What Is Snus? Everything about This Popular Tobacco Product
Snus, pronounced like "snoose", is a smokeless tobacco product mainly used in Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia.
Unlike cigarettes, it doesn’t burn and doesn't require inhalation; users typically place it under the upper lip to absorb nicotine.
This article delves into what is snus, its history, production process, types, and health risks.
Key Takeaways
- Snus is a smokeless tobacco product that provides nicotine through absorption in the mouth, offering a convenient and discreet alternative to smoking.
- Snus is made following the Gothiatek standard, which guarantees both high quality and safety
- Snus is not without health risks and can perpetuate nicotine dependency.
What Exactly Is Snus?
Snus is a tobacco product that is placed under the upper lip, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed through the oral mucosa and into the bloodstream.
This method of use makes snus a convenient and discreet alternative to traditional smoking.
Snus is composed of air-dried ground tobacco. It also contains water, salt, flavouring, and other taste additives.
This mixture results in a moist, powdered product that can be either loose or contained in small pouches.
Snus flavours vary widely, often including the classic mint or menthol.
What is Snus Used for?
Unlike cigarettes and vapes, which produce smoke or vapour, snus can be used indoors without stepping outside.
This makes it a convenient option, especially during cold winter days when office workers prefer not to go outside to smoke.
The History of Snus
16th Century: The journey of snus began in the 16th century when it was first introduced to Sweden.
Initially, snus was a luxury item enjoyed by the elite, but over time, it became more accessible to the general population.
18th Century: In the early 18th century, local manufacturing of Swedish snus began, leading to its widespread use.
As Swedish emigration to the U.S. increased, snus made its way across the globe, where it was a cherished product among Swedish immigrants.
20th Century: The 20th century brought about considerable changes in the Swedish tobacco industry. In 1914, the Swedish parliament centralised the tobacco industry, which reduced the number of available brands and standardised production practices.
This ensured the maintenance of quality and safety, paving the way for the modern snus products available today.
Over the years, snus has evolved, with traditional snus brands maintaining their popularity, and newer brands developing snus varieties tailored to different palates worldwide - including the development of tobacco-free snus (also known as nicotine pouches) to offer the same experience as the classic snus but without the added tobacco.
Rise of Snus in the UK
Snus has a complex history in the UK.
It was introduced in the late 19th century by Swedish immigrants but remained relatively unknown until the late 20th century.
However, since 1992, the sale of tobacco snus has been banned across the European Union (including the UK).
Nicotine pouches (tobacco-free snus) was introduced to the UK market in 2019. These offered adult consumers in the UK a product that has the same experience as tobacco snus, but without the tobacco.
It has been estimated that 1 in 400 adults in the UK use nicotine pouches, but this number has been rapidly growing year over year.
Snus in the 21st Century
Today, snus continues to evolve, adapting to new consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes.
Reports show that 13.6% of Swedes use snus daily, with men using it significantly more at 22.6%, compared to 4.6% of women.
What is in Snus
The primary ingredient in snus is ground tobacco leaves. These leaves are carefully selected and processed to ensure the highest quality.
Common flavouring additives, such as mint or citrus, are incorporated to enhance the user experience.
How is Snus Made
The preparation stage involves blending the tobacco leaves with water and salt to create a moist mixture.
The mixture then undergoes a pasteurisation process, where it is heated to eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure safety.
This step is vital for upholding the high standards of Swedish snus.
Following initial preparation, snus enters a maturation process.
Stored in cold environments, the product develops its distinctive aroma and flavor. This period is crucial for achieving the rich, complex taste expected by snus users.
After maturation, the snus is packaged into tins or pouches for distribution.
