Chewing tobacco is a form of smokeless tobacco, typically consisting of shredded or loose-leaf tobacco placed between the cheek and gum. The short answer is yes, it does contain calories, as the product is manufactured with various additives that contribute energy content. The more complex question is how many of those calories are actually absorbed by the body, which depends on the product’s composition and the user’s habits.
The Direct Answer: Caloric Content
The caloric load in chewing tobacco comes primarily from the non-tobacco ingredients added during processing, which are used to improve flavor, texture, and moisture. The main culprits for caloric contribution are the sweeteners and humectants. These ingredients often include molasses, corn syrup, and sucrose, which are all forms of sugar and contribute four calories per gram.
Traditional loose-leaf and plug chewing tobacco often contain significant amounts of added sugar, sometimes making up between 15% and 30% of the product’s total mass. This high sugar content means the total potential caloric value of an entire container can be substantial, often ranging from 200 to 500 calories. Humectants like propylene glycol and glycerol are also added to maintain moisture, and these compounds contribute a small number of calories.
How Calories Are Absorbed
The body’s absorption of these calories is a process that differs significantly from eating food. Since chewing tobacco is not typically swallowed, the primary route for calorie intake is through the lining of the mouth, known as the buccal mucosa. This lining is highly vascularized, allowing small molecules like simple sugars to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Simple sugars, such as glucose and galactose, can be transported across the buccal mucosa by a carrier-mediated mechanism, allowing a portion of the sugar dissolved in the saliva to be absorbed directly. This absorption bypasses the initial stages of digestion in the stomach and small intestine. If the user accidentally swallows some of the tobacco juice or “spit,” the remaining calories are processed through the digestive tract. However, since the fibrous material and sugar-laden saliva are generally discarded, the net calories absorbed are substantially lower than the total potential calories of the product.
Comparing Caloric Profiles of Smokeless Products
The specific caloric profile varies considerably among different types of smokeless tobacco products due to differences in their manufacturing and added ingredients. Traditional loose-leaf chewing tobacco, like the shredded leaf or plug forms, typically has the highest potential caloric content because it relies heavily on sugary binders like molasses to hold the product together. This type of product often requires more sweetening to mask the harsh taste of the tobacco.
In contrast, moist snuff, often called “dip,” and snus generally contain fewer simple sugars compared to traditional chew. Moist snuff is more finely ground and may use different humectants and flavorings, resulting in a lower overall sugar percentage. Snus, especially the Swedish variety, is often steam-pasteurized and traditionally uses less added sugar. Because manufacturers are not required to provide standardized nutritional information, the higher proportion of added caloric sweeteners in loose-leaf chew indicates a higher potential for caloric intake than most moist snuff or snus products.