Snus is one of the oldest and most popular tobacco products. To learn more about loose snus and snus pouches, get the details on:
- Snus history
- Composition
- How to use snus
- Harmful health effects
- How snus compares to other forms of tobacco
You’ll also discover some safer and more effective alternatives that can change the way you consume nicotine.
What Is Snus?
Snus is a traditional smokeless tobacco product available in pre-portioned or loose form that originated in Sweden in the 18th century. Unlike snuff, snus is consumed orally rather than nasally. It delivers nicotine through the mucous membranes in the mouth, providing a long-lasting buzz with a quick onset.
Over the years, snus has evolved and expanded beyond its Scandinavian roots, though the EU made it illegal in 1992. Recently, snus has been gaining popularity in the United States, but there are significant differences between American and Swedish snus products, mainly in quality, flavor profiles, and potency.
Swedish snus has a strong tobacco flavor, often accompanied by a hint of salt and smoky aromas. It also has a higher 8.7 alkaline pH and more moisture, making it more potent and providing a quicker nicotine hit than American snus. Swedish snus pouches are also bigger, delivering more nicotine in each session. American snus has a sweeter and milder tobacco taste, with lower nicotine levels. It’s also not as moist, so the release of nicotine and flavor is slower.
What Is Snus Made Of?

Source: Humusak
The main ingredient used in snus is air-cured ground tobacco, which is then mixed with:
- Salt
- Water
- Moisture preserving agents (humectants)
- Flavorings such as bergamot, juniper, citrus, herb, and floral notes
The mixture is then pasteurized, not fermented as in other smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco or dip, to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that aid in forming tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). TSNAs are the main cancer-causing agents in tobacco products, and Swedish snus has some of the lowest levels.
After pasteurization, the tobacco is ground and mixed with other ingredients before it’s packed into pouches or sold in its loose form.
Snus Strengths
Snus is available in several strengths that offer different amounts of nicotine content. Check out the table below for the most common options:
Regular | Strong | Extra-Strong | Super-Strong | Extremely Strong | |
Nicotine content per gram | 8-10 mg/g | 12-14 mg/g | 16-20 mg/g | 22-33 mg/g | 35-45 mg/g |
If you’re a beginner, you should stick to regular snus and progress to stronger variants when your nicotine tolerance increases. Extremely strong products, such as the ones made by Siberia with 43 mg/g of nicotine, are recommended only for heavy smokers and seasoned users with a high nicotine tolerance.
Types of Snus
To cater to different preferences, snus comes in two forms—portioned and loose, each with its unique characteristics.
Loose Snus Explained

Source: Swedishmatch
Loose snus is moist, ground tobacco combined with additional ingredients such as salt, moisture preservers (humectants), and optional flavors.
Unlike pre-made pouches, loose snus is used by pinching a portion of the tobacco with your fingers and placing it under your upper lip. Some users prefer using a snus portioning tool (aka Prismaster), which simplifies the process and reduces the mess.
Loose snus is typically available in three variants that affect how well the portions pack together and how fast the nicotine is released. These are:
- Coarse grind
- Medium grind
- Fine grind
Coarser grinds have a longer-lasting flavor and release nicotine slowly, whereas finer grinds provide a quick, more intense nicotine release.
Loose snus is often favored by long-time snus enthusiasts who prefer to customize their portions and enjoy a more traditional experience. It’s not beginner-friendly and can be messy if you’re not used to it. If you’re new to snus, you’ll find portioned snus more convenient and easier to use.
Loose snus typically contains more nicotine than portioned snus, so it can lead to addiction more quickly. It also carries a higher risk of gum irritation and tooth loss, especially if you neglect dental hygiene.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main advantages and disadvantages of loose snus:
Loose Snus Advantages | Loose Snus Disadvantages |
Customizable portion size | Uneven or inadequate portions |
Stronger flavor | Messy preparation |
Stronger nicotine hit | Not for beginners |
Traditional snus experience | Higher risk of gum irritation |
Portioned Snus Explained