Types of Snus Products
Swedish snus was traditionally available in two forms: loose tobacco and pouches. Today, tobacco-free white snus is growing in popularity. Here’s a look at the different types of snus:
| Swedish Snus | Loose Swedish Snus | All White Snus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Finely ground tobacco in pre-portioned teabag-like pouches | Finely ground tobacco in loose form | Nicotine without the tobacco that comes in pre-portioned teabag-like pouches |
| Portion Size | Small, pre-portioned pouches | Customizable portions (as you make your own) | Small, pre-portioned pouches |
| Flavour | Focus more on tobacco flavour, with some flavourings added in certain | Focus more on tobacco flavour, with some flavourings added in some products | The flavours you taste are added extra. The pouch without the flavours will just have the flavours from the ingredients used. |
| Moist or Dry? | Moist | Moist | Varies from brand to brand |
| Available in the UK? | No | No | Yes |
Loose Snus
Loose snus, as the name suggests, is a loose powder that users can shape into a small portion before placing it under their upper lip.
This form allows for a customisable experience, with users controlling the size and shape of each portion.
Pouched Snus
Pouched snus, on the other hand, offers a more convenient and discreet option. These pouches can vary in size, including mini, slim and normal options, catering to different user preferences.
Pouched snus typically contains specific weights of tobacco, ranging from 0.3 to 2.0 grams, allowing users to select the portion that best suits their needs.
Most users prefer using one pouch at a time, though a small percentage report using multiple pouches simultaneously.
These variations in usage patterns reflect the diverse preferences and habits within the snus user community.
All White Snus
All white snus, or nicotine pouches, contain no tobacco and are gaining popularity in Europe.
In the UK, "nicotine pouches" and "snus" are often used interchangeably to refer to tobacco-free pouches.
While traditional snus is illegal in the UK, nicotine pouches are available for sale both in grocery stores and online.
White snus also tend to stain teeth less since they don’t contain tobacco.
What is the Strongest Snus?
One of the most common questions from snus users is, "What is the world's strongest snus?" Currently, the strongest options on the market are Cuba Ninja, Iceberg, Siberia snus and Supreme.
Cuba Ninja and Iceberg offer white snus and nicotine pouches with around 150mg/g of nicotine, while Supreme reaches up to 120mg/g.
However, we do not recommend these extremely potent nicotine products due to the potential for significant negative side effects.
How Does Snus Work?
Snus, whether it is tobacco snus or tobacco-free snus, is consumed orally.
You place the pouch in your mouth between the gum and lip where the pouch comes in contact with the mucous lining of your mouth. This is how the nicotine enters your system.
The lining of the mouth absorbs the “free” or unbound nicotine - the higher the pH of the pouch, the more “free” nicotine available in the pouch.
This process is known as oral absorption, the nicotine reaches your brain after doing a lap of the body in your bloodstream.
The nicotine causes the brain to release adrenaline and dopamine, which is what gives that feeling of pleasure and energy.
This is probably part of the reason for its growing popularity among football players and other athletes in recent years.
The maximum pH value should be 9.1 according to Northerner standards. To learn more about the pH levels of your favorite snus and nicotine pouches, check out Nicoleaks, where we publish our pouch testing results.
Snus Effects Timeline
The effects of a nicotine or snus pouch can vary depending on factors like body mass, metabolism, and usage frequency. However, a general timeline looks like this:
- Immediate (0 to 10 minutes): Nicotine starts to be absorbed through lining of the mouth into the bloodstream, raising heart rate and blood pressure.
- 10 to 20 minutes: Nicotine reaches the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
- 30 to 40 minutes: Peak nicotine levels in the bloodstream are typically reached, depending on metabolism and pouch strength.
- 2 to 3 hours: The half-life of nicotine is about two hours, meaning blood nicotine levels drop by half. As levels decline, cravings or withdrawal symptoms may begin, prompting the desire for another pouch.
- 8 to 10 hours: Most nicotine and its metabolites are cleared through the kidneys. Regular users may see nicotine accumulation, which can take longer to fully eliminate.
Snus and Other Smokeless Tobacco Products
Snus differs from other smokeless tobacco products in key ways. While traditional dry snuff is inhaled through the nose, snus is meant for oral use.
This distinction greatly affects the user experience and nicotine absorption methods.
Unlike nicotine pouches, Swedish snus contain actual tobacco, contributing to its distinct properties.
Snus vs. Chewing Tobacco
Moist snuff, or chewing tobacco, another smokeless tobacco product, is finely ground and typically requires users to spit after use, unlike snus. This difference in usage can make snus a more appealing option for those seeking a more discreet experience.
