Snus vs Nicotine Pouches
What is Snus?
Snus, often known as Swedish snus or tobacco snus, are an oral tobacco product with a global history. Snus is primarily associated with the Nordics, especially Sweden as snus was first manufactured in Sweden in the early 18th century. Snus comes in two forms, loose and portioned, and you use it by placing the pouch or a pinch between the lip and gum where the nicotine will be absorbed via the lining of the mouth (mucous membrane).
The flavour of snus is primarily tobacco due to the way it is made and the primary ingredient being tobacco.
The flavour of snus is primarily tobacco due to the way it is made and the primary ingredient being tobacco.
What are Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches, also known as tobacco-free snus or nicopods, are portioned tobacco-free nicotine pouches used by placing them between the lip and gum. The nicotine in each pouch is either synthetic (produced in a lab) or extracted from the tobacco leaf (the nicotine is extracted from the tobacco plant leaf and crystalized into nicotine salt, without any tobacco-leaf).
Snus vs Nicotine Pouches: What is the Difference?
I mean, if they look similar and work similarly, what is the difference between nicotine pouches and snus? There are 4 key differences to note between nicotine pouches and snus:
- Tobacco vs Tobacco-Free. Swedish snus has tobacco in it, but nicotine pouches are tobacco-leaf free.
- Variety. Swedish snus has a strong tobacco flavour and come in a smaller variety of nicotine strengths (due to the tobacco), but nicotine pouches come in a larger range of strengths and flavours.
- Legality. Tobacco snus is illegal in the UK, but nicotine pouches (tobacco-free snus) is legal in the UK if you are over 18 years old. In short, you can buy nicotine pouches in the UK but not tobacco snus.
- Shelf Life. Nicotine pouches have a longer shelf life, with unopened cans lasting around one year post production. However, snus is perishable as these pouches contain plant material (tobacco) and should be used within 30 weeks from manufacturing.