Source: generalsnus
Portioned snus comes in small, pre-packaged pouches placed between your upper lip and gum for a fast and convenient nicotine kick. It was introduced in the 1970s in Sweden for those who wanted a more practical alternative to the traditional, loose variation. Thanks to its ease of use, it quickly gained popularity and became the preferred option for most users.
Snus pouches come in different strengths, flavors, and sizes, and you can choose between original, white, or dry white portions:
- Original: This is the most common type of snus, packed in portions and then moistened. It has an intense flavor and releases nicotine quickly
- White: This type is dryer than the original type, providing a smoother flavor and slower nicotine release
- Dry white: This type is not moistened, so it doesn’t cause salivation. It’s easier to store and provides a smooth flavor and slow nicotine release
Snus pouches are available in different sizes, such as large, slim, super-slim, and mini. Each size differs in the amount of nicotine it contains and the level of comfort it provides. Larger pouches are more visible but provide a stronger nicotine kick, whereas smaller pouches are less noticeable but not as strong.
One of the key selling points of portioned snus—besides practicality—is the variety of available flavors, from traditional tobacco to mint and fruity aromas and even coffee.
Portioned snus is also less irritating to the gums than loose snus, but prolonged use can cause similar issues.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main advantages and disadvantages of portioned snus:
Portioned Snus Advantages | Portioned Snus Disadvantages |
Easier and less messy to use than loose snus | Has a less intense tobacco aroma |
More available flavors | More expensive than loose snus |
Reduced risk of oral health issues | Underwhelming experience for some seasoned users |
Customizable experience with different portion sizes | Pre-packaged portions that can’t be customized |
How To Use Snus
Using snus is simple, but the steps vary slightly between portioned and loose snus. To use portioned snus correctly, follow these steps:
- Take a single pouch from the can and place it between your upper lip and gum
- Leave the pouch in for 5–60 minutes, depending on your preference and nicotine tolerance
- Once you feel satisfied or the pouch stops producing flavor, remove it from your mouth and dispose of it properly by throwing it in the trash
To use loose snus the right way, follow these steps:
- Pinch a small amount of snus with your thumb and index finger. You can also use a “prismaster” to make your portions more consistent
- Place the pinched snus between your upper lip and gum, pressing it firmly against your gum
- Leave it in place for 5–60 minutes, depending on your nicotine tolerance. Don’t swallow the snus or the saliva to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Once you’re done, remove it from your mouth and dispose of it responsibly. Wash your hands afterward to get rid of lingering tobacco odors
When snus is used responsibly and in moderation, side effects are rare. Still, unwanted reactions can occur if you consume more than your nicotine tolerance allows or swallow too much saliva. The most common ones include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Elevated heart rate or blood pressure
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Gum irritation
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Hiccups
These reactions are typically mild and short-lived, but if they persist or worsen, stop using snus and consult a doctor.
Nicotine pouches—A Safer Alternative to Snus

