The decisive difference: combustion
When smoking, burning tobacco releases a large number of harmful substances, including, for example, tar or carbon monoxide. These numerous harmful substances drastically increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other illnesses. Tobacco heaters such as IQOS also reduce the release of harmful substances during combustion, but do not prevent it entirely.
Chewing tobacco and snus, by contrast, are not burned: neither Siberia chewing tobacco nor Skruf White Chew nor classic snus brands produce smoke or combustion products when used. This difference in the form of use is the key factor that researchers examine.
Source: PMC12617622 NIH
The evidence: chewing tobacco/snus vs. cigarettes
Because snus is not smoked, no harmful combustion products of tobacco are taken in; a number of studies find either no increased risk or only a slightly increased risk of oral cavity carcinoma compared with consumers who smoke.
At the same time, chewing tobacco is of course not healthy: it contains nicotine, which can be highly addictive. There are also indications that it can increase the risk of oral cavity cancer and cardiovascular disease. Anyone specifically looking for snus without tobacco or nicotine-free snus should know that tobacco-free nicotine pouches contain no tobacco but still contain nicotine, and are therefore not free of risk either. Products labeled as snus without nicotine do exist, but play only a minor role in the market.
Source: Springer BMC Public Health
Snus gums: an underestimated topic
One aspect that is often forgotten when comparing chewing tobacco/snus with smoking: direct contact with the oral mucosa. Because the product sits in the mouth for extended periods, whether Siberia snus, Skruf or other brands, irritation and changes to the gums can occur. This applies equally to all oral tobacco and nicotine products. You will find tips on this in the guide to responsible consumption.
Nicotine remains nicotine
The addictive potential of nicotine remains in all products, whether cigarette, Siberia chewing tobacco or modern pouches. Anyone who wants to buy chewing tobacco is making a deliberate decision in favor of a nicotine product, with all the associated risks of dependence.
The evidence shows differences between the product categories. But it also shows that no nicotine product is free of risk. Anyone who chooses chewing tobacco or pouches from our chewing tobacco shop should do so deliberately and well informed.
Read more in the Chewing Tobacco Guide
- Chewing tobacco tradition: history & hype in Germany
- Snus vs. chewing tobacco: legality in Germany
- Chewing tobacco brands: Siberia, Pablo & Skruf
- How long should you keep snus in your mouth?
