XRANGE Göteborgs Rapé Sparkling (Slim White) - Review. 4 May 2019.

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 one says "Light tobacco character with elements of apple, elderberry, and slightly citrus and lavender."  It comes in a 16.8g can with 21 portions for 0.8g portions.  The nicotine content is 8.5mg/g (0.85%) or 6.8mg/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

When it comes to the GR variants of the XRANGE series, I'm not the biggest fan of the design change.  Don't get me wrong, the form factor is great, and I love the slimmer size.  It's also great that these products have the Star Formation.  But, for me, GR is always going to be blue and gold.  These new ones are more.... navy and clear.  I don't know, the design just seems off to me.

As far as what's inside the can, it's the same as the old GR Sparkling XRANGE.  The only difference is the arrangement of the portions now due to the addition of the Star Formation.  The aroma is a mild, tart smell of citrus, a little floral sweetness, a mild touch of pepper, and a little apple. The portions, being in the XRANGE series, are slim, soft, and comfortable in the lip. I notice citrus up front, which is mild, and tart in nature. Behind that, there's a touch of pepper, some lightly sweet floral notes, a mild tobacco character, and a hint of apple. The flavor lasts quite a while; I've found on average I can keep these in for a little over an hour. The nicotine strength feels to be about the regular strength level.  

Rating and Final Thoughts

I rated this snus at 3.33 out of 5.  It's not one that I really use full time, but I do find myself getting a craving for it from time to time.  In terms of the design change, I like the slimmer cans, but I'm not the biggest fan of the graphic change on the XR GR cans.  I miss the blue and gold.  But, everything else is solid.  The flavor is quite unique, and is a good option to mix the rotation up from time to time.  If you want a snus with a cheap price tag, and a unique flavor, this is one to check out!

This product available at SnusExpress.com!

Link:  https://www.snusexpress.com/us/en/brands/xr/xrange-g-teborgs-rap-sparkling-479