Last Updated
on 2008-06-04
The difference between the famous Swedish snus and Snus USA produce is simple. It is just the way they are made. Swedish snus is usually freshly made, whereas what is done with snus in USA is that it is left to ferment. Generally, the snus USA produces is not even called snus in the regular langue. It is called Smokeless American moist tobacco. It smells very different from the Swedish variety for the obvious difference in preparation. Recently there has been a rise in the anti tobacco campaign. This has lead to snus becoming an obvious target as well. That does not move snus USA addicts.
The USA is actually seeing a reducing number of smokers in their country. They say that it is because of the introduction of snus. Many smokers are actually willing to shift from smoking to having snus. USA had at point of time the most number of smokers in the world, but now the scenario seems to be changing. Snus, according to doctors do save the lungs but cause harm to the throat. Having nearly 50% water, snus is hardly as harmful as cigarettes.
In 1992, the European Union (EU) had banned the buying and selling of snus. They were scared that the youth would get affected. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) had shown concern. Later though a study conducted by doctors suggested it to be a cure to smoking. Snus in USA became increasingly popular when indoor smoking was brought under regulation. Many snus USA users say that it would have been better for them if they had got snus in the first place. Being smokers earlier, they believe they would have caused lesser harm to their lungs.
The various laws, rules and regulations concerning tobacco is also applicable to snus as well. This is the reason that many snus consumers in the United States don't tend to get the famous Sweden made snus. The American companies seeing this have entered the market. Not to mention they have been successful with it. Snus lovers would still go for the Swedish one, but at a time of unavailability, the snus USA makes is welcome enough. Americans usually take more snuff than the usual intake. Studies show that a lot of people in America do not even know the amount of nicotine that exists in the snus USA produces.
The snus USA makes comes in three different textures or cuts. One is the coarse grind, which is the most common. There is also the long cut and a few examples of a chopped cut. The coarse cut looks a lot like Swedish made snus but its texture is reported to be much harder. The long cut is made up of short strands of tobacco leaf which makes it harder than the regular snus too. The texture of the chopped cut snus USA produces is the closest that comes to the moist snus that America has.
It is only about the quality and variety of the snus USA makes. The consumers of USA made snus unlike others spit out the juice that is produced by keeping in under the lip. Many people find it strange, where as others feel making the lips dirty is disgusting. Dentists say that the teeth get very badly affected by constantly keeping snus in the mouth. And the snus USA makes is famous to last longer in the mouth. It even lasts up to three or four hours sometimes. But when it comes to health issues, doctors do agree that spitting the juice does save a person from a lot of illness- oral cancer being the most common.
Professional snus addicts believe that the snus USA makes is not as superior as the Swedish version. It is obvious since Sweden is the inventor of the smokeless moist tobacco. They generally complain of the snus USA makes calling it drier than the Swedish version. Some even say it tastes like saw dust. The problem with it being dry is that, it is difficult to make a dip or mix it with any other drugs. The shelf life of USA snus is also lesser than usual. Expiry dates even extend to only a week. This makes it non storable.