Snus vs. Dry Snuff
Dry snuff, produced from fire-cured tobacco, is ground into a fine powder and is typically used nasally. In contrast, snus is placed between the lip and gum, providing a different sensory experience.
Cost of Nicotine Pouches
Using nicotine pouches costs around £1,340 per year, compared to £3,700-£4,650 annually for cigarettes.
The UK has the second-highest cigarette prices in Europe, and with prices rising, smoking 20 cigarettes a day (the UK average) can cost thousands annually.
Additionally, smoking adds £2.4bn to NHS expenses and £1.2bn to social care costs due to smoking-related health issues, according to research by ASH.
Snus Use in Sports and Society
The use of snus is notably prevalent among athletes, particularly in team sports compared to individual sports.
The camaraderie and shared habits among teammates can influence the adoption of snus as part of the sporting culture.
Why do English Footballers Use Snus?
A 2024 study by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) and Loughborough University estimates that as many as 1 in 5 English footballers use oral nicotine products.
Further findings reveal that snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouch use is more common among professional footballers than the general UK population, with players using them to relax and manage stress.
The World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) report “Effects of Snus Administration on Sport Performance” from 2015 clearly states that nicotine is not banned in competition and that it gives no unfair advantages when it comes to performance.
Nicotine is still on their monitoring list in 2022, however there is no ban against it.
The impact of sports and societal norms on snus use reveals the multifaceted reasons for its popularity.
Health Risks and Benefits of Snus
It's essential to acknowledge that snus poses significant health risks due to its tobacco and chemical content. The debate around its promotion as a harm reduction tool continues, with some arguing that it may not effectively replace cigarettes.
While some users transition from smoking to using snus, thereby reducing their exposure to harmful smoke, others may continue using both products. This dual usage can complicate efforts to quit tobacco entirely and highlights the complexity of snus as a smoking cessation tool.
In Sweden, the impact of snus on smoking rates has been significant.
Many users have transitioned from smoking to using snus, leading to lower smoking rates.
The ongoing debate around snus underscores the need for continued research and informed decision-making by users.
Legal Status and Regulation of Snus in the UK
The legal status of snus varies significantly across the European Union. The EU maintains a prohibition on the sale of oral tobacco products like snus, with the exception of Sweden.
As of 2022, the sale of snus is banned outside Sweden in all other EU countries. This ban reflects ongoing concerns about the health risks associated with smokeless tobacco products.
The current regulatory landscape highlights the challenges of balancing public health concerns with harm reduction strategies, as noted by the tobacco advisory group.
Snus in the UK: Where to Buy
In the UK, as we have mentioned earlier in this guide, it is illegal to buy and sell tobacco snus.
However, you can buy tobacco-free snus in the UK if you are over 18 years old. You can find a range of tobacco-free snus online on Northerner.
We have over 25 years of experience with oral nicotine products, plus we test all the tobacco-free snus products we sell before they reach our shelves as this ensures the products meet industry standards.
Order today and get fast, free shipping from our UK warehouse!
Frequently Asked Questions about Snus
What is snus?
Snus is a moist, smokeless tobacco product commonly used in Sweden and parts of Scandinavia, where it is placed under the upper lip for nicotine absorption through the oral mucosa.
How is snus different from other smokeless tobacco products?
Snus is unique among smokeless tobacco products as it is designed for oral use without the need for spitting.
Is snus legal in the European Union?
Snus is legal only in Sweden within the European Union, where it is regulated as a food product. In all other EU countries and the UK, the sale of snus is banned.
Where can I buy tobacco-free snus in the UK?
Tobacco-free snus is available in some grocery stores and online retailers like Northerner, where you'll find a wider selection and occasional deals.
Can you eat and drink with snus in?
It’s not recommended to eat or drink with snus in.
Is snus a drug?
Snus contains nicotine, which is a stimulant, but it is not classified as a drug.
Does snus get you high?
Snus can cause a buzz or stimulating effect due to the nicotine, but it doesn't produce a "high" in the traditional sense.
How many snus can I use at a time?
It’s recommended to use one portion at a time for optimal use.
