Nicotine Pouches vs. Snus: ZYN for the Win?

Tobacco users looking to switch to oral nicotine products are often presented with a dilemma: snus vs. ZYN. Although these products share many similarities, they have crucial differences that could significantly impact their appeal. This article will break down their distinct characteristics so you can decide which one is more suited to you.

Snus vs. ZYN

New users may be wondering, is ZYN snus? Are they the same thing? Both terms are sometimes used synonymously with nicotine pouches, which can be confusing. Snus is a tobacco product with a rich legacy, dating back to the early 1800s, whereas ZYN is a 21st-century innovation. History is just the tip of the iceberg, though. Let’s see what else sets them apart.

Ingredients comparison

Snus ingredients

• Tobacco
• Water
• Salt
• pH adjusters
• Other possible ingredients: flavorings, aromatics, moisture-preserving agents, ethyl alcohol, preservatives, humectants, and sweeteners

ZYN ingredients

• Nicotine
• Flavorings
• Sweeteners
• Stabilizers
• Fillers/binders
• pH adjusters

When analyzing the ingredients in snus vs. ZYN, there are a couple of major differences that may immediately stand out:

First, snus is a tobacco product. It contains ground tobacco leaf, which is the source of its nicotine. ZYN is tobacco-free, although the nicotine in ZYN is extracted from tobacco. Some other nicotine pouch brands use synthetic nicotine.

Snus also contains more natural ingredients than pouches. While some synthetic ingredients may be added, the main components are tobacco, water, and salt. On the other hand, ZYNs utilize more synthetic ingredients, including artificial sweeteners and stabilizers. 

Risk comparison

Nicotine dependence: The risks associated with nicotine pouches and snus may vary, but there is one that they both have in common: nicotine dependence. For this reason, non-nicotine users are encouraged to avoid both products.

TSNAs: Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) are naturally occurring compounds formed from tobacco alkaloids during the cultivation and manufacturing of the plant. They are harmful and potentially cancerous chemicals.

• Snus contains tobacco, but the levels of TSNAs are low—although not as low as levels in nicotine pouches or pharmaceutical nicotine products like lozenges and gum.
• ZYNs contain tobacco-derived nicotine, so they probably contain about the same very low levels of TSNAs as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like nicotine gum. 

Oral health: Nicotine pouches are a much newer product, so the long-term effects on oral health are still undetermined. Because snus use dates back 200 years, more is known about the potential oral health consequences. Snus may cause oral lesions (a reversible condition), gum recession, and tooth discoloration.

Extensive epidemiological study of Swedish snus users has shown no significant reduction in life expectancy versus non-users. ZYN and other nicotine pouches likely pose even less risk, since they contain no tobacco. Both products are much safer than combustible cigarettes.

Flavor comparison

In the snus vs. ZYN debate, the flavor options are often the deciding factor for many users. These products cater to very different tastes.

Tobacco is the dominant flavor in snus. Despite its reputation, tobacco is quite versatile, offering a range of distinct characteristics: rich, nutty, smoky, spicy, leathery, earthy, etc. Many varieties of snus also contain additional flavorings and aromatics, but these mainly serve to complement (or accent) the pronounced tobacco flavor. Some examples are mint, menthol, licorice, berries, lavender, citrus, melon, cinnamon, cloves, honey, and whiskey. 

In stark contrast, ZYN has no inherent flavor characteristics. Much like water, it begins as a neutral product, with perhaps a few subtleties from nicotine and other ingredients. Because of this, the flavor potential of nicotine pouches is seemingly endless. Users can enjoy a range of fruits, mints, coffee, and cinnamon without experiencing an overwhelming tobacco flavor.

To summarize, those who appreciate the natural flavors of tobacco will likely find snus more appealing. For everyone else, it’s ZYN for the win.

Storage & longevity comparison

Snus and ZYN require slightly different storage techniques to keep them fresh. Nicotine pouches should be stored in a cool, dry location that is not exposed to direct sunlight. The same applies to snus, but an additional step is recommended: refrigeration. Keeping snus in the fridge helps maintain moisture and preserve the freshness of the tobacco. Sealing them airtight is also beneficial.

The shelf life of both products varies as well. Most nicotine pouches (if unopened) will stay fresh for at least a full year with proper storage. In contrast, the quality of portion snus may suffer after just five months (three to four months for loose snus). Note that both products can be frozen (preferably in airtight bags) to extend their shelf life.