The good news is that Snusdirect is very much open for business in New Zealand, and we stock various products that can be legally imported.

In this guide, we’ll run through current New Zealand legislation regarding nicotine products and how to buy some of the leading brands on the market.

Quick Takeaways

• Snus and tobacco-derived nicotine products can be imported into New Zealand for personal use.
• Synthetic nicotine products cannot be imported into New Zealand, unless for therapeutic use.
• Oral nicotine products cannot be distributed in New Zealand, but individuals can import them.
• Snusdirect sells a range of snus and nicotine pouches that can be imported into New Zealand.

Can You Buy Snus in NZ?

The New Zealand government recently released information confirming the legal status of tobacco and nicotine products in the country.

Crucially, snus is a tobacco product. Products that contain tobacco can legally be imported into New Zealand for personal use, so it’s authorized to buy snus online. This isn’t the case for products that use synthetic nicotine — but we’ll get to that shortly.

As well as snus, New Zealanders can also import products like chewing tobacco and nasal snuff.

Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in New Zealand?

Although nicotine pouches and snus both contain nicotine, their legal status can vary. This primarily depends on one factor — whether the product contains synthetic or non-synthetic nicotine (derived from the tobacco plant).

When pouches contain synthetic nicotine (meaning the nicotine is synthetically created in a lab), they cannot be legally imported into New Zealand — whether for distribution or personal use.

The only exception is when the product has been approved for medicinal or therapeutic use.

Fortunately, many of the most popular brands we stock here on Snusdirect do contain tobacco-derived nicotine.

Is ZYN Legal in NZ?

ZYN nicotine pouches use tobacco-derived nicotine, meaning New Zealanders are free to import them for their personal use.

However, bear in mind the Labour Government banned the sale of ZYNs and other nicotine pouches within New Zealand, so they won’t be sold in local stores.

Where Can I Buy ZYN from New Zealand?

Since ZYNs aren’t sold in local shops, buying them online is the easiest way to access them.

There are various online retailers that stock ZYN, including SnusDirect.

It may also be possible to travel with nicotine pouches on a plane and bring them into the country this way. However, it’s always best to check with the airline.

Which Other Nicotine Pouch Brands Are Available in New Zealand?

ZYN is probably the best-known nicotine pouch brand in the world, and there’s little denying that the products taste great. But believe it or not, there are other great brands out there!

Below, we’ve listed some of our best-selling options on Snusdirect.

Nico Nicotine Pouches

Nico nicotine pouches are Scandinavian through and through. They are produced in Scandinavia using traditional Swedish methods with premium Swiss ingredients, and quality is assured throughout the process.

Nico Whip Alpine provides a refreshing, cool taste focused on eucalyptus and contains 8 mg of nicotine.

Meanwhile, Nico Lash Glacier has a more potent peppermint flavor, with notes of menthol. This provides extra intensity, and it also contains more nicotine (12 mg per portion).

On! Nicotine Pouches

On! Nicotine pouches are another popular option. With fun flavors like Tropical Spice and Grapefruit Spritz as well as classics like Coffee and Mint, there’s something for everyone.

They’re made by major tobacco company Altria and come in various formats, including mint and slim.

VELO Nicotine Pouches

VELO might be a little-known brand in New Zealand, but it’s one of the biggest names on the market in Europe. Kiwis might just be missing a trick!

The popularity of VELO nicotine pouches is partly due to the wide range of flavors available, which include:

• Freezing Peppermint
• Purple Grape
• Bright Spearmint
• Tropical Mango

Where Can I Buy Snus in NZ?

Similarly, we sell a range of snus products on Snusdirect from popular brands like General, Göteborgs Rapé, Siberia, and Ettan.

Our selection includes:

• White portions
• Original portions
• Loose snus

As well as offering a very respectable selection, we pride ourselves on providing a convenient and effortless experience with competitive prices. We even have a rewards program that gives loyal customers free products when they build up points.

What if I Don’t Know if a Product Contains Synthetic Nicotine?

The New Zealand government has made it clear that individual consumers are responsible for verifying that a product is legal before they import it.

It says:

“If in doubt about the content of the product, including whether the nicotine content is derived from tobacco or is synthetic, the safest option is to not import, buy or use the product.”

We recommend sticking to the brands we’ve mentioned, but you can also contact us through the chatbot on our site. Our customer service team will respond promptly so you can buy in confidence!

Curious about what exactly that looks like? This article will run through the ingredients nicotine pouches contain, the manufacturing process behind them, and some other tidbits related to their creation.

What are Nicotine Pouches Made Of?

When looking at a nicotine pouch, the white, pillow-like sachet is the first thing that’s visible. These sachets are made of plant-based fibers, which have a soft outer texture that feels comfortable in the mouth and enables the release of nicotine.

But inside the pouches lie a whole host of other ingredients.

Most notably, there’s nicotine.

Then there are the flavorings, which give the products their unique taste. Whether the taste profile in question is a popular flavor like mint or something more unusual, flavorings usually take the form of e-numbered food-grade flavors or sweeteners like xylitol.

