Swedish Match defines the weight of each pouch and the nicotine content as a percentage. The purpose is to offer the clearest and most relevant information possible. The labeling enables consumers to compare the nicotine content of various snus products.
The total nicotine in snus is not the same as the amount of nicotine that is absorbed, which can vary from person to person. In addition to the individual circumstances of each user, the total nicotine, pH value, moisture content and shape of the pouch are all contributing factors, as well as how long the pouch is kept in the mouth, the number of pouches and the size of the portions used.
In addition to the actual nicotine content, the aroma and flavor also affect the experienced strength of the pouch. The total nicotine content in Swedish Match products varies from 0.75 to 2.0 percent, depending on the various blends of tobacco that are used in different recipes. Nicotine is not added or removed during the production of Swedish snus; the total nicotine content of the product corresponds to the total nicotine content of the tobacco in the snus.
Examples
A pouch of General Portion Original Large (PSOL) weighs 1 gram and has a nicotine content of 0.85 percent, a pH value of 8.7 and a moisture content of 51.0 percent.
A pouch of Göteborgs Rapé Portion White Mini (PSWM) weighs 0.5 grams and has a nicotine content of 0.80 percent, a pH value of 8.7 and a moisture content of 52.5 percent.
A pouch of Catch Dry Licorice Portion White Mini (PSWM) weighs 0.3 grams and has a nicotine content of 1.5 percent, a pH value of 7.5 and a moisture content of 26 percent.
Comments
When snus is used, nicotine is only absorbed via the oral mucosa. Catch Dry Licorice (PSWM) has a higher nicotine content than the other examples, but also has a low moisture content and relatively low pH. The moisture content and pH value are highly significant for nicotine absorption. A low moisture content reduces the extraction of nicotine, while a high pH value increases the extraction of nicotine from the pouch and, accordingly, the nicotine absorption via the oral mucosa.
The target value for the total nicotine that is stated on the can does not determine how much nicotine is absorbed by individual users. However, nicotine is the active substance in snus and Swedish Match wants to help consumers compare the dose of nicotine in each pouch. The total nicotine content in loose snus from Swedish Match is also given as a percentage. A larger pouch gives a higher dose of nicotine compared with a smaller dose, provided that the moisture content and pH value are the same.
Page updated Aug 23, 2011