Disclaimer: Granted, I do write about American "SNUS" and "snus" from time to time, but the focus of my blog/website is introducing people to REAL Swedish Snus. When it comes to snus, REAL Snus comes from Sweden. There's a difference, and the difference is big. Please read this article to learn the difference for yourself.
Recently, I began hearing words about ads for a new Marlboro "snus" and a new Skoal "SNUS" product to be released in 2011. Well, being the inquisitive person I am, I felt the need to dig as deeply into this as possible. In a back and forth exchange with Kenneth Garcia who handles Media Affairs for Altria, he made it quickly obvious to me that he wasn't going to give up hard facts about the new product. I was barraged with links to websites that had no info whatsoever about what I was looking for, and even at one point in time told, "...a quick google search will provide you with previous media coverage of the Marlboro Snus product." It was obvious to me that Altria wasn't going to tell me anything about Marlboro "snus" or Skoal "SNUS". But then again, why would they? My buddy Feck from the new Snuff Takers publication recently noted at SnusOn, "Big Tobacco, USA looks at us (American users of Swedish Snus) as the enemy. They don't care what we know about their products because we're not their intended market."
So how did I find out the information I needed? As Chad, the tobacco using consumer, not Chad Jones the writer for Snubie.com. And I was pleasantly surprised to see how much information the consumer hotline gave me. Granted, they didn't reveal processing/snusmaking practices, but I did get to find out some facts about the new products rolling out in 2011.
Okay, so what about Marlboro "snus"? I've written review after review about this stuff, a head to head article about Camel vs Marlboro, and one in the past about American "snus" vs Swedish Snus, so I really don't have to go into much detail about that kinda stuff. The new Marlboro "snus" is simply a new can. The product quality itself isn't changing in any way, shape or form. It's the same portions, just in two new flavors - Original and Mint. These are different flavors from the currently available Marlboro "snus" flavors that will be exclusive to these new cans. These two flavors will not be available in the smaller Marlboro "snus" pouches currently available. It's simply more in a can. The can will be 1 gram, and will have 15 portions per tin (this is what the consumer relations lady said from her packet of info she had). I'm guessing that figure was wrong, but who knows. I think I heard Marlboro "snus" was currently around 0.4g of tobacco per portion. This is not a test market situation, a national rollout is said to occur in January 2011. The reason for this change is that consumers wanted more portions per tin. Simple as that. No change in the quality, just two new flavors and more portions in a container. Who knows what the price point will be.
Okay, what about Skoal "SNUS"? Skoal "SNUS" is going to be released nationally at the same time as Marlboro "snus". It will come in round cans this time - 15 pouches per tin, 1.1 grams per pouch. The flavors will be Smooth Mint and Mint. No information is currently available about nicotine content or moisture content. Also, no information was offered about production methods. (wonder why?)
A recent article at http://snus-news.blogspot.com in November of 2010 (which seems to be an anti-snus site as far as I can tell) had some images that were given out to retailers. It looks like it's going to come in 5 can rolls, but of course you'll be able to buy it in individual cans.
According to a survey, 83% of adult smokeless consumers said they would buy Skoal "SNUS". Something else interesting to note is that refrigeration is not required for these tobacco products. The release date is being listed as January 10th, 2011. A source told me that the reason for the Skoal "SNUS" introduction is due to Skoal being a more recognizable and respected name in the smokeless tobacco biz than Marlboro, which would make sense. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, and since Altria has Marlboro and Skoal (via their US Smokeless acquisition - $10 billion dollars in 2008) they might as well see which floats and which sinks and focus on one. So this may be the end of Marlboro "snus" and the push for Skoal "SNUS", but again, who knows.
That's all I know for now, as these products come available I'll share my thoughts.
UPDATE: 14 January 2011 - Full review of the new Marlboro "Snus" (2011 Round Can Edition). http://chadizzy1.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-marlboro-snus-2011-round-can-review.html
Recently, I began hearing words about ads for a new Marlboro "snus" and a new Skoal "SNUS" product to be released in 2011. Well, being the inquisitive person I am, I felt the need to dig as deeply into this as possible. In a back and forth exchange with Kenneth Garcia who handles Media Affairs for Altria, he made it quickly obvious to me that he wasn't going to give up hard facts about the new product. I was barraged with links to websites that had no info whatsoever about what I was looking for, and even at one point in time told, "...a quick google search will provide you with previous media coverage of the Marlboro Snus product." It was obvious to me that Altria wasn't going to tell me anything about Marlboro "snus" or Skoal "SNUS". But then again, why would they? My buddy Feck from the new Snuff Takers publication recently noted at SnusOn, "Big Tobacco, USA looks at us (American users of Swedish Snus) as the enemy. They don't care what we know about their products because we're not their intended market."So how did I find out the information I needed? As Chad, the tobacco using consumer, not Chad Jones the writer for Snubie.com. And I was pleasantly surprised to see how much information the consumer hotline gave me. Granted, they didn't reveal processing/snusmaking practices, but I did get to find out some facts about the new products rolling out in 2011.