Additional ingredients in nicotine pouches include:

• Stabilizers. Enhance flavor, maintain the right consistency and moisture, and act as a binding agent (e.g., vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol).
• Fillers and texturizers. Impact nicotine release and the pouch mouthfeel (e.g., gum and cellulose).
• pH modifiers. Ensure the nicotine is released as desired (e.g., sodium carbonate or bicarbonate)

How Are Nicotine Pouches Made?

The manufacturing behind nicotine pouches is an automated process carried out in factories using state-of-the-art technology.

Advanced equipment used includes filling machines, packaging lines, and mixers, which are designed to handle large volumes while maintaining precision.

Most manufacturers aren’t willing to reveal the secrets behind their nicotine pouch manufacturing processes (and they probably wouldn’t be particularly thrilling to the average person anyway).

But below, we’ve outlined the basic processes involved in nicotine pouch production.

1. Nicotine Extraction and Purification

To keep nicotine pouches tobacco-free, manufacturers must isolate the nicotine from tobacco. There are two ways to achieve this:

• Extracted nicotine from tobacco plants by isolating the nicotine from the leaves through solvent extraction.
• Making synthetic nicotine in a lab using molecular technology by rearranging molecules to mimic tobacco leaves.

This nicotine then undergoes a purification process to eliminate impurities and ensure premium standards.

2. Blending of Ingredients

Next, the nicotine is transformed into a powder. It’s then blended with the other ingredients outlined above, such as sweeteners and stabilizers.

Manufacturers then place everything into white permeable sachets, therefore combining all ingredients.

3. Quality Inspection

The two steps outlined above explain the basic production process behind nicotine pouches.

However, most manufacturers take their commitment to quality seriously, so they include a quality inspection phase in their production. This extra step ensures the pouches have the correct amount of nicotine and ingredients composition, and that no harmful contaminants are present.

4. Packaging

Finally, the pouches are sealed and placed into their packaging.

Manufacturers may use vacuum sealing, oxygen-absorbing packets, nitrogen flushing, or desiccants to help with this.

Packaging and labeling processes are both automated. But there’s still plenty of thought put into these steps!

Recently, biodegradable and sustainable packaging has been on the rise. Plus, manufacturers also choose eye-catching designs and convenient packaging (such as the option to store pouches in the lid).

5. Storage

Once the nicotine pouches are made, they are placed in cool, dry storage to maintain their freshness. This delays nicotine pouch expiration and ensures they’re delivered to customers in the best condition possible.

Do all Manufacturers Follow the Same Production Process?

There are many nicotine pouch manufacturers on the market, from Swedish Match to General Tobacco.

These companies all follow roughly the same process, but there are subtle differences. For instance, the choice between synthetic nicotine and tobacco-derived nicotine, or the selection of factory equipment.

Then there are firms pioneering unique nicotine pouch technology. One example is VOLT nicotine pouches, which use pearls technology (small balls of fibrous fillers that create a steady release of nicotine lasting up to an hour). This results in further differences in manufacturing processes.

Where are Nicotine Pouches Made?

The history of nicotine pouches goes back to Sweden, where they were introduced as a tobacco-free alternative to snus. ZYN from Swedish Match was the first major brand to emerge, but many more followed.

Nicotine pouches are now manufactured across the world, from Danish company The Ministry of Snus to Estonian brand NOIS. There are also nicotine pouch factories in the US and Asia.

Different countries may have different health and safety regulations.

Nicotine Pouches vs Snus Manufacturing

Despite myths about snus and nicotine pouches, the two products are very different.

Unlike nicotine pouches, snus contains tobacco — and this crucial difference results in a distinct manufacturing process.

Instead of deriving nicotine from plants or the lab, snus production involves fermenting, drying, and grinding tobacco.

1. Minimal Information Needed - A Simple Sign-Up

To make things easy and quick, minimal information is required to make an account with us. All there is to do is click on the login symbol at the top of the Snusdirect website and enter the information below.

• First and Last Name
• Email Address
• Age for verification - you must be 18 years or older
• Password

This account doesn’t cost money, so card details aren’t needed and no address is required either, making this a seamless process.

2. Exclusive Offers and Discounts

Nicotine pouches are always better when cheaper, and Snusdirect has many offers on selected products. Those with an account are notified when certain product offers are available, so customers never miss them. To make things even cheaper, buy a roll of nicotine pouches instead of a can and receive further price reductions by buying in bulk.

3. Stay in the Loop With Blog Releases

The Snusdirect blog is something we spend a lot of time on as we don’t only want to sell nicotine pouches and snus, but educate about them too. Here, vast amounts of information are stored covering many topics, from flavors to specific brands, and comparing a range of products. Our blog is split into categories including:

• Expert Reviews
• Guides
• Snus News
• Brands & Products
• Science & Research
• Comparisons
• Flavors

As you can see, there are plenty of categories and variations within each. Our team of experts creates this plethora of information so specific questions regarding snus and nicotine pouches can be answered. For those with a Snusdirect account, an email is sent to notify them when a new blog post is released, keeping them up to-date and informed.

4. Get Notified When New Products Are Released

Different snus and nicotine pouches are constantly being released each quarter and keeping up with all the new releases can be rather difficult. However, those with a Snusdirect account receive a notification whenever a new product is released, keeping them up to date with the advancements and additions to the market.

