Snus Usage Among Swedish Youth Plateaus in 2025 After Years of Increase

In 2025, snus usage among Swedish youth has stabilized after several years of significant growth, marking a new phase in this public health trend. According to a national school survey conducted by the Centralförbundet för alkohol- och narkotikaupplysning (CAN), 14% of ninth graders and 27% of second-year gymnasium students reported using snus, with no statistically significant change from figures reported in 2024. Martina Zetterqvist, a researcher at CAN, cautions that it is too early to label this a definitive reversal but notes the plateau as a positive development.

The surge in snus usage since 2016 has largely been attributed to the introduction of white nicotine snus, which especially attracted girls who previously had fewer options with only brown tobacco snus available. This shift contributed notably to the rising consumption rates among young females.

One factor possibly contributing to the plateau is the implementation of stricter advertising regulations restricting nicotine product marketing to individuals under 25 years old, thereby reducing exposure for the current young cohorts. The survey also observed no significant changes in youth experiences with alcohol, drugs, doping, or gambling.

Zetterqvist emphasized the importance of these findings in terms of youth nicotine sensitivity and the potential impact of regulatory measures. While vigilance remains necessary, the current stabilization in snus usage offers a measure of optimism for public health efforts targeting youth nicotine consumption in Sweden.