Proper snusing: application tips for snus beginners

Snus refers to a tobacco product intended for oral use and differs in ingredients and application from chewing and snuff tobacco. In its country of origin, Sweden, snus is now more popular than cigarettes, and with the legalization of its sale in Switzerland, it is becoming increasingly popular in other European countries, with the number of users rising.

Of course, the best option would be if you never want to start using nicotine at all. But if you want to switch from smoking to snus, for example, there are a few tips to keep in mind for the first use. Since it is a product containing nicotine, it should not be used carelessly. Therefore, we want to introduce you to some steps for proper snusing and explain what you should consider when using snus and which products are suitable for first-time use.

What is Snusing?

Snus has existed for decades and is still traditionally made from ground tobacco, salt, water, and various flavors. Originally, the product was sold loose in metal tins, and to this day, one of the oldest snus brands, Ettan, still produces its products this way.

For easier use, snus was later packaged in cellulose pouches. Initially, portioned snus was only available as Original Portion, which is moist. Later, drier variants called White Portion and White Dry Portion came onto the market, before the practical nicotine pouches under the brand EPOK were introduced in 2016. These nicotine pouches have even replaced tobacco with cellulose as the filler, so these white snus products contain no tobacco and have a reduced risk of harm.

Starting Snusing: Which Type is Best?

The snus strength depends on various factors, including, of course, the nicotine content. If you are switching from cigarettes to snus, you should choose a brand that is not too strong, as the nicotine content can sometimes be higher than in cigarettes.

You can find out the nicotine content either on the tin or online. Snus varieties are classified with different strength scales depending on the manufacturer, which makes comparison difficult – that’s why we have introduced an objective strength scale for each product on www.snushus.ch, allowing you to compare different brands. There are a few other factors to consider besides pure nicotine content: the wetter a snus is and the higher its pH value, the more nicotine is absorbed by the body. We therefore recommend paying attention to the comparative strength information on the product pages of our website.

Using Snus: How Do I Use Snus Best?

If you want to try snus for the first time, you first need to decide between loose and portioned snus. Since the sale of snus is legal in Switzerland, you can order the most popular snus products on our website and have them delivered reliably.

Unlike snuff tobacco, snus does not need to be shaken before use, so you can simply take a pouch of snus from the tin or portion the loose snus with your fingertips. Then you can place the snus under one side of your upper lip. Since snus increases saliva flow, you can dry your upper lip a bit before use.

Compared to chewing tobacco, snus is not chewed and is not immediately spat out. Most snusers keep the product in their mouth for about 20 minutes up to an hour. The effect of nicotine starts after just a few minutes. If you have chosen a moist variety, a juice from the tobacco will form in your mouth. This should not be swallowed but spat out. The White Dry Portion drips less and is often preferred by snusers.

How Much Can I Snus?

When you want to stop snusing depends entirely on your preferences. The product will lose its flavor after about half an hour to an hour and should then be disposed of. As with cigarettes, there is no exact upper limit for snusing, but you should enjoy the product in moderation. If you want to reduce your snus consumption, nicotine-free options like the CBD snus from edel can also help.

Since snus contains nicotine, it can be addictive and comes with health risks. One of the most common snus-related issues is irritation of the gums and discoloration of the teeth. If you notice burning in your mouth or gum recession, you should reduce your consumption or choose less strong varieties. If you need help quitting snus, you are welcome to contact us via the contact form.