5. Fast and Convenient Checkouts

When placing an order on Snusdirect, if logged into an account, the delivery and payment details are saved, making the next order far more convenient and faster than it already was. Having an account with us makes the shopping experience far more enjoyable.

Moreover, a reorder button is also available for those who want the same product they bought from us before, making the shopping experience effortless.

6. Receive Personalized Discount Codes

Personalized discount codes aren’t available freely on the website, they are only sent directly. So those who unsubscribe from our mailing list won’t receive these discounts. In turn, stay subscribed once you’ve made a Snusdirect account. There are further discounted products on the Special Offers page on our website if the budget for snus and nicotine pouches is a little tight.

7. Get the Chance to Earn Reward Points

Those with an account at Snusdirect receive points with every purchase and when a certain number of points are collected, the option to receive a gift from us is available as a thank-you for your custom. Two milestones earn gifts:

1. 50 points - a can of snus, nicotine pouches, or sweets
2. 100 points - a whole roll of snus or nicotine pouches can be selected

In terms of receiving points, a can of snus or nicotine pouches gives 1 point, and buying a roll gets 10. Follow the link for more information on the Snusdirect rewards. Remember, don’t forget to log in as points can’t be added retrospectively!

Be Part of One of the Leading Snus and Nicotine Pouch E-Stores

Above are the reasons why many should consider registering an account with Snusdirect. Not just to earn discounts and loyalty points, but to learn about many aspects of the products purchased from us. Moreover, it can be canceled whenever you wish, there’s no sign-up fee, and you can unregister from emails at any time - there’s nothing to lose.

An Introduction to Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches are a tobacco and smoke-free product used across the globe, especially in Scandinavia and the US. There are many types of nicopods available through different brands, flavors, strengths, and portion sizes, allowing those with differing preferences to enjoy this nicotine product.

In Australia, two nicotine pouch brands receive the majority of custom, VELO and ZYN, due to their exciting flavor profiles, premium nicotine sensations, and plush formats. Also, they are manufactured by experienced companies, enabling trust between the consumer and the product.

Are Nicotine Pouches Legal in Australia?

Nicotine pouch legality changes between countries. In some countries, they are legal but in others, they are banned, like in Belgium. In the countries where the product is legal, certain controls are in place that control the marketing and list specific facts the packaging must contain.

In Australia, nicotine pouches are legal, but a prescription needs to be present upon delivery when ordered online.

Legal Landscape in Australia: Nicotine Pouches vs Tobacco Products

In Australia, nicotine pouches are subject to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, which regulates the supply and advertisement of the product. As no nicotine pouches are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods(ARTG), advertising and selling these products within Australia is unlawful. However, for importation, under the Personal Importation Scheme, nicotine pouches can be ordered as long as a prescription from a health professional is present.

Similarly, tobacco products are subject to advertisement laws. Plain packaging is mandatory, with the required health information present, which is similar in other countries. There are also laws stating where tobacco products can and can’t be used. If we were to postulate, the same could apply to nicotine pouches in the future.

What to Know When Ordering Nicotine Pouches to Australia

With that said, what are the main takeaway points? The information is condensed into the bullet points below, providing everything needed when ordering nicotine pouches to Australia from Snusdirect.com.

• No nicotine pouch is a part of the ARTG, meaning their advertisement is unlawful. Moreover, they can’t be sold by an Australian retailer.
• However, nicotine pouches can be imported through the Personal Importation Scheme, but a prescription must be present.

If you have a nicotine pouch prescription from an Australian health professional, you can buy nicotine pouches online from Snusdirect.com.

Nicotine Pouches Australia: A Growing Interest

The popularity of nicotine pouches in Australia is skyrocketing, partly due to an increase in TikTok coverage, which has sparked an interest. However, the product itself is also to blame for this surge in popularity due to its unique and favorable characteristics, including:

• Convenience
• A range of brands, flavors, strengths, and pouch sizes

Variation and convenience are what attract an array of customers. No matter their preference, there’s a nicotine pouch for all consumers, and what makes this experience more appealing is its ease and simplicity.

How are Nicotine Pouches Convenient?

When buying a consumable, convenience, as well as quality and variety, is one of the key characteristics, and nicotine pouches have it in abundance. Different characteristics add to the nicotine pouches’ convenience factor, making what so many know as the nicotine pouch experience. These characteristics are explored below.

Easily Transportable

Nicotine pouches are used throughout the day, meaning keeping them close is essential, highlighting the importance of a compact and easily transportable container. Each brand has its own branding, design, and colorways, meaning you can differentiate between products.

Nicotine pouches come in a distinguishable and compact cylindrical can.

These containers that house your nicotine pouches easily fit into small bags, backpack compartments, and even trouser pockets, allowing you to take your nicopods with you wherever you go. Taking this an extra step further is On! nicotine pouches, which use a compact and space-efficient rectangular can for its products, providing an even smaller container.

Simple to Use

Another benefit of nicotine pouches is how they are used. There is no real technique required, making it a beginner-friendly product. All there is to do is follow the simple 3-step process below.

