Snus (pronounced [sno͞os]) is a type of smokeless tobacco product intended for oral use. It consists of a moist tobacco powder that is not smoked but placed between the upper (rarely lower) lip and the gums for an extended period—from 5 to 30 minutes or more. Nicotine and other substances are absorbed through the mucous membrane in the mouth and enter the bloodstream directly.
Historically, snus originated in Sweden in the 18th century and remains most popular in Sweden and Norway. A key feature of high-quality snus is its production method. Swedish snus undergoes strict quality control and is made using a pasteurization process (steam heating), not fermentation, as is the case with, for example, American chewing tobacco. This significantly reduces the level of carcinogens, specifically tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs).
Snus is sold in two main forms:
- Portion snus: Tobacco pre-packaged in small, tea-bag-like pouches made of cellulose. It comes in various sizes and “flavors” (original, white, slim). This is the most popular and convenient format.
- Loose snus (lös snus): A moist tobacco mass from which the user hand-bakes a prilla (portion) of the desired size.
It is important to understand that, despite the reduced risk compared to smoking, snus is NOT a safe alternative. It causes strong nicotine addiction and is associated with health risks: gum disease, tooth decay, increased blood pressure, and a risk of pancreatic and oral cancer (though significantly lower than other smokeless tobaccos).
How Snus Differs from Other Tobacco Products
There is often confusion between snus, chewing tobacco, nasway, and modern nicotine pouches. Here are the key differences:
| Feature | Snus (Swedish) | Chewing Tobacco (American) | Naswar/Nasvay (Central Asian) | Nicotine Pouches (All White/White Pouches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pasteurized tobacco, water, salt, humectants, flavorings. | Fermented tobacco, often with sweeteners. | Tobacco, slaked lime (for alkaline pH), ash, oil, sometimes other additives. | Contains no tobacco. Cellulose, water, nicotine (often synthetic), flavorings, fillers. |
| How to Use | Placed under the upper lip. No need to spit. | Chewed, but not swallowed. Requires constant spitting. | Placed under the lip or tongue. Saliva is recommended to be spat out. | Placed under the lip, like portion snus. No need to spit. |
| Production | Industrial, standardized, regulated (especially in Sweden). | Industrial, but with a different technology (fermentation). | Artisanal, unregulated, often in unsanitary conditions. | Industrial, regulated. |
| Safety | Relatively lower level of carcinogens (nitrosamines) due to pasteurization. | High level of carcinogens due to tobacco fermentation. Associated with oral cancer risk. | Extremely dangerous. High content of carcinogens and toxins due to lime and artisanal production. | Considered less harmful as it lacks tobacco and associated carcinogens. But nicotine is addictive. |
Key Takeaway: Snus is a specific Swedish product with controlled production. Its main difference from chewing tobacco and nasvay is the pasteurization technology and the lack of need to spit. It differs from nicotine pouches by containing real tobacco.
