The production process of snus differs mainly based on the chosen brand. However, in general, there are several basic steps that every product must go through to achieve the desired quality and flavour, ensuring a great user experience. Are you interested in how snus is produced? Read on.  

What Is Snus Made of?

Established and popular brands with a long history emphasize the selection of high-quality ingredients, as they significantly influence the overall flavour and how snus is used by consumers. 

Ingredients of snus varies depending on the chosen product and brand. Typically, in pouches or loose mixtures, you will find:

  • tobacco,
  • water,
  • salt,
  • sodium carbonate,
  • glycerol,
  • aromatic compounds,
  • fillers.

All these components ensure that snus retains its characteristic aroma, flavour, and moisture. While each ingredient is crucial, tobacco plays the most important role. That is why we focus mainly on it and dive into it a bit more.  

Types of Tobacco Used in Snus

Currently, there are various types of tobacco available in the market, differing in aroma, processing methods, and purpose. While some are mainly used in the production of cigarettes, cigars, and water pipe blends, others have proven effective in snus production. The most common types in this field include: 

Aromatic Fire-cured Tobacco

This is a special group of tobaccos characterized by the fact that they are dried by fire. They were particularly popular before the American Civil War, which erupted in the second half of the 19th century. They are predominantly grown in the fertile plains in the northern part of Tennessee, western Kentucky, and in Virginia.

Fire-cured tobacco delights with a rich, slightly floral flavour, making it widely used. Varieties cultivated in Kentucky and Virginia typically find their way into snus production.  

Perique

This is a tobacco originating from Louisiana, more precisely from the Saint James Parish, where it has been cultivated since 18th century. It is known for its rich fruity aroma, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. 

Several tobacco products are made from Perique. However, it is too strong to be enjoyed on its own, so it is usually blended with something. Virginia tobacco is a popular additive, giving it spiciness.  

Perique tobacco was popular addition to snus in the past. However, nowadays, it is cultivated for this purpose only minimally. 

Type 22

Type 22 is a classification of a tobacco product used in the United States. The definition states that it is a type of dark tobacco cured by fire, with production occurring in the eastern and northern parts of Tennessee and the southern part of Kentucky.  

Type 22 tobacco is primarily used in the production of snus. It is known for its slightly spicy undertones and strong smoky tones.  

White Burley

White Burley is a main component of snus and pipe tobacco, as well as American cigarettes. It began to be cultivated in the second half of the 19th century in Brown County, Ohio.  

Interestingly, in the past, there were two types of this tobacco – white and red. However, the red variety disappeared over the years, so today, the white is often sold simply as Burley.

How Is Snus Made?

The snus production process consists of several basic steps. However, keep in mind that some of these steps may vary depending on the brand and product. Each manufacturer has its own technologies, making their products unique. 

Generally, snus goes through the following stages:

Tobacco Cultivation

Tobacco plants are cultivated in fields under controlled conditions, overseen by experienced professionals. This guarantees the high quality of the final product and excellent taste. 

Harvesting Tobacco

Once the tobacco has ripened, matured leaves are harvested either manually or with the help of machines, and then they are sorted according to quality and size.  

Fermentation

After harvesting, tobacco leaves undergo fermentation to develop their flavour and reduce bitterness. During this process, microorganisms present on the tobacco leaves decompose and transform into organic compounds. This leads to changes in taste, aroma, and overall tobacco quality.  

Drying

In the next step, fermented tobacco leaves are dried, allowing them to soften and develop their complexity. Some manufacturers use various special tools and technologies to achieve the best results. 

Grinding

Aged and dried tobacco leaves are prepared for grinding into the desired texture. The coarseness of the grind and the method itself depend on the specific product. Generally, for snus, leaves are ground into a much finer texture compared to other tobacco products.  

Flavouring

Fruity, mentholated, and otherwise flavoured types of snus undergo an additional step before portioning and packaging, known as flavouring. Various aromatic substances and compounds resembling blueberries, raspberries, cherries, mint, or bergamot are used for flavouring. Some ingredients may be combined, creating unconventional and interesting flavour profiles.

Portioning 

Most manufacturers sell their snus in small pouches known for their easy use. The process of this type of packaging begins with weighing the tobacco mixture. This mixture is then inserted into the pouches using special machines, and the pouches are tightly sealed. The finished pouches are then placed into boxes with a secure lid.  

In addition to portioned snus, there is also an unportioned, so-called loose version. Loose products are packed only into boxes. Users take the desired amount from the box, shape it into a ball, and place it under the lip.  

Packaging

Portioned snus is packaged in brown (original portion) or white (white portion) pouches. The second alternative has the advantage of not staining teeth, and users don’t have to spit as often during use. On the other hand, brown pouches have a higher moisture level, allowing nicotine and flavours to be released more quickly.  

Pouches are also divided by size, including:

 

  • Mini – these are the smallest pouches on the market. They are not visible under the lip, making them excellent for use at work, in the cinema, or in restaurants. Their advantage is that they don’t press anywhere, and after a short time, you will forget you have them in your mouth.  
  • Slim – another comfortable type of pouch that completely disappears under the lip. Unlike mini pouches, slim pouches have a slightly longer and narrower shape. 
  • Super slim – if slim pouches seem too large or visible under the lip, choose the super-slip alternative. It is narrower, allowing it to fit perfectly in the mouth, enabling you to enjoy snus anytime, anywhere.  
  • Normal – this is the standard pouch size, and it is among the most popular. It is slightly larger than slim and mini pouches, so it might be slightly visible under the lip. It is ideal for situations where high discretion is not necessary, such as at hoe or with friends.  
  • Large – The largest type of pouch, capable of holding a large amount of product. It provides a perfect experience of both nicotine and the chosen flavour. The downside is that it might be visible under the lip, so it’s not suitable for more public settings.

 

Storage and Distribution

Manufacturers store the finished snus in refrigerators, from where they distribute it to retailers. During storage, they ensure the creation of the right conditions crucial for the snus to mature and acquire its characteristic properties.