Can You Swallow Snus? Understanding the Health Risks

While it has been banned in some European countries, snus is gaining popularity in the States, raising questions regarding its safety potential long-term health risks.

One common question is, “Can you swallow snus,” and what happens if you do? In this comprehensive guide, we discuss whether it’s safe to swallow snus by taking a closer look at its ingredients and potential health implications to separate common misconceptions from hard facts.

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Are You Supposed To Swallow Snus?

You’re not supposed to swallow snus because it’s designed to release nicotine gradually and let it be absorbed through your oral mucous membrane.

There is always a chance of unintentionally swallowing snus because it’s intended for oral use. But don’t worry—swallowing it occasionally is generally safe. If you’ve accidentally swallowed snus, drink a glass of water and monitor your body for reactions. Most likely, you won’t feel any side effects, and your body will naturally process the contents.

Still, if swallowing snus becomes more common, you may experience several digestive issues, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. The symptoms may include:

• Upset stomach
• Acid reflux
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Can Swallowing Snus Lead to Nicotine Poisoning?

While unlikely, swallowing large amounts of snus or using it alongside other nicotine products may increase the risk of nicotine poisoning. 

Nicotine poisoning happens in two stages. Knowing the symptoms can help you recognize them and seek medical attention on time. Refer to the table below for an overview of early- and late-stage nicotine poisoning symptoms:

Does Swallowing Snus Increase Its Efficiency?

Some snus users mistakenly believe that swallowing snus enhances nicotine absorption. But this is not the case. Your stomach is not good at absorbing nicotine.

Nicotine is most efficiently absorbed in alkaline environments with high pH levels. Your stomach is highly acidic, which reduces nicotine uptake and the overall effectiveness of a snus product.

Snus Ingredients

Swedish snus is available in loose form or pre-packaged in small cellulose bags for easier and cleaner use. In both cases, the main active ingredient is finely ground tobacco, which delivers a nicotine hit.

Unlike other oral tobacco products like chew and dip, which contain fermented tobacco, the tobacco in snus undergoes steam pasteurization. This significantly reduces the number of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs)—harmful chemicals linked to various types of cancer.

In addition to finely ground, pasteurized tobacco, snus typically contains the following ingredients:

• Water
• Salt
• Sodium carbonate
• Humectants (used to preserve their moisture)
• Various flavorings (used to make the taste more appealing)

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Can You Swallow Camel Snus?

Camel and traditional Swedish snus contain similar ingredients, including pasteurized tobacco, so the same rules apply. Swallowing a single Camel pouch accidentally is generally safe, but avoid doing it more often, as it may lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Swedish vs. American Snus

Regardless of the type of snus, the effects of swallowing it are similar. Swedish and American snus have several notable differences, including:

• Nicotine content 
• pH level
• Moisture
• TSNA levels

A study comparing these two types of snus revealed that American snus has lower nicotine content, pH levels, and moisture. Another more recent study showed that the levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are almost twice as high in American snus compared to Swedish products. 

These differences show that Swedish snus is safer, stronger, and has a more efficient nicotine absorption rate, but swallowing it is still not recommended. 

Can You Swallow Snus Spit?

Since snus contains pasteurized tobacco with low TSNA levels, you can safely swallow snus drip in reasonable amounts. Still, you should avoid overdoing it because it may irritate your stomach.

Despite being safe to swallow, most snus manufacturers recommend spitting out the saliva instead of swallowing it.

If you’re in an environment where you can’t spit out snus drip, such as in an office or a theater, consider using white snus pouches. White snus is dry and gets gradually moistened by your saliva, producing minimal drip and lasting for up to 30 minutes.

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Should You Chew on Snus?

Whether loose or portioned, you should never chew or suck on snus. This won’t increase its effectiveness and may cause it to release excess drip, which can irritate your throat or stomach. With portioned snus, there’s also a risk of the pouch breaking open and spilling its contents into your mouth, resulting in an unpleasant experience.

