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All about: Snus, snuff, and nicotine pouches

Q: What's the difference between moist (wet) and dry nicotine pouches?

The main difference between the moist and dry nicotine pouches is the moisture level. Both dry and moist nicotine pouches contain nicotine, flavors, and other additives, but moist nicotine pouches have water added as a component in the production process. From a consumer point of view, it comes down to preference, as some adults prefer the moist products while others like the dry ones.

Q: Why do nicotine pouches have different nicotine levels?

Nicotine pouches are not made with tobacco leaves and most use nicotine extracted from tobacco, while some use synthetic nicotine. Nicotine pouches can vary in strength to cater to a user's preference. Their availability might depend on local market regulations. The nicotine in pouches is usually measured in milligrams, often indicated on the packaging. In addition, sometimes manufacturers use a dot system, with one dot representing the lowest nicotine level and four or five dots being the highest level among the range of products available in a brand's portfolio.

There is a wide range of tobacco and nicotine-containing products that are placed in the mouth to release nicotine and flavors. If scientifically substantiated and appropriately regulated, they are a much better alternative to continued smoking.

Nicotine pouches, snus, chewing tobacco, chew bags, tobacco bits, and moist snuff are nicotine-containing products for oral use. Philip Morris International uses the term “oral smokeless products” to describe this range of smoke-free products.

Oral smokeless products differ from inhaled smoke-free alternatives, such as e-vapor products (also known as vapes or e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products (also known as heat-not-burn products), in that they do not use an electronic device and do not produce vapor which is inhaled. They are consumable products that are placed in the mouth, which releases nicotine and flavors.

Due to the variety of products within this category, there is often confusion about the differences between them and how they work. Specific details and best usage for each product can vary, so always read any accompanying information before use. We’ve answered some of the most asked questions below.

1. What’s the difference between snus and nicotine pouches?
2. What’s the difference between snus and snuff?
3. What’s the difference between Swedish and American snus?
4. What’s the difference between nicotine pouches and nicotine gum (oral nicotine replacement therapies)?
5. Is snus safer than smoking?
6. What’s the difference between moist (wet) and dry snuff?
7. What’s the difference between moist (wet) and dry nicotine pouches?
8. Why do nicotine pouches have different nicotine levels?
9. Why do nicotine pouches come in different sizes?
10. Is chewing tobacco the same as snus?
11. What is dip tobacco?
12. Can I swallow my saliva when using snus or nicotine pouches?

What’s the difference between snus and nicotine pouches?

Although snus and nicotine pouches are similar in appearance and are both used in the mouth, there are differences between them.

While snus (rhymes with “moose”) is made from tobacco, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco.

Nicotine pouches usually contain nicotine extracted from tobacco, although some use synthetic nicotine.* This nicotine is combined with fillers—such as natural polymers, cellulose, pH adjusters, stabilizers, and flavors. They are pre-packed in pouches typically made of organic cellulose compounds.

Meanwhile, snus contains a fine tobacco powder usually wrapped in a cellulose pouch. In some markets, it may be available as a loose powder.

With both snus and nicotine pouches, nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream by the oral mucosa.

Generally, manufacturers recommend snus is kept in the fridge or cool, dry places to extend their longevity.

What’s the difference between snus and snuff?

Snus and snuff are both tobacco products but are used in different ways. Whilst snus and moist snuff are for oral use only, dry snuff is traditionally inhaled through the nose.

Snus contains ground tobacco, water, salt, flavoring, and additives. It can come loose, or in pouches, is placed between the gum and cheek or upper lip, and does not require spitting during use.

Snuff is ground tobacco. It comes in a range of textures and moisture levels, such as:

Dry snuff, which is fine-ground tobacco
Moist snuff, which is ground or shredded tobacco (depending on the product). This is also known as “dip” in the U.S. and often requires users to spit out excess saliva generated during use.

Regulations on the use and availability of snus and snuff can vary between markets.

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What’s the difference between Swedish and American snus?

Swedish snus is usually available as either loose tobacco or in a pouch. It’s characterized by a strong tobacco flavor. Meanwhile, American snus usually has less of a tobacco flavor, is not as moist as Swedish snus, and tends to be sweeter.

What’s the difference between nicotine pouches and nicotine gum (oral nicotine replacement therapies)?

Nicotine gum is used by smokers (sometimes on medical prescriptions) to help them control their nicotine cravings while quitting cigarettes. It is a type of chewing gum containing nicotine.

While nicotine gum is widely recognized as a cessation aid, nicotine pouches are not, and should be used by adult nicotine users who would otherwise continue using nicotine products. However, both contain nicotine usually derived from tobacco plants.

Is snus safer than smoking?

The high levels of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke are due to the combustion (burning) of tobacco. However, smoke-free alternatives, such as oral smokeless products, do not burn tobacco.

Snus and most other oral smokeless products do contain nicotine, which is addictive and is not risk-free. However, nicotine is not carcinogenic and is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases.

