Snus vs. Dip—Comparing Effects, Consumption Methods, and Health Risks

Both snus and dip are tobacco products that you place in your mouth to get a nicotine hit, but that’s where their similarities end. Knowing the differences between these smokeless tobacco products helps you make smarter decisions regarding your nicotine consumption. This snus vs. dip comparison examines the key differences between the two, including how they’re used, their composition, and their impacts on your health.

What Is the Difference Between Snus and Dip?

To help you understand the key differences between snus and dip, the following sections will compare them in terms of their:

1. Composition
2. Usage
3. Nicotine strength, delivery, and absorption rate
4. Flavor variety
5. Health implications and risks

Dip vs. Snus—Composition and Ingredients 

Source: Afif Ramdhasuma

Snus and dip are made from tobacco but differ in processing methods and additives. Snus is made from finely ground tobacco, which is then mixed with:

• Water
• Flavorings
• Table salt (enhances flavor, reduces saliva production, and extends shelf life)
• Sodium carbonate (to maintain pH levels)
• Moisture-preserving agents

The mixture is pasteurized to reduce the levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) and other harmful substances.

Dipping tobacco (also called chew or moist snuff) is made from air- or fire-cured tobacco leaves, which are processed into fine particles (fine-cut) or strips (long-cut) and mixed with:

• Water
• Salt
• Flavorings
• Humectants (to maintain moisture)

Unlike snus, dip is fermented, giving it a smokier aroma and flavor.

Snus vs. Dip—Usage

The most notable difference between snus and dip is in their consumption methods. 

Snus comes in two formats, loose and portioned, and here’s how they compare:

1. Loose snus is packed in cans and requires taking a pinch of the product with your index finger and thumb and placing it under your upper lip. After letting it sit there for 20 minutes to an hour, you’re supposed to take out the snus and discard it
2. Portioned snus is the most favored format as it comes in small, pre-portioned pouches that are mess-free and easy to use. They come in different sizes, strengths, and flavors, catering to individual preferences. You place a pouch under your upper lip, where it gradually releases the flavor and nicotine. Once done, you can discard the used pouch 

To use dip, you place it between your lower lip and gum. Like loose snus, you take a pinch using your index finger and thumb and position it inside your mouth. A downside to dipping is that it causes more saliva production and requires constant spitting.

To recap, the table below outlines the main differences in usage between snus and dip:  

Snus and Dip—Nicotine Strength, Delivery, and Absorption Rate

Dip and snus deliver nicotine through the oral mucosa, but their strengths and absorption rates differ.

Most snus products contain between 10 and 20 mg/g of nicotine, but only 10–20% of the nicotine from snus is absorbed through the oral mucosa. If a one-gram pinch of snus contains 10 mg of nicotine, you’ll only absorb 1–2 mg. The absorption rate is faster than with dip because snus is placed under the upper lip, and there is an extensive network of blood capillaries in the upper gums and cheeks. 

Dip has higher nicotine levels than snus. A can of dip (34 g) contains an average of 144 mg of nicotine. Nicotine absorption from dip is higher, averaging 4.5 mg per use, but it can take up to 30 minutes to get the full effect due to the lower number of blood capillaries in the lower lip and interference from saliva production.

Snus and Dip—Flavor Variety

Since snus and dip are made from tobacco, they have a strong tobacco flavor regardless of added aromas. Flavorings mask the strong tobacco aroma to some extent to appeal to different users’ preferences. 

Dip flavors are less varied and complement the traditional tobacco taste. The most common options are wintergreen, mint, and straight (classic tobacco flavor).

Snus offers more versatile aromas than dip because the pasteurization process allows for more flavor retention. Unlike dip, snus doesn’t have the recognizable smoky aftertaste.

Snus flavors fall into three categories, as shown in the table below:

Health Implications and Risks

Source: Usman Yousaf

Snus is generally considered safer than dip because it’s pasteurized, which is a process that eliminates bacteria and reduces the amount of carcinogens. Skipping fermentation in the production process also lowers the amount of harmful substances.