If you experience any discomfort while using snus pouches, try a different pouch size to see whether it helps. Portioned snus comes in several formats tailored to various users, including:

1. Mini—The most compact and discreet option, offering maximum convenience with the least tobacco content
2. Slim—These pouches have an elongated shape, packing more tobacco and nicotine while maintaining the same level of discretion
3. Normal—Larger than mini and slim options, these pouches hold more tobacco for a longer-lasting experience but are less discreet
4. Large—The biggest and most noticeable format that provides the highest amount of tobacco and nicotine

Source: OurWhiskyFoundation

Can You Eat With Snus In?

You should avoid eating solid foods while using snus as this can increase drip and reduce nicotine absorption, resulting in a less satisfying experience. It also increases the risk of accidentally swallowing snus.

Using a snus pouch while eating increases the chance of accidentally biting it, causing it to break open and getting bits and chunks of tobacco stuck between your teeth.

Nicotine Pouches—Are They Better?

Nicotine pouches are a modern nicotine product inspired by portioned snus. The key difference is that nicotine pouches are 100% tobacco-free, containing no tobacco leaves, stems, or dust.

These pouches provide a similar experience by using food-grade ingredients and pharmaceutical nicotine. They deliver a satisfying nicotine buzz while eliminating most risks associated with tobacco. 

Common ingredients found in nicotine pouches typically include:

• Pure nicotine (either synthesized or derived from the tobacco plant)
• Plant-based cellulose fibers
• Natural and artificial sweeteners
• Various flavorings
• pH balancers
• Stabilizers and granulating agents

Main Benefits of Nicotine Pouches

Being tobacco-free, nicotine pouches provide a safer way to enjoy nicotine, avoiding the risks associated with tobacco products, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and various oral health issues.

Here are some key benefits of nicotine pouches compared to Swedish snus:

• No carcinogenic TSNAs—Although snus has fewer TSNAs than other oral tobacco products, it still poses several risks to the digestive system. Being tobacco-free and containing no TSNAs, nicotine pouches eliminate these risks
• No dental stains and discoloration—Tobacco can cause deep, often untreatable, teeth stains with prolonged use. Nicotine pouches don’t affect the natural brightness of your teeth, helping you maintain a clean smile and fresh breath
• Various strengths—Nicotine pouches contain pure nicotine, allowing manufacturers to fine-tune their strength. As such, they offer a wide variety of strengths, from 1.5 mg of nicotine per pouch for the mildest options to over 50 mg per pouch for the strongest pouches
• Higher absorption rates—Nicotine pouches have the highest nicotine absorption rates, delivering up to 50% of the total nicotine contained in a pouch
• Many flavors—Unlike snus, nicotine pouches don’t have a harsh tobacco flavor. They are tobacco-free and come in various flavors tailored to different users, including minty, fruity, and herbal aromas

How To Use Nicotine Pouches

Using nicotine pouches is similar to using snus. Follow the steps below to make sure you do everything correctly:

1. Place a single pouch between your gums and the upper lip
2. Let the pouch sit there for 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the brand, pouch size, and your nicotine tolerance
3. When you feel fully satisfied, or the pouch has lost its flavor, remove it from your mouth and discard it responsibly away from children and pets

Source: SnusBoss

Order Top-Quality EU-Made Nicotine Pouches From SnusBoss

SnusBoss is a reputable online retailer of premium nicotine pouches run by a team of experts with years of experience in the industry. The store offers a wide selection of European nicotine pouches known for their superior quality to U.S. products—giving you richer flavor, more moisture, and a stronger kick.

Since 2016, when the U.S. government classified nicotine pouches as tobacco products, U.S. manufacturers have faced complicated pre-market evaluations to comply with the strict regulations. This has discouraged further nicotine pouch development in the U.S., resulting in subpar products that offer an inferior experience compared to European pouches.

Check out the table below for a full list of top nicopod brands available at SnusBoss:

Ordering from SnusBoss is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the online store
2. Select your desired brand, strength, and flavor
3. Enter your shipping and billing info

Select express delivery at checkout to receive your order in 2–3 business days, and enjoy free shipping on all orders above $249.

Featured image source: Alicia Christin Gerald