Storing snus in the fridge: the right way to extend its shelf life

Snus is a tobacco product that originally comes from Scandinavia and has a long history there. Since the sale of snus was legalized in Switzerland in 2019 and snus is now more widespread in Sweden than cigarettes, snus is also being consumed more frequently in other European countries.

For this reason, we want to explain in our article how you can extend the shelf life of snus and why it is important to store snus in the refrigerator. Additionally, we will give you some tips on how to properly store large quantities of snus and what difference the moisture content makes.

What is in Snus?

The ingredients are subject to food law in Sweden and are therefore strictly controlled. Traditionally, snus is made from tobacco, salt, flavorings, and water. The tobacco comes from the tobacco plant and, unlike chewing tobacco, it is used in ground form and not cut in snus. Since tobacco naturally contains nicotine, snus is a nicotine-containing product.

The snus varieties are divided into three categories: loose snus, portioned snus, and tobacco-free snus (so-called "All White Snus" or "Nicotine Pouches"). The oldest variety, Ettan OP, is still sold in the loose variant today. You can also choose between moist and dry portions when purchasing. The original portion is moist tobacco, the white portion has a dry surface but a moist content, and the white dry portion is completely dry.

How to Store Snus Properly?

To extend the shelf life, snus should be stored in the refrigerator. The temperature should be between 4 to 8 degrees. Since snus is a moist product, it should be stored cool to prevent it from drying out.

If you want to store snus outside the refrigerator, make sure it is kept in a cool place. Snus should not be exposed to direct sunlight or too much heat as it negatively affects the shelf life. In the refrigerator, loose snus can typically be stored for up to 14 weeks.

Why Should You Store Snus in the Refrigerator?

Snus cannot mold due to the use of salt, but the moisture level can affect the snus application. When snus is placed under the upper lip, the effect unfolds through saliva. If the product is already dried out, the taste and consistency may change. Additionally, the aroma loses its strength over time and may not be perceived as well.

How Can You Extend the Shelf Life?

Storing snus in the refrigerator is one way to extend its shelf life. Additionally, many snusers place the product in plastic bags that can be sealed airtight. If you buy a lot of snus at once, you can even freeze it. Before using it, you should place the product in the refrigerator for one to two days and let it thaw.

Why Does Snus Have an Expiration Date?

Since snus, like fruits and vegetables, is subject to Swedish food law, all ingredients must be listed, and products sold in Sweden must have an expiration date. The limited shelf life is not only due to the moisture content of the product but also to the salt ingredient, which can crystallize if stored too warmly. In Switzerland, tobacco products are not legally required to have an expiration date, so most suppliers do not include one. Since we receive fresh deliveries from Sweden weekly, we ensure that you always receive fresh and not dried-out products from us. If you are ever not satisfied with our quality, do not hesitate to contact us!

How Long Does Snus Last?

The shelf life is naturally influenced by the climate in which snus is stored. Additionally, the snus format also plays a role. Since loose snus is moister than the other variants, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 weeks. The original portion can be stored for up to 20 weeks. For the white dry portion and all white portion, it is about 50 weeks since they are already somewhat drier from the start and therefore last longer.