SNUS is a smokeless tobacco product that originated in Sweden and has become popular throughout Scandinavia. Unlike chewing tobacco, snus is placed under the upper lip, where nicotine is absorbed through the gum mucosa without the need for spitting.

There are two main types of modern snus:

• Traditional Tobacco Snus: Made from ground tobacco, water, salt, and flavorings. It’s pasteurized rather than fermented, which reduces the formation of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs).
• Nicotine Pouches (Tobacco-Free Snus): White pouches containing nicotine extracted from tobacco or synthetic sources, plant fibers, fillers, and flavorings. Popular brands include VELO, ZYN, LYFT, and ON!.

Snus is known for its discreet use and comes in various flavors (mint, bergamot, wintergreen), strengths (from mini to extra strong), and formats (original portion, white portion, slim). It provides a smoke-free, spit-free nicotine experience and is often used as an alternative to smoking or vaping.

While the sale of traditional tobacco snus is illegal in Denmark, the consumption of oral nicotine products has been rising significantly in recent years.

Youth Usage (15-17 years):

Approximately 9% of girls and 13% of boys in this age group use tobacco substitutes, snus, or chewing tobacco either daily or occasionally.

Young Adults (18-24 years):

The trend is even more pronounced among young adults. Usage among men shows a notable increase of 22%, while among women it remains relatively stable with only a 2% rise.

Terminology & Market Confusion:

It’s challenging to distinguish between illegal traditional snus and legal nicotine pouches in consumption statistics, as many Danes use the term “snus” broadly to refer to both categories. The growing popularity of nicotine pouches has further complicated regulatory discussions.

Understanding the difference between these two products is essential for consumers and policymakers alike:

Nicotine pouches are often marketed as a cleaner, more discreet alternative and are particularly popular among younger users and former smokers.

The health profile of snus and nicotine pouches is a topic of ongoing research and debate:

• Compared to Smoking: Both traditional snus and nicotine pouches are considered significantly less harmful than combustible cigarettes, as they eliminate inhalation of smoke and tar.
• Swedish Experience: Sweden has the lowest smoking rates in Europe and high snus usage, leading some researchers to suggest snus has contributed to reduced smoking-related diseases.
• Addiction Potential: Both products deliver nicotine and can be addictive.
• Oral Health: Traditional snus may increase the risk of gum recession and tooth staining, while nicotine pouches appear to have less impact on oral health.
• Not Risk-Free: While less harmful than smoking, nicotine products are not without risks and are not recommended for non-users, especially youth and pregnant women.

Using snus or nicotine pouches correctly ensures the best experience and comfort:

1. Placement: Place one pouch under your upper lip, either to the left or right of center.
2. Comfort: The pouch should sit comfortably against your gum without moving.
3. Duration: Most users keep a pouch in for 30-60 minutes, depending on the strength and personal preference.
4. Disposal: Dispose of the used pouch in a trash bin. Most cans have a dedicated compartment for used pouches.
5. Start Slow: If you’re new to nicotine pouches, begin with a lower strength (e.g., 4-6 mg/pouch) to assess your tolerance.

Unlike chewing tobacco, there’s no need to spit when using snus or nicotine pouches. The experience is discreet and socially acceptable in many settings.

The market for nicotine pouches has expanded rapidly with numerous brands and flavors:

Leading Brands:

• VELO: Known for flavors like Freeze, Tropics, and Crispy Peppermint
• ZYN: Offers a wide range of strengths and flavors including Citrus, Cool Mint, and Coffee
• LYFT (now VELO): Pioneered the tobacco-free nicotine pouch market
• ON!: Compact pouches with high nicotine delivery
• Loop: Swedish brand focusing on premium quality

Popular Flavor Categories:

• Mint & Menthol: VELO Freeze, ZYN Cool Mint
• Fruit: VELO Tropics (tropical mix), ZYN Citrus
• Berry: Various mixed berry flavors
• Traditional: Bergamot, juniper (classic Swedish snus flavors)
• Innovative: Coffee, cinnamon, liquorice