Snus is a smokeless, powdered form of tobacco and can come either loose or in a pouch. It was first used in Sweden in the 17th century. Unlike traditional snuff, which is inhaled nasally, it is consumed orally.

Snus, which rhymes with “moose” and originally the Swedish word for snuff, is steam-pasteurized and usually wrapped in an organic cellulose pouch, which is placed between the gum and the cheek or upper lip. Nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream via the oral mucosa.

Snus is usually made of air-dried ground tobacco, water, salt, flavoring, and taste additives.

Although snus shares some similarities with nicotine pouches—in that they are both used orally and contain nicotine—nicotine pouches do not include tobacco.