Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are a modern, convenient, and hassle-free nicotine alternative. But this doesn’t mean the pouches themselves are new. They’re an alternative to a popular nicotine product that’s been the staple of Swedish culture for more than 300 years.
Join us as we explore the history of Swedish nicotine pouches. We’ll tell you more about our proud Scandinavian heritage… give you a glimpse of the Vårgårda factory, our first home of Nordic Spirit, located in a lush, green paradise… and introduce you to our deep Nordic roots.
Swedish nicotine pouches - A brief history
In the late 18th century, Swedish farmers started mixing tobacco leaves with salt and water, creating the first version of Snus. Soon after, they started packaging this raw mixture into tobacco pouches, similar to modern nicotine pouches (small and used under the lip).
More than 140 years later, we recognise it as the first steppingstone in the rich history of the Swedish nicotine pouch.
By the mid-20th century, nicotine pouches made their way across Europe and the world, always changing and evolving thanks to their innovative Nordic manufacturers.
In 2003, advances in tobacco production (extracting the nicotine from the tobacco plant) led to the creation of the first tobacco-free nicotine pouch.
History of Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches
Although Nordic Spirit headquarters are in central Stockholm , we chose Vårgårda as our first home to our modern and innovative nicotine pouches.
The Vårgårda location is steeped in history. Previously home to a grail mill that operated for centuries, as well as later transforming into a breakfast cereal factory in the 1800s. In 2002, a snus factory was built in Vårgårda. Today, the existing red brick buildings stand renovated, and the hydropower plant is modernised and operational.
Vårgårda continues the fine tradition of producing the world’s best nicotine alternatives. It has become an integral part of the history of Swedish nicotine pouches, and we’re proud to call it our first Nordic Spirit home since 2018.
What’s next for Nordic Spirit?
Nordic Spirit’s mission is to make sure that you have access to convenient, smoke-free nicotine alternatives. That’s why, in 2019, we launched our tobacco-free nicotine pouches in the UK. You can choose between six unique and refreshing flavours - Sweet Mint, Raspberry, Frosty Berry, Frosty Mint, Spearmint, Mint, Bergamot Wildberry, Watermelon, Mocha and Elderflower - and order your free Nordic Spirit sample exclusively from our website.