Does snus have health consequences or is it a healthy alternative to smoking?

In Sweden, snus is now more popular than cigarettes, and consumption is steadily increasing in other countries as well. Snus is often described as a less harmful alternative to smoking, and many former smokers use it as a cigarette substitute. But how dangerous is snus really, and what health consequences does its use bring?

We want to show you the negative effects and explain exactly what snus contains and how it should be used. Additionally, we will introduce you to some snus products that are actually suitable as an alternative to cigarettes.

What is in snus?

Snus traditionally consists of water, salt, flavorings, and tobacco. The tobacco is finely ground leaves that are either loose or packed in paper pouches (portion snus). The nicotine content of snus varies depending on the product; there are even snus brands that completely avoid tobacco. The tobacco-free pouches with nicotine are called All White Portions and are considered even less harmful to health than tobacco snus due to the complete elimination of tobacco. Since most products contain nicotine, they are by definition addictive substances.

In smokeless tobacco products, 28 carcinogenic substances have been detected, while cigarettes contain more than 60 carcinogens. North American snus also contains nitrosamines, a chemical compound that can cause cancer in high concentrations. However, Swedish snus does not contain nitrosamines because its production is regulated by the food authority, and these substances are prohibited. Perhaps for this reason, no scientific links between Swedish snus and cancer have yet been established.

Since the product is placed under the upper lip during use, snus is often associated with negative effects on oral hygiene and oral health, especially since every snus user experiences some gum irritation. When the product is moistened in the mouth, nicotine enters the bloodstream and exerts its effect there.

Snus and oral health

A study by the University of Bern examined the effects of snus on oral hygiene in more detail. The most common diseases include leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma. Leukoplakia refers to a white discoloration of the oral mucosa that can, in extreme cases, develop into cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant skin tumor. Since North American snus, as mentioned, can contain nitrosamines, there could be a connection between oral cancer and North American snus. However, at this time, there is no statistically comprehensive study proving this connection—nor for Swedish snus.

In the mouth, the use of snus can also lead to periodontal diseases such as periodontitis, gum recession, and cavities. Since the snus pouches have direct contact with the teeth and gums, the teeth can become stained by snus. Some first-time snus users report that their gums burned after using snus. With years of use, the gums can become inflamed and recede. Proper oral hygiene should therefore be given great importance.

Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

Among users who use snus daily, higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels have been observed. However, this effect of snus was not permanent and returned to normal when the participants stopped using snus. There is not yet enough data on the long-term effects—however, Swedish health statistics speak for themselves: the world’s lowest lung cancer rate and, compared to other nations, no increased rates of oral cancer.

How does snus compare to cigarettes?

Both cigarettes and snus contain nicotine. Nicotine is addictive in any case and can cause health damage. Since no combustion process occurs with snus, fewer harmful substances are released than with cigarettes. The potential for harm is therefore lower with snus, but this does not mean that consumption is completely harmless. Snus, like other indulgences, should only be used in moderation. Furthermore, using snus eliminates the risk of passive smoking.

Since snus pouches are made from cellulose, they are biodegradable. For the environment, snus is definitely more favorable than smoking.

Those planning to quit smoking can try snus products without nicotine or tobacco. The All White Pouches contain no tobacco and do not stain teeth. Well-known brands include edel, VELO, and White Fox. The completely nicotine-free product comes from the brand edel. Edel Weiss CBD Mint contains neither nicotine nor tobacco and is an excellent cigarette substitute.