We've all been there—you're talking, laughing, or drinking water, and suddenly that snus pouch disappears down your throat. Here's what actually happens when you swallow snus, based on both science and real-user experiences.
Swallowing the occasional pouch won't kill you, but it's not pleasant. The pouch itself (usually made of food-grade cellulose) will pass through your system undigested, like chewing gum. The nicotine and flavors might give you:
- A queasy stomach (like drinking coffee on an empty stomach)
- Mild heartburn if you're prone to it
- A weird, bitter aftertaste for an hour or so
Nicotine Absorption: Way Less Effective
Your stomach absorbs nicotine poorly compared to your gums. Swallowing a pouch gives you about half the buzz while doubling the nausea risk. It's like throwing away half your snus and keeping the side effects.
When to Worry
Seek medical help only if:
- You swallowed multiple strong pouches at once (nicotine overdose risk)
- Severe stomach pain lasts more than a few hours
- You start vomiting repeatedly
Pro Tips to Avoid Swallowing
- Position matters: Keep pouches far back under your upper lip
- Drink carefully: Remove pouch before gulping water
- Newbie trick: Use smaller pouches until you get the hang of it