The Northerner Blog

Browse our latest articles and updates below.

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The Northerner Blog is your UK guide to snus and nicotine pouches.

We cover brands, formats, and facts—no fluff. Whether you're new or experienced, we help you choose smarter.

Featured Articles

What is Nordic Spirit: The Ultimate UK Guide
Nordic Spirit is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch designed for adult users seeking a smoke-free alternative. This guide explains what Nordic Spirit is, how it works, who makes it, and why it’s become a popular choice in the UK.

2025-04-24
How to Use Snus and Nicotine Pouches
Wondering how to use snus or nicotine pouches? This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from opening the can to choosing the right strength and placing your pouch correctly. If you're new to (tobacco-free) snus or just looking to improve your experience, we’ve got you covered.

2025-04-03
How to Use VELO Nicotine Pouches
VELO nicotine pouches are a convenient, tobacco-free option for adult users seeking an alternative way to enjoy nicotine. This guide explains how to use VELO, answers common questions, and offers practical tips for getting started.

2025-04-01
One in Five Footballers Use Snus – Study Reveals
A new study by Loughborough University has revealed that 1 in 5 professional footballers in England currently use snus or nicotine pouches. Relaxation, mental focus, and social bonding are highlighted as key reasons why footballers are using snus.

2024-08-19
What Is Snus?
Snus is a traditional Swedish smokeless tobacco product placed under the lip. Learn what snus is, how it’s used, what it’s made of, and how it differs from tobacco-free snus (nicotine pouches) available in the UK.

2022-05-09
Is Snus Legal in the UK?
Tobacco snus is illegal to sell and market in the UK, though possession for personal use is permitted. This guide breaks down the current laws, why snus is banned, and how nicotine pouches offer a legal alternative. Here’s what you need to know.

2022-10-14
ZYN Review: Expert Breakdown (2026)
A balanced and adult-focused ZYN review of one of the UK’s most widely stocked nicotine pouch brands. We explore flavours, strengths, mouthfeel and how ZYN performs compared to other products, with up-to-date info from Northerner UK

2023-08-11

All Articles

UK flag with F1 car in foreground, symbolising UK's second favourite sport

The Sporting Map of Britain: Which Sport Takes the Crown?

Football may still wear the crown as the UK’s most popular sport, but it’s far from the only one capturing the nation’s attention. New research from Northerner explores how sporting passions vary across cities and regions, revealing a diverse and evolving sporting landscape.

Nicotine pouch can next to calorie counter, which shows 0 kcal

Does Snus Have Calories?

If you’re wondering "does snus have calories" and "how many calories are in snus", you’re not alone. Questions about snus calories, sugar content, and whether nicotine pouches affect weight are common among adult users.

Madalina Northerner Warehouse Manager

Get to Know Madalina, Our Northerner UK Warehouse Manager

Discover how Madalina keeps Northerner UK running smoothly—from order accuracy to warehouse insights—inside our latest interview in our Expert Insights series.

Is Snus Haram

Is Snus Haram?

Snus is generally considered haram because it contains tobacco, while tobacco-free nicotine pouches are debated among scholars for permissibility. This guide outlines how snus and nicotine pouches are discussed in Islamic contexts, including their use during fasting and how their ingredients differ.

Meet Lindsay, Our Senior Scientific Content Manager at Northerner UK

Get to Know Lindsay, Our Senior Scientific Content Manager at Northerner UK

Discover how Lindsay Reese, our Senior Scientific Content Manager, helps Northerner UK make nicotine science accessible and guide customers to informed choices—from explaining how nicotine works in the brain to highlighting the benefits of smoke-free products—inside our latest interview in the Expert Insights series.

Meet Céline - Northerner UK

Get to Know Céline, Our International Commercial Manager at Northerner UK

Discover how Céline helps Northerner UK deliver the best products and experiences—from building strong partnerships to spotting the trends customers love—inside our latest interview in our Expert Insights series.

