Note : This glossary is intended for adult consumers. Nicotine is addictive. Products are not risk-free and are not suitable for non-smokers, pregnant women, or people with heart or lung conditions. Please observe cantonal regulations in Switzerland.
A
All White / AW
Tobacco-free nicotine pouches made of cellulose; white, less likely to stain teeth.
Aroma profile
Flavor, e.g. mint, berries, citrus, licorice, coffee.
storage
Store snus/pouches in a cool, dark and airtight place; use opened cans quickly.
B
Pouch
Portion for the upper lip; Sizes: Mini, Slim, Large.
Buzz
Subjective feeling of the nicotine kick; depends on nicotine strength, pH and individual tolerance.
D
Can (Can/Tin)
Standard packaging containing 10–30 pouches; often with a “Used Pouch” compartment in the lid.
drip
Liquid/saliva flow from the pouch; "Low Drip" = fewer drops, more pleasant.
E
Soaking time
Typical wearing time per dose: 10–45 minutes (depending on strength/tolerance).
Beginner:
Starting with low to medium nicotine strength and slim formats is recommended.
F
moisture
“Original/White/White Dry” differ in moisture content; this affects drip, kick and shelf life.
format
Mini (very discreet), Slim (narrow, popular all-round format), Large (classic, more filling).
G
GothiaTek (Standard)
Industry standard from Sweden regarding quality and limit values; often cited as a reference.
basic material
Tobacco-containing snus: pasteurized tobacco; All White: cellulose with nicotine and flavoring.
H
Shelf life (best before date)
Best before date; store in a cool place to prolong freshness and aroma.
Production
Tobacco snus is usually pasteurized (heated) rather than fermented; this reduces certain impurities.
I
Ingredients
Nicotine, humectant, flavorings; All White contains no tobacco fibers.
intensity
The combination of strength (mg/g), pH, moisture and format determines the perceived kick.
K
Chewing tobacco vs. snus
Chewing tobacco is chewed; snus/pouches lie passively under the upper lip.
Cooling effect
Menthol/cooling agents create a freshness/tingling effect ("cooling", "ice").
L
Large
Larger portion size with more filling; usually a stronger kick.
Lip placement
Place the pouch under your upper lip; do not chew, do not swallow.
M
Mini
Very small, discreet portion; often lower filling/nicotine dose.
Nicotine mg/g vs. mg/portion
mg/g refers to the sachet contents per 1 g; mg/portion is relevant to actual consumption.
N
Nicotine concentration
Typical classes: Low (up to ~4 mg/serving), Medium (5–8), Strong (9–12), Extra Strong (13+).
nicotine pouches
See All White; tobacco-free, different strengths/flavors.
O
Original Portion
A classic moist, darker portion (containing tobacco) with an early, strong kick.
upper lip
Standard application site; discreet, less saliva production than the lower lip.
P
PH value
Affects nicotine release (higher pH = faster kick); specified by the manufacturer.
portion
Single-use bags; dispose of in the trash after use (not in the toilet)
Number of servings per day
Highly individual; often 3–10+ depending on strength and habit.
Q
Quality control
Production and raw material testing; reputable brands publish specifications.
R
Framework conditions CH
Sale to minors prohibited; advertising/distribution according to cantonal regulations.
Smoke-free
Snus/pouches do not produce smoke; however, they are not risk-free (nicotine addiction).
S
Slim
Slim, ergonomic pouch for discreet fit and even release.
Snus (contains tobacco)
Scandinavian oral tobacco product; available in Switzerland.
Strength
Often listed as “•/X-Strong”; always compare mg/serving
saliva
Do not suck on the pouch; swallow any saliva produced as usual; remove if you feel unwell.
T
Tobacco-free
All White/Nicotine Pouches; often “white”, less tooth discoloration.
Drying (White Dry)
Very dry pouches: hardly any drip, longer, more even release.
U
Used Pouches Compartment
Additional compartment in the can lid for disposal on the go.
lower lip
Alternative placement; usually more saliva/drip than the upper lip.
V
Compatibility
Start with a low dose; remove immediately if dizziness/discomfort occurs, drink water.
Vegan
Many all-white pouches are vegan (cellulose-based); check manufacturer's information.
W
White Portion
Lighter, drier tobacco nus; less drip, longer aroma.
White Dry
Extra dry; very low drip, subtle kick over a longer period.
Z
Tooth discoloration
Tobacco-containing varieties can stain; All White tends to do so less.
Additions
Flavorings, humectants, pH regulators; observe the manufacturer's quality and safety information.
