What Makes Strong Snus Strong?

[mwood72]

Joakim / Markus,

I've often wondered how snus is made into stronger versions. I've heard of 3 ways...
1. Adjust the PH of the snus to give more freebase nicotine
2. Use more tobacco leaf than stem
3. Use different tobacco

I'd love to know how you guys do it.


~Mike

[snusjus]

1. The pH level does not raise the amount of nicotine in snus. However, the higher the level, the easier the nicotine is absorbed by the mucous membrane.

For example, you may absorb more nicotine from a portion of snus that has 8mg of nicotine with a high pH level than you would from a portion with 11mg of nicotine with a low pH level.

2. Exactly. Different areas of the tobacco leaf contain higher concentrations of nicotine than others.

3. Different species of the tobacco plant are naturally higher in nicotine than others. Using different tobacco plants in "strong" snus raises the level of nicotine.

I'm pretty sure my answers are accurate. However, I want to hear what the experts have to say!

[Markus and Joakim]

Hey guys,

Swedish snus has traditionally always had a relatively high pH, around 8-8.5, where c. 50-75% of nicotine is in its freebase form. Increase in snus nicotine content is therefore achieved - not through variations in pH - but through the choice of the tobacco.

That said, it is important to understand that most of the nicotine in a snus pouch is not extracted, typically only c. 20%. A higher extraction can be achieved by the consumer through manipulation of the pouch.

Choice of pouch/pinch size is also an important determinant of how much freebase nicotine is absorbed by an individual consumer.

BR
Joakim & Markus

[sgreger1]

Hey guys,

Swedish snus has traditionally always had a relatively high pH, around 8-8.5, where c. 50-75% of nicotine is in its freebase form. Increase in snus nicotine content is therefore achieved - not through variations in pH - but through the choice of the tobacco.

That said, it is important to understand that most of the nicotine in a snus pouch is not extracted, typically only c. 20%. A higher extraction can be achieved by the consumer through manipulation of the pouch.

Choice of pouch/pinch size is also an important determinant of how much freebase nicotine is absorbed by an individual consumer.

BR
Joakim & Markus

When you say a higher extraction can be achieved by manipulation of the pouch, what type of manipulation are you refering to? Chewing on it to squeeze out its delicious juices? Or perhaps you were refering to some other trick I am not aware of.

just curious :idea:

[Markus and Joakim]

Hi,

There's no secret trick that we can tell you because then it wouldn't be a secret anymore

The "manipulation" that we are referring to is only how you move the snus around in your mouth.

BR,
M&J

[ddandb]

They add spinach.
It made Popeye strong.

[Premium Parrots]

They add spinach.
It made Popeye strong.

dam I thought it was the Wonder Bread

[paulwall9]

WONDER BREAD IT IS!

[ddandb]

I can see this thread is going to turn violent, complete with name calling, hurt feeling and someone getting banned.

BUT I still say... It's spinach!



Wonder Bread is gay.

[Premium Parrots]

screw you ddandb popeye was a wimp. that greens stuff wasn't spinich he had in that can. it was maui-wowie. :wink:


wonder bread builds strong bodies 12 ways!!



edited my foul language out

[ddandb]

Go to bed last night and what do I wake up to..?
Pee-Pee and his Wonder Bread.

But I put it to the test...

I ate a can of spinach then got me a loaf of Wonder Bread. Without even breaking a sweat I was able to break the loaf of Wonder Bread in Half.

I then ate some Wonder Bread and then tried to break a can of spinach in half. Couldn't do it.

Proof positive that Spinach is stronger then Wonder Bread.

[rscott222]

Do you guys offer tours of your facilities?

What does Swedish Match do to ensure the best quality is maintained to the retailer, do you refridgerate your products before distribution?

[paulwall9]

I'd be down for a tour of the sm facilities!

[ddandb]

Well as long as everyone else is admitting to it I wouldn't mind watching some good S&M myself.

[Markus and Joakim]

Do you guys offer tours of your facilities?

What does Swedish Match do to ensure the best quality is maintained to the retailer, do you refridgerate your products before distribution?

Hi,

Though it is possible to arrange we don't offer any regular tours in our factories.

Yes, we do refrigerate the snus before distribution and it is the largest snus fridge in the world

/J&M