What is Snus: Definition, Forms, Components and Use

Snus is a moist oral tobacco product which is placed between the upper lip and gum. Snus comes in loose or in portioned sachets. Air-cured tobacco is ground, mixed with salt and water and then processed under strict quality and regulatory controls using a technique similar to pasteurization. Snus is completely different to other oral tobacco products due to the manufacturing process involved. 

Snus is a way for smokeless smoking. Snus is used to get the “high” of nicotine consumption. Nicotine is an addictive chemical substance that is relaxing and stimulating at the same time. Snus needs to be kept away from direct sunlight in a cool and moist storage. There are 4 forms of snus: original, white, dry white and nicotine pouches.

What is Snus?

Snus(“snoose”) is defined as a type of moist snuff. Snuff is finely ground tobacco packaged in cans or pouches. Snus was first used in Sweden and Norway. It is packaged in small pouches, which are used between the gum and the upper lip. It is smokeless and spit free.

What are the Forms of Snus?

The forms of snus are listed below:

• ORIGINAL: This type of snus entered the market in 1970 and is the most common snus. The tobacco is packed in portions and after packing moistened. This type of snus needs to be stored in a cool and moist place so it would not dry.
• WHITE: White portion was launched in 1998 as an alternative to classic portion snus. It is drier than classic snus, but not as dry as dry white. The experience is slower with smoother flavor with these snus pouches.
• DRY WHITE: there is no water added into this type of snus. It does not cause salivation and is easier to store (does not need such a cool place for storage as normal snus).
• NICOTINE POUCHES: they are dry (no need to store in a cooler place) type of tobacco free snus.

What are the Components of Snus?

The components of snus are:

• Blend of air and/or sun-cured tobacco: so, it would produce the stimulative and relaxing effects of nicotine consumption.
• Water: around 45-60%.
• Sodium chloride: adds flavor and prevents microbial activity.
• Sodium carbonate: helps to stabilize the pH (target pH8.5).
• Humectants: to retain moisture, and lower the water activity.
• Flavoring agents: to get the desired flavor for the product.

How to Use Snus?

Read these steps do find out how to use snus:

1. Pick up a tin of snus with your clean hands.
2. Squeeze the tin open by pressing on the sides.
3. Take out one snus pouch from the tin with your fingers.
4. Place the snus pouch into your mouth between the upper lip and the gum.
5. Enjoy the pouch’s effects for up to an hour.
6. Remove the pouch from your mouth with the fingers.
7. Dispose of the used snus pouch in designated trash bin, do not litter.

Why is Snus Used?

Snus is used because it is an alternative to smoking, vaping, and other tobacco products. Snus gives you the “high” of nicotine consumption. Snus is healthier because it is smoke free. Majority of nicotine related diseases are connected with smoke and burnt tobacco inhalation.

Who Uses Snus?

Snus is used by users who want to experience the positive effects of consuming products which contain nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical substance that is relaxing and stimulating at the same time. Snus is really popular among football players because it helps them be more focused and alert (Taylor, 2023).

What are the Health Risks of Using Snus?

The health risks of using snus are (according to Verywell Health, 2022):

• Cancer: a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.
• Myocardial Infarction: heart attack.
• Diabetes: a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
• Oral Health problems: gingival disease(an early stage of gum disease), tooth loss, and oral mucosal lesions(abnormal swelling or changes on the outer lining of the mouth, lips, or gums). 
• Pregnancy Complications: studies have shown that snus exposure increased the risk of stillbirth, neonatal apnea, preterm birth, and oral cleft malformation(Kreyberg, Hilde, & Brains, 2019).

Does Snus Contain Nicotine?

Yes, snus contains nicotine. Snus is made of dried tobacco and tobacco contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical that is both a stimulant and relaxing agent for its users. 

Does Snus Contain Tobacco?

Yes, snus contains tobacco. Snus is made of dried tobacco.

Can I Use Snus Anywhere?

Yes, snus can be used anywhere. It is a smokeless tobacco product so it does not fall under the smoking ban.

Is Snus Used for Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

No, snus is not used for nicotine replacement therapy. Snus has not been added into the list of FDA approved NRT methods. Due to that, snus is not considered as an ideal substance to be used while undergoing nicotine replacement therapy.

Read more about Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Is Snus Better than Nicotine Gum?

No, snus is not better than nicotine gum. Snus is safer than smoking but not as safe as nicotine gum. Snus contains thousands of chemicals that are harmful to its users according to Steinberg at WebMD. 

Read more about What is Nicotine Gum?

What is the Difference between Snus and Nicotine Pouches?

The difference between snus and nicotine pouch is that snus contains tobacco but nicotine pouch does not contain tobacco. Nicotine pouches are healthier than snus because they do not contain tobacco. Snus is moister and needs to be preserved in a cool moist storage, nicotine pouches have no such needs for storage. Snus is usually brownish but nicotine pouches are white.

Read more about Nicotine Pouches: Definition, Components, Statistics, and Health Effects.