Snus and nicotine pouches are often confused with each other because they are both placed under the lip. They are, in fact, not the same product. Even as product categories, they are far different from each other.
The biggest difference is simple, traditional snus is made with tobacco, whereas nicotine pouches are made without tobacco.
This distinction is important for adult nicotine users in the UK, because these products are classified under different legal and product categories.
Traditional Snus contains tobacco
Traditional snus is made using tobacco leaves. It is typically placed under the upper lip, and from there, nicotine is released from the tobacco.
It has a long history of use in some areas of Scandinavia, notably Sweden. But traditional snus cannot be sold in the UK. This aspect makes it quite different from the nicotine pouches sold in UK stores, which are free of tobacco.
Nicotine Pouches are tobacco free
Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco leaf. Rather, they typically include ingredients such as plant fibres, flavouring and other ingredients as appropriate, depending on the product.
They are also intended to be placed under the lip, but the nicotine comes from the pouch formulation rather than from the tobacco.
That is why the products offered and sold at Snus Vikings as nicotine pouches are not to be confused with traditional snus.
The flavour range is usually broader
Another difference between the two product categories is flavour variety.
The traditional snus is typically a snus that is based on a tobacco profile and sometimes flavoured. On the other hand, the nicotine pouches come from significantly broader flavour families.
These can include:
- Mint and Menthol
- Berry
- Citrus
- Tropical Fruit
- Coffee
- Liquorice
The flavour choice will not indicate the strength of the pouch, so always check the strength separately.
Nicotine strength may vary
In addition to the difference in UK legal status, snus and nicotine pouches can have varying amounts of nicotine.
With nicotine pouches, the best guideline is typically the amount stated in mg per pouch. ‘Strong’ or ‘Extra Strong’ will differ between brands, and it will be more reliable to compare the actual number.
Higher strength does not necessarily mean a better choice. Adult nicotine users should select products based on existing nicotine use.
Conclusion
The main difference between snus and nicotine pouches is in the presence of tobacco. Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, while snus has tobacco.
Both are used underneath the lip, but they have varying ingredients, flavour ranges and legality in the UK. When browsing Snus Vikings, you should read through the product description, the nicotine content and the pouch size.
