What is Swedish Snus?
Swedish snus has a deep history that stretches back to the 1400s. When European explorers brought tobacco back from the New World in the 1500s, it quickly became popular across Europe. By the 1600s, snus had reached Sweden, and by the 1700s, it was considered a luxury product among the aristocracy. At its peak, tobacco was being grown in over 70 towns across Sweden, and snus became a cultural mainstay. Over time, Swedish snus evolved into the moist, finely ground product still used today.
The Basic History of Swedish Snus
Swedish snus has a deep history that stretches back to the 1400s. When European explorers brought tobacco back from the New World in the 1500s, it quickly became popular across Europe. By the 1600s, snus had reached Sweden, and by the 1700s, it was considered a luxury product among the aristocracy. At its peak, tobacco was being grown in over 70 towns across Sweden, and snus became a cultural mainstay. Over time, Swedish snus evolved into the moist, finely ground product still used today.
How Swedish Snus Developed
Swedish snus manufacturing grew rapidly in the 1800s, with famous brands like General and Röda Lacket emerging. One standout was Ljunglöf’s Ettan, which became the most popular snus of its time and remains a household name. Sweden’s commitment to producing high-quality snus helped solidify its place in Swedish culture, where it remains highly popular.
Types of Swedish Snus
There are two main types of Swedish snus:
- Loose Snus: A moist tobacco powder that can be shaped into portions by hand. While messier, it offers a traditional snus experience.
- Portioned Snus: Pre-packed into convenient sachets, portioned snus is discreet and easy to use, making it the most popular form of Swedish snus.
Most Popular Snus in Sweden
Among the list of the best Swedish snus brands are:
1. Ettan.
A classic, leading brand that has been around for hundreds of years.
2. General.
Known for its blend of 20 tobacco varieties and distinct bergamot flavour.
3. Göteborgs Rapé.
A popular choice since 1919, with a mild tobacco taste and hints of herbs and juniper berries.
4. Lundgrens.
A brand that experiments with new concepts while maintaining traditional methods.
Swedish Snus versus Other Products: What is the Difference?
There are many types of snus and oral nicotine products around - so what is the difference between them? We compare the different types of snus and other popular oral nicotine products.
Swedish Snus vs American Snus
The main differences between Swedish snus and American snus lie in the portion size, flavour, and nicotine strength. Swedish snus typically has larger portions and offers a stronger nicotine hit, while American snus tends to be sweeter to mask the tobacco flavour. Swedish snus is celebrated for its traditional tobacco taste, making it a favourite for tobacco purists.
Swedish Snus vs Nicotine Pouches
The main difference between Swedish snus and nicotine pouches is that snus contains tobacco, while nicotine pouches are tobacco-free. Snus offers a richer, more traditional tobacco flavour, while nicotine pouches provide different flavour options beyond tobacco and don’t have a tobacco flavour. Nicotine pouches also tend to release nicotine more quickly, while snus provides a steadier release over time.
The Popularity of Swedish Snus in the UK
Swedish snus has gained a following in the UK, particularly among sports fans and those looking for an alternative to smoking. With many footballers in the Premier League reportedly using snus as a tobacco alternative, the product has become increasingly visible. The appeal lies in snus’ discreet use and its ability to deliver nicotine without smoking. Although Swedish snus cannot be sold legally in the UK due to EU regulations, interest remains high, with nicotine pouches offering a similar experience gaining popularity as a legal alternative.
Why is Swedish Snus Popular in the UK?
Although Swedish snus cannot be legally sold in the UK, its popularity has grown, particularly within sports circles, including Premier League footballers who favour snus for its discreet nicotine hit. This has made snus a talking point in the UK, with many curious about the product’s benefits. While snus itself isn’t available, nicotine pouches, which offer a similar experience without tobacco, have become a popular alternative for those looking to quit smoking or simply enjoy a smokeless nicotine option.
The Future of Snus in Sweden
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.
Is Using Snus Better Than Smoking?
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 will 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, where a significant portion of the population uses Snus, 210,000 fewer Europeans would die each year from tobacco-related diseases. The UK currently has the third-highest number of smoking-related deaths in Europe. However, it is suggested that adopting a policy similar to Sweden’s could reduce the annual number of smoking-related deaths among men in the UK by 28,410, decreasing from 52,414 to 24,004.
It is claimed that if the entire EU had the same smoking levels as Sweden, where a significant portion of the population uses Snus, 210,000 fewer Europeans would die each year from tobacco-related diseases. The UK currently has the third-highest number of smoking-related deaths in Europe. However, it is suggested that adopting a policy similar to Sweden’s could reduce the annual number of smoking-related deaths among men in the UK by 28,410, decreasing from 52,414 to 24,004.
Where to Buy Swedish Snus Online
Due to UK laws, Swedish snus cannot be purchased in the UK. However, you can find a wide range of nicotine pouches that offer a similar experience without the tobacco. These tobacco-free snus pouches are available from top Swedish brands like ZYN, Helwit, and LOOP, offering the same convenience but in a variety of flavours and nicotine strength options. Order from our UK-based warehouse, and your pouches will be dispatched the same day if you order by 16:00.
Markus Lindblad
Published
2023-12-06