The decisive difference: combustion
When smoking, burning tobacco releases a large number of harmful substances, including tar and 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 in use. This difference in the form of use is the key factor 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 or only a slightly increased risk of oral cavity carcinoma compared with consumers who smoke.
At the same time it holds true that chewing tobacco is of course not healthy: it contains nicotine, which can be strongly 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 labelled 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 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 use.
Nicotine remains nicotine
The addictive potential of nicotine remains the same across all products, whether cigarette, Siberia chewing tobacco or modern pouches. Anyone wanting to buy chewing tobacco is making a deliberate decision in favour 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 choosing chewing tobacco or pouches from our chewing tobacco shop should do so deliberately and well informed.