1. Pick a nicotine pouch from the container.
2. Place the portion towards the left or right-hand side of your mouth, between your upper lip and gum.
3. Leave for around 20-40 minutes or until the nicotine and flavor have subdued, and place the used pouch in a bin or your catch lid.

Using nicotine pouches is as easy as it sounds. Another positive is that once you have finished with one, a bin is not needed as you have a catch lid built into the can to store your used nicopods. Having the catch lid reduces the amount of littering, unlike cigarettes, where butts are thrown on the floor if a bin isn’t close.

Smoke-Free

The last convenience factor of nicotine pouches is that they are smoke-free. Being a smoke-free nicotine product poses many benefits, not just for you but for those around you when using nicotine pouches, too. There’s nothing worse than when you breathe in secondhand smoke from someone smoking cigarettes or vapes close by, especially when you do not smoke them. However, with nicotine pouches, this is different, allowing you to use nicotine pouches pretty much wherever you wish and to enjoy the nicotine pouch experience without the worry of impacting those around you.

Australia’s Favourite Nicotine Pouches

With some of the benefits of nicotine pouches listed above, you can see why so many in Australia have begun to use them. However, every brand has the same convenience factor, but two brands in particular have a larger reception in Australia than others - VELO and ZYN.

ZYN Nicotine Pouches

ZYN nicotine pouches, also known as ZYN pouches and ZYN’s, are popular in Australia for many reasons. For starters, a worldwide tobacco company, Swedish Match, produces ZYN, known for its product quality and premium feel. Moreover, it has many interesting flavors, nicotine strengths, and pouch sizes. Some of the more popular ZYN pouches include:

• ZYN Cool Mint Mini
• ZYN Slim Cool Mint Extra Strong

VELO Nicotine Pouches

VELO nicotine pouches are another favorite brand in Australia for reasons similar to those for ZYN. However, their manufacturers are different. For VELO, British American Tobacco produces them, a multinational tobacco company with decades of experience, promising product integrity, and a high-quality feel under the lip. In the VELO line, many unique flavors are available, as well as mini and slim pouch sizes and a range of nicotine strengths that suit users with varying nicotine tolerances.

The most popular VELO nicotine pouch is the VELO Crispy Peppermint Slim.

An Important Note When Ordering Nicotine Pouches to Australia

If ordering nicotine pouches in Australia, a prescription is needed upon delivery to receive your nicotine pouches. Bear this in mind when placing your order on Snusdirect to Australia.

Want to see how your perceptions about snus and nicotine pouches are? We’ll clear up some common misconceptions.

1. Snus and snuff are the same

Snuff and snus sound the same, and they’re both smokeless tobacco products. So, it’s unsurprising that many people get them mixed up or assume snus is a kind of “Swedish version” of snuff.

However, the two products differ significantly.

Snus consists of ground tobacco that undergoes a steam pasteurization process. You can buy it either in premade sealed portions or in loose form (allowing you to make your own pouches).

Meanwhile, snuff is a dry tobacco product that’s cured by fire, which users consume by sniffing.

2. Nicotine pouches and snus are the same

Okay, so snus and nicotine pouches are both different from snuff. But what about nicotine pouches and snus?

Arguably, they’re more similar to each other than they are to snuff. But they’re still very different products!

The major difference is that tobacco is an essential ingredient for snus. Meanwhile, nicotine pouches largely became popular because they’re free from tobacco. Instead, they contain nicotine sourced from nicotine salts (along with plant fibers and flavorings).

Also, while snus pouches can come as loose portions or in portion bags, nicotine pouches are always found in pouches — as their name suggests.

However, some brands produce both. For instance, you can buy both Siberia snus and Siberia nicotine pouches.

3. You have to spit when consuming them

Dipping tobacco (or “dip”) is a smokeless tobacco product that users consume by placing it in the mouth — just like snus and nicotine pouches.

However, dip causes a lot of salivation in the mouth, which users must spit out. Many people wrongly assume the same rule applies to snus and nicotine pouches.

Dip must be spat out because the tobacco undergoes a fermentation process, which makes the juices unsafe. While nicotine pouches and snus can also cause salivation (depending partly on whether the contents are moist), there’s no need to spit them out.

It’s generally safe to swallow snus drip since the tobacco undergoes a pasteurization process, which reduces carcinogens and other risk factors. Meanwhile, nicotine pouches are tobacco-free and contain only nicotine and other safe ingredients, so the drip they produce is also fine to consume.

4. Only nicotine pouches have flavors

Nicotine pouches are known for their bold flavor profiles, with leading brands like ZYN boasting colorful can designs and exciting flavors like mints, fruits, and spices.

Meanwhile, traditional snus is known for its earthy tobacco flavors, and designs tend to have dark colors. This leads many people to think that only nicotine pouches have varied, interesting flavors.

While it’s true that there’s more diversity in the nicotine pouch market, there’s still plenty of choice for snus. There are many mint options (like Skruf Fresh no. 2 Mint Medium) and fruity products (e.g. Jakobsson's Melon Slim).

