Snus and nicotine pouches are often the subject of confusion among novice users. In terms of appearance, there isn’t much difference between the two—they can be manufactured by the same companies, come in similarly-looking round cans, and have the form of small pouches.
However, the similarities between these two smokeless tobacco products are only skin-deep. This snus vs. nicotine pouches comparison explains the key differences between these products, including their composition and variety, their effects on human health, and the proper ways to use them.
The Evolution of Snus—From Traditional to Modern
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Snus originated in Sweden in the early eighteenth century. It comes in two forms—loose and portioned, with the former being the first to hit the market. Often referred to as traditional snus, it was, in fact, finely ground tobacco sold by weight, with users deciding how much to take.
Portioned snus came later, but it’s the type of product more commonly used today. It consists of powdered tobacco packaged in small cellulose pouches for more convenient use. To consume snus, the user places the pouch between their upper lip and gums. The tobacco powder releases nicotine, which is then absorbed by the oral mucosa to provide a satisfying nicotine hit.
Over time, snus has evolved to meet the needs of its users, so there are over 150 different types of snus available on the market today. Although you can find various flavors and strengths, all traditional snus products have a strong tobacco taste.
Nicotine Pouches—Tobacco-Free Nicotine Delivery
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Nicotine pouches were first developed in the early 2000s, and they quickly became popular among users because they enabled a less harmful way to consume nicotine. Since then, several multinational tobacco companies, like British American Tobacco and Phili Morris International, have started manufacturing nicotine pouches. Nicopods don’t contain any tobacco, only pure nicotine, so they cannot be considered a traditional tobacco product.
Like modern snus, nicopods are conveniently pre-packaged in small portions and ready for immediate consumption. While snus pouches have a darker hue because they contain tobacco, nicopods are white and often referred to as white snus.
Snus vs. Nicotine Pouches—Breakdown of the Key Ingredients
Although nicotine pouches and snus use the same nicotine delivery method, their compositions are vastly different. Snus contains ground tobacco, the primary component determining the product’s flavor profile and the overall experience. Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free and don’t include any tobacco leaves, stems, or dust. They are made of medical-grade nicotine salt and food-grade ingredients.
Besides tobacco, snus pouches contain the following ingredients:
- Water—Maintains moisture and improves the texture
- Salt—Extends the shelf life of the product, enhances flavor, and reduces saliva production
- Flavorings—Natural additives that provide a specific taste
- pH adjusters—Control the pH of the contents, resulting in faster nicotine absorption
Most nicotine pouches contain a similar set of ingredients, with some variation in ingredient ratios based on their flavor and strength. These include:
- Nicotine salt—The main ingredient and the source of nicotine, with varying amounts based on the pouch strength
- Stabilizers—Plant-based food additives that maintain the consistency of the pouch
- Flavorings—Natural additives that give the product a distinctive aroma
- pH adjusters—Control the pH of the contents to determine the potency of a nicopod
- Sweeteners—Artificial sweeteners that enhance the flavor
- Fillers—Plant-based fibers used to increase the volume of the pouch
Additional Differences Between Snus and Nicotine Pouches
These two products also differ in shelf life, flavor variety, nicotine strength, health implications, and convenience. The following sections explore these aspects in more detail.
Shelf Life
Nicotine pouches have a long shelf life. An unopened can of nicopods can last up to a year from the date of production, especially if you store it in a cool and dry place.
Because snus contains organic material, its shelf life is much shorter. It must be refrigerated and consumed 20–30 weeks after its production date.
Flavor and Nicotine Strength
Unlike nicotine pouches, which offer a diverse range of aromas, flavored snus products are relatively limited. Since they’re made of actual tobacco, these items entail a strong tobacco taste that is always in the foreground. Some of the more popular snus aromas that complement the taste of tobacco include menthol, bergamot, and evergreen.
As nicopods are tobacco-free, they come in various enticing flavors, from the invigorating coolness of mint to the juicy burst of pomegranate. You can indulge in the nostalgic sweetness of licorice or savor the rich, creamy notes of an espresso-inspired aroma.
When it comes to nicotine strength, nicopods offer a wider range of strengths than snus since they are not limited by the actual potency of the tobacco plant.
Safer Ingredients
Since they are tobacco-free and use only food-grade ingredients, nicopods are considered a safer way to consume nicotine than snus. Classic snus contains several toxic ingredients, including carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines.
Convenience and Discretion
Snus is characterized by a distinctive tobacco aroma that lingers on the breath during and after use. In contrast, nicotine pouches offer a more discreet experience and don’t leave any noticeable odor.
