Are you considering trying snus but unsure how long to keep it in your mouth or which product is best for you? We have prepared a clear guid that explains what nicotine strength you should start with, which pouches to look for, and which ones are best left to experienced users.  

What Nicotine Strength Is Ideal for Beginners?

The first step is to choose a product that is not too strong, preventing dizziness, stomach discomfort, or other unpleasant sensations.  

Snus is generally divided into five categories:  

  • extra light,
  • light,
  • medium,
  • strong,
  • extra strong.

It is important to not that each brand categorizes snus differently. For example, one brand may classify snus with 15 mg of nicotine per gram as “light”, while another may consider it “medium”. That is why it is always best to check the nicotine content and ensure the product isn’t too strong for you.  

If you are a beginner who has never smoked or is only an occasional smoker, look for snus containing 1 to 5 mg of nicotine per gram.

On the other hand, if you are a heavy smoker, you can slightly increase the dose to 6 to 10 mg/g. Stronger products are generally not recommended, especially because cigarettes are much weaker compared to snus. A typical cigarette contains about 10 to 12 mg of nicotine, but only 1.2 to 1.8 mg is absorbed by the body. Using snus that is too strong could lead to unwanted side effects.  

Which Type of Snus Is Best for Beginners?

It’s not just about nicotine intensity—choosing the right pouch size and format is also key.  

In terms of size, we mean:  

  • Mini – The smallest pouches, barely noticeable in your mouth. Perfect for beginners as they are easy to get used to. Plus, they are discreet and can be used anytime, anywhere.  
  • Slim/super slim – Narrower pouches, slightly larger than mini but still comfortable for beginners. They don’t press too much under the lip. 
  • Normal – Ideal once you gain some experience and get used to the sensation. They aren’t too large but contain more snus than mini or slim pouches, providing a better experience.  
  • Large – Best for experienced users. These are the biggest pouches, containing the most product. However, they are visible under the lip, making them less suitable for work, restaurants, or other places where discretion is needed. 

What does format mean? Based on it, we divide snus into two categories: 

  • Original portion – Moist, brown pouches that release nicotine and flavour immediately after putting them into your mouth. However, they require regular spitting, making them unsuitable for use in cars, buses, or airplanes.  
  • White portion – The opposite of original portion. These white, dry pouches take longer to release nicotine and flavour, but the experience is more gradual and long-lasting. They also require less spitting, making them more convenient for everyday use.  

How Long Should You Keep Snus in Your Mouth?

For beginners, 20 to 30 minutes is ideal. This allows enough time for the nicotine to be absorbed and deliver its effects, such as stimulation or relaxation.  

Experienced users used to stronger snus and with a higher tolerance to nicotine can keep the pouch in for 30 to 60 minutes.   

Which Products Are Best for Beginners?

Once you know how long to keep snus in your mouth, you can start selecting the products themselves. There are several that are specifically designed for beginners. Some popular options include:

  • Edel Lychee – A great option with 5 mg of nicotine per gram and mild lychee flavour. The dry white pouches and slim format make it discreet and easy to use.
  • Velo Mini Creamy Coffee – Contains 6 mg/g of nicotine with a smooth coffee flavour. The mini format and white pouches prevent teeth staining. 
  • General White Portion – A slightly stronger option with 8 mg/g of nicotine per gram of product. Normal-sized dry white pouches offer a citrusy taste with spicy tobacco notes—perfect for classic snus lovers.  
  • Ettan Original Portion – Features moist, brown pouches for instant nicotine release with amount of 8.5 mg/g. The interesting flavour blends chocolate, smoke, tobacco, and dry malt.  
  • Röda Lacket Lössnus – A loose snus option for those wanting a different experience. You shape it into a ball before use. Contains 8 mg/g of nicotine, with a strong tobacco flavour and hints of herbs, smoke, and dried fruit.  

Other Practical Tips for Beginners

If you want to make your start with snus as smooth as possible, follow these tips: 

1. Increase Your Dose Gradually

Snus is now sold in not only various flavours but also many intensities. If you are tempted by stronger products, work your way up to them gradually. Your body will get used to the increasing nicotine doses, and you will avoid unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, stomach aches, digestive problems, or gum numbness.   

2. Take Breaks

The number of pouches you can use during the day depends on your preferences and overall tolerance to nicotine. Experts agree that the maximum is 8 to 10 pouches per day.

However, in the beginning, make sure to take breaks between uses. Ideally, one to two hours, during which your body can absorb and process all the nicotine and be ready for the next dose.  

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Combine Products

There are a lot of different products available on the market today. In addition to snus, you can try nicotine pouches. Some of them contain nicotine, while others do not, and many also include minerals and vitamins. 

And in case you miss smoking, instead of traditional cigarettes, you can opt for a vape. It comes in both classic and interesting flavours, such as banana ice, cherry ice, mint, cold beer, or cola.

4. Make Sure to Store Snus Properly

You should store snus in a dry, dark, and cool place, where it will stay fresh and in the best condition for weeks or even months.  

Storage is not only important for preserving good taste but also for the effectiveness and safety of pouches. Old, dried-out snus can irritate your gums or cause stomach aches. Not to mention, some such products might not have the desired effects, such as calming, energy replenishment, and so on.  

5. Don’t Forget About Hydration

After using snus, you may feel uncomfortable dryness in your mouth, which is primarily caused by nicotine. It stimulates the nervous system and accelerates fluid secretion. In higher doses, it can also reduce saliva production and affect blood flow. Therefore, don’t forget to stay hydrated, not only right after using snus but throughout the day.