From 200 years back in history snus of the Swedish that we use today is smokeless. It is a moist-like powder applied as a pinch under the lip. The snus pouch is said to have originated from a modified dry nasal snuff that was made from a mixture of tobacco leaves with salt and water resulting in a unique taste. Snus became popular in the 1700s. The cans were small masterpieces of gold, were quite expensive and had to be handled with care. As the demand rose for them each month, they released new flavours and strength in different shapes and formats in the market.
Snus around the world
Nicotine has been used as a stimulant for a long time. Back in the 16th century, snuff, the ancestor of snus, was introduced by a French diplomat, Jean Nicot. Once Swedes discovered snus, they quickly became attached to their invention. During the early 1900s, snus emigrated to the US, together with the huge number of Swedes leaving the country. However, because at the time the Americans had already gotten used to their chewing tobacco, the Swedish invention didn’t gain popularity as quickly as it did in its country of origin. Later on, due to legal regulations, snus was restricted to be used almost solely within the Scandinavian borders.
As we know, tobacco contains many harmful chemicals, including cyanide, formaldehyde, lead, and arsenic. While snus quickly became popular because of its lack of harmful respiratory side effects as compared to smoking, the need arose for an even safer product – one that would give its user the required nicotine kick, but without the other unnecessary elements of tobacco. The breakthrough came in the early 21st century, with the discovery that nicotine could be separated from the leaves of tobacco through an innovative heating process. The nicotine pouches quickly caught on and are now still rising in popularity among the traditional snus users looking for healthier alternatives.