Snus is a Swedish tobacco product that some consider a safer alternative to smoking. Instead of burning tobacco and inhaling the smoke, users of snus place a small pouch of tobacco in their upper lip. These pouches often have flavours like berry, mint, liquorice or coffee, and users typically report a mild tingling sensation followed by the mellow feeling of a nicotine hit.

Mostly popular in Sweden and Scandinavia, Snus also has its high profile British adherents, including Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy was pictured with a tin of snus his hand during the Euro 2016 tournament. Vardy even wrote about the product in his autobiography From Nowhere, saying that taking snus “helped me chill out.” 

While the sale of snus with tobacco is now illegal in the United Kingdom, tobacco free versions of snus, known as “nicotine pouches” are available to order online, there’s even shipping from Sweden to countries across Europe. If you’re curious about trying this out this interesting alternative to smoking, here’s how to do it:

1. Purchase a tobacco free nicotine pouch online through a website such as Snus Direct that ships across Europe. There, you can select from a wide range of flavours and strengths to suit your palette
2. The nicotine pouches will come in a small, cylindrical case. Unscrew the lid, and select one of the small pouches. You may want to squeeze it a bit between thumb and index finger to fluff it out
3. Place the pouch under your top lip and push it up quite high so it rests above your teeth, as close to your nose as possible (without causing any pain of course!)
4. Enjoy the flavor and feeling. Once the taste begins to fade, take the pouch out and dispose of it hygienically – many pouches come with a so-called “catch-lid” in the top of the case that is specifically designed for this purpose.

Popular snus and nicotine pouch flavors fall into four categories. “Refreshing” such an eucalyptus and spearmint, Fruity including both zesty and sweet flavors, Natural for those who prefer an authentic tobacco flavor, and Creamy such as coffee, frappuccino and espresso. Some of these truly sound tempting – kind of like a boiled sweet that you don’t suck on, but merely leave alone under your top lip for fifteen minutes or so.

No messy ash trays. No having to step outside into the cold. No second hand smoke. Nicotine pouches are an interesting tobacco and smoking alternative that may just be catching on in Britain

Notice: While some users believe snus and nicotine pouches are safer alternatives to smoking, it is essential to understand that consuming tobacco or nicotine products in any form is not without risks. Prolonged exposure to nicotine can lead to addiction, and there may be potential health risks associated with its use. As with all nicotine products, it’s crucial to use them responsibly and be aware of potential side effects. If in doubt, consult a medical professional before trying new products.