WHAT IS SNUS AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

24. april 2026

 

A GUIDE TO SNUS, VELO AND OTHER SMOKELESS TOBACCO

 

What is snus?

Snus is a traditional oral tobacco product commonly used in the Nordics and the USA, originally from Sweden. Pronounced ‘snoose’, it contains tobacco and comes in pouches. Snus users place the product under the upper lip and nicotine is released into the saliva.

 

What is Snus made of?

Snus contains ground tobacco, water, salt, and sodium carbonate, with additional flavouring and moisture-preserving agents. The Snus are sometimes wrapped in a cellulose pouch.

 

Types of Snus

Snus is a type of moist tobacco from Sweden. Snus comes in various forms including pre-moulded portions, prepacked pouches and as a loose powder that the user forms into portions.

 

Portioned Snus

Portioned snus is fine tobacco powder that has been pre-portioned and pre-packaged, usually wrapped in a cellulose pouch.

 

Loose Snus

Loose snus is also fine tobacco powder that comes as a loose powder, not as pre-packaged portions.

 

History of Snus

Snus is a traditional smokeless tobacco product that has been available in Sweden for 200 years. The popularity waned when cigarettes became available, then Snus enjoyed a resurgence in Sweden in the 1970s. 

 

Snus Vs Other Smoking Alternatives

Here we will compare snus to traditional cigarettes and other nicotine alternatives, such as nicotine pouches.

 

Snus Vs Nicotine Pouches

The main difference between nicotine pouches and snus is that snus pouches contain nicotine and tobacco, while nicotine pouches are tobacco-free*. Another big difference between snus and nicotine pouches is flavour. Snus contains tobacco, so tobacco is the main flavour profile. Mint and menthol snus is available, which can help mask the taste. VELO pouches are tobacco-free*, and come in minty or fruity flavours.

 

Snus Vs Cigarettes

The main difference between snus and cigarettes is that snus involves no combustion like traditional cigarettes. Smoke-free alternatives, such as Snus and other oral products, do not burn tobacco. Snus and most other oral smokeless products do contain nicotine, which is addictive and is not risk-free.

 

Is Snus Legal in the UK?

Snus is not legal in the UK. In fact, it is illegal to sell snus in all European Union countries except for Sweden, where snus has a longstanding tradition. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, so far this legislation has not changed.

 

What are the effects of Snus?

Snus is associated with several health effects, including increased risks of oral and pancreatic cancers, cardiovascular disease, and potential reproductive issues. Snus is not without risks and should not be considered healthy. As snus contains nicotine, you can expect to experience all the effects of nicotine. It's also important to note that snus can be addictive due to its nicotine content. Snus users are very likely to become reliant on using snus.

 

What happens if you swallow Snus?

Here we will explore what happens if you swallow snus and the effects on the digestive system. Swallowing snus can lead to nicotine absorption through the digestive system, potentially causing mild to moderate symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or upset stomach. However, nicotine absorption is less effective when swallowed than held under upper lip.

 

What is Snuff?

Snuff is a finely ground dried tobacco product that comes in two forms: dried and moist. Dried snuff is inhaled into the nasal cavity, whilst moist snuff is placed between your lower lip and gum. Snuff also contains nicotine which is absorbed through the lining of your nose or mouth.

 

Is Snuff legal?

Unlike snus, snuff is legal in the UK. It is also exempt from the Tobacco Products Duty. This is a tax charged on sales of many tobacco products.

 

What is chewing tobacco?

Chewing tobacco is a smokeless tobacco made from cured tobacco leaves and is legal to buy and sell in the UK. It comes in many forms including leaves, pellets, plugs, and twists. You will also find flavoured and sweetened varieties. Users place the chewing tobacco between the inner cheek and gums and suck on the tobacco juices produced by the saliva and tobacco infusing together.

 

What are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are a modern oral nicotine product, that are smokeless and often tobacco-free. They usually contains nicotine extracted from tobacco. Some use synthetic nicotine.

 

What is VELO?

VELO are small pouches containing nicotine and high-quality ingredients, like water, plant-based materials, flavourings and sweeteners. VELO nicotine pouches come in different strengths and flavours and can be used anytime, anywhere. You simply tuck the VELO pouch between your upper lip and gum. VELO is a convenient option for adults looking for a way to experience nicotine product on the go, with no smoke*, no tobacco and 99% less toxicants**.

 

Snus Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I buy snus in the UK?

No, it is now illegal to buy Snus in the UK.

 

How does snus work?

Snus users place the product under the upper lip and nicotine is released into the saliva.

 

How long does snus last?

You can keep Snus in your mouth for approximately 30 minutes.

 

How long do the pouches last?

Most nicotine pouches last for one year from the date they’re manufactured (once opened). VELO cans have a manufacture date printed on the bottom, so double-check before tucking a pouch you’ve had for a while. Snus contains more moisture than nicotine pouches, so its shelf life is shorter.

 

How much nicotine is in snus?

Snus products contain varying amounts of nicotine depending on the brand and strength. Generally, snus range from low to strong nicotine levels, but you can also try extra-strength nicotine snus.

 

Browse nicotine pouches

 

 

*VELO nicotine pouches contain no tobacco and do not produce smoke or vapour when used. They generate less odour, no smoke and no ash. This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance. 

**This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance. Less toxicants refers to the 99% less toxicants calculated from a comparison of smoke from a scientific standard reference cigarette (approximately 9 mg tar) and components released during use of a VELO pouch, in terms of the average of the 9 harmful components the World Health Organisation recommends to reduce in cigarette smoke.

 

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