Smokeless tobacco - Snus, Snuff & Dip explained

What Is Smokeless Tobacco? A Breakdown of Key Products 

Below is a quick comparison of the main smokeless tobacco products, followed by detailed explanations of each:

Snus

Originating from Sweden, snus is a smokeless tobacco product. It's crafted by steam-pasteurising finely ground tobacco leaves mixed with water and salt. Swedish food regulations outline production standards for snus. 

There are two main types of snus: loose snus and portion snus: 

• - Loose Snus: Known as "lössnus" in Swedish, this variant consists of moist tobacco powder. Users mould a desired amount into a spherical or cylindrical shape, either using their fingertips or a specialised tool. The portion, often referred to as a 'pouch', is then placed under the upper lip between the lip and gums. 
• - Portion Snus: This kind is favoured by many users today. The moist tobacco powder is packed into small tea bag-like pouches, allowing you to enjoy the snus without having to press or mould it. The portions come in a variety of sizes, strengths and moisture levels, providing pre-portioned options for convenience. 
  

In the UK, traditional tobacco the sale of snus remains prohibited under The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016; however, tobacco-free nicotine pouches are legally available. These pouches are designed for a comparable usage format to snus but are tobacco-free. 

Snus In a Nutshell: 

• - What it is: A steam-pasteurised smokeless tobacco product 
  
• - How it's used: Placed under the upper lip, releasing nicotine steadily 
  
• - Key types: 
  
  • - Loose Snus: Moist tobacco powder users pinch and shape before placing under the lip 
  • - Portion Snus: Small, tea bag-like pouches offering pre-portioned convenience 
• - Nicotine delivery: Steady release via the lining of the mouth 

Dip Tobacco

Dipping tobacco, commonly referred to as ‘dip’, is a smokeless tobacco product prevalent in the United States. Dip is sometimes referred to as moist snuff, though these products may have differences in texture and usage. It's produced by curing tobacco, processing it into fine particles (fine-cut) or strips (long-cut), and then fermenting it, which imparts a distinctive smoky aroma. Dip is typically placed under the lower lip, and some users choose to spit due to saliva production during use. Some use specialised containers called 'spittoons' for this purpose. 

While dip shares similarities with snus, its usage and cultural significance differ. Dip is a commonly available smokeless tobacco product in the United States. 

Dip In a Nutshell: 

• - What it is: Cured and fermented tobacco, available in different cuts 
• - How it's used: Pinched, packed, and placed under the lower lip or cheek 
• - Key types: 
  • - Long Cut: Coarser strands of tobacco, easier to pack 
    
  • - Fine Cut: Finely shredded, requiring more precision 
• - Nicotine delivery: Rapid absorption through oral mucosa (mouth lining) 

Nasal Snuff 

Both snus and dipping tobacco originate from the first form of smokeless tobacco, called snuff. This is a finely ground or pulverized tobacco powder, often scented with various flavourings such as herbs and florals. It is consumed by lightly sniffing or inhaling a pinch of the product, either placed on the back of the hand, nipped between the thumb and the index finger, or by using a specially made "snuffing device”.

Snuff In a Nutshell: 

• - What it is: Finely ground or powdered tobacco, often flavoured 
• - How it's used: A small pinch is inhaled through the nose 
• - Nicotine delivery: Quick absorption through nasal membranes 
• - Cultural Context: Used historically but less common today 

Nicotine Pouches 

Among smokeless and tobacco-free products legally available in the UK, nicotine pouches have gained popularity. Nicotine pouches are a tobacco-free alternative increasingly available in the UK market. These pouches contain nicotine derived from tobacco or synthesised, along with flavourings and fillers. Users place them between the upper lip and gum. While nicotine pouches come in a similar format to snus yet without the tobacco, they're sometimes colloquially referred to as 'tobacco-free snus' in the UK, although it is a distinct product. 

Key Features: 

• - What it is: Tobacco-free pouches with nicotine, flavourings, and fillers 
• - How it's used: Placed under the upper lip, like snus 
  
• - Nicotine delivery: Pre-portioned and consistent 
  
  

 ZYN, VELO, and Nordic Spirit are some of the leading brands within the UK nicotine pouch market. 

Smokeless tobacco products, including snus, dip, and nasal snuff tobacco, offer alternatives to traditional smoking, each with their own unique characteristics and methods of use.  

Nicotine pouches are a tobacco-free option available in the UK for adult nicotine users. Available in a range of flavours and strengths, these pouches provide a convenient alternative for those seeking a tobacco-free product.