Swedish snus vs. nicotine pouches — What are the differences?


Most people have a hard time distinguishing between Swedish snus and nicotine pouches. This is due to both being a pouch based nicotine product. The pouches look similar; they even feel similar  but f ind out the major differences below. 

What is swedish snus?


Snus was first manufactured in  Sweden  in the early 18th century. That’s why it’s still sometimes referred to as Swedish snus.  O ne of the original Swedish snus brands still in existence, was registered in 1822.

Swedish Snus is a powdered tobacco product packaged in a pouch (usually called a portion). Nearly all Swedish snus brands contain ground tobacco leaves, water, and sodium carbonate. Some may contain flavorings, such as mint or menthol. However Swedish snus is relatively unknown in the UK given the ban on the sale of oral tobacco products in 1992.

What is a nicotine pouch? 


A nicotine pouch is a smoke free,  vapour  free, and tobacco free product designed to deliver nicotine through the  gums .  It first hit the global markets in the early 2000s, as  a natural evolution of already established snus nicotine products .

Each pouch contains nicotine extract, fillers ( plant-based  fibres  and small amounts of gum base ). Most nicotine pouch brands also add different  flavours  to their recipes (menthol, peppermint, and fruit  flavours  are the most popular choices).  As there is no smoke and no  vapour  produced when using nicotine pouches they are very discreet and can be used anywhere - at home, at the office, or on-the-go - and you don’t have to stop what you’re doing or step outside to use it.

T hese ingredients are packaged in small portions  ready for use . They fit neatly and discreetly between the lips and the gum, where they release nicotine for up to an hour (after which they need to be discarded  in the general waste).

Learn More About Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches


How are nicotine pouches different from swedish snus?


The most important difference between them is that nicotine pouches don’t contain any tobacco . For nicotine pouches the nicotine is extracted from the plant, processed and then added to the finished pouch product. The  tobacco  itself is not included.

This means that nicotine pouches have several  key differences to  Swedish  snus:


  • Tobacco-free — other than nicotine, no other compounds found in the tobacco plant are present in nicotine pouches. 

  • Longer shelf life —  as snus contains plant material, its shelf life is relatively short. Nicotine pouches can keep for longer. 

  • Variety of sizes —  most snus brands use large pouches. Nicotine pouches vary in size, Nordic Spirit is available in Standard (discreet) and Mini (very discreet) sizes.


If you’re ready to experience nicotine the new way, give one of our Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch  flavours a try.
You can choose between Sweet Mint, Raspberry, Frosty Berry, Frosty Mint, Spearmint, Mint, Bergamot Wildberry, Watermelon, Mocha
 and Elderflower .


Get Your Nordic Spirit FREE Sample Today