Comparison · Nicotine pouches
Nicotine Pouches vs Snus: Why One Is Legal in the UK and the Other Is Not
People often call nicotine pouches "snus", but in UK law they are very different products. The difference comes down to one ingredient: tobacco.
In everyday speech, and even in some shops, nicotine pouches are sometimes called "snus" or "tobacco-free snus". In law they are different products.
Snus contains tobacco
Snus is moist tobacco, sold loose or in pouches and placed in the mouth. It has a long history in Scandinavia.
According to the UK government, oral tobacco products such as snus were banned in the UK under the Tobacco for Oral Use (Safety) Regulations 1992, and the ban was later confirmed in the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 also contains sections banning the manufacture and sale of snus.
Nicotine pouches do not
Nicotine pouches use the same format but contain no tobacco. They contain nicotine, a plant-based filler, flavourings and sweeteners. Because they are tobacco-free, they are not covered by the snus ban and can be sold to adults in the UK.
A note on our "95p Snus" page
Our shop uses "snus" in a page name because shoppers search for it. Every product Pouch Haus sells is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch or a nicotine-free energy pouch. We do not sell tobacco snus.
How the two compare
- Contains tobacco: snus yes; nicotine pouches no
- Legal to sell in the UK: snus no; nicotine pouches yes, to adults aged 18 or over
- Format: both are pouches placed under the lip
- Contains nicotine: both do
Sources
- Oral Tobacco (written answer HL14059), UK Parliament
- The Tobacco for Oral Use (Safety) Regulations 1992, legislation.gov.uk
- Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Explanatory Notes, legislation.gov.uk
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