Traditionally, chewing tobacco was only divided into two categories: loose chewing tobacco and portioned chewing tobacco. However, nowadays, there are many more varieties on the market. Besides the Original Portion, there are White Portions, White Dry Portions, and even chewing tobacco products that are completely free of tobacco or nicotine.
As the popularity of chewing tobacco continues to rise, the production of oral tobacco evolves as well. In this article, we want to introduce you to the different types of chewing tobacco and tell you which types are best suited for beginners and experienced users.
Development from Loose Chewing Tobacco to Portion Chewing Tobacco
As early as the 16th century, people in Sweden began placing tobacco leaves mixed with salt and water under their upper lip to enjoy the taste. In the 19th century, the consumption of chewing tobacco changed, and instead of tobacco leaves, ground tobacco was used. Initially, farmers on tobacco plantations began making their own chewing tobacco using coffee grinders or homemade mills.
From 1800 to 1900, more and more manufacturers started producing moist chewing tobacco, and the commercial spread of loose chewing tobacco increased. One of the oldest and most famous chewing tobacco brands is Ettan Chewing Tobacco, which was taken over by Jacob Fredrik Ljunglöf in 1822 and made one of the leading brands in Europe.
After World War II, the production of chewing tobacco suffered a setback due to the increasing popularity of cigarettes. However, chewing tobacco regained its popularity in the late 1960s when cigarettes were linked to health risks. In the 1970s, chewing tobacco was first packaged and sold in portion bags. This simplified consumption and spread the use of the product.
Difference Between Loose Chewing Tobacco, Original Portion, White Portion, and White Dry Portion
Loose chewing tobacco is the oldest form of chewing tobacco and is still available today. The name makes it clear that this type of chewing tobacco does not require any packaging material, and the portions must be formed by hand during use. Loose chewing tobacco is sold in metal cans, and the most popular brands include Ettan, Göteborg's Rapé, and General Chewing Tobacco.
Loose chewing tobacco is moist, and the effect kicks in very quickly. For people looking for an intense kick and wanting to control the amount themselves, this type of chewing tobacco is the best option.
Original Portions are slightly moistened bags with moist tobacco. As the product runs more than other types, it appears slightly brown. Here, too, the effect of nicotine kicks in particularly quickly, and the taste of tobacco is powerful. One of the most popular Original Portions is Siberia Black -80 OP.
With the White Portion, the bags are moist, but the content is dry. The aroma and flavor experience last longer here, as the product runs less. In the White Dry Portion, not only the bag is dry, but also the tobacco inside. Thus, the bags are completely white, and the effect sets in only after they are moistened.
Size of Chewing Tobacco Portions
In addition to the different types of chewing tobacco, there are also bags in different sizes. Which size is best for you depends on your personal preferences.
Normal / Regular: Normal is the standard size for chewing tobacco products. The strength of the chewing tobacco varies depending on the manufacturer.
Slim: The Slim size is suitable for people who prefer a discreet size.
Mini: Mini is the smallest size among chewing tobacco brands. Since less tobacco fits into these bags, the nicotine strength is lower compared to other products.
Chewing Tobacco Strength
When categorizing chewing tobacco, the strength of the chewing tobacco should also be considered. It depends not only on the nicotine content but also on the pH value in the mouth.
Light Varieties: Contain about 8-9 mg/g of nicotine
Strong Varieties: Contain more than 11 mg/g of nicotine
Extremely Strong Varieties: Over 22 mg/g of nicotine
What Is the Strongest Chewing Tobacco?
Extra strong varieties can contain over 40 mg/g of nicotine. For example, Siberia Rot -80 Degrees WDP contains 43 mg/g.
Which Chewing Tobacco Varieties Are Suitable for Beginners?
Beginners should first try light varieties, as some people may experience nausea or dizziness when trying strong varieties for the first time. Among the light varieties, the brands Skruf Nicotine Pouches and VELO Chewing Tobacco are very popular. For beginners, portioned chewing tobacco is better, while loose chewing tobacco should be consumed by experienced users.
