Nicotine Insights

Last update 2026-01-23

Snus vs Nicotine Pouches: What’s the Difference?

Snus vs nicotine pouches: the key difference is that snus contains tobacco and is illegal to sell in the UK, while nicotine pouches are tobacco leaf-free and legal for purchase. Both are used under the lip, but they differ in ingredients, flavours, and shelf life.

snus and nicotine pouches both presented by a pair of hands

Key Takeaways

Snus contains tobacco, while nicotine pouches are tobacco leaf-free.
Both are smokeless products used under the upper lip.
Traditional Swedish snus is illegal to buy and sell in the UK.
Nicotine pouches are legal and widely available for adults in the UK.
Flavour range and shelf life differ significantly between the two.

What are Nicotine Pouches vs Snus? What Is Snus? Why Is Snus Illegal in the UK? What are Nicotine Pouches? The Difference Between Snus and Nicotine Pouches Final Overview

What are Nicotine Pouches vs Snus?

In the UK, the term snus is sometimes used to refer to nicotine pouches. 

However, there is a key distinction: snus traditionally contains tobacco, while nicotine pouches are entirely tobacco leaf-free. Snus is not legal for purchase in the UK, but nicotine pouches are.

Both are smokeless, discreet options for adult nicotine users, but their content and legal status differ.

Read more about the different snus and nicotine pouch terms.

The Difference Between Snus and Nicotine Pouches

Feature	Snus	Nicotine Pouches
Tobacco Content	Contains pasteurised tobacco	Tobacco leaf-free, contains only nicotine
Ingredients	Ground tobacco, water, salt, and flavourings	Nicotine, plant fibres, flavourings, pH regulators, moisture agents, sweeteners (occasionally)
Format	Typically comes in a normal pouch	Typically comes in a slim pouch (mini and normal available)
Flavour Variety	Typically tobacco-forward, often with hints of berry, citrus, or other additions	Available in a wide range of flavours, including mint, berry, citrus, and more
Legal Status in the UK	Illegal to sell, as it is classified as a tobacco product	Legal and widely available both in stores and online for adults
Shelf Life	Shelf life of approximately 16 weeks (can be refrigerated or frozen for longer)	Shelf life of approximately 12 months, if left unopened and stored correctly
Effect on Teeth	Can stain teeth due to tobacco content	As they do not contain tobacco, nicotine pouches typically cause less visible teeth staining

What Is Snus?

Snus is a traditional oral tobacco product that originated in Sweden. 

It typically comes in small pouches that are placed under the upper lip and gradually release nicotine.

This type of snus emerged from an earlier version of ground tobacco called ‘loose snus’ (“lössnus”). Find out more in our article “What is Snus?”

Why Is Snus Illegal in the UK?

It is illegal to buy or sell snus in the UK. However, personal possession is permitted.

Following Brexit, the UK retained EU tobacco law which bans the sale and marketing of snus across the EU member states.

Sweden is the only country with an exemption to this ban, which it negotiated due to its historical and cultural ties to snus.

Image of snus can and nicotine pouch can next to one another

What are Nicotine Pouches?

Nicotine pouches emerged in the early 2000s as a snus alternative that offered a similar format and nicotine delivery without tobacco.

Nicotine pouches contain:

Nicotine
Plant fibres
pH regulators
Moisture agents
Flavourings and sweeteners (occasionally)

Unlike snus and other traditional tobacco products, they do not include tobacco leaf, which means that it is legal to buy nicotine pouches in the UK.

Nicotine pouches are used in the same way as snus. They are placed discreetly between the lip and gum to allow the nicotine and flavours to release gradually. 

Nicotine pouch strengths tend to come in a wider variety than traditional snus. On Haypp, we sell nicotine pouches that are up to 20 mg per pouch.

However, they differ in terms of flavour variety, shelf life, and other factors.

Popular Nicotine Pouches on Haypp UK

Browse the top-selling pouches on Haypp UK, from popular brands including Nordic Spirit, ZYN, and XQS.

Final Overview

In the UK, nicotine pouches are sometimes referred to as snus or tobacco-free snus.

While snus and nicotine pouches may look and be used similarly, they are different products.

Snus is a traditional tobacco product that remains illegal to buy and sell in the UK, whereas nicotine pouches are tobacco leaf-free and legally available to adult consumers.

What is the difference between snus and nicotine pouches?

The main difference between snus and nicotine pouches is tobacco content.

Snus is made from pasteurised tobacco, whereas nicotine pouches are tobacco leaf-free. This also affects legality, flavour variety, and shelf life.

Is snus legal in the UK?

No, snus is not legal in the UK. It is banned under retained EU tobacco law, although personal possession is allowed.

Are nicotine pouches legal in the UK?

Nicotine pouches are legal in the UK and widely available from retailers like Haypp UK, where you will find a wide selection of strengths and flavours from popular UK brands.

Do nicotine pouches contain tobacco?

No, nicotine pouches are tobacco leaf-free.

How do snus and nicotine pouches differ in flavour and experience?

When it comes to flavour and experience, these are the differences between snus and nicotine pouches.

Snus typically has a tobacco-forward flavour, with occasional additions like berry or citrus. It often comes in a normal format and has a shorter shelf life due to the presence of tobacco.

Nicotine pouches come in a wider range of flavours, like mint, berry, citrus, coffee, liquorice, and more. Mini, slim, and normal formats are available, and it has a longer shelf life—it can last 12 months if unopened and stored correctly.