As Snus use became a widespread but poorly kept secret in football, a new and even more potent version entered the scene—White Snus. Unlike traditional Snus, which contains tobacco, White Snus is marketed as a “cleaner” alternative, containing pure nicotine without tobacco leaves. At first glance, this might seem like a healthier option, but in reality, it delivers even higher doses of nicotine, making it more addictive than ever before.

While Sweden’s battle against smoking had helped reduce traditional tobacco use, the introduction of White Snus loophole-exploited anti-smoking laws and allowed nicotine consumption to surge again. The problem? Footballers were among its biggest consumers.

What Makes White Snus Different?

White Snus looks identical to its predecessor: small pouches placed under the upper lip, slowly releasing nicotine into the bloodstream. However, there are key differences:

• No tobacco, just nicotine – Traditional Snus contains ground tobacco, while White Snus is made of synthetic or purified nicotine.
• Stronger nicotine content – Some brands offer twice or even triple the nicotine levels found in cigarettes or traditional Snus.
• No stains or strong odor – One reason White Snus gained traction is that it doesn’t stain teeth or produce a strong smell, making it even more discreet.
• Legal gray area – Since it contains no tobacco, it bypasses many anti-tobacco laws, making it easier to purchase and distribute.

The biggest takeaway? White Snus isn’t just an alternative—it’s a stronger and more addictive product.

Why Footballers Prefer White Snus

Footballers, constantly seeking ways to cope with stress and pressure, have embraced White Snus for several reasons:

1. Stronger and longer-lasting effects – The high nicotine content provides a more intense hit, helping players manage nerves before and after games.
2. No smoking stigma – Since it doesn’t involve actual smoking, players don’t face the same scrutiny as they would if caught with cigarettes or vapes.
3. Easier access – With the rise of online sales, White Snus is just a click away, and many players can order months’ worth of supply discreetly.

Many Premier League players have already been caught using traditional Snus, but White Snus has taken things to another level. Its growing use is largely unregulated, making it even more appealing.

A Legal and Health Dilemma

The rise of White Snus has created a headache for football regulators. Unlike steroids or stimulants, nicotine is not classified as a banned substance by anti-doping agencies. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) only lists it as a “monitored substance,” meaning it’s under observation but not prohibited.

For clubs and coaches, this creates a moral and health dilemma:

• Should they step in to limit its use, even if it’s legal?
• How do they balance player freedom with long-term health concerns?
• Could excessive nicotine use affect performance and well-being?

While some teams have quietly discouraged Snus and White Snus use, others have ignored the issue altogether, allowing players to indulge freely.

What’s Next? Football’s Growing Nicotine Addiction

As White Snus spreads, the real concern isn’t just its current impact—it’s how much worse it could get. With higher nicotine doses becoming the norm, players are getting hooked faster and struggling to quit.

In Part 3, we will explore the long-term effects of nicotine addiction in football:

• How does White Snus affect players’ physical and mental health?
• Can excessive nicotine use impact performance on the pitch?
• What happens when players try to quit, and why is it so difficult?

Sources

Why does Ben White not watch football? Arsenal star makes honest admission amid absence from England’s Euro 2024 squad
How does nicotine work?
What Is Nicotine?
The Secret Footballer: 'Players don't care what fans think'
The Secret Footballer: it will be love and hate with the fans, so just accept it
Nicotine dependence
Tobacco use declines despite tobacco industry efforts to jeopardize progress
History of snus
Half of players using snus would like to stop - study
Snus: Several players seeking help for addiction, says Professional Footballers Association
Snus use in football: the threat of a new addiction?
“Effects of snus administration on sport performance”
Special report: Why is snus rife in football?
Football’s addiction to sleeping pills – ‘a disease spreading quietly across the game’
How English football got hooked on snus: ‘Players don’t understand the threat of it’
England forward Jamie Vardy reveals he's stopped using snus after last season's backlash