Snus or vape? How to choose your product and nicotine strength

Snus, nicotine pouches or vape? If you already use nicotine and want to find your way through the range, many questions come up: Which type of product suits your everyday life? Which nicotine strength makes sense? And what does it all cost? This guide shows you step by step what to look out for when choosing. First things first: nicotine is addictive. Smoke-free products are not risk-free either. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Key points at a glance

Preparation: what you should know before buying

Snus and nicotine pouches are small portion pouches that you place between your upper lip and gum. The nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa, with no smoke or vapour. Classic snus contains tobacco; nicotine pouches are tobacco-free and usually white (“All White”).

Vapes heat a nicotine-containing liquid that you inhale as an aerosol. There are disposable vapes and rechargeable pod systems with replaceable pods or refillable tanks. The two product types differ considerably in use, costs and handling.

What you need to get started:

• Snus/nicotine pouches: one can in a suitable strength, no accessories needed
• Pod system: device with battery, matching pods or liquid, USB cable for charging
• Disposable vape: ready to use, but more expensive per puff and more waste

The effect of nicotine varies considerably from product to product. Concentrations that are too high can cause dizziness, nausea or headaches. Our guide to snus dosage (in German) explains how to read the mg figures on pouches.

Step 1: Snus/nicotine pouches or vape?

The decision depends on your preferences and your everyday life. Pouches are discreet, low-odour and vapour-free. Vapes offer a wide range of flavours and a ritual that matters to some adults.

Choose a moderate nicotine strength. For pouches, light variants are usually around 4 to 8 mg per pouch; for liquids, in the lower range of the mg/ml levels on offer. Don’t increase too quickly – give your body time. Our ranking by mg per pouch (in German) shows how strong the strongest pouches on the market are – such products are intended only for very experienced adults.

Flavour also plays a big role. Pouches come in mint, berry, citrus and many other flavours; for vapes, the choice ranges from fruit to ice to dessert. Test small quantities first before stocking up.

A detailed snus vs vapes comparison (in German) shows further differences. Both product types have their own risks: pouches can irritate the gums and oral mucosa, vapes put strain on the airways. You can find the legal basics in the article Is snus legal in Switzerland? (in German)

Step 2: Correct use

With snus and nicotine pouches, place the pouch between your upper lip and gum. A typical duration is 20 to 40 minutes. A slight tingling is normal.

1. Take the pouch out of the can without squeezing it
2. Slide it between your upper lip and gum, in the middle or at the side
3. Leave it for 20 to 40 minutes, adjust the position slightly if needed
4. Remove the pouch and dispose of it in the lid compartment or general waste
5. Take a break before the next pouch

With vapes, the right device and puffing style matter. On adjustable devices, start with low power, because too much power can burn the liquid and create an unpleasant taste. Replace pods or coils as soon as the flavour fades or tastes burnt. Clean refillable devices when changing flavours.

Tip: Drink enough water. Nicotine and the carrier substances in liquids can cause a dry mouth.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Typical mistakes with pouches:

• Using them too long: more than 60 minutes often leads to stomach irritation and nausea
• Using several pouches at once or in quick succession
• Using them on an empty stomach
• Falling asleep with a pouch in your mouth

Typical mistakes with vapes:

• Continuing to use empty tanks or pods, which burns the coil
• Not replacing old coils
• Not cleaning the device
• Power or nicotine strength too high, which can trigger coughing

Important note: Snus, nicotine pouches and vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. These products are intended only for adult nicotine users. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Signs of an overdose include dizziness, headaches, a rapid pulse and nausea. Stop immediately, drink water and get some fresh air. If symptoms persist, see a doctor. In an emergency: 144, Tox Info Suisse: 145.

Costs and how to save when buying

What snus or nicotine pouches cost you depends on the brand, can size and your consumption. You can find a detailed calculation per pouch, day and month in the guide What does snus cost? (in German)

For vapes, tax plays a big role: since 1 October 2024, Switzerland has levied an e-cigarette tax of CHF 1.00 per ml on disposable e-cigarettes and CHF 0.20 per ml on nicotine-containing liquids and refills, plus 8.1% VAT. Per ml, disposable vapes are therefore much more expensive than pod systems with liquid. Our article on the vape tax in Switzerland (in German) shows the calculation in detail.

Saving tips:

• Order several cans or liquids together
• Look out for promotions and newsletter offers
• Use pod systems instead of disposable vapes
• Buy from trustworthy retailers with age verification

Shipping at Snustrend: standard shipping costs CHF 8.90, from an order value of CHF 60 it’s CHF 4.90 (Economy).

Consume consciously and review regularly

Keep an eye on your consumption over the first few weeks. Useful questions: Am I constantly increasing the amount or strength? Do I have side effects? Do the flavour and product type suit my everyday life? If you notice your consumption increasing, reduce the strength or take breaks. If you want to stop using nicotine altogether, you can get advice from specialist services, pharmacies or your GP.

Suitable products at Snustrend

In the Snustrend range you’ll find snus and nicotine pouches in many strengths and flavours, rechargeable pod systems and nicotine-free pouches. The product pages list strength, format and flavour so you can compare in a targeted way.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about choosing

Are snus and vapes risk-free?

No. Snus, nicotine pouches and vapes don’t burn tobacco, but nicotine is addictive and puts strain on the cardiovascular system, vapes put strain on the airways, and pouches can irritate the gums and mouth.

How long does it take to get used to them?

That varies from person to person. Initial side effects such as tingling or slight dizziness occur mainly when the strength is too high. So choose a moderate strength and adjust it only slowly.

Are there products without nicotine?

Yes, there are nicotine-free pouches and nicotine-free liquids. In Switzerland, the age limit of 18 also applies to nicotine-free e-cigarettes. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

How do I recognise good quality?

Look for established brands with clear information on ingredients, nicotine content and format. Only buy from retailers who verify age and label products correctly.

How can I save in the long term?

Order several cans together, take advantage of promotions and, for vapes, choose pod systems over disposable devices, because disposable vapes are taxed more heavily per ml.

Note: Nicotine products are only for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is addictive.