Snusing is the new smoking. What has long been a tradition in Scandinavia is now spreading rapidly to other European countries. But what exactly is Snus – and what is it made of?
What is Snus and What is it Made Of?
Snus is an oral or chewing tobacco that originated in Sweden and has been consumed there and in Norway for decades. Snus consists of tobacco, water, salt, and humectants. These "basic ingredients" are then mixed with flavors, allowing consumers to choose their preferred taste.
>> Find out here whether it's correctly called Sooze, Souse, or Snus.
In Sweden, Snus is treated like a food product, and its production is therefore subject to very strict regulations. All ingredients must also be classified as food-grade to be used in Snus. Additionally, the tobacco is heat-treated to kill germs and make it last longer.
How is Snus Consumed?
Originally, Snus was consumed as a small, loose portion of tobacco placed under the tongue and then sucked. However, the more popular method now is to use so-called pouches.
A portion of Snus is packaged in a small pouch, usually made of cellulose fibers, which is placed between the mucous membrane and the upper lip. This variant has the advantage that you no longer have to portion it yourself and no tobacco is spilled.
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Pre-portioned Snus in pouch form is placed under the upper lip and can be held there for about 30 minutes - © Image: AdobeStock |
The pouches come in different sizes, so there are no restrictions when it comes to portioning. Once the pouch comes into contact with the mucous membrane and gets moist, it releases its flavor and nicotine within seconds.
First-time users may experience a burning sensation at the contact points in the mouth during the first use. However, this burning subsides quickly with continued use and is not permanent. The tobacco or pouches can be kept in the mouth for any desired length of time, usually between 15 and 60 minutes.
Tobacco or pouches are disposed of in household waste. It is also possible to remove a pouch early from the mouth and store it in a Snus can for later use.
>> Read more here about how to use Snus correctly.
What Are the Advantages of Snus?
Snus comes not only in numerous different flavors but also in various nicotine strengths – just like (e-)cigarettes. However, unlike cigarettes, the tobacco is not lit (or heated in the case of e-cigarettes). This has the added benefit of allowing you to consume nicotine in places where smoking or vaping is prohibited. Ideal for sitting in the office, on an airplane, or just relaxing at home on the sofa.
It also benefits those around you: You don't smell like smoke, and the consumption of Snus is odorless. Since the pouches come in different sizes, discreet consumption is also possible. It’s not noticeable if you have a small portion of Snus in your mouth, and you always have your hands free.
Snus Ban in Europe
While Snus is freely available as a food product in Sweden, its sale is prohibited in other EU countries. It is important to note that only the sale is prohibited, not the consumption. Swedish Snus can be legally imported into an EU country by a private individual, provided the imported quantity is not classified as commercial by customs.
>> Here’s why the sale of Snus in the EU is prohibited but not its possession and consumption
Ordering Snus from a Swedish online shop is not possible if it is to be delivered to an address in the EU. However, this is not a reason to give up Snus, as there are now tobacco-free Snus variants that can be legally purchased in all EU countries.
New Tobacco-Free Snus Variants: Allowed in Europe
The "real" Snus from Sweden contains tobacco, which is why it is banned in the rest of the EU. To bypass this ban, manufacturers have come up with something special: a tobacco-free Snus variant. Instead of tobacco, plant fibers are processed and combined with water, humectants, and flavorings. The nicotine is extracted from tobacco plants and added in the form of nicotine salts. This creates a completely tobacco-free form of Snus.
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View allTo distinguish this variant from "real" Snus, the tobacco-free form is also referred to as nicotine pouches, nicopods, all white Snus, or chewing tobacco. However, in colloquial language, even the tobacco-free variants are often simply called Snus for convenience.
Nicotine pouches offer the same advantages as real Snus. Due to the Snus ban in the EU, these pouches are becoming increasingly popular, offering a wide variety of flavors and nicotine strengths.
Are Nicotine Pouches and Snus More Harmful Than Cigarettes?
Smoking cigarettes is more harmful than consuming Snus or nicotine pouches. The reason is that when smoking, the tobacco is burned, and all the ingredients of a cigarette enter the lungs; one of the most harmful substances is tar, which clogs lung tissue and can cause lung cancer.
When consuming tobacco Snus and nicotine pouches, only nicotine is released and absorbed by the body. Unlike the wide range of harmful substances ingested when smoking cigarettes, consuming Snus only involves absorbing one harmful substance.
The risk of diseases is therefore lower than with smoking. This fact is also supported by statistics. In Sweden, there are more Snus users than smokers because Snus consumption has a long tradition there. Only 7% of Swedes regularly smoke cigarettes; in Germany, the figure is 24.5%. It is therefore not surprising that in Sweden, the number of lung cancer cases is significantly lower than in Germany and many other EU countries.
Snus or nicotine pouches are thus also very suitable for risk reduction. For those who want to quit smoking, switching to Snus provides a less harmful alternative without the body having to give up nicotine.
Now you know what Snus is and are already aware of some of its advantages. But maybe you’re curious now and want to try it. Perhaps you’re wondering what to look out for when buying good Snus.
Buying Good Snus – What to Look Out For?
You should definitely consider the following criteria when looking for the right product for you:
- Nicotine content
- Moisture level of the pouch
- Size and format of the pouch
- Flavor
Why these four points are so important and what exactly to watch for is explained in our blog post "How to Find the Right Nicotine Pouch and Snus?". You’ll find some tips and a guide to make your choice significantly easier.
First-time users should ensure they choose a variety with lower nicotine content, as a very high level during initial consumption can lead to headaches and dizziness. Additionally, the moisture level of the pouch affects the Snus effect and, if too high, can lead to the rapid release of nicotine, potentially causing such negative "symptoms" as mentioned.
If you want to buy good Snus and find the right product for yourself, you should do thorough research. Being well-informed not only makes choosing easier but also ensures more responsible consumption.
Feel free to browse through our large selection of Snus. We have the right product for every Snus enthusiast.
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