What is Swedish Snus?

Swedish snus is a moist oral tobacco product placed under the upper lip, traditionally made from ground tobacco and used primarily in Sweden and other Nordic countries.

Unlike other forms of tobacco, Swedish snus is smoke-free and is pasteurized for consistency and shelf life, whereas other traditional oral tobacco products are fermented. It remains popular due to its long history, regulated production, and variety of strengths and formats. 

• Swedish snus is a smokeless tobacco product placed under the upper lip. 
• It is made from pasteurized ground tobacco and does not require spitting. 
• Swedish snus is legal in Sweden but banned in most EU countries. 
• Snus, which contains tobacco, differs from nicotine pouches, which contain no tobacco leaf or plant matter. 
• Nicokick exclusively sells tobacco-free nicotine pouches, not snus. 

Snus has been a staple in Sweden for centuries, with widespread use dating back to the early 1800s. Unlike traditional smokeless tobacco products that are fermented, Swedish snus is pasteurized to control unwanted compounds and improve shelf stability.

It’s regulated under the Swedish Food Act, with production guidelines ensuring standardized nicotine content and ingredient transparency. While snus remains banned in most of the EU, Sweden is exempt under its EU membership terms due to its long-standing cultural use. 

Using snus is straightforward. A pouch or pinch of snus is placed between the upper lip and gum. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth, and the pouch typically stays in place for 20 to 60 minutes.

There’s no need to spit, making it a smoke-, spit-, and hands-free option.

There are several differences between Swedish snus and other smokeless products like American dip or chewing tobacco: 

• Production: Swedish snus is pasteurized, while others are often fermented. 
• Use: Snus is placed in the upper lip; dip is usually placed in the lower lip. 
• Spit-Free: Snus does not require spitting, whereas dip or chewing tobacco should not be swallowed and requires spitting.

Swedish snus is available in several formats to suit different preferences: 

• Loose Snus: Ground tobacco packed manually by the user. 
• Original Portion: Pre-packed moist pouches with quicker nicotine release. 
• White Portion: Drier surface for a slower release and less drip. 
  • Please note, white portion snus is not the same as a nicotine pouch, which is sometimes referred to as an all-white pouch.

While Swedish snus and nicotine pouches may look similar at first glance, they are very different in composition and function. Here’s how they stack up: 

1. Tobacco Content 

• Swedish Snus: Contains ground tobacco leaf. 
• Nicotine Pouches: 100% tobacco leaf-free. Nicotine is either extracted from the tobacco plant or synthetically produced, making some options completely tobacco-free. 
  
  

2. Product Format & Appearance 

• Snus: Usually brown or white, depending on format. 
• Nicotine Pouches: Always all white. 
  
  

3. Flavor Options 

• Snus: Traditionally flavored (bergamot, tobacco, earthy notes). 
• Nicotine Pouches: Wide range of modern flavors including mint, coffee, citrus, and fruit varieties. 
  
  

4. Shelf Life & Storage 

• Snus: Often requires refrigeration for freshness. 
• Nicotine Pouches: Stable at room temperature with longer shelf life. 
  
  

5. Availability 

• Snus: Mainly available in Sweden and select global markets. 
• Nicotine Pouches: Widely available online, especially in the US where they are gaining popularity. 

No — Nicokick does not sell snus. 

We specialize in tobacco leaf-free nicotine pouches, which offer a modern, smoke and spit-free alternative for adult nicotine users. Our selection includes leading brands like VELO Plus, Rogue, On!, ALP, Lucy and more— all available in multiple strengths and flavors. 

Explore Nicokick's full range of nicotine pouches here. 

Swedish snus is a traditional oral tobacco product with deep roots in Scandinavian culture. While it remains popular in Sweden, many adult users today prefer nicotine pouches for their all-white, tobacco-free format and broader flavor range.