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.
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:
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.
It’s not just about nicotine intensity—choosing the right pouch size and format is also key.
In terms of size, we mean:
What does format mean? Based on it, we divide snus into two categories:
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.
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:
If you want to make your start with snus as smooth as possible, follow these tips:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.