If you want to quit smoking and are looking for a product that will help you achieve this goal, two options available to you are snus and nicotine pouches. Even though both products are smoke-free, there are some notable differences between the two. This snus vs. nicotine pouches guide serves as an in-depth exploration of these products and the advantages they offer to anyone who’s trying to stop smoking.

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

A nicotine pouch is a type of tobacco-free and smoke-free product that allows you to continue obtaining nicotine without needing to use cigarettes. These pouches are designed to provide nicotine via the gums. Every pouch comes with a combination of flavorings, nicotine extract, and other fillers. The flavors you have access to include everything from peppermint and menthol to various fruits. 

When you place a pouch in your mouth, it will be hidden, which means that you can use it in any location. Even when you’re on a flight or in the office, you can keep a nicotine pouch in your mouth with ease. While nicotine pouches are available in numerous size options, they are all designed to fit comfortably between your upper lip and your gums. Nicotine is released for around 30-60 minutes, after which your cravings should dissipate.

What Is Snus?

Snus is a product that’s been around since the 18th century. It’s a powdered pouch that contains tobacco. Most snus pouches contain water, sodium carbonate, and tobacco leaves. They can also come with flavors that include everything from menthol to mint. 

Are Nicotine Pouches Snus?

Nicotine pouches and snus share similarities in form, packaged in cans with 15-25 pouches each. Yet, their distinctions are notable. Snus pouches typically boast a darker hue compared to nicotine variants. In composition, snus contains tobacco, while nicotine pouches offer tobacco-free alternatives, catering to diverse preferences and health considerations.

What Is the Difference Between Snus vs Nicotine Pouches?

The primary difference between nicotine pouches and snus is that the latter contains tobacco. Since nicotine pouches are made with a synthetic version of the chemical, they don’t even have traces of tobacco, which means that they should be better for your health. When you use snus pouches, you may experience bad breath and stained teeth. 

If you’re trying to quit smoking, both products are classified as smokeless, which means that they can be effective at helping you move away from cigarettes. However, there are some other differences that should make it easier for you to determine which product is right for you.

Nicotine pouches usually release nicotine quicker than snus. These pouches come with a high pH level as well as elevated moisture content. Both of these factors allow for a quicker release of nicotine. While saliva helps speed up the release of the nicotine, pouches don’t require it. 

While snus flavors may pack a punch with their stronger intensity, they’re crafted with a simple blend of water, tobacco, and salt, enhancing their taste profile. In contrast, nicotine pouches, while offering varied flavor options, omit salt from their composition, providing a different sensory experience for users seeking alternative nicotine consumption methods.

When you use snus, a pouch should release nicotine in a more sustained and gradual manner, which means that the effects will last longer than nicotine pouches. However, nicotine pouches deliver a fresher taste. When you’re trying to quit smoking, it’s best to avoid tobacco. Even if you like the flavor of tobacco, it’s often overbearing and can leave a bad aftertaste. In comparison, nicotine pouches provide a cleaner taste. These pouches don’t stain your teeth or produce drip. Many people use nicotine pouches after brushing their teeth because of the mint sensation they provide.

Snus vs. Nicotine Pouches Flavor and Strength Options

While snus can have a stronger taste, nicotine pouches offer a wider variety of strength and flavor options. For example, the strengths of nicotine pouches range from 4mg-50mg. Even though snus is a nicotine product, it’s mainly designed to provide users with tobacco, which is why it doesn’t have as much variety. Tobacco also has a strong and distinct flavor. In comparison, the nicotine taste is lighter, which means that flavors need to be added to the pouches to keep customers interested. 

Nicotine Pouches vs. Snus Health Effects

Likely the most significant difference between nicotine and snus involves the health effects. Even though nicotine is addictive, it’s not dangerous for the body. According to the World Health Organization, nicotine doesn’t cause cancer. The minor side effects that occur when you use nicotine pouches include an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure. These symptoms develop when the nicotine enters your bloodstream. However, you’ll be able to avoid the dangerous effects of smoking and tobacco completely. You can read our article about benefits of switching to nicotine pouches.

