Snus is now popular all over the world. There is a wide variety of different brands, flavours, and formats available, allowing customers to choose according to their preferences. However, things were different in the past. Since its creation in the 16th century, it has undergone several changes. What is the history of snus, and what interesting facts are associated with it?  

First mentions of snus

The earliest mentions of snus date back to 1492. It was during this period that Christopher Columbus and his crew encountered it when they reached the island of Hispaniola (Haiti) in the West India. The native people welcomed the men with various gifts, including dried leaves, which they considered to be very valuable.

Further mentions of snus come from Columbus’s second voyage to America, accompanied by the monk Ramon Pane. Pane noticed that native priests would crush dried leaves and inhale the powder. According to experts and subsequent research, the powder was not only made from tobacco but also contained other substances.

Tobacco as a medicinal plant

The tobacco plant reached Europe in the mid-16th century when doctors in Lisbon began using it. They believed that apart from common diseases, it could also be the answer to more complicated health problems such as syphilis and cancer. As a result, they cultivated tobacco in their gardens and experimented with it for many years.

Jean Nicot, the French ambassador in Lisbon, also believed in the medicinal properties of tobacco. He came into contact with the plants cultivated by the doctors and took some of them back to Paris.

Upon returning home, he discovered that the French queen, Catherine de’ Medici, suffered from chronic headaches. He advised her to crush tobacco leaves and inhale the powder through her nose. The queen followed Nicot’s advice, and her headaches disappeared.

The miraculous effects of tobacco leaves began to be discussed not only among the aristocracy but also among the general population, leading to its spread beyond the borders of France.

The origin of the name “snus“

It didn’t take long for tobacco powder to spread to other countries, including Sweden. In 1637, it was first named “snus” in Sweden. Its popularity grew in the following years. In the 18th century, a can of tobacco product became an essential accessory for every upper-class man and woman.

Despite its popularity, not everyone could afford snus. Its price was very high, as indicated by the packaging itself. The cans looked like works of art and were made of gold, silver, or other precious materials.

By the end of the 18th century, tobacco was grown in approximately 70 Swedish towns, with the most significant ones being Skåne, Gränna and Alingsås.

The fall of snus

The history of snus wasn’t all positive. Its rapid rise was followed by a fall, caused by the French Revolution. This marked the end of the upper class, which was the biggest consumer of snus.

During this period, cigars replaced snus. Most bourgeoisie and high-ranking individuals who came to power favoured cigars.

Changes in the use of snus

During the 19th century, snus regained attention. However, people found a different way of using it compared to the pre-French Revolution era. They started placing the product under their upper lip.

By the late 19th century, the market saw the introduction of the first varieties of moist snus from brands that are still popular today. These include Röda Lacket, Ettan či General.

Promotion of snus and its use during wars

Even two world wars couldn’t stop the spread of snus. In fact, tobacco products’ popularity increased by a few percentages. Tobacco companies specifically targeted their advertising activities towards military personnel during the First World War. Despite the army’s attempts to regulate tobacco use to some extent, they were unsuccessful. The connection between smoking or using snus and military personnel persists to this day.  

Snus history in America

Snus is a highly popular product in America as well, introduced by Swedish immigrants migrating to the territory between 1846 and 1930. Along with their personal belongings, they brought the popular European tobacco product, which immediately gained love from American residents.

The popularity of snus in America grew much faster than in Europe. This is confirmed by the fact that the streets of some Swedish-American districts were called “snus boulevards”.

Regulations and Bans on Snus

Over the years, snus has faced regulations and bans. The first major regulation occurred in the early 20th century when the Swedish government established a tobacco monopoly. The decision was made due to the country’s financial needs for the military and the first pension reform.

The monopoly belonged to AB Svenska Tobaksmonopolet, which eventually ceased to exist in the 1960s.

In 1992, the sale of snus was banned in the European Union after a World Health Organization (WHO) study concluded that oral use of snus could be associated with various health risks. However, many countries opposed this ban because the WHO subsequently acknowledged that the evidence in the study was inconclusive.

Currently, the regulation of snus varies among individual countries. For example, the sale of snus is prohibited in regular stores in Canada and Norway. In other countries, including many EU countries, snus is freely available.  

Record consumption and mild decline

Snus consumption reached a record level in 1919 when 7,000 tons were sold in Sweden. To put this into perspective, the country had only 6 milion inhabitants at that time, which amounted to approximately 1.2 kg of snus per person.  

After this record, the amount of consumed snus gradually decreased. This was mainly due to the emergence and spread of other tobacco products, such as cigarettes.

Introduction of the first snus sachets

In the 1960s, health risks associated with smoking, which were previously not well known, began to be discussed. At the same time, the first cans containing snus portions were introduced to the market, offering an ideal alternative to traditional cigarettes. As a result, the popularity of snus began to rise again.  

What is Swedish snus?

Swedish snus is a tobacco product, that can be packaged in sachets or in loose form. It usually has a strong tobacco base and a higher nicotine content, complemented by various flavours. In general, Swedish snus is considered more suitable for experienced consumers who seek a more intense experience.

Additionally, you may come across American snus, which is typically milder than Swedish snus. It is therefore also suitable for beginners.

Differences between traditional loose snus and modern portions

Snus is available in various formats today. The basic ones include:  

  • Traditional snus (loose) – it is a loose snus that you shape into a ball before placing it under your upper lip. Its advantage is the intense flavour and the ability to dose the product according to your preferences.
  • Modern portions (sachets)– snus is packaged in dry or moist pouches of different sizes. Their usage is quick and easy. You simply take out a pouch from the container and place it under your lip.

A great alternative to other tobacco products

Snus provides a great substitute or addition to traditional smoking. The market offers a variety of products with interesting flavours and varying levels of nicotine content. There are even nicotine-free sachets available, enriched with vitamins and minerals that promote health. You can be sure to find the right option for yourself.