5. They’re always big and bulky

If you’re a nicotine user and considering making the switch to nicotine pouches or snus, you may not be keen on the idea of having to place the portions in your mouth. It’s a different sensation to using a cigarette or e-cigarette, and many are worried that the portions will be too big and bulky.

But while nicotine pouches and snus portions are traditionally quite large, innovation has ensured that modern consumers have more choice.

Both snus and nicotine pouches are now available in “slim,” “super-slim,” and “mini” formats, which are smaller than their traditional counterparts. This ensures a more comfortable mouthfeel.

6. They contain the same amount of nicotine

Those who are new to nicotine pouches or snus sometimes think all products are a monolith and contain the same amount of nicotine — but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

You can find nicotine pouches and snus portions with vastly different nicotine strengths, ranging from 1 mg to over 20 mg per portion.

7. They’re too messy to consume in public

As mentioned earlier, nicotine pouches and snus produce salivation in the mouth. This results in “dripping,” which describes juices leaking due to excess salivation. Some users like this dripping due to the intensity it provides, but others worry it will cause messiness and stop them being able to use the products in public.

However, it’s possible to avoid dripping. Just make sure you place the pouch correctly and away from the upper lip, which is far enough away from the salivary glands to minimize this problem.

Also, smaller sizes and products with dry contents produce less dripping. For instance, ZYN Mini Dry Bellini comes in a mini format and has dry contents. As for snus, choosing white portions over brown portions minimizes dripping.

We’ll run through the number of pouches in some of our most popular snus products, along with factors that affect quantity and how to get the most snus for your money.

Average Number of Snus Pouches Per Can

Most of the time, a can of portion snus contains 20 to 24 snus pouches. Some brands contain up to 30, but this is more unusual.

Let’s turn to some of our most popular snus portion products to see how many pouches they contain.

• General Mint White: 24 pouches
• Oden's Cold Extreme 16g: 20 pouches
• Göteborgs Rapé White: 24 pouches
• Ettan Original: 24 pouches
• Jakobsson's Wintergreen: 20 pouches
• Siberia -80 Degrees: 20 pouches
• XR General Strong Slim: 21 pouches

In most cases, a can of snus pouches lasts for three to four days, since the average snus user gets through six pouches per day.

Factors that Affect the Number of Snus Pouches

As you can see, there’s a fair amount of variation in the number of snus pouches per box. But this isn’t totally random — the format and brand of snus can both impact the number of pouches.

Format

There are a few different sizes of snus pouches:

• Traditional: The largest, fullest option (which was traditionally used)
• Slim: Longer and thinner than traditional pouches
• Super slim: Even slimmer than the typical slim format
• Mini: Both slimmer and shorter than traditional pouches

This can impact the number of pouches.

Cans of mini snus may include fewer pouches. For instance, General Classic White contains 24 pouches in a can, while, General Classic Mini White contains 20 pouches. The same is true of Göteborgs Rapé — the traditional version has 24 pouches, while the mini version includes 20 pouches.

Meanwhile, slim format portions sometimes have more snus pouches. This is the case for the G.3 range — G.3 Extra Strong Slim has 24 portions per can, while G.3 Super Slim Strong has 30 portions per can.

Brand

It would be convenient if there was a universal rule of thumb to determine how many snus portions a can contains based on flavor, size, or format. But in most cases, it’s the brand that makes the difference — and their choices may seem arbitrary or contradict the information given above.

For instance, Siberia -80 Degrees Slim White Dry is a slim format version of the Siberia -80 Degrees, but both have 20 pouches. Similarly, all products in the Odens Cold Extreme White Dry range have 20 pouches — regardless of whether they’re slim, mini, or traditional format.

Choosing the Most Cost-Effective Snus

Once you know how many snus pouches a box has, one of the next questions on your mind is probably how to get the most bang for your buck.

To answer this, you need to understand how weight comes into the equation.

Snus Cans and Weight

Our product listings show two metrics: The weight and the net weight. Net weight is the weight minus its packaging (aka the can), so this is the most relevant number.

Most snus cans have a net weight between 16 g and 24 g, although boxes of mini portions may weigh as little as 6 g.

You can use this to determine how much each snus pouch weighs (and therefore costs). For example, the General Mint White has a net weight of 24 g and contains 24 portions, meaning each portion weighs 1g.

Just because a can is heavier, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will have more portions. Siberia -80 Degrees, weighs 16 g and contains 20 pouches, meaning pouches weigh a lower 0.8 g each.

If two cans have the same weight and number of pouches, choosing the cheapest option is a good rule for cost-effectiveness — as long as you choose the right format for your nicotine tolerance level and preferences. For instance, there’s no point in opting for traditional portions if you dispose of them before finishing because they’re too big for you.

Cost-Effectiveness of Snus Brands

Below is an example of how the costs per gram can compare for popular brands’ white portion snus, ordered from most to least cost-effective:

• General: $0.19 per gram
• Ettan: $0.21 per gram
• Göteborgs Rapé: $0.21 per gram
• Jakobsson's: $0.21 per gram
• Oden's: $0.23 per gram
• Siberia: $0.31 per gram

These numbers are calculated by dividing the cost of a snus can by the net weight, as they stand at the time of writing (13/02/2024). For instance, if General costs $4.49 for a can that contains 24 g, the cost per gram would be $0.19.

