Portion snus vs. Loose snus

There are countless snus brands, flavors, and nicotine strengths available online. However, there are only two main formats - portion and loose, which have distinct differences. Some snusers stick firmly to using one or the other, and others like to alternate between them. There is also an ongoing debate as to which type of snus is the best. Whilst such discussions are entertaining to veteran users who already have their favorite, it can make knowing which to choose an arduous task for the less experienced. So, in the interest of making format selection as simple as possible for the undecided user, we have put together an unbiased, fact-based guide to loose vs portion snus. Outlined in this article are the origins, differences, benefits, and drawbacks of loose and portion and other essential information. Which has a better flavor? Does one give more of a buzz than the other? Read on to find out and decide which is best for you.

Which Came First?

Snus has been placed in the upper lips of smokeless tobacco users for centuries. What is unbeknown to many snusers is that when it first emerged in Sweden in the 1600s and was named 'snus', there was only one type to exist, which was loose. Portion snus did not get introduced until the mid-1970s, so historically speaking, it is a relatively modern invention.

The Traditional Way vs Modern Way to Snus

Loose snus is seen as the traditional way to snus as it was the first to exist. It consists of ground tobacco in a coarse, medium, or fine grind. Since the product is grounded and thus 'loose', the user must form a portion by hand or use a loose portion tool. Some popular products include Ettan Loose, one of the oldest on the market, and Granit Loose, praised for its medium grind that is easy to mold. Loose snus flavors are most commonly tobacco-centric, but there are some exceptions, such as the whisky-flavored General Mackmyra Loose.

Many people consider Portion snus to be the modern way to snus not just because it was a more recent invention but also because it is easier incorporated into modern life. It is essentially loose snus packaged in material pouches, available in various sizes from mini to large, and different portion formats, including all-white, white, and original. Since the tobacco is pre-portioned, there is no requirement for the user to form it. Some of the fan-favorite brands include Nick and Johnny and Lundgrens. A great thing about portion snus flavors is that there are so many, from classic tobacco to mint, fruits, and even coffee!

Nicotine and Flavor Differences Between Portion and Loose

A clear difference between these two formats lies in their names. Portion snus is portioned, and loose snus is loose. So, apart from the obvious, how else do they differ? Well, the nicotine and flavor experiences, which are affected by the format in multiple ways, as shown below:

Loose snus releases nicotine faster - Since the tobacco does not come in a material pouch, there is no barrier between it and your gum. Therefore, there is no delay in the nicotine release. Also, the tobacco is moist, which further increases the nicotine release speed.
Portion snus nicotine lasts longer - Portion snus varies in moisture. High moisture content results in faster nicotine release, but this is always limited compared to loose because of the material barrier, which prevents direct contact with the contents and your gum. As a result, the release is delayed but lasts for a longer time.
Loose snus flavors are rich and full-bodied - Because of the portionless format, moist tobacco comes into direct contact with your gums, causing salivation and a quick, full flavor release.
Portion snus flavors are more subtle but longer-lasting -The delay in flavor release because of the varying moisture contents and the material barrier between your gums mean that the flavors are more subtle but tasted for longer.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Format

Loose and portion both deliver nicotine, flavor, and aroma satisfyingly and pleasantly. However, their differences do create some benefits and drawbacks, which are handy to know.

As mentioned earlier, the portionless format of loose snus benefits the nicotine and flavor release so that you can feel the buzz quicker than from a portion and taste the full-bodied flavor right away. Also, the need to form your snus means that you can choose the shape and size that suits you, and as a result, also the strength.

A major drawback to loose use is that it is much more difficult to be discreet. Many users fear the dreaded 'mudslide', referring to it breaking in the mouth, which is not an issue with portion snus. Loose snus is also more likely to stain your teeth, which is easy to understand when looking at its color and consistency.

Although many users prefer the taste of loose and the fact that it is traditional, there is far less of a choice of products than portion snus in terms of strength and flavor. Also, with portion snus, you can decide which moisture and color you prefer, which affects the overall experience, instead of only the grind type like loose.

The Take-Home Message

Which format you choose will depend on your preferences. If you are looking for the most traditional, rustic, and flavorsome product and do not mind a smaller choice, loose could be for you. Alternatively, being discreet, having ease of use, and a vast selection of products may be essential to you, in which case, portion would be the way to go. Do not forget, switching between the two is also an option!