This moist powder smokeless product originating from a variant of dry snuff is consumed by placing inside the lip, in between the lip and gums; for extended periods. Snus does not typically result in the need for spitting. Although used similarly to American dipping tobacco, snus is not fermented but is steam-pasteurized.
Local varieties of snus, growing in popularity in the United States, are used as an alternative to smoking, vaping, e-smoking, chewing, dipping, dissolvable and snuff tobacco. However, US-manufactured snus typically uses significant amounts of sweeteners. It does not have the same production standards or ingredients as the Swedish snus.
Snuff, the precursor of snus or moist snuff, was introduced to France by French diplomat Jean Nicot in the the 16th century. Nicot recommended snuff to Catherine de’ Medici, an Italian noblewoman and a queen consort of King Henry II of France; as a migraine remedy. Since then, she became a regular user of snuff and it became a fashion among the court and upper-class citizens of France, especially among females. It was deemed more socially acceptable than other forms of tobacco.
In the 18th century, Swedish producers began to manufacture moist snuff, which became known as snus. Ettan, which means “the number one” is the oldest brand of snus still sold in the market today. It was registered in 1822.
Nowadays, Swedish snus are very popular among smokers who wish to quit smoking. It is used even in Nicotine Replacement Therapy which is a medically-approved way to take nicotine by means other than tobacco. NRT has been proven to increase the chance of quitting smoking or stopping chewing tobacco by about 55%.
Currently, there are more than 10 popular brands of Swedish snus in the American and European markets. Each brand comes in different packaging and features different flavors and strengths.
