Chewing tobacco or snus refers to a tobacco product intended for oral consumption, distinct in its ingredients and usage from chew and snuff tobacco. In its country of origin, Sweden, snus is now more popular than cigarettes. With the legalization of its sale in Switzerland, snus is gaining popularity in other European countries, and the number of users is increasing.
Ideally, you should never start consuming nicotine. However, if you are considering switching from smoking to chewing tobacco, there are a few guidelines you should follow for your first use. As a product containing nicotine, it should not be used lightly. We want to present you with a few steps for using chewing tobacco correctly and explain what you should consider and which products are suitable for first-time users.
What is Chewing Tobacco or Snus?
Chewing tobacco has been around for decades and is still traditionally made from ground tobacco, salt, water, and various flavors. Initially, the product was sold loose in metal cans, and to this day, one of the oldest chewing tobacco brands, Ettan, still produces its products in this way.
For easier use, chewing tobacco was later packaged in cellulose bags. Initially, portioned chewing tobacco was only available as an original portion, which is moistened. Later, drier variants known as white portions and white dry portions became available. In 2016, practical nicotine pouches, also known as all-white snus, entered the market with the brand EPOK. These nicotine pouches have now even replaced tobacco with cellulose as the filler, making these white snus products completely tobacco-free with reduced harm potential.
Starting with Chewing Tobacco: Which Type is Best?
The strength of chewing tobacco depends on various factors, with nicotine content being a significant one. If you are switching from cigarettes to chewing tobacco, you should choose a brand that is not too strong, as the nicotine content can be higher than that of cigarettes.
The nicotine content can usually be found on the can or obtained from the internet. Chewing tobacco varieties are classified using different strength scales depending on the manufacturer, making comparisons somewhat challenging. That's why on snushus.eu, we have introduced an objective strength scale for each product, allowing for comparisons across different brands. There are a few other factors to consider beyond nicotine content: the wetter the chewing tobacco and the higher the pH level, the more nicotine is absorbed by the body. We recommend paying attention to the comparative strength ratings on our website's product pages.
How to Use Chewing Tobacco: The Best Way to Use Chewing Tobacco
Unlike snuff, chewing tobacco does not need to be shaken before use; you can simply take a chewing tobacco pouch from the can. Then, place the chewing tobacco under one side of your upper lip. Since chewing tobacco increases saliva production, you may want to dry your upper lip slightly before use.
Unlike chewing gum, chewing tobacco is not chewed or immediately spat out. Most users keep the product in their mouth for about 20 minutes to an hour. The nicotine effect sets in within a few minutes. If you've chosen a moistened variety, a tobacco juice will form in your mouth. This should not be swallowed but spat out. The white dry portion runs less and is often preferred by chewing tobacco users.
How Much Chewing Tobacco Should I Use?
When you want to stop using chewing tobacco depends entirely on your preferences. The product will lose its flavor after about half an hour to an hour and should then be spat out. Like cigarettes, there is no specific limit for the use of chewing tobacco, but it should be enjoyed in moderation. If you want to reduce your chewing tobacco consumption, nicotine-free options like edel's CBD chewing tobacco can help.
Since chewing tobacco contains nicotine, it can be addictive and come with health risks. One of the most common chewing tobacco damages is gum irritation and tooth discoloration. If you experience burning in your mouth or gum recession, consider reducing your consumption or opting for milder varieties. If you need help quitting chewing tobacco, feel free to contact us via the contact form.
