November 2023

Is There Nicotine in Chewing Tobacco?

Yes, chewing tobacco usually contains nicotine. As an adult smoker wondering ‘does chewing tobacco have nicotine?’ it is also useful to know that the chewing tobacco nicotine content will likely vary, depending on the product and brand.

Chewing tobacco is not risk-free, and it contains nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

What Is Chewing Tobacco?

Chewing tobacco typically consists of aged tobacco leaves that manufacturers mold into a particular shape. Adult users place this smoke-free alternative in their mouth. Once chewed, the product releases nicotine. 

Adult users could trace the practice of chewing tobacco back to the first known appearance of tobacco. Native American civilizations consumed tobacco portions by chewing them. Chewing tobacco has evolved from the first use of the product, and today, adult users will likely find chewing tobacco in three different forms: 

• Loose leaf: the most common form of chewing tobacco, manufacturers roll loose leaf tobacco into small pieces and pack them into a pouch. To use, the pouch is typically placed in the mouth.
  
• Twist: manufacturers weave tobacco leaves together to create a cylindrical shape (which looks similar to a rope). Usually, adult users either chew or cut off pieces before placing them in their mouth.
  
• Plug: tobacco leaves are typically crushed and pressed into square, brick-like portions. Generally, to use plug chewing tobacco, adult users break off a piece and place it in their mouth.

Chewing Tobacco vs Oral Smokeless Products

Chewing tobacco is not the only oral smokeless alternative available. Options like snus and nicotine pouches work in ways that can be compared to chewing tobacco. Each product has its own characteristics that differentiate it from the others.

Snus is similar to chewing tobacco - the product is consumed orally by placing it in the mouth for a nicotine experience. Given snus is not chewed like chewing tobacco, this is the biggest difference between the two products. 

A nicotine pouch should also be placed in the mouth. The ingredients are what make this smoke-free alternative different from snus and chewing tobacco. Typically, nicotine pouches contain flavorings and nicotine. They usually do not contain tobacco - a key ingredient in snus and chewing tobacco. 

Learning about chewing tobacco and its nicotine content may help adult smokers decide whether this alternative is the right option for them. It is important to note that chewing tobacco is not risk-free, and it provides nicotine, which is addictive. 

The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.