Michael Kannes
03/10/2024 • 6 min readIf you're planning to quit smoking, you might be looking for a discreet alternative, ideally one that’s completely smoke-free. In that case, you may have encountered snus or nicotine pouches, which you simply place in your mouth. Now, you're probably wondering how long snus lasts or how effective it is. This article will break it all down, from how long you can keep snus in your mouth to its expiration, and even compare snus to nicotine pouches and vaping as alternatives. Let’s dive in.
Snus is a moist tobacco pouch from Sweden that’s placed under your upper lip. Unlike smoking, it doesn’t involve burning tobacco, meaning you avoid inhaling smoke. It’s absorbed through the gums and gives users a steady release of nicotine. However, at the start, we have to mention that snus is not legally sold in the UK or any EU country except Sweden–it's part of the national culture with a history spanning hundreds of years, so the local legislation is more lenient. While nicotine pouches are legal in the EU, snus is considered a health risk due to its tobacco content.
While both snus and nicotine pouches are small bags placed under your lip, there’s a key difference: snus contains tobacco, while nicotine pouches do not. Nicotine pouches rely on synthetic or tobacco-derived nicotine, making them potentially less harmful. Both products provide a similar nicotine experience, But since tobacco itself contains many toxic substances, it's better to avoid using snus when quitting. If you'd like to read more about the differences between snus and nicotine pouches, especially regarding their varying risks, check out our previous article, Snus vs Nicotine Pouches: What's the Difference?
However, let’s now answer the questions mentioned at the start, which are probably on your mind. Using snus or nicotine pouches is straightforward. Place the pouch under your upper lip and leave it there for 15 to 60 minutes, depending on your tolerance and how strong the product is. During this time, nicotine is absorbed through your gums. Once done, discard the pouch — and no, you shouldn't reuse it.
This is a common question. An experienced user will tell you that they can feel when the snus or nicotine pouch starts losing its nicotine hit, and it's time to discard it. Once placed under your lip, the effects of snus can last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the strength. As for the product itself, sealed snus can last for up to a year in the refrigerator, but it’s best used within six months to enjoy maximum freshness. After opening, any pouches of this kind should be consumed within 2 to 3 weeks for the best experience.
Most people keep snus in for about 20 to 40 minutes, but more potent varieties can be left in for up to an hour. Keep in mind that the longer you leave it, the more nicotine is released, which could lead to side effects like nausea or dizziness if you're not careful. We don't want to suggest using snus, but if you decide to try it, be cautious. Especially if you're a first-time user, start with shorter durations to see how your body reacts. As we mentioned, experienced users can tell when the effect weakens. However, the direct absorption through the gums can still be strong for a beginner.
Yes, snus can go out of date. Snus is a moist tobacco product that can dry out over time, losing its flavour and nicotine potency. We mentioned that the ideal way to store snus is in the fridge, as the cold ensures the best freshness. However, this only applies within 6 to 12 months, as the substances gradually lose potency over time. It’s also important to check the expiration date on the packaging to avoid trying to preserve a product that’s already past its prime.
We’ve already covered this above, but for completeness' sake: while it might be tempting to reuse snus to save money, it’s not a good idea. After one use, most of the nicotine has been absorbed, and any remaining nicotine will be minimal. Reused snus tends to lose its flavour, and the experience will be much less satisfying. And that’s not even mentioning hygiene. If you’ve had something in your mouth for several minutes, bacteria multiply quickly. After a week, used snus (or even a nicotine pouch) would be good only for causing stomach issues or, at the very least, a rash in your mouth.
Once you place a snus pouch under your lip, nicotine is typically absorbed within 5 to 10 minutes, giving you that "hit" fairly quickly. However, this can vary depending on the product's strength and your nicotine tolerance. Don’t assume that just because you were a heavy smoker, you can now handle anything as you transition to less harmful alternatives. And speaking of which – if you’re trying to quit tobacco, remember that snus still contains it, so it’s not the path we recommend. While it’s true that stopping inhalation of toxic smoke is an improvement, nicotine pouches (which are tobacco-free) or even vaping (without tobacco and with the ability to monitor and reduce nicotine content down to zero) are far better options.
Nicotine pouches, much like snus, can last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. The main difference is that nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco, making them a cleaner, potentially less harmful alternative. They also have a longer shelf life and aren’t as prone to drying out as snus.
When it comes to quitting smoking, there are definitely better alternatives than turning to tobacco products like snus. Although snus eliminates the smoke, it still contains tobacco and poses health risks. For example, nicotine pouches or vaping offer safer, tobacco-free options that help you manage and reduce nicotine intake over time. These alternatives not only offer a cleaner transition but also pave the way towards quitting nicotine entirely, providing a healthier solution for those looking to break free from smoking. And since scientific studies agree that quitting smoking is most successful with professional support, don’t hesitate to sign up for your own personalised guide.
