Dip

Dip Brands

In our books, the right to consume dip tobacco deserves to be enshrined in the Constitution. And for those who want to indulge in dipping, why use anything less than the very best? We’ve outlined some of the best dip brands below.

Copenhagen

It might not be immediately apparent based on the name alone, but Copenhagen is very much an American brand. Cope (as many fans endearingly call it) was established in Pittsburgh in 1822. That’s two centuries of history — not too shabby.

But dippers don’t just love Copenhagen dip because it’s old. The brand has a reputation for quality, using premium US-grown tobacco in every product and taking care to formulate flavors that are a cut above.

Skoal

Skoal is another brand with a name that hints at foreign origins — “Skoal” is a play on the Scandinavian toast “skål.” Cheers to that.

In fact, Skoal dip is produced in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Like Copenhagen, the brand only uses US-grown tobacco in its products. It also has a history that isn’t to be sniffed at, having been established in 1934.

Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that Skoal and Copenhagen share a few qualities — both are owned by the same parent company, the US Smokeless Tobacco Company.

Grizzly

Then we have Grizzly dip — and it would be tough to find a more all-American brand. After all, it was launched by none other than the American Snuff Company. Although it was established in 2001, Grizzly has been quick to secure its place as a market leader in the snuff segment.

As well as its incredible flavors, the brand stands out for giving back — it frequently donates to charitable initiatives that help with nature conservation, sports, and more.

Popular Flavors for Dip Pouches

After considering dip brands, there are a lot of important questions on the table. One of the biggest is which flavor to opt for. Some like it sweet, some like it salty, and others like it somewhere in between.

Below, we’ve summarized the main options.

Mint Snuff

No matter how much you like tobacco, there’s just something about the refreshing hints of mint that keeps dippers coming back for more.

Mint dipping tobacco often comes in a peppermint flavor, which is generally quite sharp and may provide a “burn.”

There are also spearmint products, which are usually gentler.

Wintergreen Snuff

Wintergreen dipping tobacco has been a mainstay in the industry since it was first introduced by Skoal in 1934. Since then, practically every other brand has followed.

The taste can be subdued or intense, sweet or mild. But it’s always a uniquely refreshing, herbal, and creamy flavor.

Natural Snuff

Natural snuff showcases dip in its purest form by putting all the focus on the tobacco itself.

One popular option is Grizzly Fine Cut Natural, which has an earthy, salty flavor.

Straight Snuff

Fan of tobacco but also love a good BBQ? The “straight” flavor has nothing to do with sexuality. Rather, it has a taste that’s smoky yet sweet, with a combination of dark tobacco and molasses. 

Fruity Snuff

For those looking for something a little different, it may be worth checking out fruity options.

Skoal’s products stand out here. It offers a popular Skoal Long Cut Peach Tobacco Blend, plus options in mango, berry, citrus, and apple flavors.

Types of Dipping Tobacco

Dipping tobacco can be enjoyed in various forms, and the debate about which is best can get heated. We’ll make a case for all formats, one by one.

Fine Cut

Fine cut was the first form of dipping tobacco to be available. To this day, experienced dippers tend to prefer it over the more modern versions outlined below. Are they sticklers for tradition or on to something? It’s not our place to say.

But we can give away some of the secrets behind fine cut’s magic. The shorter, thinner tobacco strands have a larger surface area, which provides a more intense release of nicotine and flavor.

Long Cut

Long cut is a newer form of dip, formulated especially for an easy experience. As the tobacco leaf strands are longer, it’s easier to pack it, and it holds shape in the mouth better.

Grizzly goes one step further by also offering wide cut products, which are even easier to pack. Similarly, Copenhagen offers an extra long cut format.

Long cut dip also offers a slower, more balanced release of nicotine and flavor, which some dippers prefer.

Pouches

Snuff pouches provide the flavors and intensity of dipping tobacco without the accompanying mess since there is no packing involved.

For instance, there are Skoal Bandits and Copenhagen Pouches.

These aren’t to be confused with snus, which is covered below.

Dip Alternatives

Like the idea of combining tobacco with delicious flavors but not sold on dip itself? Perhaps because of the mess, the need for a stellar pinching technique, or the fact that dipping isn’t exactly the most inconspicuous activity to do in public.

Snus is a potential alternative. Swedish snus dates back more than two hundred years, and the Swedes have agonized over finding the perfect blends. Best of all, snus portions are consumed by simply slotting the bags into the mouth under the upper lip, making them easier to use on the go than dip.

The land of snus also offers a whole new world of taste profiles and brands to explore.

What is Snuff?

Snuff is a type of smokeless tobacco that comes in a powdered form. It can be either dry snuff, which is consumed by sniffing, or moist snuff — a version placed in the mouth.

Some brands offer a dedicated snuff product, such as Copenhagen Snuff or Grizzly Natural Snuff. These are very finely ground powders, with a softer, more moist feel in the mouth.

What is Dip?

Dip, or dipping tobacco, is another word to describe moist snuff. It has the following features:

• Fire-cured and fermented tobacco
• Moist
• Typically placed between the lip and gum
• The nicotine can be low, moderate, or high strength
• Usually produces moisture that needs to be spit