Snus is a moist to semi-moist oral tobacco product that is used by placing it under the upper lip. Snus is packaged in small cans and there is a broad variety on different tastes. While having it under the upper lip, one can enjoy the flavour of snus. It has been popular for decennia in Sweden, but recently the popularity of snus grows in Europe and the United States.

In general, there are two different sorts of snus: Loose snus and portion snus.

• Portion snus is packed in small bags, made from the same material as teabags. Portion snus has the advantage that it is very easy to handle.
• Loose snus is moist powder that can be portioned and packed with the fingertips.

Snus is a traditional Swedish product; therefore most brands of snus are produced in Sweden. Swedish Match is the main producer in Sweden and has a long history in the production of snus.

Ingredients

The three main ingredients of snus are tobacco, water and salt. Depending on the snus, flavours are added to it.

Production

Snus is made of the highest quality tobacco. Usually, a blend of different air-dried tobacco is mixed with water and salt. After that, the blend will get a heat treatment with steam to create the special aroma of snus. Moreover, this treatment will contribute to maintain freshness of the snus over a longer period of time.

How to use snus

Portion snus is easy to use by placing it under the upper lip. The use of loose snus is not complicated either, but the moist powder needs to be portioned and packed with the fingertips. Depending on individual preferences, the snus could be kept under the upper lip for 5 to 30 minutes.

Source: Swedish Match

Keeping your snus fresh

It is advised to keep snus refrigerated. It is benefical for the flavours and your snus will maintain its freshness for several weeks. Especially moist snus should be kept refrigerated. For dry portions snus this is not so important.

Health

The effect of snus on health is an extensively debated subject. Many articles have been published on the health effects of oral tobacco.

In oktober 2008, the final report of the SCENIHR (Standing Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks) was published. The SCENIHR did a scientific investigation on the effects of smoke free products, like snus. The European Commission assigned this investigation. The SCENIHR is one of the independent scientific committees of the European Commission.

The SCENIHR investigated the risk reducing effects of snus. In the report of the SCENIHR it is confirmed that the use of snus is significantly less harmful than the use of cigarettes. Besides it is stated that switching to snus significantly reduces health risks of a smoker.

It should be stated that snus contains nicotine, which is in essence not beneficial to one's health. However, using snus is a less harmful way to get nicotine for a smoker. The website of Swedish Match has more additional information concerning snus and health: http://www.swedishmatch.com/en/Snus-and-health/