Also, extra-strong or slim format snus is often more expensive, while original portions may tend to be cheaper than white portions.

Choose the Right Snus for You

Generally, a box of snus pouches contains between 20 and 24 pouches. The number of pouches may vary depending on the size or format, but the most important factor is brand, with different companies taking different approaches. However, if you want to get the most snus possible for the lowest cost, it’s best to pay attention to the net weight and the price rather than the number of pouches.

What factors affect the Snus quality?

Many things can affect the quality of the snus you buy, from the types of tobacco used to the brand of snus, all of which are detailed further in the article. However, there are core factors that have a heavy influence on product quality, including:

• Ingredients
• The manufacturing process and quality control
• Storage conditions

Keep reading to see how these factors affect the quality of snus you buy.

Snus ingredients: how do they affect quality?

The ingredients that are used to make snus need to be high quality if a premium product is wanted, highlighting the importance of what makes up these tobacco pouches. The ingredients include:

• Ground Tobacco
• Water
• Salt
• Sodium Carbonate
• Moisture-preserving agents
• Taste Enhancers
• Flavorings

If these ingredients are in every snus pouch, how does the quality differ between products? Different types of each substance are used, some being better than others. However, the better components cost more, usually seen in the price. It is important to note that the price isn’t correlated with snus quality.

What affects the snus tobacco quality?

Tobacco is a type of plant that grows in the Americas, Australia, Southern Africa, and even parts of the South Pacific. With this coverage comes different growing conditions the plant has had to evolve to flourish in, leading to 79 types of tobacco available. Each type of tobacco will have a unique taste, and each brand has its blend of tobacco leaves, creating a distinct flavor. To ensure the plant is healthy, precautions are taken when grown, including:

• Fertile soil - the plant needs nutrients to grow.
• Plant spacing - tobacco needs space to flourish and not hinder surrounding plant growth.
• Pesticides - insects damage the leaves, reducing the product quality.
• Harvesting at the right time - tobacco needs to be harvested when the plant is at its ripest.
• Curing process - There are different types of curing, but each physically and chemically changes the leaves to achieve the desired properties.

Another crucial step is grading. The tobacco leaves are piled and grouped in terms of leaf position on the plant, color, size, and maturity. By doing this, snus producers can rely on the tobacco they receive.

The best flavorings

The tasting experience of snus is hugely valued among snusers. As well as the dominant tobacco flavor, other additives such as bergamot, lavender, and rose oil are used in different products to achieve certain tastes. Some of the more popular profiles are detailed below, with some of the flavorings used by Swedish Match:

Mint - peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and menthol.

Coffee - coffee extract, cacao, cocoa butter, caramel.

Licorice - anise oil, licorice root.

Fruit - orange oil, lemongrass, lemon oil, raspberry juice, sugar.

Snus producers use quality oils, aromas, and herbs to achieve their desired flavor. It is important to use natural flavorings, as they promise a tasting experience closer to the real deal, improving the overall product quality.

How does the manufacturing process affect snus quality?

The snus manufacturing process contains many steps, from the very start of cultivating the plant to packaging the individual pouches into their cans. Some are more crucial than others and are detailed below.

Pasteurizing is the most important step in the snus manufacturing process.

Why, you may ask. Pasteurizing the tobacco removes and kills the bacteria responsible for producing carcinogenic compounds like tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). Research has proven that fewer TSNAs are found in snus compared to other tobacco products like cigarettes, which are fire-cured.

The importance of quality control

Throughout the production process, strict quality control is taken after each step, checking the product before it enters the next stage. By meeting these checkpoints and standards throughout the process, a premium product is guaranteed than if these steps were not there.

An example of this is Swedish Match’s GOTHIATEK Standard, which ensures all of the Swedish Match products meet specific guidelines. These guidelines control undesired compounds, detailed in the table, with their limit included.

Other regulated compounds include cadmium, arsenic, nitrite, and many more. All of these are harmful chemicals, highlighting the importance of regulation of snus. Those that are highly regulated should be far better quality.

How should snus be stored?

Another factor affecting snus quality is keeping it as fresh as possible. Some of this is down to the manufacturer, retailer, and yourself. However, all manufacturers will store and transport their products in optimal conditions. On the other, the retailer and you may not.

Snus should be stored in a cool and dry place, out of direct sunlight. A fridge is perfect if you want your snus to last even longer. Moreover, if you have many cans, try freezing them until the others run out.

How many convenience stores do you see refrigerating the snus they sell? And how long has it been on the shelf for? How does that affect the amount of time it will stay fresh after you have bought it? All of these questions show the importance of buying from a trusted retailer, like Snusdirect, as you can be sure to receive fresh and correctly stored snus.

Who are the best snus manufacturers?

It is important to buy snus from the best manufacturers as it ensures a top-quality snus pouch, as highlighted above. But how do you pick a good snus manufacturer? Are they the biggest, do they have to be niche, or do they have to be headquartered in Sweden? The answer is neither. It’s all circumstantial.

