Going Smokeless: Snuff, Nicotine Pouches, and Other Discrete Alternatives

Cigar smoking has historically been seen as a symbol of wealth and status. Compared to mass-produced cigarettes, which are wrapped in paper and leave tar or tobacco residue, cigars are wrapped with tobacco leaves and are usually bigger and thicker. Cigars also last longer and contain more nicotine, with their price determined by how they are rolled, the quality of their tobacco, and the type of packaging they use. In the Caribbean region, known for growing tobacco and rolling cigars, the production of El Artista Cigars involves sourcing exclusive tobacco like the T-13 hybrid with its rich and earthy overtones, and the Negrito with its balanced blend of dark cocoa and leather. Despite the flavor and craftsmanship that goes into cigarmaking, however, the luxury of cigars cannot be enjoyed in every place and occasion due to regulatory and legislative changes in recent years. But cigar aficionados need not be disappointed, as they can maintain the mix of poshness and pleasure through this range of smokeless alternatives.

Finding the finest flavor and quality in smokeless tobacco

With a market value of over $20 billion, smokeless tobacco products are becoming increasingly accessible. Among the notable examples is cured or aged chewing tobacco, which can come in the form of loose leaves (packaged in pouches), plugs (pressed together to form a brick), or twists or rolls (twisted together like a rope). Nicotine is released when a piece of tobacco is taken and placed between the cheek and the gums. Much like cigars, they come with a distinct flavor and aroma. Meanwhile, snuff is finely ground tobacco which can be in a moist form or dry with powder-like consistency. In terms of consumption, snuff can be sniffed, inhaled, dipped, or taken orally. It was first introduced in Europe as a treatment for headaches and colds but would eventually be elevated to luxury as snuff-taking was popular among courtiers, officers, and lay writers. To this day, snuff can still hold prestige when you buy specially-made tins, boxes, or accessories. Snus is another variation of smokeless tobacco and can look like small tea bags containing moist snuff. The Harm Reduction Journal published research on snus and how it has a lower risk profile than cigarettes when it comes to the development of cancers and lung diseases. The ready-to-use pouch in which snus comes is usually placed behind the upper lip. While it is widely used in Sweden, snus is becoming more known in the U.S. as a less messy alternative since you don’t have to spit out the used tobacco.

Getting your needed fix from oral nicotine

If you’re on the hunt for smokeless and tobacco-free, oral nicotine products could be for you. Prilla notes in a recent blog post that nicotine pouches are as effective as other smokeless products, as they deliver the same nicotine experience without having to be chewed or inhaled. Not only are they easy to consume in pouch form, just like snus, but studies have also shown that abusing or overusing these products is less likely—even if they come with higher nicotine levels and a variety of flavors. Since nicotine pouches can have a long-lasting effect, you can combine them with short-acting smokeless products like nicotine lozenges. It is a discreet alternative to nicotine gum that demands to be chewed and disposed of. You can simply suck on the lozenge and wait for it to dissolve in order to take effect. When Nicorette rolled out nicotine lozenges in 2019, the primary intent was to introduce a cessation aid to individuals who were planning to quit cigarettes but were instead diverted into e-cigarettes. Since nicotine pouches and lozenges are available online and offline, they are optimal for satisfying nicotine cravings throughout the day, and can be fantastic alternatives for enthusiasts who want to be more discreet.