Many manufacturers also offer unflavored nicopods, which have no taste or aftertaste. This allows you to get your buzz without flavors or odors interfering with the taste of your food and drinks.
Snus vs. Nicotine Pouches—Health Risks Explained
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Most of the health risks typically associated with nicotine come from other substances in tobacco, especially when consumed by smoking or vaping. Some of the biggest health risks caused by consumption methods that involve combustion or high temperatures include:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Aortic aneurysms
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Higher risk of birth defects
- Risk of premature birth
- Osteoporosis
- Premature skin aging
Since snus and nicotine pouches are taken orally and don’t involve combustion, the number of health risks is substantially lower. Still, there are significant differences between the products in this regard.
Health Risks Commonly Associated With Snus
Even though snus consumption doesn’t involve combustion, it’s still a tobacco-based product. Snus contains tobacco-specific nitrosamines and other harmful substances found in tobacco, so the risks to your health are still quite high.
Check out the details in the table below:
| Health Issue | Description |
| Cancer | Esophagus cancer Pancreatic cancer Stomach cancer |
| Cardiovascular disease | Increased risk of stroke |
| Endocrine/Hormonal System | Correlation with type 2 diabetes |
| Reproductive health | Increased risk of premature birth and stillbirth Risk of birth defects |
| Other health risks | Tooth discoloration Gum disease Bad breath |
While nicotine can be responsible for the reproductive health risks associated with snus and nicotine pouches, the other adverse effects listed in the table are directly linked to tobacco consumption.
Are Nicotine Pouches Safer?
The absence of tobacco in nicopods removes most of the health risks associated with tobacco consumption.
Nicotine is not a carcinogenic substance. Some studies on the effects of nicotine even suggest that it can improve focus, especially in people diagnosed with ADHD. However, it’s crucial to note that nicotine causes addiction with potentially severe withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve never used nicotine or tobacco products before, you should avoid nicopods altogether.
Besides being addictive, nicotine can cause the following side effects:
| Nicotine-Related Issue | Description |
| Cardiovascular problems | Elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate, although to a lesser extent compared to tobacco consumption |
| Oral health problems | Damage to the oral tissue from the pouch or its ingredients, potentially leading to gum disease |
| Developmental problems | Disrupted memory, attention, and other functions in adolescent brains |
| Digestion issues | In case of an overdose, nicotine can cause vomiting, heartburn, hiccups, and nausea |
To minimize the side effects of nicotine, follow these rules:
- Don’t use nicotine pouches if you are under 21, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the pouches. Follow their guidelines regarding intake frequency and recommended amounts, and always check the product’s best-before date
- Only buy nicotine pouches from trusted and reputable vendors
Snus vs. Nicotine Pouches—How Are They Regulated in the U.S.?
In the U.S., all tobacco and nicotine products are regulated by the Federal and Drug Administration (FDA). The regulatory framework for these products covers various aspects such as manufacturing, distribution, sales, labeling, and advertising.
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Despite being tobacco-free, nicotine pouches are subject to the same laws. In 2016, the FDA significantly restricted the development of nicotine pouches in the U.S. by classifying them as smokeless tobacco products.
All U.S. manufacturers must undergo pre-market evaluation, which substantially complicates the further development of nicotine pouch recipes. European countries have a more progressive approach to oral nicotine products, so EU manufacturers gained a significant competitive advantage.
Today, EU-manufactured nicotine pouches are considered superior because they offer more moisture, a wider range of flavors, and a more intense nicotine hit.
Where To Buy Quality Nicotine Pouches Made in the EU
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Nicotine pouches offer the same, if not better, buzz, without most of the dangers of tobacco consumption. If you want to give nicopods a try, visit SnusBoss.
SnusBoss offers top-notch nicotine pouches from the EU, which meet the highest standards of quality, purity, and freshness.
This online store is run by a team of industry experts with years of experience in the distribution of premium nicopods. Every product is rigorously tested and analyzed to ensure you get nothing but the best quality and enjoy safe and pleasant consumption.
Snusboss offers nicotine pouches from 13 different brands in various strengths and flavors at affordable prices, including:
To place an order from SnusBoss, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the SnusBoss online store
- Choose your preferred brand, strength, and flavor
- Enter your shipping and payment info
SnusBoss also offers express delivery, which guarantees your shipment will be delivered to your doorstep in 2–3 business days.
Featured image source: qimono