The Different Types of Dipping Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco products are perceived by many as a less harmful alternative to combustible tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars. One reason behind this is they don’t require combustion, which allows the tobacco leaves to produce smoke that contains harmful byproducts like tar, carbon monoxide, and many more carcinogens.

Additionally, a lot of smokeless tobacco users love their tobacco since they are technically more discreet than cigarettes and cigars. They likewise appreciate the fuller tobacco flavors and stronger nicotine hits of smokeless tobacco than the combustible ones.

Many smokeless tobacco users, however, tend to be confused by the numerous types of dipping tobacco. To avoid any confusion, here are the different types of dipping tobacco you can get today as well as their distinct characteristics.

Types of Dipping Tobacco

Generally, smokeless tobacco is a group of tobacco products that don’t require combustion. Hence, you don’t need to bring a lighter or find a fire source just to get the fullest flavours and hits of tobacco. Instead, you can either leave it in your mouth, chew it, or sniff it.

Now, the tobacco industry has to cater to a wide variety of tobacco users out there. Hence, they’ve come up with various types of smokeless tobacco that can match their preferred hits, mode of consumption, overall feel, and many more.

To give you a quick background, here are some of the most common smokeless tobacco products today.

• Chewing tobacco: Chewing tobacco is a type of smokeless tobacco made from long-cut or shredded tobacco leaves. It is often consumed by placing the leaves between the cheek and gum and chewing them to release their nicotine and flavour. A build-up of saliva, which contains tobacco juices, in the mouth is typically spit out to avoid nicotine poisoning. 
• Dipping tobacco: Another type of smokeless tobacco is dipping tobacco. Otherwise known as moist snuff, it is often made from cured and fermented tobacco leaves that are finely ground or cut into varying textures. Dip tobacco is used by placing the leaves between the lip or cheek and gum and letting them release their nicotine content so it can be absorbed through the oral mucosa.
• Snus: One more popular type of smokeless tobacco you can get today is snus It is a Swedish-origin smokeless tobacco that comes in small pouches. Snus is often consumed by placing it under the lip. Unlike chewing and dipping tobacco, snus doesn’t require any spitting, making it more discreet and cleaner than other forms of smokeless tobacco.

While snus is typically preferred by many tobacco users today, the number of people using dipping tobacco is still huge. One reason behind this is nicotine satisfaction. Dipping tobacco typically provides a fast and long-lasting nicotine release that other smokeless tobacco products cannot provide. 

Additionally, dipping tobacco now comes in many flavours and varieties. Tobacco brands continue to release dipping tobacco in a wide range of flavours, cuts, and textures so they can capture the taste preferences of as many tobacco users as possible. Some common flavours of dipping tobacco you can get today include mint, wintergreen, and classic tobacco. 

Dipping tobacco also remains popular since it tends to last longer than cigarettes and other smokeless tobacco. Even if you keep one in your mouth for 30 minutes or more, you’ll still feel the nicotine hits of the said smokeless tobacco, which you cannot get from other tobacco products.

Social and cultural factors may, ultimately, come into play as to why dipping tobacco remains popular. In some regions of the world, dipping tobacco has been tied to many cultural and social practices. Consuming it is likewise common in many sports like baseball, which is then passed down through generations as some sort of tradition.

Today, different types of dipping tobacco can be purchased from reputable retailers like Native Smokes 4 Less. Some types of dipping tobacco you can get today are:

• Long Cut Dip Tobacco: Long cut dip tobacco features tobacco strands or leaves that tend to be longer in length. It is popular among tobacco users since the tobacco stands or leaves can be easier to pack and position in the mouth.
• Fine Cut Dip Tobacco: Fine cut dip tobacco, on the other hand, comes with smaller and more finely ground or shredded tobacco pieces. Compared to long cut dip tobacco, it has a finer texture, allowing you to pack the tobacco pieces tighter.
• Dip Tobacco Pouches: Dip tobacco pouches, which are also known as snuff tobacco, are small teabag-like packets that contain perfectly portioned finely ground dip tobacco. Dip tobacco pouches tend to be convenient and offer a less messy tobacco experience. Compared to the other types of dipping tobacco, dip pouches typically won’t require you to spit tobacco juices.

