XRANGE General (Slim White) - Review. 2 April 2015.

Review Updated:  13 February 2021

The XRANGE snus line from Swedish Match launched in 2015 as a "modern premium" line.  Meaning, it's the same quality you get with Swedish Match's premium products, but at a cheaper price.  The products came in slim portions, had a lighter weight, and only had 21 portions per can.  Now, Swedish Match has updated the XRANGE line, so it's time to revisit it!  The new cans are smaller, slimmer, utilize less plastic, and are completely recyclable.  It's part of a push Swedish Match is doing to do their part for the environment.  In this review, we're talking about General XRANGE White!  The flavor description for this snus says, "A mellow tobacco taste with distinct notes of bergamot and citrus, along with hints of tea".  Each can weighs 16.8g and has 21 portions, for 0.8g portions.  The nicotine content is 9mg/g (0.9%), or 7.2mg/portion.

The New Cans

For this comparison photo, we're going to use the new Göteborgs Rapé XRANGE cans.  All the white portion cans are basically the same other than the design, so this was easier than taking a bunch of individual photos.  In the top left, you'll see the diameter of the new can is a little smaller than the old design.  On the top right, you can see that the new cans are definitely slimmer than the old cans.  Another big change is that the big "XR" on the side label is gone from the new cans.  In the bottom right, you'll see that the new cans are semi-translucent, so from the bottom and the top catch lid you can see a little through the can.  On the bottom left you'll see the biggest change - the new can design now comes in the Star Formation!  So, while XR is a cheaper priced product, you get the Star Formation, which Swedish Match usually does with their premium product lines.

 

Can Comparison

Here's a look at the graphics for the old can versus the new can.  The new can doesn't have "General" in white on the top label, it's now in black above the XR.  The three stars and Swedish Match logo have gone from white/silver to black as well.  But, the design as a whole is pretty similar to the old design.

 

As far as what's inside the can, nothing has changed other than the arrangement of the portions (now coming in the Star Formation).  It stills looks just like regular XR General White.  When you open the can, a present, peppery citrus aroma comes through. The portions are nice and slim, quite soft, and feel great under the lip. The flavor is very much that classic General snus flavor, but milder and more balanced. There is a present taste of bergamot right up front. In the background, there is a gentle, earthy tobacco character along with tones of pepper. The nicotine strength on this one feels to be about the regular strength level, and the flavor lasts about an hour, on average.

Rating and Final Thoughts

The XRANGE line is a solid line.  It's a budget alternative for people who want to save money, but not lose quality.  I rated this one at 3.67/5.  The new cans are hit and miss for me.  The translucent design does seem a little "cheap"; I'm not sure why they couldn't do silver in the can.  The slim size adds to a much better form factor for the pocket, though.  But as far as everything else goes, it's a great product.  If you like General Snus and want to save some money, this is a good way to go!

This product available at SnusMe.com.

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