Okay, so what about Marlboro "snus"? I've written review after review about this stuff, a head to head article about Camel vs Marlboro, and one in the past about American "snus" vs Swedish Snus, so I really don't have to go into much detail about that kinda stuff. The new Marlboro "snus" is simply a new can. The product quality itself isn't changing in any way, shape or form. It's the same portions, just in two new flavors - Original and Mint. These are different flavors from the currently available Marlboro "snus" flavors that will be exclusive to these new cans. These two flavors will not be available in the smaller Marlboro "snus" pouches currently available. It's simply more in a can. The can will be 1 gram, and will have 15 portions per tin (this is what the consumer relations lady said from her packet of info she had). I'm guessing that figure was wrong, but who knows. I think I heard Marlboro "snus" was currently around 0.4g of tobacco per portion. This is not a test market situation, a national rollout is said to occur in January 2011. The reason for this change is that consumers wanted more portions per tin. Simple as that. No change in the quality, just two new flavors and more portions in a container. Who knows what the price point will be.
Okay, what about Skoal "SNUS"? Skoal "SNUS" is going to be released nationally at the same time as Marlboro "snus". It will come in round cans this time - 15 pouches per tin, 1.1 grams per pouch. The flavors will be Smooth Mint and Mint. No information is currently available about nicotine content or moisture content. Also, no information was offered about production methods. (wonder why?)
A recent article at http://snus-news.blogspot.com in November of 2010 (which seems to be an anti-snus site as far as I can tell) had some images that were given out to retailers. It looks like it's going to come in 5 can rolls, but of course you'll be able to buy it in individual cans.
According to a survey, 83% of adult smokeless consumers said they would buy Skoal "SNUS". Something else interesting to note is that refrigeration is not required for these tobacco products. The release date is being listed as January 10th, 2011. A source told me that the reason for the Skoal "SNUS" introduction is due to Skoal being a more recognizable and respected name in the smokeless tobacco biz than Marlboro, which would make sense. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, and since Altria has Marlboro and Skoal (via their US Smokeless acquisition - $10 billion dollars in 2008) they might as well see which floats and which sinks and focus on one. So this may be the end of Marlboro "snus" and the push for Skoal "SNUS", but again, who knows.That's all I know for now, as these products come available I'll share my thoughts.
UPDATE: 14 January 2011 - Full review of the new Marlboro "Snus" (2011 Round Can Edition). http://chadizzy1.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-marlboro-snus-2011-round-can-review.html
I might try the Skoal when it comes out, but not really that optimistic about any brand of American Snus. The general trend over here seems to be sweet and weak. I like my snus salty and STRONG! :)
ReplyDeletei just bought my first tin of skoal snus smooth mint and its AMAZING..i love it..wayyyy better than camel and its scheap and lasts a long time and it jucies really well. better than any other american brand out there for now....i love there citrus blend pouches as well..skoal is simply a pinch better;]
ReplyDeleteI just bought the Skoal Snus Mint and its good as well.Very reminiscent of General Mint. I think the pouches could be a bit smaller though. Lots of juice too.
ReplyDeleteI just got some Skoal mint snus a couple hours ago. I havent tried it yet, but it smells like spearmint. Doesnt smell like Skoal mint dip. The pouches are of good size. I'll found out if they got any nicotine in them, and maybe throw these cigs out the door finally. I liked Swedish snus, but just couldn't get over ordering them online.
ReplyDeleteThe thing to keep in mind is that we don't know what is in these products, we don't know how they're made, and by definition they aren't safer. Readily available doesn't make a safer product or a harm reduced alternative. That's important to note, otherwise I'd be doing dip or Skoal Bandits. Sure it's something like snus, but it's not snus, and it isn't Swedish. I don't care if it's free, I'd rather go through hell with PACT, taxes, and issues to get my snus than have to risk my health to get something that's easily available to me.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good point.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'll be buying it again.
The flavor is ok, don't taste much tobacco though, just mint. The pouches are ok. Way better than Camel and Marlboro. As far as American snus goes. It's the best I've tried. But the best snus I've had has got to be General.
But it doesn't suck. It's just sweet.
Risk your health. Dude we use tobacco. None of it is safe. We are addicted. Period.
ReplyDeleteI probably wont be buying these again. But I'll finish off the can. It doesn't suck. It just too sweet for me.
Just bought a can of skoal smooth mint and I have to say (and write) that I am very impressed!!! I have been going back and forth between ordering snus from Sweden and mostly dipping regular american dip (kodiak and skoal). Pasteurized tobacco is much safer then fermented tobacco. My biggest worry though was that like camel and marlboro that the snus would be small dry and weak. All you ladies out there quit bitching about the pouches being to big. There not! Would you prefer receiving half ass portions for the same price? Skoal nailed this one perfectly with the right moisture content size and strength. I would have sworn off skoal for good if they would have botched this up. They didn't. In my humble opinion this product is as good as any Swedish Snus. (I prefer mint over salty earwax) Gentlemen I have a new full time brand.
ReplyDeleteScott - the thing I wonder is if these products are pasteurized or not. We simply don't know.
ReplyDeleteI STARTED WITH CAMEL SNUS AND LIKED IT SWITCHED TO SWEEDISH AND LEARNED TO LOVE IT. TRIED SKOAL SNUS AND LIKE THE NC HIT BUT TASTES LIKE CANDY TOO MUCH.
ReplyDeleteill finnnsh rhw skoal can but will stick with my sweedish match and v2's
ReplyDelete