Snus facts for kids

Snus is a type of smokeless tobacco. This means you don't light it or breathe in smoke. People have used snus in Sweden for nearly 100 years.

The name "snus" sounds a bit like the English word "snuff," but they are different products. Snus is placed under the upper lip. Snuff, on the other hand, is a dry powder that people sniff into their nostrils.

What is Snus?

Snus is a moist, ground tobacco product. It usually comes in small pouches, like tiny tea bags, or as a loose powder. It's made from tobacco leaves, water, salt, and flavorings.

How is Snus Used?

To use snus, you place a small amount, either a pouch or a pinch of loose tobacco, under your upper lip. It stays there for a while, and the flavors and nicotine are absorbed. After some time, it is removed.

Snus in Sweden

Snus has a long history in Sweden. It became popular there as an alternative to smoking. Sweden has a special rule that allows snus to be sold, even though most of the European Union has banned its sale. This is because Sweden joined the EU later and kept its traditional snus use.

Types of Snus

There are different kinds of snus. Some are "loose snus," which is a moist, ground tobacco that you shape yourself. Others are "portioned snus," which comes in small, ready-to-use pouches.

• Loose snus: This is the original form. You take a small amount and roll it into a ball or cylinder.
• Portioned snus: This comes in small bags. There are "original portions" which are moist, and "white portions" which are drier on the outside.

Images for kids

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  "White portion" snus of the Swedish brand General

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  Loose snus, made of tobacco, salt, and sodium carbonate

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  Legal status of snus. The EU is exceptional in banning the sale of snus (except in Sweden, which has an exemption).

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  Catch lid found on many snus tins, which snaps in and out of place. The small compartment is typically used for the temporary storage of used snus portions.

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  Cylindrical (fingertips) pris of Swedish brand Skruf

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  Left is an original (or "regular") portion. Right is a "white portion". White portions can be any color, as the name refers to the style, not the color.

See also

In Spanish: Snus para niños