It is important for convenience store employees to know the difference between chewing tobacco and dip — even if a great many of their customers may not.
Though they sound the same, chew and dip are different in some essential ways.
Chewing tobacco is a variety of smokeless tobacco product made from cured and fermented tobacco leaves that are cut into loose strands or leaves. It could also be in the form of a plug — tobacco leaves that have been pressed into a brick — or a twist — thin tobacco fibers that are twisted together into long strands. Users place the chewing tobacco in their mouth, usually between their cheek and gum, and then slowly chew it.
Dip on the other hand, which is also called moist snuff, is finely ground tobacco that comes in tins or pouches. Users place a pinch between their lower lip or cheek and gum to let the tobacco juices be absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
The primary difference has to do with presentation: dip is finely ground tobacco and in pouches, while chew is comprised of loose strands of dried tobacco leaves.
Dip usually entails more frequent spitting of tobacco juices, an important factor based on location and social acceptability. Dip is typically moist and maintains that moisture with the use of additives. The moisture content of chew, on the other hand, is usually lower.
When it comes to flavors, dip tobacco tends to offer a wider variety.
Packaging is another way in which the two tobacco products are different. Dip most often comes in round cans or pouches, which users like for their easy portability, while chew is sold most often in bags or tins that are designed to accommodate its texture and quality.
While both products release nicotine, their rate of absorption is different. Chew, which remains in the mouth, releases nicotine gradually and is absorbed slowly via oral mucosa. Dip offers a faster nicotine release due to the finer grind and increased surface area.