While snus is healthier than smoking cigarettes, there are still numerous health risks associated with it, and some can be potentially serious. For example, you may be at an increased risk of developing cancer if you use snus. The types of cancer that snus products are directly linked to include the following:

  • Oral cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Lung cancer

While snus doesn’t contain as many potential carcinogens as smoking, tobacco is comprised of numerous chemicals that can cause cancer. Using snus also puts you at a higher risk of experiencing a myocardial infarction, which is a heart attack. 

Just like smoking, snus usage is a risk factor for diabetes. If you want to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it’s safer to switch to nicotine pouches. Some of the oral health problems that can occur when using snus include the following:

  • Oral mucosal lesions
  • Tooth loss
  • Cavities
  • Gingival disease

Gingival disease is particularly concerning. It’s an early phase of gum disease that can become periodontitis if it’s left untreated. This condition can damage the tissues surrounding your jawbone and teeth. 

Oral mucosal lesions involve swelling along the outer lining of your gums, lips, or mouth. You might also encounter pregnancy complications if you use snus. The complications are similar to those of smoking. Exposure to snus during pregnancy can lead to:

  • Preterm birth
  • Oral cleft malformation
  • Neonatal apnea
  • Stillbirth

Nicotine pouches, although still under research scrutiny, show promising signs as a smoke cessation aid, with no apparent links to oral health complications or adverse effects during pregnancy. Continued studies aim to provide comprehensive insights into their safety profile, bolstering their potential as a viable option for nicotine dependency management.

Snus vs. Nicotine Pouch Shelf-life

There’s a major difference in the shelf-life between snus and nicotine pouches. In most cases, nicotine pouches last longer than snus. Once you buy nicotine pouches, they should last for up to a year before you need to dispose of them. Snus, however, is a perishable item. Since snus contains tobacco, it needs to be refrigerated if you want it to last a long time. If refrigerated, snus pouches can last for around 20-30 weeks. Below are some more details about expiration timelines for snus and nicotine pouches.

When storing Zyn nicotine pouches, keep in mind that:

  • Pouches last for up to a year after production
  • No refrigeration is required
  • Pouches can last longer when placed in the freezer

As for snus, the storage recommendations depend on the form that the product comes in:

  • Refrigeration is required
  • Loose snus can last for around 14 weeks
  • Portion snus lasts for up to 20 weeks
  • Dry snus portions remain fresh for up to 30 weeks
  • The expiration date can be extended to a year if you place snus in your freezer

Swedish Snus vs Nicotine Pouches: Which to Choose?

Nicotine pouches and snus allow you to stop smoking tobacco yet still receive nicotine discreetly. The product you choose depends on the reasons why you want to stop smoking. If you prefer snus, there are several types you can choose from, which include white portion and loose versions. 

White portion snus doesn’t drip as much as standard portions. It also provides a natural tobacco taste. In comparison, you can choose your own portions when using loose snus. However, snus hasn’t proven that it’s effective at helping people quit smoking. The product still provides you with tobacco, which means that your body can be damaged by the many chemicals that this substance contains. 

As for nicotine, it’s the latest and most effective way to stop smoking. When you place a nicotine pouch between your upper lip and your gums, you can be confident that you’re not using an unhealthy product. While tobacco isn’t as unhealthy as the act of smoking, it comes with carcinogens and other hazardous chemicals that aren’t found in nicotine pouches. 

If you choose nicotine pouches, you’ll have numerous flavor variations to choose from, which include coffee, menthol, spearmint, and citrus. The pouches are also small enough to fit perfectly behind your upper lip, which means that you shouldn’t experience any discomfort while using them. These pouches are thin, narrow, and usually weigh less than 0.75 grams.

Summary

When you compare snus vs. nicotine pouches, it’s clear that pouches offer a healthier and more beneficial alternative to smoking. Nicotine pouches provide all the same advantages of snus without any of the downsides. You’ll be able to avoid tobacco while still getting the nicotine kick you crave. 

For a wide selection of nicotine pouches, explore Nicobolt’s store, offering top brands like Zyn, Rogue, and FRE. Known for their higher moisture content and potent effects, these pouches cater to discerning users seeking a stronger kick and varied flavor options, ensuring a satisfying experience with every use.