We used to write the nicotine content of the snus as a percentage on the back of our cans. However, a change in the law requires that we and all other snus manufacturers remove this labelling. For those of you that want to know more about how much nicotine our products contain, you’ll find all relevant information here on our website.
Perceived strength is what matters
Let’s start by comparing two products. Catch Dry Licorice Mini has a nicotine content of 1.5%. General White Portion, on the other hand, has a nicotine content of 0.8%. Based on this comparison, it is easy to conclude that Catch Dry Licorice is a stronger snus than General White. But it is not that simple – both products are categorized as having a normal strength level.
The nicotine content in the snus is not the same as the perceived strength for the user. Instead, the perceived strength is due to how much nicotine that is released from the snus during usage, which is affected by several factors. It is the perceived strength that determines which strength level we put on the can – not only the nicotine content.
What affects the strength?
Individual factors affect the strength, such as how you use snus and how much saliva you produce. The product-specific factors that we take into account when making an overall evaluation of the snus are the flavor, format, nicotine content, moisture content and the pH of the finished snus. Of the amount of nicotine in the pouch, 10-20% is absorbed when using snus.
Because different recipes use different tobacco blends, the nicotine content in Swedish Match’s products often varies from 0.75% to 2.0%. Normally, nicotine is not added artificially or extracted in production – the nicotine content in the product corresponds to the nicotine content in the tobacco blend used in the recipe.
The moister the snus, the more nicotine the user absorbs. This means that a normal-strength loose snus often has a lower nicotine content that a normal-strength White Portion, since loose snus is considerably moister. This same rule applies for pH levels – the higher the pH, the more nicotine can be absorbed. Maintaining moisture and pH levels are two of many reasons why snus should be sold and stored refrigerated. Another good reason is that snus retains its flavor better if it is stored in the refrigerator.
READ WHAT IS ON THE CAN
Confusing? Yes, it is. Creating a snus with a certain flavor, strength and feel takes experience. Our best tip to you is to not get bogged down in comparisons between different nicotine contents. Instead, read the strength indicated on our website and written on the can. Extra Strong means that the snus is stronger than Strong. If there is no mention of strength on our snus that means it is normal strength.
To conveniently see the nicotine content, pH and moisture level, and the strength of our products, use the brand list at the bottom of the page to find a certain brand or product. All information related to that particular snus is listed under “properties” on the product page.
