twist first to loosen it, then lift.

On a VELO can, the lid pops open when you lift it at the edge, and a gentle twist helps if it feels tight. Once the can has been opened a few times, the lid usually moves much more easily.

Close the lid properly after taking out a pouch. That keeps air out and helps the pouches keep their moisture and flavor for longer.

Opening a rectangular can like On!

On! uses a small rectangular can instead of a round one. It does not have a lid that lifts off. Instead, you push up on the bottom edge of the can, where it is marked “open here”, and the front panel slides up so you can reach the pouches.

To close it, push the panel back down until it clicks into place. The compartment for used pouches is at the back of the can, so used and unused pouches stay apart.

Because the can is small and flat, it fits easily in a pocket. The trade-off is that it holds mini pouches, so the format is smaller than in most round cans.

Using the lid compartment for used pouches

Many cans have a separate compartment for used pouches. On round cans it is usually a small section on top of the lid that opens on its own. On rectangular cans like On!, it sits at the back.

Using it is simple:

Open the compartment, not the main lid.
Put the used pouch inside and close it again.
Empty the compartment into household waste regularly.

The compartment is practical when there is no bin nearby, and it keeps used pouches away from the fresh ones. If you want to know more about how long to keep a pouch in and how to dispose of it, read our guide on how to use nicotine pouches.

When the lid is stuck

A stuck lid is almost always caused by one of a few things:

The seal is still on. Check the edge of the lid for a band or sticker and remove it completely.
You are holding the lid. Grip the base of the can so the lid can move freely.
The can is cold. Cans kept in the fridge can feel stiffer. Let the can reach room temperature for a few minutes.
The lid has been pressed down hard. Twist it gently back and forth before lifting.

Avoid prying the lid open with sharp objects, as that can crack the can or the lid compartment. If you keep spare cans at home, store them as described in our guide on how long nicotine pouches last.

What to do with empty cans

Empty cans can go in household waste. Some cans are made of plastic that can be recycled, depending on the material and the rules where you live, so check the can and your local recycling guidelines. Empty the lid compartment before you throw the can away.

Some people keep an empty can as a spare container for used pouches when they are out. Whatever you do with it, keep cans out of reach of children and pets. You can find new cans in our range of nicotine pouches.

Frequently asked questions

How do you open a VELO can?

Remove the seal if the can is new, hold the can by the base and lift the lid at the edge. If it feels tight, twist it gently first.

How do you open an On! can?

Push up on the bottom edge of the can where it says “open here”. The front panel slides up and gives you access to the pouches.

Why won’t my nicotine pouch can open?

Usually because the seal is still on, because you are holding the lid instead of the base or because the can is cold. Remove the seal, grip the base and let the can warm up.

Where do used pouches go?

In the compartment in the lid or at the back of the can, and from there into household waste. Never on the ground or down the toilet.

Can nicotine pouch cans be recycled?

It depends on the material and on local rules. Check the can and your local recycling guidelines.