All the manufacturers ’products stocked at Snusdirect are of fantastic quality. Some of these manufacturers include Swedish Match and British American Tobacco, some of the oldest manufacturers in the market.

Swedish Match has been around for decades and has created many top brands, including General. In comparison, Skruf Snus and Nordic Snus were formed around 2000, more recently than Swedish Match, bringing a modern twist, whether that’s to the manufacturing process or the snus pouch itself.

What are the best snus brands?

Snusers have different opinions when it comes to the best pouches, but when it comes to brands, some stand a lot taller than others.

• General Snus
• Skruf Snus
• Göteborgs Rapé White

You may have heard of the brands mentioned above, with General and Göteborgs Rapé being around since the mid-1800s! All that time has enabled both brands to refine and perfect their production process and, in turn, their products. Skruf, on the other hand, was first sold in 2003 and hasn’t looked back since.

Do you want a premium product to elevate your rotation? The brands and manufacturers mentioned above are a great place to start.

What is snus?

Snus is one of many smokeless tobacco products and is used by placing it under your upper lip against your gum. It comes in many different formats, portioned or loose, dry or moist, large or mini, flavored or not, allowing the user to create their own tailored experience. Every snus characteristic affects the production process and the ratio of different ingredients used. Some more popular brands include General Snus and Skruf Snus, which you may have heard of. Both are produced similarly but may have different ratios of basic ingredients depending on the product characteristics.

What are the snus ingredients?

Snus ingredients and their ratios can vary depending on the flavor, moisture content, and portion size. Below is a list of the main ingredients used in snus, enabling you to see what is inside these tobacco pouches.

• Ground Tobacco
• Water
• Salt
• Sodium Carbonate
• Moisture-preserving agents (humectants, including glycerol and propylene glycol)
• Taste Enhancers (Sodium Chloride)
• Flavors

If you use snus produced by Swedish Match and want specific details of what is in your product of choice, then follow the link to see the ingredients included. Another important note is that each brand uses different tobacco blends, mentioned below, giving each brand its unique taste and flavor.

Are there different types of tobacco plants?

Tobacco, Nicotiana, is a genus of plant and shrubs indigenous to the Americas, Australia, Southwestern Africa, and the South Pacific. Within this genus or family of plants, you have the common tobacco plant, Nicotiana tabacum, and 78 other species. Therefore, different manufacturers have 79 different plants to choose from and combine to create their tobacco blends, some of which are detailed further down the article.

What does Sodium Carbonate do in snus?

One of those ingredients that may take you by surprise is Sodium carbonate. You may be thinking about what it is and what its use is. Sodium carbonate is a pH adjuster.

pH adjusters control the pH of the contents of the snus.

But what has pH got to do with snus? Nicotine needs a slightly alkaline pH to travel from the snus into your system. Sodium carbonate is an alkaline substance, allowing for the effective transfer of nicotine.

The different snus tobacco blends and their distinct flavors

Each brand has a recognizable flavor that comes from the brand's tobacco blends and other additives. Below, these are described for some of the biggest brands on the market, giving an overview of the different brands' tasting profiles.

General Snus

General Snus is one of the biggest brands. Launched in 1866 by JA Boman and Co., the brand has never looked back as it continues to prosper. Its success comes down to its unique tobacco blend, using only the finest parts of the leaf.

General uses a tobacco blend of 22 types of tobacco plants, accompanied by the addition of bergamot, creating a spicy tobacco taste.

Skruf Snus

Skruf Snus was created in 2002, and in comparison to General, it is a fairly modern brand, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from its complex flavor profile.

Skruf uses tobacco grown in Africa, the US, and Southeast Asia. Tobacco from different regions has different flavors. Skruf combines these characteristics with rose oil to make its signature tasting experience.

Göteborgs Rapé

Göteborgs Rapé is a traditional brand that began in the port of Gothenburg in Sweden, where sailors would rip and tear the tobacco. Since then, its production has moved to Stockholm, and the manufacturing process doesn’t involve tearing by hand. However, it still has the same fantastic taste.

Göteborgs Rapé has a light tobacco character, accompanied by notes of juniper, providing a more delicate tasting experience.

Preparing the tobacco plant

Manufacturers and brands need to use only the best tobacco plants, and the GOTHIATEK Standard helps that for Swedish Match products as it permits no pesticides or undesirable chemicals to be used on the plants, ensuring a pure and clean product - including no genetically modified plants. Before the tobacco is shipped, it is picked.

• Each plant is air and sun-dried.
• Each plant is examined and hand-selected to meet a certain standard (The GOTHIATEK Standard, for example).
• The desirable leaves are collected.

These bundles of leaves are then packaged into boxes and shipped to different snus manufacturers across the world, like Swedish Match and Skruf Snus.

The Swedish snus production process

Snus production doesn’t differ hugely between brands, meaning the process described below is fairly universal. The process detailed below is how Swedish Match produces its snus, meaning steps may change or differ slightly from other manufacturers.

