Frequently asked questions about oral smokeless products

Oral smokeless FAQ

• How does a nicotine pouch work?

  A nicotine pouch is made primarily of nicotine-containing granules combined with flavors, wrapped in a cellulose pouch.

  
  

  The user places the pouch between the gum and the cheek or upper lip for around 30 minutes. During this time, nicotine is absorbed into the blood stream via the oral mucosa.

• What is ZYN?

  ZYN is the world’s leading brand of nicotine pouch, and Swedish Match’s leading oral smokeless product. The nicotine in ZYN is extracted from the tobacco plant, but no trace elements of tobacco remain.

  
  

  Philip Morris International (PMI) became the sole owner of Swedish Match in 2022. The acquisition was a significant step in the company’s mission to deliver a smoke-free future, providing adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking with a greater choice of smoke-free alternatives.

• What’s the difference between nicotine pouches and snus?

  Snus and nicotine pouches both avoid burning, making them a far better choice than continued smoking. However, although snus and nicotine pouches are similar in appearance and are both used in the mouth, there are differences between them.

  
  

  While snus is made from tobacco, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco leaves.

  
  

  Nicotine pouches generally contain nicotine that is extracted from tobacco combined with fillers—such as natural polymers, cellulose, pH adjusters, stabilizers, and flavors. However, some pouches use synthetic nicotine.* They are pre-packed in organic cellulose pouches. The nicotine is delivered in a similar way to traditional Swedish snus products.

  
  

  While nicotine is addictive and not risk-free, oral smokeless products are a better alternative than continued cigarette smoking.

  
  

  Find out more about oral smokeless products, including the differences between them, how they work, and more.
  
  

  * PMI’s smoke-free products use nicotine derived from tobacco, not synthetic nicotine. 

• Do nicotine pouches contain tobacco?

  No, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco leaves. They are made using either nicotine extracted from tobacco or synthetic nicotine.* This is combined with fillers and packed in organic cellulose pouches. The tobacco-sourced nicotine in these pouches has been extracted from the tobacco plant, but no trace elements of tobacco remain.

  
  

  As nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco leaves and are not smoked or inhaled, the harmful or potentially harmful constituents are either eliminated or reduced to very low trace levels.

  
  

  * PMI’s smoke-free products use nicotine derived from tobacco, not synthetic nicotine. 

• How much nicotine is in nicotine pouches?

  The nicotine in pouches is usually measured in milligrams and their strength can vary to cater to a user’s preference. Their availability may depend on local market regulations.

• What’s the difference between snus and snuff?

  Traditionally, snuff was used nasally, while snus is used orally. Both are made with tobacco.

  
  

  Snus consists of air-dried ground tobacco, water, salt, flavoring, and taste additives, and is pasteurized to extend shelf life.

  
  

  There are many different types of snuff, which come in a range of textures and moistness, including creamy snuff, dry snuff, as well as moist snuff, which can be put in the mouth.

  
  

  Regulations on the use and availability of snus and snuff can vary between markets.

• Are nicotine pouches less harmful than smoking cigarettes?

  Cigarettes produce high levels of harmful chemicals due to burning, while nicotine pouches do not involve burning.

  
  

  As a result, these pouches deliver nicotine with much lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes. Whilst nicotine is addictive and not risk-free, pouches offer adult smokers who don’t quit a better alternative to continued smoking.

  
  

  Find out more about snus, snuff and nicotine pouches in our handy Q&A here.