How to Use Snus & Nicotine Pouches: Beginner’s Guide

For starters, let’s make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to snus versus nicotine pouches. Both come in the same tea bag-like pouch and offer a convenient hands-free way of enjoying nicotine, but with some key differences.

• Snus has been around for centuries and is the “original” smokeless tobacco product from Sweden. These pouches contain tobacco and are placed between your upper lip and gum where the nicotine is gradually absorbed through your mouth. You can read more about the effects of snus here.

• Nicotine pouches (also known as ‘tobacco-free snus’ or ‘all-white snus’ based on their colour) are a more recent development. Used in the same way as snus by parking them under your lip, these pouches contain flavoured nicotine which is either derived from the tobacco leaf or synthetically cultivated in a lab. In other words: No tobacco.

It should be noted we only sell tobacco-free snus through Haypp UK and you can only buy products from us if you’re over 18 years old (with all orders age verified).

For those short on time, follow these 5 simple step-by-step instructions to enjoy your nicotine pouch:

1. Choose your snus based on the combination of flavour and strength you like (our most popular brands include VELO, Nordic Spirit, On!, Loop, ZYN and Übbs).
2. Open the can.
3. Grab a fresh pouch and pop it under your top lip.
4. Leave it there for anywhere between 5–60 minutes. 
5. Take it out when you’re ready and dispose of the pouch responsibly. 

Step 1: Choose Your Snus

Unlike cigarettes, you’ll find more variety out there in terms of strength and flavour when it comes to choosing your nicotine pouch. One person might be using Nordic Spirit’s Extra Strong Mint (10.3mg) while another prefers Übbs Less Intense Berry (6mg). You can imagine how much these nicotine experiences differ.

If you’re unsure which nicotine strength is for you, we recommend starting with fewer milligrams per pouch and working your way up if you have to, rather than jumping straight into a Strong or Extra Strong product. Most of our Normal options start around the 4-6mg mark.

The same goes for flavour. It’s probably easiest to start with a nicotine pouch flavour that you’re familiar with – so, if you like lemon, why not try one of our citrus pouches? Or if you’re pro-peppermint, there’s no shortage of mint pouches too – then you can branch out into more exotic flavours.

Step 2: Open the Can

Generally speaking, all nicotine pouches come in a round, pocket-friendly can (the notable exception being On!, which are sold in a more slim, rectangular format).

You open the snus can by placing your thumb and forefinger on the sides of the can and giving it a little squeeze to get the lid to pop off. Some cans may have a perforated edge where you need to peel the label first.

Step 3: Grab a Fresh Pouch

Most brands either have 20 or 21 nicotine pouches inside each can. Keep in mind there’s a smaller compartment in the lid, but this is meant for disposing of used pouches and will be empty when you first buy it.

We recommend positioning the snus underneath your top lip and slightly to the left/right for the most comfortable fit.

Step 4: Leave the Pouch in Place

When you first put the snus in your mouth, you might feel a slight tingling sensation as the nicotine is released. This is totally normal and will ease over time.

We recommend using a nicotine pouch for no less than 5 minutes and no more than 60 minutes, but how long you choose to leave it in place is up to you and may depend on the flavour or how much nicotine it contains.

A pro tip to release more flavour from your nicotine pouch is to gently readjust its placement with your tongue. Simply move it from one side of your mouth to the other – alternatively, flip it over so a new side is pressed against your gum.

Step 5: Dispose of the Pouch (Responsibly)

When you’re done with your snus, simply remove the pouch with your fingers or spit it directly into the waste compartment in the lid. No smoke, no ash, no worries!

Once you’ve worked your way through all 20–21 pouches, empty your snus into the bin and recycle the can with other hard plastics wherever possible.

It’s easier than ever to buy your snus online in the UK, so why not see what all the buzz is about by trying one of our bestsellers? The top 3 tobacco-free nicotine products on Haypp are:

We asked Haypp customers what they consider to be the main benefits of nicotine pouches, and this is what they came up with:

• They’re smoke- and tobacco-free.
• They’re odourless and don’t stain your teeth.
• They’re easily portable and don’t need any extra equipment.
• You can multitask while using them. 
• There’s lots to choose from in terms of flavour and strength.
• They’re not as expensive as other nicotine products.
  
  

Clearly nicotine pouches have a lot to offer – both in terms of convenience and avoiding some of the negative health effects associated with smoking.

Add to this list of benefits the strict safety- and quality-controls we have at Haypp. We lab test products and publish these reports over on NicoLeaks if you’re curious to look up specific brands or learn more about our testing process.

Snus can be used in many different places where smoking and vaping are not allowed like airplanes, offices and restaurants. Even still, you should always use your pouches in a considerate manner and think about those around you – never spit them on the floor, for instance!

Here are some other tips from our Haypp team on how to snus in the best possible way: 

• Start with a lower strength: Nicotine pouches can appeal to ex-smokers as an alternative to cigarettes, but if you’re making the switch from one nicotine product to another, we recommend starting with a lower strength. You can always increase the milligrams per pouch, but it is better to work your way up than the other way around.
• Check the rules before travelling: You can bring nicotine pouches on planes with you, but do check with the local authorities before travelling to see if they’re allowed in your final destination (or if you have a layover along the way). Snus and nicotine pouches are not legal in all countries, and therefore you won’t be able to buy them everywhere. You may need to stock up for your trip or there may be rules around the quantity you can carry.
• Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy or nauseous at any point while using snus, you may have had too much nicotine. Take out the pouch, stay hydrated and rest for a while. You may wish to go for a less strong pouch next time or adjust how long you keep the pouch in your mouth. Here you can learn more about how long nicotine stays in your system and how to recognise the signs of nicotine poisoning in extreme cases.
• Keep your snus fresh:A can of snus will stay fresh for about a week once it’s been opened if you’re carrying it with you – either in your pocket, handbag or on your desk. If you want your pouches to last longer, we recommend storing them in the fridge where they won’t be affected by heat or humidity.