Snus Vs. Nicotine Pouches: What’s the Difference? 

Date published 26/08/2025

The sale and distribution of snus is not legal within the UK. Selling snus is widely prohibited outside of its country of origin and banned in all EU countries except from Sweden. Despite this, there’s often confusion between snus and nicotine pouches like ZYN because both are smoke-free and used orally by placing a small pouch between the lip and gum. However, despite similarities in how they’re used, ZYN and snus have distinct differences. Most importantly, while ZYN is a nicotine pouch that does not contain tobacco*, snus is a tobacco-based product.

What is ZYN?

ZYN is a tobacco-free* nicotine pouch designed to give adult users a clean, modern way to experience nicotine without smoke, vapour, or tobacco leaf. Each ZYN pouch contains nicotine extracted from the tobacco plant*, blended with plant-based fibres, flavouring, and other food-grade ingredients. To use ZYN, adult users place a pouch in their mouth between the lip and gum. The pouches are then discarded after use. 

*The nicotine in ZYN is derived from tobacco, but ZYN does not contain tobacco leaf.

ZYN Nicotine Pouch Benefits 

  • Smoke-free: ZYN pouches are a smoke-free alternative to consume nicotine.
  • Device-free: Unlike other smoke-free alternatives, such as vapes, using ZYN does not require the purchase or use of a device.
  • Variety of Flavours: ZYN comes in a wide range of flavours such as mint, citrus and other fruit varieties.
  • Nicotine Strengths: ZYN pouches are available in various nicotine strengths, allowing adult users to choose the level of nicotine that best suits their needs and preferences.

What is Snus?

Snus is a moist, smokeless tobacco product that originated in Sweden. It’s made by grinding tobacco leaves, mixing them with salt and water, and placing the blend into a pouch or loose form.

When placed under the lip, snus releases both nicotine and tobacco flavours, along with other natural compounds found in tobacco. Because it contains actual tobacco, snus provides a different mouthfeel compared to nicotine pouches.

In the UK, snus cannot be legally sold, imported, or distributed. It remains available only in Sweden and Norway, where it has a long cultural history.