How to Interpret Nicotine Strength

Snus and nicotine pouches strengths vary, with a wide range available. When browsing for snus and nicotine pouches, it may become apparent that nicotine strength is given as mg/g or mg/pouch. Interpreting nicotine strength is relatively easy, but it can become more complex when considering the effecting factors and the differences between snus and nicotine pouches. Here we aim to explain all of this, allowing a confident purchase of the correct strength of a smokeless product, whether snus or nicotine pouches.

Understanding The Nicotine Strength Label

Multiple factors indicate the product strength on its label and product description on the Snusdirect website, allowing the buyer to identify the strongest nicotine pouches or snus. The first factor as mentioned before, is the specific amount of nicotine, which is either stated as mg/pouch or mg/g. The second is a rating system, each can will have between 4 to 6 dots with a certain amount highlighted. This system allows the consumer to see how strong the product is, with 1 being low and 4 to 6 being the strongest in the range. Thirdly, this visual is accompanied by a descriptive word about the strength, with low, regular, strong, or extra-strong.

However, it is important to note two things about the paragraph above. Mg/pouch and mg/g aren’t always the same as the product weight varies and the strength scale isn’t universal across brands, meaning different brands class different nicotine contents as different strengths.

The Factors Affecting Nicotine Strength

As well as nicotine content, other factors affect the strength experience, be it with the delivery of nicotine or the addition of a bold flavor, see below to witness what impacts the overall strength of snus and nicotine pouches.

  • pH Value - When it comes to snus and nicotine pouches, a higher pH allows for greater nicotine absorption and vice versa. This is why you may have come across ‘acidity regulators’ or ‘pH regulators’ when looking at the ingredients on the tin, as the pH of the product can determine its potency and is therefore important to regulate.
  • Flavor - Surprisingly, the flavoring used in nicotine pouches and snus can increase the strength you perceive these products to be. Menthol is a flavor that is most known for this, as it provides a cooling and slight burning sensation in tandem with the release of nicotine, contributing to the overall higher perceived strength of the product. Jalapeño & lime, eucalyptus, and whisky are good examples.
  • Moisture Content - To keep it simple, the moist pouches, snus or tobacco-free, release flavor and nicotine the fastest, but lasts for the least time, and ‘drip’ (saliva and snus contents) is often present.
  • Nicotine Solution - The final point to consider in nicotine strength is the type of nicotine used in the product. This is mostly relevant to nicotine pouches, which often contain nicotine salts extracted from the tobacco leaf, and then distilled. Nicotine salts are absorbed faster than freebase nicotine, enabling the user to feel a faster and prolonged sensation. Snus products usually feature nicotine from the tobacco leaf in the portion itself, meaning the uptake is slower than that of nicotine salt-containing nicotine pouches. Therefore, some users report feeling a greater nicotine sensation from a nicotine pouch that is dosed the same as a snus portion.

Now we see the basics of how to interpret the strength of both nicotine pouches and snus, let's take a look at these products separately to see how they differ and for things to bear in mind when buying them.

How Much Nicotine Is In Snus?

Like any nicotine product, the amount of nicotine can vary, allowing the user to decide their dosage. Snus, on the Snusdirect website, isn’t labeled the same as nicotine pouches. The only strength adjective used in the product name is strong, meaning low or regular-strength products are only distinguishable by their nicotine concentration. At Snusdirect tobacco pouch strengths range from 7.5 to 43 mg/g.

Looking Into Snus Nicotine Content

Below, are the different strength categories of snus, including strong snus, highlighting the nicotine content ranges for each strength bracket.

  • Regular: 8 - 10 mg/g
  • Strong: 10 - 16 mg/g
  • Extra Strong: 16 - 20 mg/g
  • Ultra Strong: 20+ mg/g

However, it's important to remember that portion size can affect this nicotine concentration as not every pouch weighs a gram, some less, some more.

How to Work Out Snus Nicotine mg From mg/g

Many snus products provide nicotine content in the form of mg/g rather than mg/pouch. The why is obvious when considering that snus originally was never portioned. Nevertheless, how do we know how much nicotine is in a snus pouch?

Two figures are needed for the calculation: mg/g of nicotine and the portion weight in grams. Then, all there is to do is times the mg/g value by the pouch weight. 

What Are The Different Nicotine Pouch Strengths?

Nicotine pouches can be categorized into various strengths, as seen above with snus. The main difference between these snus and nicotine pouches categories is that the tobacco-free products are rated with strength per pouch not per gram like snus. This range begins with 3-4 mg of nicotine per pouch and can go as high as around 25 mg of nicotine per nicopod.

  • Low: 3-6 mg/pouch
  • Regular: 6-8 mg/pouch
  • Strong: 8-10 mg/pouch
  • Extra Strong: 10-12 mg/pouch
  • Ultra/Max Strong: 12+ mg/pouch

Is 6mg of Nicotine A Lot?

As shown above, there is a huge range between low and extreme-strength nicopods and different strengths suit different users. It can be daunting as to which amount of nicotine is the right amount, especially when users are new to the product. In terms of nicopods with 6 mg of nicotine per pouch:

6 mg is considered a low to regular strength, suitable for inexperienced and intermediate users as an all-day product.

What Are Some of The Strongest Nicotine Pouches

The amount of nicotine perceived to make a nicotine pouch strong can vary depending on the user's point of view and the brand characterizing it. Strong nicotine pouches can have up to 20 to 25 mg of nicotine per pouch but which are the strongest?

Above are some of the more popular extra-strong products on Snusdirect. But don’t be restricted to this list, there are plenty more similar and different strengths and flavors to choose from.