Chewing tobacco is a form of smokeless tobacco. In order to release flavour and nicotine the user must chew on the tobacco. There are different forms of chewing tobacco that are manufactured all over the world. Chewing tobacco was most popular in America during early 20th Century until cigarettes became popular. There are four main types of chewing tobacco that are listed below.
Loose Leaf Tobacco: This type of tobacco is also known as snuff and is chopped to create loose leaves. It is packed in aluminium-lined pouches and is widely available and easy to use. It gives the user the stimulating effects of nicotine without inhaling any smoke and it simply dissolves in the mouth.
Plug Tobacco: Using molasses to sweeten it, it comes in pressed blocks that the user has to cut or bite off in order to consume it. This is a great option for first time users due to the sweetness of the product. They have a lot of moisture and flavour.
Twist Tobacco: It is spun and rolled to resemble ropes and twisted to form a knot. There is less moisture than plug or loose-leaf tobacco in twist tobacco and it is possible to smoke rather than chew.
Dipping Tobacco: This is a very moist type of tobacco and is traditionally ground or shredded. Very similar to loose leaf tobacco it also goes by the name of moist snuff. It can have a range of different cuts depending on the comfort for the user.
Tobacco Bits: These are flavoured and sweetened tobacco that the user chews. Tobacco Bits are small bits of tobacco so are eaten individually, like mints. Chewing tobacco isn’t as popular as it used to be due when it came to light that it could be as harmful as cigarettes and cause cancers in the mouth and throat. Chewing tobacco also went out of fashion when cigars and cigarettes started to be imported more readily, however it was a sign of masculinity in the 20th century.
