Sweden is now widely recognized as a smoke-free country, thanks to the widespread use of smokeless alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches. These products have not only helped reduce smoking-related diseases such as lung disease, heart conditions, and strokes, but also brought the percentage of traditional cigarette smokers down to just 5%. In an exclusive visit to Sweden, Aswaq News explored how the country has successfully transitioned away from smoking, highlighting the vital role of snus and nicotine pouches in making this public health achievement possible.
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In recent years, Sweden has emerged as a global model for tobacco harm reduction. with only 5% of its adult population who are traditional cigarette smokers. What’s even more striking is how this milestone was achieved, not through strict bans or punitive measures alone, but through the widespread adoption of less harmful nicotine alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches. Today, while 20% of Sweden’s adult population still consume nicotine, only 5% smoke cigarettes, and the remaining 15% use smoke-free alternatives, highlighting the country’s unique and progressive approach to tobacco harm reduction.
What Are Snus and Nicotine Pouches?
Snus: A smoke-free tobacco product placed under the upper lip. It has been traditionally used for centuries in Sweden, several European countries, and the United States. Unlike cigarettes, it is not burned, meaning it produces no smoke or tar.
Nicotine Pouches: Similar in appearance to snus but contain no tobacco. They are filled with synthetic or plant-derived nicotine, along with flavors and plant-based ingredients. These pouches are seen as less harmful and more acceptable across various age groups.
Swedish Match, a leading company, has been producing snus for decades, continuously improving its quality, texture, and packaging to meet consumer needs and comply with regulations. By early 2024, the company had conducted over 300 studies to ensure the safety and significantly reduce the risk of its products compared to traditional cigarettes. Based on this evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the sale of both snus and nicotine pouches in the U.S.
How Did These Alternatives Help Reduce Smoking Rates?
Sweden adopted a flexible policy known as “Harm Reduction”.
Instead of eliminating nicotine and tobacco entirely, Sweden encouraged the switch from cigarettes to less harmful alternatives. This strategy has helped millions of Swedes quit traditional smoking without having to give up nicotine instantly.
Anders Milton, former chairman and CEO of the Swedish Medical Association, emphasized that the primary health risk lies not in nicotine itself, but in the combustion of tobacco. He explained that it is the burning of cigarettes that causes most cancer-related illnesses, while nicotine alone does not. Milton noted that using snus delivers the desired nicotine without exposing users to cancer or intestinal diseases. However, he acknowledged that nicotine may cause a reduction in blood flow, which can be managed. He also stressed that Sweden has one of the lowest lung cancer rates in Europe—unlike countries such as Egypt, where incidence rates remain significantly high.
Recent studies show that Sweden has one of the lowest rates in Europe of lung cancer, heart disease, strokes, and chronic lung conditions.
The EU’s Position
Despite Sweden’s success, the sale of snus and nicotine pouches remains banned in most European Union countries, except Sweden, which received a special exemption when it joined the EU in 1995.
There is now growing debate across the EU about whether snus and nicotine pouches should be permitted as tools to help smokers quit.
Recently, Sweden has reported significant figures and statistics: daily smokers among adults have dropped to 5%, while more than 15% use snus or nicotine pouches.
The smoking rate among men is 4%, and among women, it stands at 6%.
By comparison, smoking rates in other European countries range between 15% and 25% for traditional cigarette use.
Leading scientists have confirmed that the primary cause of lung cancer is the combustion that occurs when a cigarette is lit—something that does not happen with the use of snus or nicotine pouches.
Sweden’s success in reducing smoking rates to below 5% stands as a remarkable example for the world. It demonstrates that embracing less harmful alternatives can play a powerful role in building a healthier society and achieving a smoke-free future. This milestone proves that becoming a smoke-free nation is possible—and serves as a strong incentive for other countries to adopt similar approaches in order to protect public health and reduce the risks associated with t
raditional smoking.