A guide on how to use snus and nicotine pouches

1. Choose & buy a tin of Swedish snus pouches

Purchase one or more tins of snus online. Make sure it is the Swedish type of nicotine pouches. (American snuff is a completely different type of product.)

If you are new to snus, chances are you will like the clean white snus best. VELO, Zyn, White Fox, Nordic Spirit & Loop are some of the popular brands within the nicotine pouch category in UK. They come in fresh and fruity flavours like mint, citrus, berry and bergamot and are very easy to use.

Inside the tin, the snus is packed in pouches that somewhat resemble tea bags but are small enough to fit under your lip. Clean white snus will satisfy your nicotine craving, but not does not contain any tobacco. The pouches are very slim and have a fresh scent.

2. Take a pouch of snus with your fingers

Open the lid and grab a pouch by the corner using your thumb and index finger. Lift it out of the tin. You are now well on your way towards nicotine heaven.

3. Insert the pouch under your upper lip

With your other hand, lift your upper lip so that you can place the nicotine pouch between your lip and gums. Adjust the pouch if necessary, for the most comfortable fit. Traditionally snus pouches are placed to either the left or the right, rather than in the middle, but clean white snus pouches are small, so do whatever feel best for you.

You can also get the pouch in position by placing it near the tip of your tongue and sliding it in place.

With experience you will be able to put in a snus in a very subtle and discrete manner.

4. Keep the snus pouch in as long as you enjoy it

It will not take long now before you start experiencing the nicotine buzz. Different brands of snus contain different amounts of nicotine and some brands come in different strengths as well. The effect and the time it takes for a snus to “wear out” varies accordingly.

It is common to keep the snus pouch in for about 15 minutes to one hour.

There is absolutely no need to spit while using snus. Spitting is a disgusting habit anyway. Just go about your business as usual: Smile, talk and swallow your saliva as you normally would as a civilized human being. It is not going to upset your stomach.

You can even drink with a snus in your mouth, but most users prefer to dine without it. Because of the nicotine content, it is not advisable to swallow a snus pouch.

The ingredients are not suitable for consumption in high quantities – remember that nicotine is a chemical, and should only be used as recommended in this article. If you feel unwell after having swallowed a snus pouch, you can always visit your doctor for a quick check-up.
Too much nicotine in your system can cause nicotine poisoning. The symptoms of this include headaches, stomach ache, vomiting and nausea, and a loss of appetite, as well as increased blood pressure and dehydration.

5. Disposing of your snus

Grab the snus pouch and take it out or use your tongue to remove it. Dispose of the used pouch in a trash can. Littering is not cool. If you are at a restaurant, either excuse yourself and go to the bathroom, or use a napkin.

6. Store your snus in the fridge to keep it fresh longer

Keep the tin you are currently using easily accessible in your pocket, handbag or on your desk. It will keep fresh for about a week. Store the rest of your snus tins in the fridge to keep it from drying out and to keep it tasty and fresh.

Pro snus tips

• Snus can be used wherever smoking is prohibited, like on airplanes, in offices, restaurants etc. We do however, encourage you to go about it in a considerate manner, especially when disposing of used pouches.
   
• If you are traveling abroad, be sure to check if any special regulations apply to snus in the country you are visiting.
   
• Should you feel dizzy or nauseous while using snus, you have had too much nicotine. Take the snus pouch out and rest for a while. Maybe opt for a less strong snus next time.
   
• If you want to use snus to help you quit smoking, opt for a snus with low nicotine content, or move gradually from regular to lower nicotine content.

Where to buy snus in the UK?

Click here to find more information about where to buy snus in the UK.

Guide to different snus and nicotine brands

For a comprehensive guide to different types of snus and brands, refer to the Swedish Snus and nicotine pouches - a brief introduction

Other types of Swedish snus

Sweden is the country where snus originated, and actual Swedes can be spotted using both modern white snus as well as traditional Swedish snus. The traditional type of snus is made from tobacco leaves, with or without added flavours. Traditional Swedish snus come both in pouches and as loose tobacco. You can recognise it by the brown colour and the distinct smell of fermented tobacco. The nicotine effect is the same as that of clean white snus, but otherwise the experience can be very different.