How Did The Swedish ‘Snus’ Become Such A Worldwide Sensation?

As more and more people stray away from cigarettes, alternatives to the traditional method of smoking are becoming increasingly popular. One alternative that has been proven to be less harmful than cigarette smoking is Swedish snus.

Snus is a common alternative for those looking to quit smoking. As a substitute, nicotine pouches help satisfy the desire of smoking while containing far fewer risks than a cigarette. The popularity of snus and other alternatives continue to grow rapidly worldwide while cigarette smoking quickly is becoming phased out.

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What Is ‘Snus’?

Snus is a smokeless tobacco product made of moist, ground powder. Usually, snus is placed behind the upper lip for 20 minutes to an hour as the dissolved tobacco is absorbed into the bloodstream. Unlike American dipping tobacco, snus does not typically require spitting. Dipping tobacco also undergoes fermentation when it is processed, while snus tobacco is pasteurized.

Snus most commonly is placed into teabag-style sachets, though it can be consumed as loose tobacco. It is important to differentiate Swedish snus from non-Swedish snus as non-Swedish manufactured snus typically contains more chemical additives.

Origins Of ‘Snus’

Snus originated in Sweden from a variant of dry snuff (pulverized tobacco) early in the 18th century. Snuff previously gained popularity through France in the 16th century after French diplomat Jean Nicot recommended it to Catherine de’ Medici as a migraine remedy. At this time, there was a trend of using snuff through the nose.

Shortly thereafter, snuff became more socially acceptable than other forms of tobacco and was considered a fashion among the court and France’s upper-class citizens. By the 18th century, moist snuff began to be produced in Sweden. It later would become known as “snus.”

Types Of ‘Snus’

There are a number of different types of snus, including:

Loose – Loose snus is a moist powder made of tobacco, salt, water, and taste. It can be packed using one’s fingertips and usually is pinched and tucked under the upper lip. Loose snus comes in various coarseness and is the oldest type of snus.

Portion – Portion snus is packaged moist powder in small teabag-like sachets that are white with dark tobacco, and in all white. Original portions are the traditional form and are moisturized during the manufacturing process, resulting in a brown, moist pouch.

White portion snus is not moisturized during the manufacturing process. It is a white, dry pouch with snus that is milder and slower delivering of flavor and nicotine than original portions. All white snus does not contain tobacco flavor and will not make unwanted colors on teeth. Snus comes in several formats such as large, slim, super slim, and mini. Snus also comes in four levels of strength, with Level 1 being normal and Level 4 known as “ultra-strong.”

Why Is Swedish ‘Snus’ Exploding In Popularity?

Many cigarette smokers have struggled to kick their habit due to the lack of a safer alternative. But in recent years, Swedish snus along with other alternatives such as vaping and e-smoking have helped smokers kick cigarettes to the curb. While snus is not a risk-free product as it contains nicotine and is highly addictive, there are fewer health risks with snus than there are with cigarettes.

It is encouraged to stay away from tobacco products entirely, but snus presents an attractive option for cigarette smokers who have struggled to quit cold turkey. By introducing snus as an alternative, they are put on the right track to better health.

The Future Of ‘Snus’

The more we learn about snus and its effects, the more it is becoming a solid alternative to cigarettes and other smokeless tobacco products. The global snus market size was valued at USD 2.41 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2020 to 2027, according to Grand View Research. Currently, it is the most popular form of tobacco in Norway and is available in Switzerland.

Snus growth will be expedited by its eventual expansion throughout Europe. As of 2021, the sale of snus is illegal in all the European Union countries except for Sweden, Estonia, Hungary, and Denmark.

In the United States, snus is commonly manufactured with significant amounts of sweeteners and therefore is not pure tobacco like Swedish snus. And in Canada, the sale of snus is discouraged through high taxes on snus products. Cigarette companies are investing in snus as smokers shift to smokeless tobacco use.

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