A 2020 analysis showed no association between snus use and oral cancer. Even so, there are several types of cancer associated with snus, including:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Lung cancer

Regarding cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke, researchers found no conclusive evidence to support a link between snus use and these conditions. Still, snus use has been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.  

Snus use can also affect oral health, causing:

• Teeth staining and discoloration
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Tooth loss
• Oral mucosal lesions

Dip has a higher risk profile than snus due to its fermentation process, which increases the amount of carcinogens and other harmful substances. Users are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and gum disease. 

It’s also linked to other health problems including:

• Leukoplakia (oral lesions)
• Tooth decay
• Gastrointestinal problems if you swallow the juices

Snus and dip use can also lead to addiction because they contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Trying to quit can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The best way to reduce the risks associated with these products is to stop using them altogether.

How Do Snus and Dip Compare to Other Nicotine Products?

Source: Irina Iriser

Besides dip and snus, the most common nicotine-based products available on the market include chewing tobacco, snuff, vapes, and cigarettes. Each of these products delivers nicotine in a different way, with varying levels of effectiveness and risks. To understand how they compare to snus and dip, check the table below for more details:

While the effects of snus and dip are less harmful to your health than other tobacco products, these nicotine consumption methods are far from safe. If you’re looking for a safer alternative to traditional snus and other tobacco products, nicotine pouches are the best option.

See how snus compares to nicotine pouches in the following section.

Nicotine Pouches—The Safest Nicotine Product

While nicotine pouches look like portioned snus, their similarities are skin-deep. Unlike snus, dip, and other tobacco products, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco. They are made of nicotine salts, flavorings, and other food-grade ingredients.

Nicotine, the primary ingredient in nicopods, is not carcinogenic. There is also no combustion involved during consumption, so there’s no exposure to harmful chemicals found in smoke. As a result, nicotine pouches have the lowest health risks among all nicotine products.

Nicopods are placed and kept between your upper lip and gum, like snus. Nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa, providing a similar experience to snus without most of the health risks. Consuming nicopods is also cleaner than snus because they don’t leave any residue or stains on your teeth. To use nicotine pouches, you should: 

1. Take a single pouch 
2. Place it between your upper lip and gum
3. Leave it in for up to 30–45 minutes
4. Dispose of it in a trash can

Nicotine pouches come in various flavors, including mint, citrus, berry, lavender, coffee, tea, and more. They also offer varying levels of nicotine content, allowing users with different nicotine tolerance to find their perfect fit. 

Still, it’s important to use nicopods responsibly and in moderation to avoid discomfort and potential side effects. To have the best experience with nicopods, start with mild products and work your way up as you get accustomed to nicotine. Always buy your pouches from reputable brands and vendors to get high-quality and fresh products.

Get Quality Nicopods From SnusBoss

While research is still ongoing on the potential long-term effects of nicotine pouches, they’re a safer alternative that shouldn’t cause cancer, heart disease, or other health problems associated with traditional snus and other tobacco products. Even so, you should buy your nicopods from reputable merchants to get top-of-the-shelf products with safe ingredients made according to the strictest quality standards.

Run by industry experts, SnusBoss sources and distributes premium nicopods from the EU. Unlike U.S.-made nicotine pouches hampered by outdated FDA regulations, EU-made pouches provide a more satisfying experience with bolder flavors, higher moisture levels, and a stronger nicotine kick. 

If you’d like to swap traditional tobacco products for a safer, cleaner alternative, SnusBoss carries an assortment of popular and niche nicopod brands like:

Follow the steps below to order from SnusBoss:

1. Visit the online store
2. Choose your preferred brand, strength, and flavor
3. Fill in your shipping info and payment details

If you select express shipping, you’ll receive your package in 2–3 days. SnusBoss also offers free shipping for all orders above $249.

Featured image source: PublicDomainPictures