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Published 2022-05-09
Last update 2025-10-09
What Is Snus?
Snus is a traditional Swedish smokeless tobacco product placed under the lip. Learn what snus is, how it’s used, what it’s made of, and how it differs from tobacco-free snus (nicotine pouches) available in the UK.
Key Points
- Snus is a smokeless tobacco product from Sweden, users place it under the lip.
- UK law bans tobacco snus sales but allows tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
- Snus is unique for its composition, format, and Swedish cultural history.
Snus Meaning
The word snus comes from the Swedish term for this form of smokeless tobacco, which is placed under the upper lip rather than smoked or chewed.
If you’re wondering “whats snus” or searching for “snus meaning,” the simple answer is: snus is a moist, pasteurised tobacco pouch traditionally used in Sweden.
Learn more in our Snus Dictionary.
What Is Snus Used For?
Snus is used by adults as:
- A way to consume tobacco and nicotine.
- A discreet alternative that can be used indoors without producing smoke or vapour.
- A cultural tradition, especially in Sweden, that dates back centuries.
The Swedish Tradition of Snus
In the 2025 documentary How Sweden Quit Smoking1, experts highlighted just how deeply snus is tied to Swedish culture:
"Snus has been part of Swedish culture for centuries — used by workers, students, and everyday people as a discreet alternative to smoking."
This tradition is one reason why snus is often credited with helping Sweden become one of the world’s first smoke-free nations.
What Is Snus Made Of? Ingredients & Manufacturing
Traditional Swedish snus is made from ground tobacco, water, salt, and flavourings. Unlike American-style dip, Swedish snus is pasteurised, not fermented, which helps preserve its shelf life and flavour. Production standards are regulated in Sweden to maintain consistency.
Snus vs Tobacco-Free Snus in the UK
You may have seen the terms snus and nicotine pouches used interchangeably in the UK. Here’s the key difference:
- Snus: Contains tobacco and nicotine. Banned for sale in the UK and EU under EU Directive 92/41/EEC, a restriction maintained through the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (except Sweden).
- Nicotine pouches (tobacco-free snus): Contain nicotine but no tobacco. Legal in the UK and widely available. Nicotine pouches are often referred to as ‘tobacco-free snus’ despite snus and nicotine pouches being different products.
Read more in our guide: Differences between snus and nicotine pouches.
Types of Snus
There are several formats of snus, each with unique characteristics:
|
Type of Snus |
Description |
|
Swedish Snus |
Traditional pasteurised tobacco snus, widely used in Sweden. |
|
Loose Snus |
Tobacco comes in a moist, loose form; users pinch and shape portions by hand. |
|
Portioned Snus |
Tobacco packed into small sachets for convenience and hygiene. See also, Swedish Snus. |
|
Brown Snus |
A type of portioned snus, moist and contains tobacco. |
|
White Snus |
A type of potioned snus, drier and stain less than brown snus. |
|
Tobacco-Free Snus |
Nicotine pouches with no tobacco, legal in the UK. |
Moist vs Dry Snus
Snus is available in moist and dry formats, i.e. with more or less moisture content. As mentioned above, this can vary across product type, but also brand, pouch size, and strength.
- Moist snus: Most common, placed under the lip for gradual nicotine release.
- Dry snus: Finely ground, inhaled nasally (more common historically).
Swedish Snus vs UK Snus
In Sweden, “snus” always means tobacco-containing pouches. In the UK, however, the term often refers to nicotine pouches, which do not contain tobacco.
Snus and Other Smokeless Tobacco Products
Snus is one type of smokeless tobacco, but not the only one. Other products around the world include:
- Snuff: Finely ground tobacco, inhaled through the nose.
- Dry snuff (powdered)
- Moist snuff (similar to dip, placed in the lip or cheek)
- Dip tobacco: Moist, fermented tobacco, commonly used in the US.
- Chewing tobacco: Loose leaf tobacco chewed rather than smoked.
Snus differs in being pasteurised and spit-free, offering a more discreet, portioned format.
Is Snus Safe?
Snus contains nicotine, which is an addictive substance. It also contains tobacco. Snus effects may include gum irritation, tooth discolouration, and nicotine dependence. Research into snus has been extensive in Sweden, but products are regulated differently across markets.
For a more comprehensive review of its safety, read our snus side effects article.
Is Snus Safer Than Vaping?
Both products deliver nicotine without smoke, but they are used differently. Naturally the effects are different. You can explore this topic in our guide: Is snus better than vaping?
Why Is Snus Banned in the UK?
In the UK, the sale of traditional tobacco snus has been banned since 1992 under EU tobacco legislation, a restriction later reaffirmed in Directive 2014/40/EU and maintained through the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
However:
- Personal import for individual use is permitted. Adults may legally bring snus into the UK from outside the country (for example, from Sweden) provided it is clearly for their own use and not intended for resale.
- Buying snus in UK shops or online from UK retailers is not permitted.
- Tobacco-free nicotine pouches (sometimes labelled as “tobacco-free snus” or “all-white snus”) are fully legal to buy and use in the UK.
So the distinction is: you can possess and use snus, but you cannot legally buy or sell it in the UK.
More on the topic here: Is snus legal in the UK?
Where to Buy Tobacco-Free Snus in the UK
While tobacco snus is not available, tobacco-free snus (nicotine pouches) can be purchased online in the UK. Northerner UK stocks leading brands such as ZYN, Nordic Spirit, VELO, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snus
Does snus contain tobacco?
Yes, traditional Swedish snus contains tobacco, but UK-available nicotine pouches do not.
Does snus stain teeth?
Tobacco snus may cause staining. Tobacco-free pouches may have less visible impact, but oral hygiene is important.
Why do footballers use snus?
Snus is popular among some athletes in Europe for its discreet nicotine delivery.
Is snus legal in the UK?
Tobacco snus is banned, but tobacco-free nicotine pouches are legal and widely available.
What are the side effects of snus?
Possible effects include gum irritation, tooth staining, and nicotine dependence.
Sources
- How Sweden Quit Smoking – A We Are Innovation Documentary, We Are Innovation