These types of dipping tobacco exist so they can meet the preferred feel and taste of smokeless tobacco among users. You can learn how dipping tobacco is made here.

Characteristics of Types of Dipping Tobacco

So, we’ve already established the types of dipping tobacco you can find today. One interesting thing about these dipping tobacco products is they generally contain the same tobacco leaves but are prepared and processed differently.

Given the differences among tobacco users, tobacco brands have truly pushed their limits and expanded their offerings to come up with varying types of dipping tobacco that could pretty much match the needs of consumers.

If you’re looking for the right type of dipping tobacco for your nicotine routine, you might as well learn the characteristics of each dipping tobacco type. By knowing their distinct qualities, you’ll find it easier to select the most suitable dipping tobacco for your preferences.

Here is an in-depth look at various dipping tobacco types and their accompanying characteristics.

• Long Cut Dip Tobacco: Long cut dip tobacco, as mentioned earlier, is comprised of long tobacco strands or leaves. These tobacco strands tend to be coarser in texture, allowing users to pinch and pack them more easily than other forms of dipping tobacco. As for their usage, you only need to place them between the gum and lower lip and let the tobacco strands or leaves release their nicotine content. Over time, however, long cut dip tobacco may produce excess tobacco juices, requiring you to spit the excess saliva.
• Fine Cut Dip Tobacco: Fine cut dip tobacco is another type of dipping tobacco you can get in the market today. It is more finely ground than long cut, which makes it more difficult to pinch. However, it allows you to absorb nicotine much faster thanks to its fine texture. When using fine cut dip tobacco, you need to pack everything properly or else it can become too loose and messy. It also tends to move around in the mouth, requiring you to adjust the tobacco every now and then. Similar to long cut, fine cut dip tobacco requires spitting. In fact, you might be spitting more tobacco juices with fine cut dip tobacco than long cut.
• Dip Tobacco Pouches: Dip tobacco pouches are packets that contain portioned finely ground dip tobacco. Since they are pre-portioned already, many tobacco users prefer them over other dipping tobacco forms, especially if they are always on the go. However, they release nicotine slower than other dipping tobacco products. Regardless, dip tobacco pouches still provide a cleaner experience than others since most of them don’t require spitting. 

Each type of dipping tobacco provides a different experience.

Long cut dip tobacco, for instance, is easier to handle and provides a slow yet steady nicotine release. Fine cut dip tobacco, on the other hand, provides a quick, strong nicotine hit but can be somehow difficult to manage and use. Dip tobacco pouches, ultimately, are the cleanest and most discreet option, offering users a balanced experience without the mess of loose tobacco leaves or strands.

Who Uses Each Type of Dipping Tobacco?

Generally, tobacco and nicotine users who want to be safe from the harmful effects of cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products tend to opt for dipping tobacco products. They practically want to avoid health risks such as lung cancer, increased risk of heart disease, and many more, which are mostly caused by cancer-causing substances released by tobacco smoke.

In terms of particular types of dipping tobacco, their target consumers may vary due to their differences in texture, length, usage, nicotine hits, and so on.

Tobacco users’ characteristics, including their experience level, preference for convenience, and nicotine tolerance, can also influence their choice of dipping tobacco.

• Long Cut Dip Tobacco: Since long cut dip tobacco is easier to handle and tends to stay intact in the mouth longer than fine cut dip tobacco, it is typically picked by experienced tobacco users. It is also popular among those who enjoy a slower, more traditional dipping experience.
• Fine Cut Dip Tobacco: Somehow similar to long cut dip tobacco, fine cut dip tobacco is also preferred by seasoned dippers as it requires experience in pinching and packing the tobacco strands or leaves properly. Seasoned users also like this since it provides a more intense and fast-acting hit. Since fine cut dip tobacco can be messier, it is often skipped by beginners. 
• Dip Tobacco Pouches: Dip tobacco pouches are perfect for beginners since they are easy to use and less messy. They also provide a cleaner experience without loose tobacco strands or leaves, which makes them ideal for people who dip in social or work settings. These pouches likewise appeal to those who prefer flavoured options and a controlled nicotine release.

