Table of contents
Snus has a long tradition. It wasn't invented in the form you know and love today, but instead has a few centuries under its belt, plus a fair few miles. Read on to find out where snus comes from and how it came about in the first place.
Quick facts about the origin of snus
- Snus comes from Sweden, where it has been produced since the beginning of the 17th century.
- Traditional snus consists of tobacco, plant flavorings, salt and water.
- It's a variation on the snuff already familiar to Swedish farmers at the time.
On the origin of snus: a look at Sweden
Snus has a long tradition. To be precise, it goes all the way back to the early 17th century, if we turn our attention to Sweden, the birthplace of snus. For one of humanity's oldest consumer goods, that's almost late. Stockholm customs documents from this period record the first imports of tobacco.
In the early 18th century, tobacco cultivation gradually began in all Swedish towns, ordered by the king of the day, Frederik I, in person. This is exactly where the farmers came into play, the ones said to have invented snus.
During industrialization, snus developed into a mass-market product. Rising demand could now be met thanks to the possibility of producing it industrially, and snus quickly became an everyday consumer good.
With the start of the 20th century, snus also spread beyond national borders and became increasingly well known across Europe.
What is traditional snus made of?
The farmers are said to have ground the tobacco leaves they grew and mixed them with water. They placed the moist, paste-like mixture that resulted in their mouths between lip and gum.
Flavor soon came from adding salt and plant leaves, blossoms and berries, and the whole thing developed more and more into a flavorful indulgence.
The following plants, for example, served as flavor suppliers:
- Mint
- Juniper berries
- Bergamot
What are the differences between traditional snus and snus pouches?
Anyone who knows snus will surely have spotted the most significant difference already: the tobacco. Traditional snus, in the form it took shape in Sweden, mainly consists of it. Modern snus pouches, by contrast, generally contain no tobacco. That makes them especially popular with people who want to go without tobacco but still consume nicotine, or who are giving up smoking.
Here we've listed all the differences between traditional Swedish snus and snus pouches for you once again:
| Swedish snus | Snus pouches | |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco | contains ground tobacco leaves | free of tobacco |
| Nicotine | contained in the tobacco | extracted from the tobacco plant and then added |
| Flavors | rich tobacco taste | huge range of flavors, from fresh herbs to all kinds of fruit |
| Legality | banned in the EU | permitted in the EU |
Why is Swedish snus banned in the EU?
You just read it: Swedish snus is banned in the EU, and therefore in Germany too. But why exactly?
The ban has been in place since 1992, and quite simply because of the high tobacco content. The WHO justifies this with the associated increased cancer risk. It also views snus as a potential gateway drug for young people.
Cigarettes, which likewise contain tobacco, are freely available in the EU, however, one of the reasons why people keep campaigning hard for the ban to be lifted, though so far without success.
Wondering why traditional snus is allowed in Sweden, though? Fair question. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, when the snus ban was already in force. Since the tobacco product is firmly bound up with the country's history and is therefore considered cultural heritage, Sweden was granted an exemption that still applies today.
Buy snus pouches as a legal alternative to Swedish snus
Here at the Snus-Shop you'll find snus pouches, completely free of tobacco, which you can legally buy and consume in Germany and throughout the EU. We supply you with snus in a range of nicotine strengths and flavors.
From 1 all the way up to 65 mg of nicotine, we have the right product for you. On the flavor side, we've got you covered with classics like mint snus or lemon, but also more unusual directions such as cola snus.
Sophie Neumärker
Editor
As an editor, Sophie has spent over 10 years producing thoroughly researched texts that inform readers about snus and nicotine pouches and offer real added value. Her goal is always to present the market and its development transparently, providing orientation and supporting customers in their purchasing decisions.
