In brief

Traditional snus is an oral tobacco product.

Nicotine pouches are usually tobacco-free, but contain nicotine.

Both products are not suitable for non-smokers, minors, pregnant women or breastfeeding women.

Snus is often used as a general term, although not every small pouch product is actually traditional snus. Traditional snus contains tobacco. Modern nicotine pouches, often called All White, usually contain no tobacco but do contain nicotine.

For consumers, this difference matters. It is not only about flavour or format, but also about ingredients, nicotine strength, use, possible risks and the legal framework. Snus and nicotine pouches are not food supplements and not harmless lifestyle products.

Snus is a traditional oral tobacco product strongly associated with Sweden. Classic snus is made from ground tobacco, water, salt and other ingredients. It is not smoked, but placed in the mouth.

The typical use is under the upper lip. There, snus releases nicotine through the oral mucosa. The pouch is removed after use and should not be swallowed.

Nicotine pouches are small portion pouches that usually contain no tobacco. They typically contain nicotine, fillers, flavourings and other auxiliary substances. Many of these products are white, which is why they are often called All White.

Nicotine pouches are also placed under the lip. They are smoke-free and vapour-free, but not nicotine-free. The important point is: “tobacco-free” does not automatically mean “risk-free”.

A pouch is taken from the can and placed under the upper lip. It remains there for a certain time depending on the product and personal tolerance. During use, nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa.

The pouch should not be chewed, opened or swallowed. After use, it should be disposed of correctly. Many cans include a small compartment in the lid until a bin is available.

Snus has a long tradition in Sweden. While oral tobacco remained a niche product in many European countries, snus became an established product in Sweden. This is why snus is still strongly linked to Sweden today.

In the EU, traditional snus is generally banned outside Sweden. Sweden has an exemption. Switzerland is not part of the EU and has its own rules for tobacco and nicotine products.

In Switzerland, snus and nicotine pouches belong to the broader area of oral tobacco or nicotine products. Under the current Tobacco Products Act, tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related products are regulated more closely together. This includes youth protection, warnings, product requirements and advertising rules.

For adult consumers, this means using reliable sources, reading product information, taking nicotine strength seriously and storing products safely. These products are not suitable for minors.

No. Products containing nicotine are not healthy and can cause dependence. Tobacco snus is a tobacco product. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches may contain no tobacco, but they still contain nicotine. Nicotine can affect dependence, blood pressure and the cardiovascular system.

There is no useful reason for non-smokers to start using snus or nicotine pouches. Young people, pregnant women and breastfeeding women should not use them.