The Rise of Extra Strong Snus Products - A Look at High Nicotine Snus Trends

The Rise of Extra Strong Snus

Snus, the smokeless tobacco product from Sweden, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. While traditional snus offerings contain about 8mg of nicotine per portion, extra strong options with 16-22mg of nicotine per portion have emerged to satisfy the cravings of longtime tobacco enthusiasts. The arrival of these high nicotine products has changed the landscape of the snus world.

The Origins of Extra Strong Snus

Swedish Match and other Scandinavian snus manufacturers have produced extra strong varieties for decades to appeal to their market of lifetime snus users in Sweden and Norway. But it wasn’t until the early 2000s that these potent products made their way to the American marketplace. Once recreational nicotine consumers in the United States discovered the extreme rush provided by extra strong snus, demand took off. By 2015, category leaders like Swedish Match, Skruf, and General were exporting their strongest offerings to US consumers through online tobacco shops.

The Allure of Higher Nicotine

Why has extra strong snus become so popular in America? For long-time snusers, vapers, and dippers, it offers an unmatched nicotine punch. The 16-22mg/portion nicotine content provides more satisfaction than traditional 8mg/portion snus products. This makes extra strong options ideal for when you really need a nicotine fix.

The higher nicotine concentrations also mean the “rush” comes on faster. Within minutes of placing an extra strong pouch in your lip, you’ll feel that familiar dizzying buzz. This rapid nicotine delivery is part of the appeal for nicotine enthusiasts. It provides a rush akin to smoking a cigarette, something weaker snus products cannot duplicate.

The Rise of Nicotine Salt Snus

Another factor driving the extra strong snus trend is innovations in nicotine salt technology. Nicotine salt is a form of nicotine found in tobacco leaves that seems to be more readily absorbed by the body. By using nicotine salt rather than freebase nicotine, manufacturers can create a smoother and more cigarette-like experience.

Around 2017, Swedish Match debuted a lineup of extra strong nicotine salt snus called ZYN. These pouches contained a whopping 18mg of nicotine derived from nicotine salts. The product delivered massive nicotine satisfaction without the harshness and bitterness typically associated with high nicotine products. ZYN became an instant hit, proving that nicotine salts could enable higher nicotine levels while maintaining a comfortable mouthfeel.

The Strongest Snus Products on the Market

Today, many brands offer extra strong snus focused on nicotine salt technology. Here are some of the strongest options currently available:

• ZYN – Contains 18mg/portion of nicotine salt
• Skruf Super White #2 – 22mg/portion released over 30 minutes
• General G.4 Blizzard – 21.6mg/portion of nicotine salt
• G.4 FIZZ – 15mg/portion of nic salt + energy drink flavors
• Göteborgs Rapé Sparkling – 16mg/portion released quickly
• ETTAN Original Portion – 18mg/portion traditional tobacco flavor

Critiques of Extra Strong Snus

While extra strong snus has its passionate fanbase, it also has critics. Some question if the rapid and extreme nicotine delivery provided by these products is actually healthy, even for lifetime tobacco users. Others argue that by making such high nicotine products readily available, it enables nicotine addiction.

There are also concerns that the discreet nature of snus could make it easy for underage users to conceal an extra strong nicotine habit. Critics urge manufacturers to adopt safety measures to make sure these potent snus products don’t fall into the wrong hands.

The Future of Extra Strong Snus

Even with its detractors, extra strong snus represents the future of the category. With nicotine restrictions tightening on vapes and dip, snus offers tobacco enthusiasts a satisfying high-nicotine option. Advances in nicotine salt technology will likely enable manufacturers to keep pushing the boundaries on nicotine levels while reducing harshness.

As long as there is consumer demand for more nicotine, extra strong snus products will continue to proliferate. Brands will compete to offer the biggest rush, the fastest nicotine delivery, and the most innovative user experiences. While public health concerns remain, for manufacturers the focus is keeping up with the desires of their customer base. That means continuing to produce snus that packs more and more nicotine punch.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key points on the rise of extra strong snus:

• Extra strong snus (16-22mg/portion) provides more nicotine satisfaction for regular users.
• Higher nicotine levels deliver a faster and more intense "rush."
• Nicotine salt technology enables high nicotine with a smoother mouthfeel.
• Popular extra strong brands include ZYN, Skruf Super White, General G.4.
• While beneficial for some, extra strong snus raises addiction concerns.
• The category will likely continue to push boundaries on nicotine levels.

FAQs

What is extra strong snus?

Extra strong snus refers to products that contain higher nicotine levels, usually 16-22mg per portion. This is significantly more nicotine than traditional 8mg/portion snus.

Why is extra strong snus so popular?

The higher nicotine content provides more satisfaction for regular snus users. It also delivers a faster and more intense nicotine "rush" or buzz.

What are nicotine salts?

Nicotine salts are a form of nicotine found naturally in tobacco leaves. They allow manufacturers to include higher nicotine content while reducing harshness and bitterness.

What are the strongest snus products?

Some of the strongest options include ZYN (18mg), Skruf Super White #2 (22mg), and General G.4 Blizzard (21.6mg) among others.

Is extra strong snus safe?

While enjoyed by some tobacco enthusiasts, extra strong snus raises concerns about increased nicotine addiction and abuse, especially among youth.