1. Grinding - Tobacco is broken and ground using a grinder.
2. Tobacco mixed- Ground tobacco is placed in a blender along with salt and water.
3. Pasteurization - The mixture is heated, which is computer-regulated using probes.
4. Ingredients added - The tobacco mixture is cooled, and other necessary ingredients, like flavorings and humectants, are added.
5. Packaging - The snus is placed into cans where machinery seals and labels them.
6. Storage - Each product is put into cold storage for a few days before being shipped, allowing the tobacco to mature and gain its characteristic aroma.

How are different snus packaged?

The packaging step can change and have an extra process depending on the type of snus you use. Regarding portioned and loose snus:

• Loose snus - requires no extra steps. This product is harvested after the pasteurization and the addition of ingredients, being packaged straight away.
• Portioned snus - requires an additional step after the ingredients are added and before being packaged. The loose snus is inserted into cellulose fiber tubes, which are weighed, sealed, and cut apart, forming the individual portions. These pouches are then packaged.

What materials are the snus cans made from?

If you were to ask this question in the late 1800s, you’d probably get an answer of either a metal tin or a cardboard box, the latter preserving the snus not as well. Now, it is a little different!

• Loose Snus is usually packaged in paraffin-coated cardboard cans made with two different types of cardboard, one for the frame and the other for the base. The lid is plastic (polypropylene).
• Portioned snus needs more protection, so a more durable material - plastic (polypropylene). Also, it is more prone to drying out, so an air-tight can is required, with plastic being better suited for this job than cardboard.

Quality control: The importance of the GOTHIATEK Standard

Quality control is important as it shows that a product meets certain standards, which is good for the buyer and the seller. An example of this control is the Swedish Match GOTHIATEK Standard mentioned earlier, which regulates the number of undesired compounds within the product. Some of these include lead and aflatoxin, which are poisonous substances, highlighting the importance of this regulation. This quality control occurs throughout the production process, and if met, the product is safe to be sold and added to your rotation.

What are nicotine pouches?

Let’s start at the beginning – so you know the ins and outs of the products you’re using. So, what are nicotine pouches? First released in the early 2000s, they’re:

• A way to relish nicotine 100% free from tobacco, vapor, and smoke
• They contain nicotine, plant fibers, flavorings, sweeteners, and water
• They come in many flavors, strengths, and sizes to suit your preferences and needs
• The portions sit comfortably between your upper lip and gum
• There are many brands and products to choose from

Given the aforementioned reasons, it’s easy to see why smokers, vapers, and snusers have switched to using nicotine pouches. That’s one reason nicotine portions are so popular. Another would be that they are smokeless, giving you freedom to use them wherever you wish. All in all, these products are valued for their ability to provide a much “cleaner” experience, which is better suited to modern-day use.

How to use Nicotine Pouches: Step-by-step guide

Adding to the list of reasons for the success of the modern oral sector is ease of use. Discover how simple it is to learn how to use ZYN and other brands by checking out our step-by-step guide, below:

1. Open the container
2. Pick out one pouch. ‘Fluff’ it by rolling it between your thumb and index finger. This disperses the contents, allowing a more comfortable experience.
3. Then, place it under your upper lip. Put the pouch on your gum and not your teeth.
4. Now enjoy the nicotine and flavor release. The experience usually lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on the format. The dryer the pouch, the longer it will last.

Once it's finished, you can discard the portion in the bin. If there isn’t a bin close, the catch lid in the can can be used.

If you want to dive deeper, there is more information on why nicotine pouches are placed under your upper lip on the SnusDirect website, giving you all the tips and tricks necessary for a trouble-free experience.

Do You Use All Nicotine Pouches In The Same Way?

The guide above applies to all brands. Many users ask, “How to use On! nicotine pouches?” or “VELO, how to use them?” when all nicotine pouches are used in the same way.

No matter the brand, the way you use nicotine pouches is the same.

How Long Do Nicotine Pouches Last?

The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as you may think. The length of the experience depends on the moisture level of your nicotine pouch.

The wetter the contents, the shorter the experience.

Why? The nicotine and flavor are carried from the pouch in your saliva, but the entire portion needs to be wet before you can reap the benefits. Hence, the drier they are, the longer they last because it takes longer to extract the nicotine and flavor in the first place. With that said, as a vague guideline, they last around 30-45 minutes.

Can You Reuse The Same Nicotine Pouch?

You can reuse your nicotine pouches, but you shouldn’t. Why? You may ask. You may think that reusing the product will save you money. But it’s not worth it. By reusing them, you encounter problems.

Poor Hygiene - Your catch lid provides the perfect growth environment for germs, which is warm and moist.

Underwhelming experience - Most of the nicotine and flavor are extracted from the portion after the first use, providing very little for use afterward.

If you’re using too many during your day, it can get expensive. In turn, use a more affordable and strong nicotine pouch, ensuring your can lasts a little longer.

Is It Safe To Swallow Nicotine Pouches?

You may think this is a foolish question, but they taste so good that swallowing nicotine pouches may even cross your mind! Even though nicotine pouches are made from plant-based materials and can be ingested in small amounts, you should not repeatedly do so as you may experience minor side effects. Such side effects include:

• Heartburn
• Upset Stomach
• Nausea

All brands of nicotine pouches contain the same ingredients, so this rule applies to every product on the market. So, if you are like many and wonder, “Can I swallow ZYN?” you know not to.