In smokeless alternatives, two prominent contenders are center stage in the United States - ZYN nicotine pouches and traditional tobacco Snus. While both offer a smokeless experience compared to the likes of cigarettes, there are many differences between these products, suiting those with different lifestyles and preferences. This article explores such differences, highlighting their unique characteristics and shedding light on which may suit the individual user better.
ZYN nicotine pouches: A modern innovation
ZYN is a brand of nicotine pouch which, when compared to snus, is a fairly recent innovation. Each is tobacco-free, consisting of plant fibers, nicotine salt, flavorings, sweeteners, stabilizers, and water. Within the line, there are different strengths and flavors to choose from, offering a clean and enjoyable nicotine release, perfect for those reducing their tobacco intake.
Snus: A traditional tobacco product
On the other hand, snus is a tobacco product that has been around for centuries. It’s a smokeless product used in the same way as nicotine pouches, tucked under the upper lip. It consists of ground tobacco, water, flavorings, and other additives. It stems back to the 1800s in Sweden and has been enjoyed for years in a loose format or portioned, with many natural flavors and different strength intensities available. The variety has grown over the years, and many brands are on offer, providing plenty of choice to snusers around the globe.
Snus Vs. Nicotine pouches: The Main Difference
It was first released, and after 200 years, nicotine pouches were later released under the name of Niconovum and marketed as a nicotine replacement. Later, many brands were released, such as ZYN, VELO, On!, etc. When comparing these two products, there is one main attribute that sets them apart:
Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, but snus is not.
Is ZYN Snus?
To answer this question, no, it is not. When comparing, ZYN is a nicotine pouch, while snus contains tobacco. So, even though users may call it snus, technically, they are incorrect because nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco.
ZYN Vs. Snus - What’s the difference?
So, we know they have similarities in their use and the smokeless experience each offers, but what about their differences? Below is a list of 5 key characteristics that highlight how these products differ, providing insight into which may suit you better.
1. Ingredients
The first and obvious difference between the two is the presence of tobacco. Nicotine pouches are the newer product and stem from the tobacco pouch. Companies have been able to remove nicotine from the tobacco plant in recent years by using technology to invent new production methods, allowing products like ZYN to be tobacco-free. The lack of tobacco makes it a more favorable option for those wanting to cut their tobacco intake.
2. Nicotine Content and Absorption
Those who have used both will have noticed the difference in the nicotine release and sensation. Nicotine pouches are far more intense as the release is much faster and less gradual. The reason for this is due to the accessibility of nicotine.
- Nicotine pouches use nicotine salt, easily extracted once the nicopod is moist.
- Snus contains tobacco, which is the source of nicotine and takes more time to extract. Moreover, not all the nicotine present in the tobacco is extracted.
In terms of nicotine content, it has two strengths available on Prilla.com. ZYN 3 and ZYN 6, with 3 and 6 mg of nicotine, respectively, per nicopod. However, snus can have far greater strengths in comparison, some of which reach up to 22 mg per gram.
3. Flavor Options
Tobacco has a unique leathery taste. Not all flavorings pair with tobacco's distinct notes. On the other hand, nicotine pouches have a blank tasting experience canvas to work with, providing more freedom when deciding the flavor experience of a nicotine pouch. With these two points evident, ZYN has a wider selection of tasting experiences.
- For example, popular ZYN pouches include ZYN Coffee 3mg and ZYN Citrus 3mg, and many different mint variations.
- Conversely, tobacco pouches can only use botanical and mint flavors to complement the spicy and bold characters supplied by tobacco.
4. Format
Another important factor about these products is their formats. Those who have used these products before may think there isn’t any difference as both are portioned. However, when the tobacco product was first created:
Snus came in a loose format, whereby users would pinch some tobacco, forming a ‘prilla’ and placing it under their upper lip.
Now, it comes portioned like nicotine pouches for convenience. But it is still available in the loose format, suiting those who prefer a more traditional experience.
5. Availability
Another distinguishing factor between these two products is their availability and the different legal restrictions surrounding them. The restrictions around these products change depending on the country in which you live.
- For example, Snus is available in America but has an EU-wide ban, with only Sweden being exempt.
- However, nicotine pouches do not fall under the same ban and are much more accessible across the world.
In turn, not everyone can choose between them, unlike those living in the US and Sweden. But if in the US, you now know some of the key differences between these two products. Both are available from local convenience stores, but only ZYN is on Prilla.com.
