Snus is a tobacco product available in moist powdered form. Swedish snus actually originated from a dry snuff variety in earlier period of 18th century. It is placed under either of the lips for a long period of time. It is worth a mention in this context that no fermentation process is adopted during snus production and this smokeless tobacco stuff does not contain added sugar. Though use of snus is quite similar to American dipping tobacco, it does not involve spitting during consumption. This smoking-alternative is steam pasteurized unlike naswar.

The users feel a burning sensation during snus use because as compared to saliva, tobacco contains a high PH level. The greater is the difference between the PH level on snus and saliva, more strongly the tissues react to alkaline snus, generating an acid-based response. This leads to inflammation of tissues and the users often feel a sharp pain while using Swedish snus. Several varieties of snus are available and expectedly, they differ in flavor and taste. Some snus varieties have strong tobacco flavor while the rest produce mild flavor of mint or other things.

The most common varieties of snus in terms of texture and packaging are loose snus and portion snus. Loose snus is given a shape of cylinder or sphere with help of fingertips or a purpose-designed cylindrical tool. The long-time snus consumers take a pinch of tobacco and nestle it under their upper or lower lip. Loose snus was popular in earlier days but now portion varieties are high on demand. Many Swedish snus consumers now have strong preference for the distinct flavor and lingering taste of the portion type.

Portion snus is also moist powder and comes in small sachets which look like teabags. Compared to loose powder variety, portion snus is available in smaller quantities. However, it is more discreet and convenient than the loose type. Original portion is a more traditional type and was introduced in last half of nineteenth century. General snus white portion that is also prepackaged in sachet is moisturized during the process of its manufacturing and a moist, brown pouch finally reaches the market.

White portion has a mild taste and releases quite slowly into mouth. In times of manufacturing, the sachet material is never moisturized during manufacturing process, leading to white, dry output. The tobacco in the portion stuff contains the same moisture ingredient as original variety of general snus white portion. However, it is characterized by slow release of flavor and nicotine owing to drier sachet.