Before this, let’s clarify that snus refers to the modern-day version – nicotine pouches. Snus, as we know it today, is actually a tobacco-free product that is available in most countries. The boom period from 2022 onwards has caused many retailers to adopt the product on shelves nationally and internationally. Online stores, however, have stocked these products for many years before. As the new kid hits the shelves, social eruptions have occurred about whether Snus is “the new vape.” In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of both: the ultimate snus vs vaping comparison.
What is the Difference between Snus & Nicotine Pouches
Snus has been around for many years. It is thought that snus originated in Sweden. The reality is that Sweden successfully adopted snus into its culture long before the EU and the UK. Today, Sweden continues selling snus products in many stores and online. For some of us, visiting Sweden on a snus tour is like returning to the motherland. The Swedes are snus connoisseurs and have taken a dim view publicly about the newly formed nicotine pouches.
Traditional snus is a tobacco-based product, and purists argue it is the only real snus. Due to the similarities in snus, most people refer to nicotine pouches as snus. Both products contain nicotine and are placed between the upper lip and gum. The fundamental difference between the two is that traditional snus contain tobacco, and nicotine pouches do not. Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, water, plant-based fillers, and flavourings. Due to the complexities in ingredients, there are many more flavours and strengths available in these manufactured versions. The other big difference is that traditional snus is only legal in Sweden and a handful of different countries.
Snus vs Vaping: How does Snus compare
We will refer to nicotine pouches as snus – that is how we all know them.
We have received many questions across our social media and online forms about using snus to quit vaping. While each individual case is different, the line of questioning is also very similar. We have been asked about the dry throat associated with vaping, the health considerations, or just being tired of over-reliance. An important thing to remember is that both products contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance.
When vapes first started to hit the shelves in the UK some years ago, it was in direct competition with smoking. As such, many smokers were able to transition their habit to vaping, generally seen as a healthier alternative. The tar associated with smoking had long been a topical discussion as a protagonist in lung cancer. We are not doctors, so commenting conclusively without dredging through unsubstantiated waters is challenging. The records, both domestically and internationally, speak for themselves. What may have seemed like a perfect alternative for many who feared the onset of cancer is now, for the first time, being challenged. The UK has stated that there will be a vaping ban in 2025 on disposable vapes. As such, there has been clamour in the market regarding which products may be viable for quitting vaping.
Snus has entered many markets in the past few years and saw significant growth in 2024. Online stores exclusively selling snus share the market with thousands of gas stations and retailers. Snus is cheaper than vapes and has the same collection, if not more, of flavours available. Consuming nicotine without the fear of smoke and vapour affecting the lungs is widely discussed. Snus has silently gone about converting many ex-vapers and stands first in line to be highly sought after the ban.
Popular Brands of Snus vs Vaping Products
With so many brands, it can be difficult for new snus users to find one that suits them. Much like the vaping industry some time ago, there is an explosion of new products. As dust is beginning to settle, some brands have performed well consistently in attracting new consumers. Often, the brands that sit on the shelves of most retailers have some of the lowest retention rates. Marketing budgets have placed products on shelves like Waitrose for brands like Zyn, Velo & Nordic Spirit. When people search for cheaper prices, they find some of the best independent brands that suit their expectations better.
In the vaping industry, brands like Vuse are on the shelves of many retailers. Yet, brands like Lost Mary and Elf Bar have attracted some of the highest consumer sales to date. The convenience store market is a huge driver in nicotine products. As such, they will sell what makes them the most money. Companies like Vuse cater to many larger-scale stores with tight margins and hold convenience stores to ransom. So, naturally, the race begins to find alternative products with better margins that consumers love. Enter the snus market and huge independent brands like Cuba and Killa. These are two of the highest-performing online and convenience store brands. The retention of consumers is much higher than that of Velo, in part due to the quality of the pouches. Taste is a factor, especially for vaping consumers used to rich flavour products. As such, the manufacturing of these premium products is to reflect exactly that, super robust flavours and accurate strength levels.
The Future of Nicotine Products
Finding a product that can deliver on the nicotine level required, alongside life-like flavours is a game changer. Many of our customers, of late, have been astounded by the quality of snus. We have deep insights as we have been part of this industry for a long time and used snus personally. We believe that snus will be the future and will win the battle between snus and vaping. Consumers are currently looking for more discreet nicotine products. Perhaps the days of walking around with your head in the clouds (a familiar sight for most vapers) are ending. There will, of course, be those who enjoy vaping. But, the social taboo is manifesting itself the same way it did against smoking. The more evidence that presents itself from the US on the effects of vaping, the more consumers question the sustainability.
Snus may well be the perfect alternative to vaping for you. If you want to know more about snus then you can reach out to us, or drop us a comment!
