What is Snus?

Unlike cigarettes, snus does not involve combustion. Instead, it is used orally, making it discreet and smoke-free. Snus is most commonly sold either as loose tobacco or in pre-portioned pouches, often referred to as snus pouches. 

Understanding what snus is, what it contains, and how it differs from other oral nicotine products is essential—especially in the UK, where its legal status differs from many other markets. 

• Snus is a smokeless tobacco product originating from Sweden 
• It is placed under the upper lip to deliver nicotine without smoke 
• Snus contains tobacco, unlike nicotine pouches 
• Snus is illegal to sell in the UK, but tobacco-free nicotine pouches are legal 
• Slim and mini pouch formats are common across both categories 

This distinction is important when you are researching or comparing oral nicotine products in the UK market. 

A common question is what is snus made of, or what is in snus. 

Traditional Swedish snus contains: 

• Tobacco 
• Water 
• Salt 
• Flavourings (such as bergamot, herbs, or other natural aromas) 

Snus is produced using a heat-treated (pasteurised) process rather than fermentation. This method is specific to Swedish snus and plays a role in its shelf stability and flavour profile. 

Because snus contains tobacco, it is classified as a smokeless tobacco product, which is important when considering its regulation and availability. 

Although they share a name, Swedish and American snus are quite different. 

• Swedish snus is heat-treated, moist, and designed for long-lasting use under the lip 
• American snus is typically dry, often sweetened, and closer in format to chewing tobacco products 

The term “snus” in the US does not refer to the same product defined under Swedish standards. 

Search interest for “what is snus” in the UK continues to grow, partly due to media coverage of its use by professional footballers. 

In the UK: 

• The sale of tobacco snus is illegal under retained EU law 
• It cannot be legally manufactured or sold within the UK 
• Personal possession is not criminalised, but commercial sale is prohibited 

Because of this, Swedish snus is not available for legal purchase in the UK. 

However, tobacco-free snus pouches (also known as nicotine pouches) are legal in the UK and are often discussed as an alternative product category due to their similar pouch format and discreet use. These products are regulated as consumer goods rather than tobacco products. 

Snus has been used in Sweden for centuries and remains part of everyday adult culture. Many well-known brands have been produced for generations, and usage is deeply embedded in social and historical traditions. 

Today, Sweden continues to be the global reference point for what snus is and how it is traditionally produced. 

With around 1 million Swedes using snus, its popularity has risen as cigarette sales have declined. However, rising taxes on tobacco products — which have increased by 370% since 2006 — could push more users toward tobacco-free nicotine pouches, which are taxed at a lower rate.

Tobacco-related illnesses are much less common in countries where use of snus and nicotine pouches is more prevalent, such as Sweden and Norway. 

Sweden is on the verge of having fewer than 5 percent smokers in its entire population, which would qualify it as a smoke-free nation. In Norway, only 1 percent of young women smoke, while 12 percent use snus daily. 

It is claimed that if the entire EU had the same smoking levels as Sweden, 210,000 fewer Europeans could die each year from tobacco-related diseases. The UK currently has the third-highest number of smoking-related deaths in Europe. 

Snus is not risk-free. Because it contains nicotine, side effects from using snus may occur — particularly with higher strengths or frequent use. 

• Possible side effects can include: 
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure 
• Gum irritation or sensitivity 
• Headaches or dizziness 
• Sleep disruption 

Nicotine is an addictive substance, and dependence can develop. Snus and nicotine products are intended for adult use only and should not be used by non-smokers, pregnant individuals, or those sensitive to nicotine. 

Because snus cannot be sold legally in the UK, it is not available from UK retailers. 

However, UK consumers can legally purchase tobacco-free nicotine pouches, which use a similar pouch format and are available in a range of sizes, including slim and mini options. These products are stocked by specialist retailers such as Haypp UK and are sold in line with current UK regulations.