What are upper deckies?

Caffeine and nicotine pouches

Quick summary

• “Upper deckies” is slang used by some teens to describe caffeine pouches or nicotine pouches which they keep between their lips and gums at the top, like it’s riding on the top deck
• Teens may use them to stay awake, boost their energy, get a nicotine hit, or just to join in with their friends – but they carry health risks and are best avoided
• Parents can help by understanding what they are as well as the health risks, opening up conversations to share this information, and supporting healthier habits – medically-backed platforms like luna can also support with this

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You may have just gotten your head around the saltwater flushing trend or the “yes you can” trend, but there’s something new some of the teens on TikTok are talking about: upper deckies. 

“Upper deckies” can mean two different things:

• Caffeine pouches 
• Nicotine pouches

Both look similar.

They are essentially small white pouches placed between the lip and gum at the top – like they’re riding on the top deck – and so are essentially concealed and much more subtle than vaping.

But both caffeine pouches and nicotine pouches have health risks, and it’s useful to understand what these are so you can explain this to your teen.

What are “upper deckies” as nicotine pouches?

Some teens use “upper deckies” to describe nicotine pouches, which are small sachets containing nicotine but no tobacco. 

They sit under the lip and release nicotine into the bloodstream.

Why teens use nicotine pouches:

• Discreet – no smoke, no smell – so they could literally use them in the classroom with no one knowing
• Seen as “cleaner” or “safer” than smoking
• Peer pressure or wanting to fit in
• Curiosity about the buzz they might give
• Currently no legal age limit in the UK to buying them – so they’re easily accessible

However, nicotine is extremely addictive, even at lower doses, and can affect attention, mood, and brain development in teens. 

We also don’t know yet what the long term effects of these nicotine pouches will be, to the gums, brain and overall health and wellbeing.

These pouches are also incredibly strong too and can irritate the mouth/gums, increase heart rate, even at consistent high doses lead to nausea and vomiting.

What are “upper deckies” as caffeine pouches?

Teens are also using the term “upper deckies” to talk about caffeine pouches.

These are small, white sachets filled with caffeine and flavourings. 

They’re tucked under the lip where the caffeine absorbs through the gums. 

They look almost identical to nicotine pouches, but they don’t contain tobacco or nicotine.

Manufacturers usually market them as a quick energy boost without the crash of energy drinks, which may make them more attractive to teens in the UK who are pursuing health or will soon be unable to buy energy drinks due to recent bans and are seeking an alternative.

But that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. 

Many contain as much caffeine as a strong cup of coffee or more!

Why teens use caffeine pouches:

Caffeine pouches can seem like an appealing alternative to coffee or energy drinks. 

Teens might be drawn to them because:

• Convenience: no need to buy a coffee or open a can
• Discreet use: easy to hide in school or at home, which is particularly the case if energy drinks or caffeine has been restricted but they feel they need the energy
• Peer influence: friends using them makes it feel normal or cool
• Energy boost: teens may feel they help with studying, exams, or late nights
• Taste: upper deckies tend to have sweet flavourings

Do caffeine upper deckies have health risks?

While caffeine might sound harmless compared to nicotine or alcohol, concentrated caffeine pouches can cause problems, especially for teens whose bodies are still developing. 

Risks include:

• Overconsumption of caffeine: too much caffeine can affect the cardiovascular system, cause abnormal heart rhythms, a high heart rate, and seizures
• Sleep disruption: teens need 8-10 hours of sleep a night, and too much caffeine can make falling or staying asleep harder
• Anxiety and mood changes: high caffeine levels can increase irritability, restlessness, or anxious feelings
• Oral irritation: placing pouches in the gums can sometimes cause irritation to the mouth

Dr Emma Dickie, a Clinical Content Advisor at luna and practicing GP says of upper deckies use: 

“I regularly see effects of excessive caffeine use in my patients, including increased anxiety, sleep disturbance, worsening fatigue and even heart palpitations. 

This can be particularly problematic for teens, who are often more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than adults. 

Understanding the health effects and risks of caffeine excess is important when it comes to supporting teens to make healthier choices.”

Talking to your teen about upper deckies

If you hear your teen or their friends mention upper deckies, it might be a good moment to open up a conversation. 

Keep it non-judgemental and curious – many teens try things simply because of curiosity or peer influence, and going into too strong may not help them avoid them (especially as they can be used so subtly, and accessed so easily!)

You could:

• Ask if they’ve heard of caffeine or nicotine pouches and what they know about them
• Share some of the health facts in a straightforward way
• Talk about healthier energy boosters – like regular meals, hydration, and sleep
• Let them know you’re there to support them if they feel pressured to try things

And when it comes to navigating new trends, the luna app, which is full of content that’s checked by NHS doctors, can help your teen make good choices, manage peer pressure and hopefully prioritise their health and wellbeing!

Rated 4.8

Support your teen through it all with luna

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