Snus has been available in Sweden for decades and is the only smoke-free product that is supported by decades of epidemiological data that demonstrates that smokers who switch to snus are at lower risks of developing many smoking- and tobacco-related diseases, making it a better choice for adults than continuing to smoke cigarettes.

The difference between heat-not-burn, e-cigarette, snus, and nicotine pouch

What’s the difference between moist (wet) and dry snuff?

Moist snuff is made of cured and fermented tobacco processed into fine particles and is consumed orally. Dry snuff is fire-cured tobacco processed into a powder, which can be inhaled or put in the mouth. Both may require spitting after use.

What’s the difference between moist (wet) and dry nicotine pouches?

One of the main differences between the moist and dry nicotine pouches is the moisture level.

Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, flavors, and other ingredients at varying concentrations.

From a consumer point of view, it comes down to preference, as some adults prefer the moist products while others like the dry ones.

Why do nicotine pouches have different nicotine levels?

Nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco and most use nicotine extracted from tobacco, while some use synthetic nicotine.*

Nicotine pouches can vary in strength to cater to a user’s preference. Their availability might depend on local market regulations. The nicotine in pouches is usually measured in milligrams (mg) per pouch, often indicated on the packaging. In addition, sometimes manufacturers use a dot system, with one dot usually representing the lowest nicotine level and four or five dots usually being the highest level among the range of products available in a brand’s portfolio. Users should check the package for information on nicotine levels.

*PMI’s smoke-free products use nicotine derived from tobacco, not synthetic nicotine.

Why do nicotine pouches come in different sizes?

Nicotine pouches come in a range of shapes and sizes (e.g., large, mini, and slim) because this provides the consumer with a choice that best suits their personal preference.

00:01:04

Percussion music starts

Title: What is nicotine

Nicotine occurs naturally in tobacco leaves and can be extracted by heating, burning or soaking the plant

Nicotine is addictive but is it not the primary cause of smoking related diseases.

Once inhaled, it is absorbed straight into the bloodstream where it travels through the body and to the brain

Nicotine binds itself to specific receptors and triggers the release of dopamine, which boosts attention but could also cause reward-seeking behavior.

Nicotine has short-term pharmacological effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure.

It can take anywhere between 2 and 18 hours for nicotine to leave the body.

Nicotine should never be taken by adolescents, pregnant women or people with heart conditions

The best choice any smoker can make is to quit cigarettes and nicotine use altogether.

Smoke-free alternatives are only for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking.

They are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive.

Music ends

Is chewing tobacco the same as snus?

No. Chewing tobacco can be loose leaves, plugs (bricks), twists (rope), or bits (pellets). The user places the tobacco between the cheek and gums, then either chews or holds it in place. The residue is usually spat out. The most popular form of chewing tobacco is loose leaf, while plug and twist tobacco can also be smoked in a pipe, as well as chewed. Twist tobacco can also be ground into nasal snuff.

Snus is powdered tobacco, which is placed in the mouth, either loose or in a cellulose pouch. Over time, the oral mucosa absorbs the nicotine. Unlike most chewing tobacco, snus is steam pasteurized and the user does not need to spit, disposing of it simply by removing the pouch when finished.

Chew bags are slightly different from chewing tobacco. Although often compared to Swedish snus in terms of look and taste, chew bags feature larger cuts of tobacco leaf, while snus contains tobacco powder. Chew bags can be either dry or moist.

All chewing tobacco and chew bags contain nicotine, which is addictive and not risk-free. However, science-backed smoke-free products that don’t burn tobacco are a much better choice for adult smokers who would otherwise continue using cigarettes.

What is dip tobacco?

Dip tobacco (also called moist snuff, dipping tobacco, spit tobacco, or tobacco dip) is cured and fermented tobacco leaves and is used orally. This type of smokeless tobacco product can be cut into different textures or can be finely ground. Flavorings, sweeteners, binders, and moisture retainers are usually added to the tobacco. The user places a pinch or “dip” of tobacco in the mouth. After use, the consumer usually spits out the residue.

Can I swallow my saliva when using snus or nicotine pouches?

Unlike chewing or dip tobacco, you don’t have to spit out your saliva when using snus or nicotine pouches, since they are intended to be used under the upper lip, which means that saliva production does not increase.

Once a user has finished with a pouch (whether snus or a nicotine pouch), they should remove and dispose of it in the garbage.

Oral smokeless products: What's the difference?


Product	Method of use	Tobacco is ground to powder	Typically involves spitting?	In pouches?
Snus	Held between upper lips and gums	Yes	No	Most often
Nicotine pouches	Held between upper lip and gums	N/A	No	Always
Moist snuff	Held between lower lip and gums	Depends on product	Yes	Sometimes
Dry snuff	Inhaled	Yes	No	No
Chewing tobacco	Chewed	No	Yes	Sometimes