We receive many questions about various topics. Here you will find a selection of the most frequently asked questions.
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What is Onico?
Onico is a plant-fiber-based product in portion pouches, flavored with food-approved additives having flavors resembling tobacco and peppermint. However, Onico does not contain tobacco or nicotine and is classified as a foodstuff with the designation “plant-fiber-based product in portion pouches.” Onico is marketed in Sweden.
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Is Onico Swedish snus without tobacco?
Swedish snus is by definition a tobacco product, which means that Onico is not snus, since it does not contain tobacco. Onico is classified as a foodstuff with the designation “plant-fiber-based product in portion pouches.”
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How is Onico produced?
Onico is classified as a foodstuff with the designation “plant-fiber-based product in portion pouches.”
Plant fibers from oats and cacao undergo a heat process – a pasteurization process that meets the Swedish requirements for food production. Aromas and other additives are then blended in and the product is packed in portion pouches.
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Where is Onico produced?
Onico is produced at Swedish Match’s snus plant in Kungälv, western Sweden.
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What does Onico contain?
Onico is classified as a foodstuff with the designation “plant-fiber-based product in portion pouches.” Onico contains plant fibers from oats and cocoa, salts, licorice, moisture-conserving agents, acidity and aromatic additives. All additives are food-approved.
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Why does Onico contain smoke aroma?
The reason for adding smoke aroma to Onico is that it imparts a mellow aroma and flavor reminiscent of tobacco. This is precisely the flavor preferred by many consumers in our surveys.
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What flavorings does Onico contain?
Onico contains only food-approved aromas. The additives simulate tobacco and other flavors.
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What material is used in the bags for Onico?
The material in the portion pouches is similar to that used in tea bags and essentially consists of cellulose fibers. The fibers are held together by a binding agent.
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What is the pH level of Onico?
Onico has a basic pH of approximately 8.5-8.9. This value is comparable with most of Swedish Match’s snus products.
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How is Onico used?
The product is used in exactly the same way as Swedish snus – a portion pouch is placed beneath the upper lip.
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Does Onico give a kick?
Since Onico contains no nicotine, it does not give a nicotine kick, but the aromas produce a taste experience and a tingling sensation beneath the lip similar to the effect of normal snus. The tingling sensation derives from the aroma agents in the product, which act in the same way as spices in food.
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How should Onico be stored?
We recommend cold storage for best shelf life. Onico is a moist, perishable product. If Onico is stored for a long period at room temperature, the flavor and aroma fade and the product dries out.
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How long a shelf life does Onico have?
Onico has a shelf life of 20 weeks in a cooler.
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Where is Onico sold?
Onico is sold in convenience stores and supermarkets in Sweden.
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Is there any age restriction for purchasing Onico?
Since Onico is not a tobacco product and contains neither nicotine nor tobacco, the product is not subject to any age restrictions. However, we recommend a minimum age of 18, since Onico is used in a similar way to snus. But this decision rests with the retailer.
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Contact
For more information, contact Swedish Match, Consumer Contact: +46 200-113 114, konsumentkontakt@swedishmatch.se, or visit www.onico.nu.