Types of snus: how to choose the right brand!

Snus was traditionally divided into only two categories: loose snus and portion snus. However, nowadays there are many more varieties on the market; besides the Original Portion, there are White Portions, White Dry Portions, and even snus products that are completely free of tobacco or nicotine.

As the popularity of snus continues to grow, the production of oral tobacco is also evolving. In this article, we want to introduce you to the different types of snus and reveal which snus varieties are best suited for beginners and experienced snusers.

Development from Loose Snus to Portion Snus

As early as the 16th century, people in Sweden began placing tobacco leaves mixed with salt and water under their upper lip to enjoy the flavor. In the 19th century, the consumption of snus changed, and instead of tobacco leaves, ground tobacco was used. Initially, tobacco plantation farmers started making their own snus using coffee grinders or homemade mills.

From 1800 to 1900, more and more manufacturers began producing moist snus, and the commercial distribution of loose snus increased. One of the oldest and most well-known snus brands is Ettan Snus, which was taken over in 1822 by Jacob Fredrik Ljunglöf and made by him into one of the leading brands in Europe.

Due to the rising popularity of cigarettes after World War II, snus production suffered a setback, but snus regained its popularity in the late 1960s when cigarettes were linked to health risks. During the 1970s, snus was packaged and sold in portion pouches for the first time. This simplified consumption and spread the use of the product.

Difference Between Loose Snus, Original Portion, White Portion, and White Dry Portion

Loose snus is the oldest form of snus and is still available today. The name already makes it clear that this type of snus comes without any packaging material, and the portions must be shaped by the user during application. Loose snus is sold in metal tins, and popular brands include Ettan, Göteborg's Rapé, and General Snus.

In loose snus, the tobacco is moist, and the effect sets in very quickly. This type of snus is best suited for people looking for an intense kick and who want to control the amount themselves.

Original Portion consists of slightly moist pouches with moist tobacco. Because this product drips more than other types, it appears slightly brown. Here, too, the nicotine effect sets in particularly quickly, and the tobacco flavor is strong. One of the most popular Original Portions is Göteborgs Rapé OP.

In White Portion, the pouches are moist, but the contents are dry. The aroma and taste experience last longer here because the product drips less. In White Dry Portion, not only is the pouch dry, but the tobacco inside is dry as well. Thus, the pouches are completely white, and the effect only begins after moistening them.

Size of Snus Portions

Besides the different types of snus, the pouches also come in various sizes. Which size is best for you depends on your personal preferences.

Normal / Regular: Normal is the standard size for snus products. The snus strength varies depending on the manufacturer.

Slim: The Slim size is suitable for people who prefer a discreet size.

Mini: Mini is the smallest size among snus brands. Since less tobacco fits in these pouches, the nicotine strength is lower compared to other products.

Snus Strength Varieties

If you want to categorize snus, you should also consider the snus strength. This depends not only on the nicotine content but also on the pH value in the mouth.

Mild varieties: Contain about 8-9 mg/g nicotine

Strong varieties: Have more than 11 mg/g nicotine

Extremely strong varieties: Over 22 mg/g nicotine

What is the strongest snus?

Extra strong varieties can contain nicotine levels over 40 mg/g. These include, for example, ¡VALE! Iced-Mint Tobacco WDP with 45 mg/g or Siberia Red -80 Degrees WDP with 43 mg/g.

Which Snus Varieties Are Suitable for Beginners?

Beginners should first try mild varieties, as some people react to strong varieties with nausea or dizziness during their first use. Among the mild varieties, the brands edel Snus, Skruf Snus, and VELO Snus are very popular. Snus in portion pouches is better suited for beginners, while loose snus should be consumed by experienced snusers.