Snus & Nicotine Pouch Glossary

Not all pouches are created equal. Here's how to tell snus from nicotine pouches and everything in between.

Nicotine Pouches

Tobacco-free pouches containing nicotine, flavourings, and plant-based fillers. Placed under the lip.

Nicopods

Another name for nicotine pouches. Often used informally or in online communities.

Snus* 

A moist oral tobacco product, traditionally used in Sweden and Norway. Also placed under the lip. In the UK, "snus" is sometimes incorrectly used to describe nicotine pouches—but unlike snus, nicotine pouches contain no tobacco.

Swedish Snus

Traditional oral tobacco product used widely in Sweden. Known for its pasteurised production method.

White Snus / All-White 

Refers to nicotine pouches with no tobacco content. White in colour, often used interchangeably with "nicotine pouches."

Prilla

A slang term for a pouch, commonly used in Nordic countries.

Oral Nicotine Product

Catch-all term for anything used in the mouth to deliver nicotine—includes pouches, lozenges, gum, etc.

Traditional tobacco products that often get confused with pouches — here's what sets them apart.

Dipping Tobacco

A moist, ground tobacco product placed between the lip and gum. Common in the US.

Snuff (Moist)

Smokeless tobacco meant for oral use. Often confused with snus but differs in processing and taste.

Snuff (Dry)

Powdered tobacco for nasal use. Rarely seen today.

Pouch size and shape can affect fit, comfort, and nicotine release. Here’s what you need to know.

Portion Snus

Snus pre-packed in small pouches. Easier to use than loose snus.

Loose Snus

Unpackaged snus that users pinch or mould before placing under the lip.

Portion Format

Refers to the size and shape of the pouch—slim, mini, or regular.

Slim Pouch

A longer, thinner pouch for a discreet fit under the lip.

Mini Pouch

Smaller than standard pouches. Designed for a low-profile experience.

Regular Pouch

Standard pouch size. Larger than slim or mini.

Dry Pouch

Lower moisture content. Often results in slower nicotine release and less drip.

Moist Pouch

Higher moisture content. Tends to release nicotine faster.

How strong is strong? Learn how nicotine levels are measured and what those dots on the can really mean.

Nicotine Strength

Refers to how much nicotine is in each pouch, usually listed in mg/pouch or mg/g.

mg/pouch

Milligrams of nicotine per pouch. Key figure for strength comparison.

mg/g (Milligrams per gram)

Nicotine content measured by weight. Useful when comparing across brands and pouch sizes.

Strength Dots

Visual indicator printed on cans—typically 1 to 6 dots. More dots usually signal a higher nicotine content, but always check the mg/pouch for exact strength.

From flavour to fit, these terms explain what using a pouch actually feels like.

Under the Lip

How both snus and nicotine pouches are used. Slotted between the gum and upper lip.

Discreet Use

Refers to the low-profile nature of nicotine pouches. No smoke, spit, or device required.

Spit-Free

Means the pouch doesn’t require spitting. Common for nicotine pouches and some types of snus.

Drip

When excess liquid from the pouch leaks into the mouth. Often a factor in product preference.

Flavour

Taste profile of the pouch. Common types include mint, berry, and citrus.

Nicotine habits vary. This section covers how people use pouches — and how their bodies respond.

Nicotine Consumption

Refers to the intake of nicotine, regardless of the method—oral, inhaled, or otherwise.

Nicotine Tolerance

How the body adjusts to nicotine over time, often requiring stronger doses for the same effect.

What happens after you pop the lid? These terms cover cans, storage, and disposal basics.

Can

The round container pouches come in. Usually includes a lid compartment for used pouches.

Top Lid / Lid Compartment

Section of the can for storing used pouches before disposal.

Used Pouch

Pouch that has been consumed. Often stored in the lid compartment until disposal.

Disposal

Used pouches should be binned responsibly. Not flushed or littered.

Storage

Nicotine pouches don’t usually require refrigeration, unlike traditional snus.

Expiration Date

Shelf life of pouches. Usually listed on the can for best quality.

Batch Code

Printed on cans. Used for tracking production and expiration.

What’s in a pouch? From nicotine types to plant fillers, here’s what you’re really putting under your lip.

Tobacco-Free

Indicates a product contains no tobacco, even though it delivers nicotine.

Nicotine-Free Pouches

Pouches with no nicotine content. Used for oral use in the same way as nicotine pouches.

Flavoured Nicotine Pouches

Pouches available in a variety of flavours. Regulations vary by market.

Fillers

Plant-based materials used as the base inside nicotine pouches. Often made from cellulose.

Synthetic Nicotine

Lab-made nicotine not derived from tobacco leaves.

Tobacco-Derived Nicotine

Nicotine extracted from the tobacco plant.

Nicotine Delivery System

Describes how a product delivers nicotine to the user—e.g. oral, inhaled, transdermal.

Nicotine Salts

A form of nicotine created by combining freebase nicotine with acid. Common in nicotine pouches.

Freebase Nicotine

A chemically altered form of nicotine designed for faster absorption when inhaled. Commonly used in e-liquids and vaping products.

pH Level

Refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a pouch. Affects nicotine release rate.

Oral Mucosa

The soft tissue inside the mouth where nicotine is absorbed during use.

The legal landscape around pouches is evolving. These are the terms shaping the rules and reports.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Proposed UK legislation that would regulate the sale and use of tobacco and vaping products, including nicotine pouches.

1992 European Union Directive

A historic piece of EU legislation that banned the sale of oral tobacco (including snus) outside Sweden.

The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016

UK law implementing parts of the EU Tobacco Products Directive. Covers labelling, packaging, and advertising restrictions.

Flavour Ban

Proposed or enacted restrictions on flavour availability in nicotine products. 

The Nicotine Pouch Report

An evidence-based report published by Haypp, offering insights into nicotine pouch use and consumer trends in the UK.

Swedish Institute for Standards’ SIS/TS 72:2024

A technical specification outlining safety and quality standards for nicotine pouches in Sweden. Aims to guide product development and regulation.

* Snus is illegal to buy or sell in the UK under current legislation. Nicotine pouches, which contain no tobacco, are legal and available for adult consumers.