IQOS TEREA vs nicotine pouches vs snus: the comparison

If you use nicotine without a classic cigarette, you have several options today: nicotine pouches, traditional snus and heated tobacco products (heat-not-burn) such as the IQOS system with TEREA sticks. But how do these products differ in technology, use and everyday life? This article compares IQOS TEREA with oral nicotine products – factually and without health promises.

What is IQOS TEREA?

IQOS is the heated tobacco brand of Philip Morris International (PMI). The basic principle: tobacco is heated electronically but not burned. This creates an aerosol that is inhaled.

Technology: The IQOS ILUMA generation uses induction. A metal element inside the TEREA stick is heated by a magnetic field and heats the tobacco from the inside. The device itself no longer has a heating blade.
TEREA sticks: They contain processed tobacco and the metal element. According to the manufacturer, they are only compatible with ILUMA devices, not with older IQOS models.
Use: Insert the stick, activate the device, inhale the aerosol. Charging the device and buying sticks are part of everyday life.
Manufacturer's advertising claims: PMI promotes "no smoke, no ash, less odour". Manufacturer figures on reduced levels of harmful substances refer to selected substances measured in the lab and are not a statement about a lower health risk.

What are snus and nicotine pouches?

Unlike heated tobacco, snus and nicotine pouches work without electronics and without heating:

Snus: A traditional Scandinavian product. Moist tobacco in small portion pouches (or loose) is placed under the upper lip, and the nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa. You will find an overview of well-known varieties in our snus collection.
Nicotine pouches: The tobacco-free variant. They contain nicotine (often as a salt), plant fibres as filler, flavourings and humectants. They are used just like portion snus. Well-known brands include VELO and ZYN.

The key difference from IQOS TEREA: no device, no heating, no aerosol – the nicotine is absorbed in the mouth.

The comparison: IQOS TEREA vs nicotine pouches vs snus

Feature	IQOS TEREA (ILUMA)	Nicotine pouches	Snus (portions)
Technology	Heated tobacco (induction, device required)	No heating, no device	No heating, no device
Main ingredient	Processed tobacco, metal element	Tobacco-free (nicotine, fillers, flavourings)	Tobacco
Use	Inhale aerosol	Pouch under the lip	Pouch under the lip
Everyday life	Charge device, buy sticks	Carry the can, dispose of pouch	Carry the can, dispose of pouch
Contains tobacco?	Yes	No	Yes
Aerosol?	Yes	No	No
Odour	Present (tobacco aerosol)	Minimal, depending on flavour	Minimal, tobacco note
Nicotine	Yes	Yes, in many strengths	Yes, in various strengths

Risks: what you should know

The health assessment of these products is complex and not scientifically settled. One thing is clear: none of these products is risk-free, and all contain nicotine, which is addictive.

IQOS TEREA:

Exposure is not the same as risk: Fewer harmful substances measured in the lab do not automatically mean a lower risk of disease. Long-term data are lacking.
Inhalation: The aerosol is inhaled. Independent studies have also detected substances of concern in the aerosol of heated tobacco products.
Metal element: The stick contains a metal part – sticks, like all nicotine products, must therefore be kept out of reach of children.

Snus and nicotine pouches:

Nicotine dependence: The central risk with all of these products. Pay attention to strength – read more in our article Snus dosage and strength in mg.
Snus: Tobacco for oral use contains tobacco-specific substances and is associated with risks for the oral mucosa and gums.
Nicotine pouches: Tobacco-free does not mean risk-free. Nicotine affects the heart and circulation, and there are hardly any long-term data on the additives. Very strong pouches can cause nausea, dizziness or a racing heart in inexperienced users.

Conclusion on risks: All three product groups contain addictive nicotine and have their own risks. If you do not smoke or use nicotine, do not start. If you suspect poisoning, contact Tox Info Suisse on 145; in an emergency, call 144.

Legal situation in Switzerland

The Tobacco Products Act (TabPG) has applied since 1 October 2024: tobacco products, nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products may only be sold to people aged 18 and over – including online with age verification.
Snus (tobacco for oral use) has been legally available in Switzerland since 2019.
Snus and nicotine pouches are taxed at 10% of the retail selling price.
Different rules apply abroad: in the EU, snus is banned except in Sweden, and in France nicotine pouches have been banned since 1 April 2026. For what you can take with you, read our article Snus when travelling.

Which differences matter in everyday life?

IQOS TEREA: For adult users who value the ritual of inhaling and the taste of heated tobacco – with a device, charging cable and sticks.
Nicotine pouches: For adults who use nicotine without tobacco, without a device and without vapour, and who want a wide choice of flavours and strengths. A brand comparison is available in ZYN vs VELO.
Snus: For adults who prefer the taste of tobacco orally, for example with brands such as Siberia.

Conclusion

IQOS TEREA, nicotine pouches and snus follow different approaches: IQOS relies on technology and heated tobacco, nicotine pouches on tobacco-free oral nicotine intake, and snus on the traditional tobacco-based option. Which form suits you depends on whether you want a tobacco taste, whether you want to use a device and how much nicotine you are used to.

Snustrend does not sell heated tobacco products and focuses on oral products: discover tobacco-free nicotine pouches, classic snus and nicotine-free pouches. For the basics, read our article Nicotine pouches: facts, use and risks.

Note: Nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is addictive. This is not medical advice.