Snus is a Swedish smokeless tobacco product that's used by placing it under your upper lip. It’s made from ground tobacco mixed with water, salt, and various aromas that add flavor. Snus comes in two main forms: traditional loose tobacco or pre-packed portions for added convenience. The version of snus we use today has been around since the 19th century and comes in a wide variety of flavors, strengths, and portion sizes.
It all began back in 1492 when Christopher Columbus set sail across the Atlantic on the Santa Maria. His mission was to find a new sea route to India, and while he didn’t succeed in that, he did return to Europe with tobacco. At the time, tobacco was either smoked or ground into a fine powder that people sniffed through the nose. This form, called snuff, was considered something of a miracle cure and was used to treat everything from headaches to syphilis.
Snuff really took off in the 16th and 17th centuries when French ambassador Jean Nicot (yes, the guy nicotine is named after) brought the tobacco plant back to France from Portugal. Queen Catherine de Medici suffered from chronic headaches, and Nicot recommended snuff as a remedy. It worked, and soon the entire French court was using it.
At the time, French fashion and lifestyle trends influenced all of Europe. As a result, snuff use spread across the continent, including to Sweden. The earliest Swedish customs document mentioning snuff is from 1637. Initially, snuff was a status symbol, the finishing touch to a gentleman’s look. Demand grew quickly, and more than 70 tobacco plantations were established across Sweden, making tobacco both affordable and accessible.
After the French Revolution, snuff lost its appeal because of its ties to the aristocracy. Smoking became the preferred method of tobacco use in much of Europe. In Sweden, though, tobacco remained cheap and easy to grow. Swedish farmers started using it differently by placing ground tobacco under their upper lips rather than sniffing it.
They used homemade or coffee grinders to create this early version of snus. It was a practical choice that let them enjoy tobacco while working, without using their hands. Around this time, the Industrial Revolution also reached Sweden. Tobacco entrepreneurs began experimenting and producing snus on a larger scale, laying the foundation for the product we know today.
Two key figures helped shape modern snus: Jacob Fredrik Ljunglöf and Johan Adolf Boman. Back then, snus products were labeled by brand and numbered based on quality. Ljunglöf’s first batch of No.1, now known as Ettan, was launched in 1822. It was an instant success, thanks to its high quality and distinctive tobacco flavor. Even today, Ettan remains a favorite among many users.
Ljunglöf was also an innovator. He developed a new production method that drastically reduced manufacturing time and improved freshness. Johan Boman came onto the scene in 1866 with his own brand, General. The name wasn’t military-related; instead, it referred to something of high standard. General stood out for its unique flavor, featuring a hint of bergamot that set it apart from the competition.
This period is considered the golden age of loose snus. Several iconic brands from this era, including Ettan, General, Röda Lacket, and Göteborgs Prima Fint, are still widely used today.
In the early 1900s, the average Swede used about 1 kilogram of snus each year. As tensions rose across Europe, Sweden focused on strengthening its military. One way to fund this was by controlling the booming snus market. In 1915, the Swedish government created AB Svenska Tobaksmonopolet, gaining full control over the tobacco trade.
After World War II, American culture swept through Europe. Cigarettes became the new trend, popularized by soldiers, movie stars, and musicians. Snus took a back seat. It wasn’t until the late 1960s and early 70s, when smoking’s health risks became widely known, that snus made a comeback.
The release of Tre Ankare, the first successful portion snus, played a huge role in this revival. These pre-packed pouches made snus cleaner, more discreet, and easier to use. Snus became something people carried in their jeans, purses, or suit pockets. It was no longer just for older folks in the countryside. It had become a mainstream product.
When Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, there was a catch. The EU banned the sale of snus, but Swedes weren’t willing to give it up. As a result, Sweden negotiated an exception. To this day, it remains the only EU country allowed to sell snus.
Swedish snus production is a refined process developed over centuries. It starts with selecting high-quality tobacco suited to the specific flavor and strength of the product. Common types of tobacco include:
After harvesting, the leaves are air-dried, ground into a fine blend, and mixed with water and salt. This gives the snus its texture and initial flavor. Then, the blend is pasteurized through heating. Unlike fermentation, this process enhances flavor and reduces harmful TSNAs (tobacco-specific nitrosamines).
After heating, the snus is cooled and flavored with mint, berries, or other ingredients, depending on the variety. It’s then packed in airtight cans to protect it. Loose snus is placed directly into the can, while portion snus is packed into tea bag-like pouches. Everything is stored refrigerated at a maximum of 8°C and undergoes strict quality testing to meet Swedish food safety standards.
The snus market today is broad and still expanding. Classic names like General, Göteborgs Rapé, Röda Lacket, and Ettan are going strong, while modern brands such as Siberia, Jakobsson’s, and Oden’s have brought new energy to this traditional product.
There are two main categories to choose from:
Nicotine pouches are a newer alternative to traditional snus. They’re tobacco-free and all-white, offered by brands like LYFT, Skruf Super White, and White Fox. These portions offer a similar feel to snus but won’t stain your teeth. And yes, you’ll find them all here at MySnus.com.
If you’re looking for the sensation of snus without tobacco or nicotine, you're in the right place. At MySnus, we offer a wide range of nicotine-free options. These are often called energy snus, energy pads, energy pouches, or caffeine snus. Whatever the name, they’re all completely free of tobacco and nicotine and come in a variety of exciting flavors.
You might be wondering how nicotine-free snus can still feel stimulating. Some products use caffeine instead, like those from Lewa and Scooper Energy. Rather than tobacco, they contain natural plant fibers, which give them their white appearance. Some brands, like Lewa, also include energizing ingredients like guarana and vitamins for an extra boost.
Trying to cut back on nicotine? Nicotine-free snus offers a great alternative. It delivers the same satisfying sensation and bold flavors without any tobacco or nicotine. It’s a new way to enjoy snus without making sacrifices.
