Published 2025-06-26
Snus And Nicotine Pouch Dictionary
Wondering what 'snus' really means, and how it's different to nicotine pouches? To clear up any confusion, we’ve put together this straightforward snus glossary that covers all the essential terms.
Key Points
- Snus vs. Nicotine Pouches: Snus contains tobacco, while nicotine pouches are tobacco-free. Both deliver nicotine under the lip.
- Snus Legality: It is illegal to sell and market snus in the UK (though personal possession is legal). Tobacco-free snus alternatives, like nicotine pouches, are permitted for sale.
- Usage: Pouches are placed under the lip for a discreet, smoke-free experience.
- Inside The Pouch: Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, flavours, and plant-based fillers.
- Formats and Strengths: Pouches come in various sizes (mini, slim, regular) and different moisture levels (dry or moist).
Quick Overview: Snus Vs. Nicotine Pouches
Understanding the meaning of snus is essential, especially when many people use it interchangeably with nicotine pouches.
- Snus is a moist, smokeless tobacco product that originated in Scandinavia. It is placed under the upper lip.
- Nicotine pouches are similar to snus, but are tobacco-free. Plant-based fillers replace tobacco, with nicotine, flavours, and sweeteners added.
The sale and marketing of snus have been prohibited in the UK since 1992 under the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), retained post-Brexit, and reinforced in 2016 by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). Possessing snus in the UK for personal use is legal and travellers can bring snus into the UK strictly for personal consumption, not resale.
What about nicotine pouches? Because they do not contain tobacco, it is legal to purchase nicotine pouches in the UK.
For a more in-depth look at this topic, check out our article "Is Snus Legal in the UK?".
Snus and Snus-Related Terms
Now you know the difference between snus and nicotine pouches. What other useful snus-related terms should you know?
Snus/Snoos/Snooze
Different ways of referring to snus, a traditional Scandinavian oral tobacco product. ‘Snoos’ and ‘snooze’ are misspellings of ‘snus’.
Tobacco-Free Snus
A term sometimes used for nicotine pouches. These are tobacco-free products, but they still deliver nicotine.
Snus Pouches
Pouches containing pasteurised tobacco designed to be placed between the gum and lip, offering a smokeless nicotine experience.
Snuff
A smokeless tobacco that comes in dry or moist forms. It is usually placed between the gum and cheek or lip, though the dry form can be snorted.
All-White Snus/White Snus
Tobacco-free nicotine pouches with a white appearance. The same thing as nicotine pouches.
Nicotine Pouches
Small pouches containing nicotine, flavours, and plant fibres. A tobacco-free alternative to traditional snus.
Chewing Tobacco
Chewing tobacco. Loose tobacco leaves or compressed bricks are placed between the cheek and gums and chewed or held in place. A different product to snus.
Nicopods/Pods
Informal terms for nicotine pouches, commonly used online.
Portion/Pouch
A small, pre-packed sachet containing snus or nicotine pouch contents, available in mini, slim, and regular sizes.
Using Snus and Nicotine Pouches
In this section, find out the key terms that relate to how snus and nicotine pouches are used.
Under the Lip
The usual placement for snus and nicotine pouches, which are tucked between the gum and upper lip. (Consult our guide on how to use snus for more information.)
Discreet Use
Refers to the invisible and smoke-free nature of pouches—ideal for use anywhere, anytime.
Spit-Free
Indicates that spitting isn’t required, a typical feature of modern nicotine pouches and some snus products.
Drip
When pouch moisture leaks into the mouth. This can affect taste and user preference.
Flavour
The taste of the pouch contents. Popular snus flavours include mint and fruit.
Nicotine Tolerance
Refers to the body gradually acclimatising to nicotine with regular use, often requiring larger amounts to achieve the same sensation.
Bioavailability
The proportion of nicotine absorbed into the bloodstream, which is maximised by oral placement.
Free Nicotine
A form of nicotine that’s quickly absorbed.
Nicotine Metabolism
The way the body processes and clears nicotine after use. This varies from person to person.
Nicotine Buzz
The alert or euphoric sensation experienced during nicotine absorption. This will be stronger for those with a lower tolerance.
Inside the Pouch
To really understand the meaning of snus, it helps to know what’s inside!
Nicotine Strength
The total nicotine content in each pouch, usually categorised as mg/pouch or mg/g.
mg/pouch
Milligrams of nicotine per individual pouch, used for strength comparisons.
mg/g (Milligrams per Gram)
Nicotine concentration relative to the weight of the pouch material.
Tobacco-Free
Means a product has no tobacco content. Nicotine is still present, however.
Fillers
Plant fibres or cellulose materials that fill out the pouch and carry the flavour and nicotine.
Binder
Material that holds pouch contents together during use, ensuring durability and comfort.
Synthetic Nicotine
Nicotine created without tobacco plants. Often produced in laboratories.
pH Level
A pouch’s acidity or alkalinity, which impacts how fast and efficiently nicotine is absorbed. A higher pH often means faster nicotine delivery.
Snus Formats
Snus and nicotine pouches come in different sizes and moisture levels, which can influence how they feel and perform. (Did you know that proper snus storage can also affect freshness and flavour?)
Portion Snus
Snus that's pre-packaged in small pouches, offering convenience and less mess compared to loose snus.
Format/Size/ Portion
Refers to the shape and size of the pouch, which normally come in slim, mini, or regular.
Slim Pouch
A long, narrow pouch designed for discreet placement under the lip.
Mini Pouch
Smaller sized pouches for users wanting a less visible, lightweight option.
Regular Pouch
The standard pouch size that is bigger than slim or mini variants.
Dry Pouch
Pouches with low moisture content, leading to a slower nicotine release and minimal drip.
Moist Pouch
Pouches with higher moisture levels that enable quicker nicotine release and more pronounced flavour.
Slang Terms
Although snus slang isn’t commonly used in the UK, you may encounter these terms in online communities, especially from the US or Scandinavia.
Upper Decky
Placing a pouch under the upper lip—the standard method for snus and nicotine pouches.
Lower Decky
A less common method where the pouch is placed under the lower lip, influenced by American dipping tobacco traditions.
Lip Pillow/Gum Pillow
A casual nickname for a pouch that rests comfortably under the lip.
Pack/Packing
The act of placing a pouch under the lip.
Hitting
The moment you feel the nicotine effect, often called the "buzz."
Explore Further
We hope this dictionary gave you the essential terminology to navigate the world of smokeless nicotine products with confidence—and, of course, that you learnt what snus really means.
For a more detailed breakdown, we recommend our handy “what is snus” guide. It’s a great complement to this dictionary, or for anyone wanting a more detailed overview on the topic.
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