snus

What is snus?

Snus is a moist, oral tobacco product that originated in Sweden in the 1800s. A small pouch (or a pinch of loose snus) is placed under the upper lip, where nicotine is absorbed through the gum. Unlike dipping tobacco, snus is typically “spit-free” and is used for 20–45 minutes.

How snus is made

• Finely ground tobacco is blended with water and salt, then heat-treated (pasteurised) to control microbes.

• pH buffers and humectants regulate moisture and nicotine release.

• Packed either as loose (you shape it yourself) or portion (ready-made pouches).

Common formats

• Portion types: Original (moist surface), White (drier surface, slower release), White Dry (extra dry, longer lasting).

• Sizes: Mini, Slim, Regular.

• Flavours: Mint/menthol, citrus, berry, coffee and more.

• Strengths: Typically described by mg per pouch. Rough guide: Light ≤6 mg, Medium 8–12 mg, Strong 14–20 mg, Extra Strong 20–30+ mg (actual feel also depends on pouch weight, moisture and pH).

How it’s used

Place one portion under the upper lip. Most users keep it in for 20–45 minutes and then discard. Beginners usually start with lighter strengths and shorter sessions.

Snus side effects

Snus delivers nicotine, which is addictive and can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, increased heart rate, and sleep disturbance—especially at higher strengths. Local effects may include gum irritation, mouth soreness or ulcers, and tooth staining; sensitivity varies by user and usage time. Avoid if pregnant/breastfeeding or if you’ve been advised to avoid nicotine. This is educational content, not medical advice.

Formats Compared

Snus meaning

Snus is a Swedish moist oral tobacco placed under the upper lip for 20–45 minutes. It comes loose or in portion pouches (original/white/white-dry; mini/slim/regular) and releases nicotine through the gum. It’s typically “spit-free” and flavoured (mint, citrus, berry, coffee, etc.).

Is snus bad for you

Snus is not risk-free. While pasteurised Swedish snus has different risk profiles than smoking, it still exposes users to nicotine and tobacco constituents and can lead to dependence and oral issues. In the UK, selling oral tobacco (including snus) is prohibited; adults instead purchase tobacco-free nicotine pouches, which also contain nicotine and are for 18+ only.

Whats snus used for

Adults use snus for discreet, smoke-free nicotine consumption—at work, travel, or social settings where smoking or vaping isn’t practical. Some consumers view oral products as an alternative to inhalation, but snus is not an approved cessation therapy; speak to a clinician for quitting support.

What does snus do

When a portion sits under the lip, nicotine diffuses through the oral mucosa into the bloodstream. Moisture level, pH, pouch weight, and time under the lip control how fast and how much nicotine you feel—typically a quick onset followed by a steadier release that many describe as clean and long-lasting.

Release profile (feel)

Brand Alternatives: Pablo, Killa, Iceberg, VELO

*Label mg refers to nominal nicotine per pouch; perceived intensity varies by pouch weight, moisture and pH.

Snus vs. nicotine pouches (SNUS-style alternatives)

If you’re in the UK, the legal alternative is the tobacco-free nicotine pouch, which mimics the format and discretion of snus without containing tobacco leaf.