How Long Should You Keep Snus in Your Mouth? Tips for Beginners
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 guide 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 note 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. 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 contain more snus than mini or slim pouches, providing a stronger experience.
- Large – Best for experienced users. These are the biggest pouches and contain the most product. They are visible under the lip, making them less suitable for situations where discretion is needed.
What does format mean? Based on format, we divide snus into two categories:
- Original portion – Moist, brown pouches that release nicotine and flavour immediately after placing them in the mouth. However, they may require more spitting, making them less suitable for use in cars, buses, or airplanes.
- White portion – White, dry pouches that release nicotine and flavour more slowly, providing a more gradual and long-lasting experience. 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 with higher nicotine tolerance 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. Several products are specifically designed for beginners. Some popular options include:
- Edel Lychee – Contains 5 mg/g of nicotine with a 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 help prevent teeth staining.
- General White Portion – Slightly stronger with 8 mg/g nicotine. Normal-sized dry white pouches offer citrus and spicy tobacco notes.
- Ettan Original Portion – Moist pouches with instant nicotine release containing 8.5 mg/g. Flavour combines chocolate, smoke, tobacco, and malt notes.
- Röda Lacket Lössnus – Loose snus option shaped before use. Contains 8 mg/g nicotine with strong tobacco flavour and herbal notes.
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 available in many flavours and different nicotine intensities. If you want to try stronger products, increase gradually. This helps your body adapt and prevents side effects such as dizziness, stomach discomfort, digestive issues, or gum numbness.
2. Take Breaks
The number of pouches you can use daily depends on your tolerance. Many experts suggest a maximum of 8 to 10 pouches per day.
Beginners should take breaks of one to two hours between pouches so the body can process the nicotine before the next dose.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Combine Products
Besides snus, you can try nicotine pouches. Some contain nicotine, while others do not, and some may include minerals or vitamins.
If you miss smoking, you can also consider a vape with flavours such as: banana ice, cherry ice, mint, cold beer, or cola.
4. Store Snus Properly
Store snus in a dry, dark, and cool place to keep it fresh for weeks or months.
Proper storage preserves flavour and also maintains pouch effectiveness and safety. Old or dried snus can irritate gums or cause stomach discomfort.
5. Stay Hydrated
After using snus, you may feel dryness in your mouth, mainly caused by nicotine. It stimulates the nervous system, affects fluid balance, and may reduce saliva production. Stay hydrated throughout the day to minimize discomfort.