Despite the lack of tar, carbon monoxide, and other cancer-causing chemicals, smokeless tobacco like dip tobacco can still be harmful to your health. Hence, if you’re thinking of picking these dipping tobacco options, it’s important that you’ll be aware of their long-term health effects like dental disease, oral cancer, and many more. You can find more information about the health impact of smokeless tobacco from the Harm Reduction Journal.

Cost and Availability of Dipping Tobacco by Type

If you want to quit smoking, you can opt for dipping tobacco as one of the first steps toward smoking cessation. You justmake sure to go for dipping tobacco that fits your preferred taste and nicotine hits. You must also ensure that you opt for one that suits your lifestyle, experience in consuming nicotine, nicotine tolerance, and many more.

Generally, dipping tobacco today comes from four major brands. They include Skoal, Copenhagen, Stoker’s, and Grizzly. To further help you find the best dipping tobacco product for you, here are some of the most popular dipping tobacco products by type, estimated cost, and availability.

• Long Cut Dip Tobacco: Long cut dip tobacco can be bought from Copenhagen, Skoal, Stoker’s, and Grizzly. Copenhagen long cut dipping tobacco is available in the following flavours: original, wintergreen, and mint. Skoal long cut dipping tobacco, alternatively, comes in wintergreen, straight, classic, mint, spearmint, apple blend, berry blend, and citrus flavours. Long cut dip tobacco is also available in Stoker’s in wintergreen, straight, and mint flavours. Lastly, Grizzly offers long cut dip tobacco in wintergreen, mint, and straight. They are generally available at $20 – $35 per can. However, you can buy them at Native Smokes for Less for only $75 per log/roll of 5 tins or 12oz tub.
• Fine Cut Dip Tobacco: There are only two brands that offer fine cut dip tobacco. One of them is Copenhagen. You can only buy it in the original flavour, which would typically cost you $25 to $35 per can and is only available in select retailers. Grizzly is another brand that offers fine cut dip tobacco in wintergreen and natural flavours. These fine cut dip tobacco products cost $20 to $30 per can and are only available in select regions. Native Smokes for Less offers these dip tobacco products at $75 per log/roll of 5 tins.
• Dipping Tobacco Pouches: Dipping tobacco pouches are available in three brands: Copenhagen, Skoal, and Grizzly. Copenhagen dip tobacco pouches come in original, wintergreen, and mint flavours. Skoal, on the other hand, offers mint, straight, wintergreen, apple, citrus, and berry dip tobacco pouches. Lastly, Grizzly dip tobacco pouches are available in wintergreen and mint flavours. All these dip tobacco pouches cost around $20 to $35 per can. Native Smokes for Less, fortunately, sells these pouches at $75 per log/roll of 5 tins.

Even though dipping tobacco products are liked by many tobacco users out there, their availability in Canada is somehow limited. Thankfully, you can visit Native Smokes for Less and buy these products from the online store with just a few clicks. You can essentially get them from NS4L at very reasonable prices. Once you check out, the store will essentially ship your items straight to your doorstep in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of dipping tobacco?

Dipping tobacco comes in three types: long cut, fine cut, and pouches. Long cut dipping tobacco is comprised of coarser tobacco strands, making it easier to handle and less messy. Fine cut dipping tobacco is more shredded and requires more skill to pack. Dip tobacco pouches, lastly, offer a cleaner, pre-portioned option for tobacco users.

What are the different names for dip?

Dipping tobacco is typically referred to as dip, moist snuff, chew, or smokeless tobacco. Some regional slang terms for dip include spit tobacco, chaw, and rub. While often confused with chewing tobacco, dip tobacco is distinct as it is not meant to be chewed. Instead, it is placed between the lip and gum.

Summary

Tobacco use is possible without resorting to combustible tobacco products. You can opt for dipping tobacco, a type of smokeless tobacco, consume tobacco, and absorb its nicotine content without the harmful byproducts of tobacco smoke.

Just make sure to pick the right type of dipping tobacco for your own convenience. In choosing your dipping tobacco, make sure to gauge your nicotine tolerance, lifestyle, and level of experience to avoid any issues and inconveniences later on.