How Long Does Dip Tobacco Last?

Plenty of smokeless tobacco options are already on the market now. In fact, they have been existing for many decades already, serving tobacco users who either don’t want to smoke or want to complement their cigarettes, cigars, or other combustible tobacco products.

One classic example of smokeless tobacco you can get today is dip tobacco. Dip tobacco, also known as snuff tobacco, is a type of smokeless tobacco made from finely ground tobacco. You can get it either dry or moist and consume it by placing the tobacco pieces between the gums and cheek.

If you just recently bought dip tobacco from your favourite retailer, then you might have already consumed it. A question that you might have in mind, however, is if it can last for a long time. How long does dip tobacco really last? This blog by Native Smokes 4 Less is here to answer these questions. 

The Shelf Life and Storage of Dip Tobacco

Before knowing the shelf life and storage of dip tobacco, we must first establish the difference between dip tobacco and other smokeless tobacco options.

As mentioned, dip tobacco is finely ground tobacco that is either moist or dry. You can typically get it packed tightly into small tins or pouches, allowing you to bring them wherever you go. 

Consuming dip tobacco is fairly easy. You only need to take a pinch or scoop of dip tobacco and place it between your lower lip or cheek and gum. Placing dip on this specific area allows its tobacco juices to be absorbed by the lining of your mouth into the body.

Now, another type of smokeless tobacco you can get today is chewing tobacco.

Chewing tobacco, also known as chew or loose-leaf chew, is usually made from cured and fermented tobacco leaves that have been cut into loose strands. Consuming them is also straightforward. You only need to place a portion of chewing tobacco in your mouth, particularly between the cheek and gum, and chew the tobacco strands slowly to release their flavours and nicotine.

You can buy chewing tobacco in plenty of flavours. Some popular chewing tobacco flavours today are mint, wintergreen, and classic tobacco.

Establishing the differences between the two smokeless tobacco options can help you understand the reasons behind the perceived longevity of dipping tobacco and avoid any confusion.

When talking about the shelf life of dipping tobacco, you can expect it to last for around 6 to 12 months. Some would even say that it can last for a couple of years, granted that the dip is still unopened. Once it’s opened, its freshness may start to fade and will only remain fresh for around 10 to 14 days.

The way you store your dipping tobacco may somehow affect its shelf life. If you opted for moist snuff, expect it to dry out faster if you fail to store it properly. Failure to keep the container closed tightly or letting the dipping tobacco exposed to elements will only lead to a loss of flavour and freshness.

In contrast, chewing tobacco is expected to have a longer shelf life than dipping tobacco due to its larger, coarser cut and lower moisture content.

If you want to keep your dipping tobacco fresh for a longer time, you should do the following tips:

• Use an airtight container: Perhaps, the best thing you could do to keep your dipping tobacco fresh for a longer time is to store it in an airtight container. If possible, ensure that the dip is placed in its original tin and place it inside a sealed plastic bag or airtight container. This prevents the dip from being exposed to air.
• Keep the dip refrigerated: Some users believe that keeping the dipping tobacco refrigerated can help maintain its moisture, freshness, and flavour since cold temperatures can prevent it from drying out too quickly. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
• Avoid direct heat and sunlight: Your dip has a moisture content to keep it effective. Therefore, avoid placing it in direct heat or sunlight to avoid drying it out and degrading its tobacco quality. 
• Rehydrate dry dip: If your dipping tobacco starts to dry out, it’s time to rehydrate it. You can do this by placing a small piece of damp paper towel or a few drops of distilled water inside the tin to restore its moisture. Remember to apply the moisture to the tin, not directly to the tobacco.

You can get dip tobacco in a wide variety of flavours and strengths, making sure they can cater to a variety of preferred tastes and nicotine hits. Native Smokes 4 Less currently offers dip tobacco from Copenhagen, Grizzly, Skoal, and Stoker’s. You can get them on our online store at very reasonable prices. You can even get discounts when you buy in bulk.

How Long Does Dip Last?

Dipping tobacco is a fun smokeless tobacco to consume since it slowly releases nicotine and gets absorbed by your body through the lining of the mouth. This type of tobacco is typically enjoyed by nicotine users who don’t want to release any smoke in the air. It is somehow their way of consuming nicotine without bothering others.

Compared to chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco doesn’t require any chewing. It can already release all its content once placed in your mouth. You can leave the dipping tobacco in your mouth for around 15 to 30 minutes. Once it starts to release nicotine and gets mixed with your saliva, you’ll gradually feel the effects of the stimulant in your body for around 30 to 60 minutes.

Chewing tobacco shares a different story as you need to chew the loose tobacco strands actively for them to release their content. While it can stay in your mouth for around an hour or two, the nicotine absorption with chewing tobacco tends to be slower and less intense than dipping tobacco.

Even though dipping tobacco doesn’t produce any smoke and doesn’t require any chewing, it can still be messy in another way. 

Unlike snus, which is another type of smokeless tobacco product, dip typically causes a user to produce excess saliva while consuming it. This saliva already contains tobacco. Hence, it must be spat to avoid any health issues. Some users would then spit the saliva-tobacco mixture onto the ground, while others would bring a container or cup to spit it out.

If you’re planning to consume dipping tobacco, it would be advisable to carry a container or cup to dispose of any tobacco juices directly into it rather than spitting them into the ground. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for dipping tobacco to go stale?

Dipping tobacco can quickly become stale within a few weeks if left open and exposed to air. As moisture slowly evaporates, it dries out and loses its flavour. To slow down the staling process, you must store it properly like placing it in a refrigerator or sealing it in an airtight container.

How long does dipping tobacco last opened?

Once opened, dipping tobacco typically stays fresh for a couple of weeks at room temperature, depending on humidity and exposure to air. If you store it in the refrigerator, it can last several months without significant loss of flavour or moisture.

How long does dip last?

Unopened dip can last for years, depending on storage conditions and brand. Opened dip remains fresh for a few weeks. However, it may start to dry out over time, especially if you don’t store it properly.

Can tobacco dip go bad?

Definitely! Dip tobacco can go bad as it may lose moisture, flavour, and potency over time, especially when it’s already opened. While it doesn’t expire like perishable food, using a stale dip can become an unpleasant experience as it will only provide you with an altered taste. Once your dip develops an unusual odour, mould growth, or an off-putting texture, discard it immediately.

How long does a can of dip last on average?

A can of dip typically lasts anywhere from 3-4 days, depending on how frequently it is used. If you’re a heavy user, you can technically consume a can of dip in just a couple of days. Alternatively, it can last for a couple of weeks if you are an occasional user.

Summary

When unopened, a can or container of dip tobacco is expected to last for years, granted that it has been stored properly. But once you’ve opened the dip tobacco container, you should consume it and finish using it in just a few weeks to enjoy its taste and nicotine content.

If you’re trying to store your dip tobacco, it’s best that you place it in an airtight container. You can then place everything in the refrigerator to retain its moisture content.

Now that you know how long dip tobacco lasts, it’s time to know what brands of the said product you must get. Explore the best brands of dipping tobacco here.