Norway Bans Cross-Border Online Sales of Nicotine Products

Norway Is Banning Cross-Border Online Sales of Nicotine and Tobacco Products

Should other countries follow their lead? In January 2026, Norway introduced a ban on the cross-border online sales of nicotine and tobacco products.

Hicaff Energy Rush Caffeine Pouch vs VELO Ruby Berry Nicotine Pouch on grey background

Caffeine Pouches vs Nicotine Pouches

Curious about caffeine pouches vs nicotine pouches? This guide breaks down their effects, ingredients, flavour ranges, and usage so you can choose the right pouch for your lifestyle.

Football fans celebrating a goal, one of many moments missed by smokers taking a cigarette break

The Top Moments Missed by Smokers for a Cigarette

Many UK smokers see themselves as “social smokers,” stepping outside now and then for a chat or some fresh air. But a new survey suggests these quick smoke breaks may be costing them more moments than they realise.

Nicotine Pouches Surge Among Young People in the UK

Nicotine Pouches Surge Among Young People in the UK – New Study Shows Fivefold Increase

A new study from University College London – Oral nicotine pouch use in Great Britain: a repeat cross-sectional study, 2020–25 – reveals that the use of tobacco-free nicotine pouches has risen sharply in the UK between 2020 and 2025. More than half a million adults in Britain now use the product, which is particularly popular among young men.

International Snus Guide

International Snus Guide: Around the World Under the Lip

Snus isn’t just Swedish. From Sudan’s fermented toombak to India’s spicy gutka, oral tobacco and nicotine take many forms. This guide explores global snus-like traditions, their cultural roots, and what makes each one unique.

Flag of Sweden against background of a street, celebrating Sweden's smoke-free status

Sweden Becomes Europe’s First Smoke-Free Nation

Sweden is set to become the first smoke-free country in Europe. Economist David Sundén explains how a combination of public policy and access to nicotine alternatives helped drive daily smoking rates below 5%.

group of people sat at table with nicotine pouch can, for world snus day

Nicotine Pouch Boom as UK Marks Snus Day 2025

World Snus Day celebrates Swedish innovation and its influence on modern nicotine use. Discover how nicotine pouches are reshaping the UK market, who’s using them, and what’s driving this fast-growing tobacco-free category.

Adult Access to Alternative Nicotine Products

Dr Murphy on How to Protect Youth While Preserving Adult Access to Alternative Nicotine Products

A provocative new commentary argues that restricting access to “reduced-risk” nicotine products — such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other non-combustible alternatives — could do more harm than good, especially for smokers trying to quit cigarettes.

Snus in Nature: How Long Do Nicotine Pouches Take to Decompose?

How Long Do Nicotine Pouches Take to Decompose?

Nicotine pouches (tobacco-free snus) don’t disappear once discarded. Discover how long they take to break down, what happens to each material, and how to dispose of them responsibly.

Does Nicotine Cause Acne

Does Nicotine Cause Acne?

Research hasn’t proven that nicotine directly causes acne, but some studies suggest it may influence oil production, inflammation, and circulation, all factors that can affect how skin looks and heals. Here’s what we know about nicotine and breakouts.

what is an upper decky

What Is an Upper Decky?

You might have heard of the slang “upper decky”, but what does it actually mean? Here’s what this term refers to, why it’s trending, and how it connects to nicotine pouches.

How Long Does Nicotine Stay in Your System

How Long Does Nicotine Stay in Your System?

Nicotine tends to stay in your system for a short time, but traces can be detected much longer than the “buzz” lasts. Understanding these timelines matters for adult users undergoing medical tests, considering quitting, or simply curious about how nicotine behaves in the body.

Gen Z think the UK is becoming a ‘Nanny State’

Nearly Half of Gen Z Think the UK is Becoming a ‘Nanny State’

Survey by researchers from Northerner uncovers the UK public's response to expanding government regulation.

Dart player Danny Noppert

An Interview with Danny Noppert

Danny Noppert is one of the world's top professional darts players. Known as ‘The Freeze’, he is currently ranked 13th in the world and won the UK Open Championship in 2022.

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