Source: SnusBoss
If you want to enjoy nicotine without the harmful tobacco chemicals, nicotine pouches are your best option. Nicotine pouches (or nicopods) are small, pre-portioned packets containing pharmaceutical nicotine and food-grade ingredients, used the same way as snus.
Unlike snus, nicopods are 100% tobacco-free and contain a blend of pharmaceutical nicotine of the highest quality, plant fibers, sweeteners, flavorings, pH adjusters, and stabilizers. The nicotine in nicopods is derived from tobacco leaves and purified to medical-grade standards or synthesized in a lab.
How To Use a Nicotine Pouch
Using a nicotine pouch is similar to using portioned snus but with a slight difference in session duration. Here’s what to do:
- Take a single pouch and place it between your upper lip and gum
- Keep the pouch in for up to 45 minutes, depending on your preference and nicotine tolerance. Don’t suck, chew, or swallow the pouch
- Remove the used pouch and dispose of it responsibly in a trash bin or the designated waste compartment under the can’s lid
When placed under the upper lip, the nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa, providing a steady and satisfying kick. You’ll feel a mild tingling sensation at the placement site—a sign that the nicopod is working as intended.
Benefits of Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are a safer alternative to snus and other smokeless tobacco products with the following benefits:
- 100% tobacco-free—Nicopods eliminate most of the risks associated with tobacco consumption, such as cancer, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular diseases
- Discreet and convenient—Nicopods fit snugly under the upper lip and are invisible to others. They require no special equipment to use, produce no smoke, and don’t require spitting, so you can slide one in anytime, anywhere
- Variety of flavors and strengths—To cater to different preferences, nicopods come in a range of flavors and nicotine strengths, allowing you to customize your experience. You can choose from fruity, minty, or traditional tobacco flavors with nicotine levels ranging from 3 mg to 50 mg
- Maintains oral health—Being all-white, nicopods don’t cause teeth staining, discoloration, or bad breath. Their soft, fleece-like material also doesn’t irritate the gums or cause abrasions to your oral tissues
Tips for a Better Nicotine Experience
Follow these tips to make your nicopod sessions enjoyable and safe and to avoid side effects:
- Pick the right strength—If you’re new to nicotine pouches, choose a milder product to avoid overstimulation and switch to stronger products as your tolerance increases
- Use one nicopod at a time—Using two or more pouches at once may result in overconsumption and unpleasant side effects
- Take breaks—A 1–2 hour break between pouches prevents overconsumption
- Rotate placement site—To avoid gum irritation, alternate between placing the pouch on the left and right side of your mouth
- Stay hydrated—Nicotine causes dehydration, so drink plenty of water during and after using a nicopod
Avoid nicotine pouches if you’re a minor (below 21 years), pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from cardiovascular disease. Nicotine is highly addictive, so if you’ve never consumed it before, it’s best to avoid nicopods or other nicotine and tobacco products altogether.
It’s also important to buy your pouches from reputable vendors to get quality, safe, and fresh products for a premium and consistent experience.
SnusBoss—Your Trusted Source of Quality Nicopods

Source: Snusboss
Operated by a team of industry experts, SnusBoss is your trusted vendor of premium EU-made nicopods available in various flavors and strengths and superior to U.S. pouches. In 2016, the FDA classified nicotine pouches as tobacco products, despite them being tobacco-free, which discouraged U.S. manufacturers from further developing the product.
No such regulation was imposed in the EU, allowing European brands to refine their recipes and develop products with richer flavors, higher moisture content, and a stronger nicotine kick.
SnusBoss carries a diverse selection of nicopods from popular EU brands, including:
ZYN | Velo | Kick | Snatch | Siberia |
Klint | Chapo | Pablo | Paz | Kozmo |
Jäger | Kurwa | Roger | Thor | Hit |
GOAT | Killa | Pik | Denssi | Glitch |
Dope | White Fox | Oryx |
Here’s how to place an order from SnusBoss in minutes:
- Visit the online store
- Select your favorite brand, flavor, and strength
- Fill out your payment and shipping info
To receive your package within two to three business days, select express shipping at checkout. All orders above $249 come with free shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Using Snus Increase the Risk of Cancer?
While pasteurized and containing lower levels of TSNAs compared to other tobacco products, Swedish snus still contains carcinogens that may increase the risk of cancers such as oral, lung, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer.
Research on the link between snus and cancer is still inconclusive—some studies suggest an increased risk, while others have found no significant correlation. More research is needed to fully understand the cancer risks associated with snus use.
How Does Snus Affect the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?
According to a 2003 review of public health and clinical studies on snus, individuals who use snus have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who don’t. While recent studies don’t associate snus with the risk of major heart and valvular diseases and cardiovascular mortality, they reveal an increased risk of stroke.
Is There a Link Between Snus Use and Type 2 Diabetes?
High consumption of snus, typically four or more cans per week, has been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The high nicotine content in snus disrupts insulin sensitivity, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
Snus has also been found to increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels. This further increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
How Does Snus Use Impact Oral Health?
Using snus can cause oral health problems, such as gum irritation and recession, tooth decay, and leukoplakia (white patches on the gums), by irritating the delicate tissues in the mouth.
The acidic ingredients in snus can also cause enamel erosion and tooth decay. Some snus products contain added sugars, which can further contribute to dental issues. To prevent these problems, it’s crucial to maintain optimal oral hygiene when using snus regularly.
Featured image source: abvrockgroup