Tips for tobacco alternatives: high-quality options

Many adults in Switzerland are interested in smoke-free nicotine products as an alternative to cigarettes or traditional tobacco. The range extends from snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches to rechargeable pod systems and nasal snuff. Each category works differently and suits different habits. This guide shows you which criteria to use when choosing, how the options differ and what to look out for when buying in Switzerland.

The most important point first: nicotine is addictive. Smoke-free products are not risk-free either. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

In brief

How to choose high-quality tobacco alternatives

Nicotine strength: this is the most important criterion. For pouches, what counts is mg per pouch, not just mg per gram, because a mini pouch weighs much less than a large one. Products that are too strong often cause dizziness, nausea or palpitations. You’ll find an overview of strength levels in the guide Snus dosage and strength in mg and in our snus strength table.

Flavour: mint and menthol are the most common, alongside berry, citrus, coffee and classic tobacco flavours. If you’re unsure, try single cans first rather than large quantities.

Format: snus and nicotine pouches come in mini, slim and large. Smaller formats are more discreet, larger ones contain more. The differences are explained in Snus formats: mini, slim, large.

Handling: pouches need no device. Pod systems have to be charged and supplied with liquid or new pods. Nasal snuff is a tradition of its own with its own technique.

Quality and labelling: make sure the manufacturer, nicotine content and ingredients are clearly declared. Avoid products without a strength rating or of unclear origin.

Nicotine pouches and snus

Tobacco-free nicotine pouches usually contain plant fibres as a carrier instead of tobacco, plus nicotine, flavourings and humectants. Snus, on the other hand, contains ground tobacco. Both are placed under the upper lip, typically for 20 to 45 minutes. There is no smoke or vapour.

Well-known nicotine pouch brands include VELO and ZYN; a direct comparison is available at ZYN vs VELO. Snus with tobacco is made by brands such as Odens or Siberia; Siberia is one of the very strong varieties and intended only for experienced users. The full range is in the Snus collection.

Tips for use:

• Start with a mild strength and remove the pouch immediately if you feel unwell.
• Don’t use several strong pouches back to back.
• Store cans cool and dry and keep them tightly closed.
• Dispose of used pouches in the bin, never in nature.

Read more in Nicotine pouches: effect and use. If you want the ritual without nicotine, you’ll find options in the Nicotine-free collection.

Pod systems and e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes heat a liquid made of carrier substances, flavourings and, depending on the product, nicotine; the resulting vapour is inhaled. Rechargeable pod systems are not disposable devices: the battery is recharged and pods are refilled or replaced. That means more effort than a pouch, but a large choice of flavours and nicotine strengths.

Since 1 October 2024, Switzerland has taxed e-cigarettes: CHF 1.00 per ml for disposable e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free ones) and CHF 0.20 per ml for nicotine-containing liquids and refills, plus VAT. Details are in Vape tax in Switzerland. Disposable e-cigarettes are not banned nationally, but individual cantons such as Valais and Geneva have their own bans; see Disposable vape bans in the cantons for the current situation.

For safe handling of battery and liquid, read Vape safety: understanding the risks. Keep liquids out of reach of children and pets.

Comparison: nicotine pouches and pod systems

Which option suits you depends mainly on your habits: pouches are simple and discreet, pod systems offer more flavour variety but need looking after. If you use different products, keep an eye on your total nicotine intake. A broader comparison including heated tobacco is available at IQOS TEREA, nicotine pouches or snus.

Nasal snuff as a tradition

Nasal snuff is sniffed in small amounts and has a long tradition in the Alpine region. Well-known makers include Pöschl. Snuff contains nicotine too. The snuff guide offers an introduction, and the range is in the Snuff collection.

Frequently asked questions about tobacco alternatives

Are smoke-free nicotine products safe?

No. Nicotine is addictive and can put strain on the circulation and heart. Smoke-free products are not risk-free either. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

What nicotine strength makes sense to start with?

Start with a mild variety and don’t increase too quickly. Dizziness, nausea or palpitations show that a product is too strong. The snus strength table on Snustrend gives you guidance.

Can I combine nicotine pouches and pod systems?

That’s possible, but it increases your total nicotine intake. Keep an eye on the total and don’t use several products at the same time.

From what age can I buy these products?

In Switzerland, since 1 October 2024, tobacco products, nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes with or without nicotine may only be sold to people aged 18 and over, including online.

Where can I buy tobacco alternatives in Switzerland?

Snustrend ships snus, nicotine pouches, pod systems and snuff from Switzerland. Shipping costs CHF 8.90, or CHF 4.90 (Economy) for orders from CHF 60.

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