Tobacco and certain types of snus are slightly moistened to ensure they are easy to handle and provide the best experience. However, sometimes they dry out, which can significantly reduce their quality. What causes tobacco to dry out and how can you quickly rehydrate it? 

Why Is It Bad When Tobacco Dries Out?

When tobacco dries out, several changes occur that affect its quality, flavour, and even safety. Below are the main reasons why you should be mindful of this issue.

Change in Flavour and Aroma

Traditional tobacco and original portion snus, known for their brown pouches and moist interior, are designed to retain a certain level of moisture for weeks or even months after productions. This moisture helps activate its aromas and flavours.  

However, when tobacco dries out, the intense taste that ensures a great experience fades away, leaving behind a dull or stale effect.  

Reduced Shelf Life

Moist tobacco contains salt and other ingredients that ensure a long shelf life and prevent the growth of unwanted organisms. The problem is that drying out weakens these components, significantly shortening the tobacco’s lifespan. Instead of lasting for several months, it may spoil after just a few weeks.  

Increased health risks

When dried tobacco is exposed to moisture, for example, due to improper storage, it can disrupt its microbial balance. This can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, which can negatively affect your health. 

If you notice mold on your tobacco, it is too old, or its colour and texture have significantly changed, it is best to throw it away and replace it with a new batch.  

Reduced Nicotine Effects

Our body absorbs nicotine more efficiently in a moist environment. If tobacco dries out, the absorption process slows down, which means you might not feel the desired effects when using snus.  

Complicated Use

This issue primarily affects loose snus, which needs to be shaped into a ball before placing it under your lip. To work with it properly, it needs to be slightly moist. Otherwise, it won’t hold together, complicating the entire process of use. 

Loss of Texture and Comfort During Use

With a certain level of moisture, tobacco becomes more pliable and softer, making it easy to handle, shape into a ball (for snus), or fill into cigarettes (for traditional tobacco). Once it dries, it becomes brittle and crumbles, making it difficult to use.   

Can Tobacco Be Used When It Dries Out?

You can still use dried tobacco but be aware that it won’t be as potent as fresh tobacco. Some products might even develop a stale aroma, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste.

 However, you should avoid using any tobacco that shows signs of mould. Mouldy tobacco has been attacked by bacteria and is in the process of decay, which can cause various health issues. 

How to Store Tobacco to Maintain Proper Moisture

The main reason tobacco dries out is improper storage. After purchasing it, follow these recommendations to ensure it stays fresh:

Use Proper Containers

Tobacco and snus should be stored in their original containers, designed to limit air exposure and prevent drying.  

If the packaging is damaged, transfer the tobacco into plastic or glass containers with a good seal, preferably rubber. These materials will not affect the product’s taste or aroma.  

Store Tobacco in a Cool and Dark Place

Tobacco that you are not currently using should be placed in a cool and dark location with a temperature range of 15 °C to 20 °C. Suitable places include cabinets or drawers in a basement, garage, or pantry. 

Be sure to protect product from direct sunlight, as it can not only dry out the tobacco but also trigger various chemical processes that affect its flavour and aroma.  

Some users store tobacco in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for a longer time. However, the fridge is not the best solution, as the low temperatures can reduce the moisture level and overall quality of the product. 

Don’t Open the Container Too Often

You should open the tobacco container only when you intend to use it. Each time you open it, air enters and accelerates the drying process.  

If the container is large and holds a lot of tobacco, transfer a portion into a smaller box to minimize the risk of spoiling the entire product.  

Regularly Check the Tobacco

If you buy tobacco in larger quantities, don’t forget to regularly check open products. Ensure they are stored in the right environment, with containers tightly sealed. If you notice that the tobacco is losing its scent, flavour, or other qualities, act quickly. The problem could be excessively dry air, UV rays, or extreme temperatures.  

Keep in mind that the quality of the product itself also affects its shelf life. Generally, cheap tobacco from unknown sellers will last much shorter, even when stored correctly. That is why you should always buy from trusted suppliers, who can guarantee products with rich flavours and aromas.  

How to Quickly Rehydrate Tobacco?

Tobacco can be rehydrated in several ways. The most common methods include:  

Moist Paper Towel

This is the easiest and relatively quick method. Slightly dampen a paper towel or tissue, wring it out thoroughly, and place it inside the tobacco container without letting it touch the tobacco. Seal the container tightly and wait for 3 to 5 hours. After this time, tobacco should be ready to use.  

Fresh Fruit

A piece of apple or orange can also rehydrate tobacco, but this method takes longer, usually around 10 to 12 hours.  

Place the fruit in the container with the tobacco (making sure it doesn’t touch the tobacco to avoid altering its taste and smell), seal the container, and wait. Set a reminder so you don’t forget the fruit, as it could start rotting and spoil your tobacco reserves.  

Water Spraying

One of the quickest alternatives, this method will have your tobacco rehydrated in 30 to 60 minutes. Simply spread the tobacco on a clean, flat surface, like a table, and lightly and evenly moist it with water. Then return the tobacco to its container, seal it, and wait for a short time. 

Hot Steam

Tobacco can also be rehydrated using hot steam. Pour water into a pot and start heating it. Once you see steam, place a strainer over the pot (without it touching the water) and spread the tobacco inside the stainer. For better results, cover the pot with a lid. Wait for about 15 to 30 minutes, let the tobacco cool down, and it’s ready to use.  

Special Tobacco Hydration Products

In foreign e-shops, you can also find various specialized products for rehydrating tobacco. Many cost just a few euros and can deliver the best results. The method of use depends on the specific product.

What to Do When Snus Dries Out?

Unlike tobacco, snus is not recommended for rehydration. Dry snus pouches should be discarded, as they won’t provide a good experience and may contain bacteria. However, if you are unwilling to part with your supply, you can try the methods mentioned above. Hydration with fruit, a moist towel, or water spraying can work for snus as well.