How much nicotine is in a clove? Unpacking the Truth About Kreteks

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Clove cigarettes, known as kreteks, are not a safe or 'natural' alternative to conventional cigarettes, containing 60-70% tobacco. As a result, they deliver significant quantities of nicotine, the highly addictive chemical, to the user. Many are surprised to learn how much nicotine is in a clove and the additional risks associated with smoking them.

Quick Summary

Clove cigarettes, or kreteks, contain 60-70% tobacco and deliver the addictive chemical nicotine. Due to eugenol's numbing effect, smokers inhale more deeply and longer, potentially increasing nicotine intake. Kreteks also deliver more tar and carbon monoxide than regular cigarettes.

Key Points

Source of Nicotine: Nicotine in a clove cigarette comes from its 60-70% tobacco content, not the clove spice itself.
Higher Delivered Nicotine: Due to the anesthetic effect of eugenol (from cloves), smokers often inhale more deeply, potentially increasing the amount of nicotine absorbed, compared to regular cigarettes.
More Dangerous than Regulars: Kreteks have been shown to deliver significantly higher levels of tar and carbon monoxide than many conventional cigarettes.
Not a Safer Alternative: The idea that clove cigarettes are 'natural' or safer is a misconception; they carry similar, if not greater, health risks, including addiction, cancer, and respiratory disease.
Regulatory Status: The sale of flavored cigarettes, including most clove cigarettes (kreteks), has been banned in the United States since 2009.
Additional Toxins: Some studies have detected traces of other unusual and potentially harmful substances in kretek brands, raising additional health concerns.
Nicotine-Free Options: True nicotine-free 'clove' products are herbal cigarettes that contain no tobacco, but their smoke still carries risks.

The Composition and Misconception of Clove Cigarettes

Clove cigarettes, more commonly known by their Indonesian name, kreteks, are a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes for some smokers. However, a major misconception persists that they are a safer, more natural, or less addictive product. The reality is quite different, and understanding the composition of a kretek is the first step to unpacking the truth. Kreteks typically consist of a mixture of 60-70% tobacco and 30-40% ground cloves, clove oil, and other additives. The characteristic spicy aroma and flavor come from the cloves, but the nicotine, the primary addictive component, comes directly from the tobacco.

The Role of Eugenol in Nicotine Absorption

A key ingredient in cloves is eugenol, which has mild anesthetic properties. When a smoker lights a kretek, the eugenol numbs the back of the throat and lungs, masking the harshness of the smoke. This anesthetic effect can lead to deeper and longer inhalation, a behavioral factor that significantly increases the amount of smoke, tar, and nicotine absorbed by the body. While a study might find lower nicotine concentrations in the cigarette itself compared to conventional brands, the way it is smoked can lead to a similar or even higher amount of nicotine absorbed into the bloodstream.

Clove vs. Regular Cigarettes: Nicotine and Toxin Comparison

While the total nicotine yield varies by brand and smoking behavior, scientific studies show that clove cigarettes deliver significant quantities of harmful substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), machine tests found that clove cigarettes delivered over twice as much tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide as moderate tar-containing American cigarettes. The following comparison table highlights some key differences:


Feature	Clove (Kretek) Cigarette	Regular American Cigarette
Composition	60-70% tobacco, 30-40% ground cloves/additives	100% tobacco and various chemical additives
Nicotine Content	Approx. 1.9-2.6 mg per cigarette. Higher delivered dose possible due to smoking pattern.	Varies by brand, but can be lower per cigarette compared to delivered dose of a kretek.
Tar Delivery	Significantly higher, ranging from 34-65 mg per cigarette.	Lower than kreteks, but still very harmful.
Carbon Monoxide	Significantly higher, ranging from 18-28 mg per cigarette.	Lower than kreteks.
Active Ingredient	Eugenol numbs the throat, promoting deeper inhalation.	No anesthetic, harsher smoke experience.
US Legality (Flavored)	Banned since 2009.	Generally legal, though flavor restrictions apply.

Health Risks of Kreteks Beyond Nicotine

Beyond the high nicotine content and addictive potential, kreteks carry significant health risks. The higher levels of tar and carbon monoxide alone are cause for major concern, contributing to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The eugenol, while providing the anesthetic effect, is also a volatile compound that can lead to various health issues when inhaled deeply into the lungs. Studies have linked clove cigarette use to a range of severe health problems, including:

Oral diseases: Issues such as oral mucosal lesions and periodontal disease have been reported.
Respiratory illnesses: Frequent upper respiratory infections, asthma, and coughing up blood have been observed in clove smokers.
Cardiovascular problems: An increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks is associated with kretek use.
Cancer: The high tar content, combined with other carcinogens, significantly increases the risk of various cancers, including lung cancer.

Other Hazardous Chemicals in Kreteks

Some research has even uncovered the presence of unexpected and potentially dangerous chemicals in certain clove cigarette brands. A 2022 study analyzing kreteks found trace amounts of unusual substances, including clindamycin (an antibiotic) and octodrine (an amphetamine-like stimulant). While these were not tested with certified materials, their potential presence raises serious concerns about the full chemical cocktail smokers are ingesting.

Conclusion: No Nicotine-Free Clove Option

In conclusion, it is a dangerous fallacy to assume that clove cigarettes are a healthier or less addictive alternative to regular cigarettes. The truth is that they contain tobacco, and therefore, nicotine. The anesthetic effect of eugenol leads to deeper inhalation, which can increase the overall intake of not only nicotine but also far higher levels of tar and carbon monoxide. For those seeking to avoid nicotine or reduce harm, the only true 'clove' option is a specific herbal cigarette that is certified 100% tobacco and nicotine-free. However, even these can produce harmful smoke and are not without risk. For anyone looking to quit, a doctor can provide resources and support to help alleviate cravings and navigate the path to a healthier lifestyle. You can find more information on the dangers of clove cigarettes and other tobacco products at authoritative sources like the CDC.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Clove Cigarettes

The Final Word on How much nicotine is in a clove

It's important to differentiate between the clove spice and a clove cigarette. The spice contains no nicotine. The cigarette contains a blend of tobacco and cloves, making it a source of significant nicotine delivery and other toxins. The risks are often higher than for regular cigarettes, and the product is far from being a harmless alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, clove cigarettes (kreteks) contain nicotine. They are made with a blend of 60-70% tobacco, which is the source of the addictive chemical. The clove spice itself contains no nicotine, but the cigarette product does.

According to the CDC and other health organizations, smoking a clove cigarette is often more harmful than smoking a regular cigarette. This is because they can deliver higher levels of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide due to deeper inhalation caused by the eugenol.

The unique characteristic of clove cigarettes comes from eugenol, an active ingredient in cloves. Eugenol acts as a mild anesthetic, numbing the throat and lungs and allowing for deeper inhalation, which increases toxin absorption.

Yes, some manufacturers produce herbal clove-flavored cigarettes that contain no tobacco or nicotine. These products are distinct from kreteks and are often advertised as a quitting aid, though they still produce smoke and contain other harmful chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide.

The flavored varieties of clove cigarettes were banned in the U.S. in 2009 as part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The ban aimed to prevent flavored tobacco products from appealing to and attracting young people.

Yes, you can get addicted to clove cigarettes. Since they contain a significant amount of tobacco, they deliver the addictive substance nicotine. The anesthetic effect of eugenol can also promote deeper and more prolonged smoking, potentially increasing the risk of nicotine addiction.

Kreteks are the Indonesian name for clove cigarettes. They are made from a mix of tobacco, ground cloves, and other flavorings. Kreteks are known for their distinctive crackling sound when lit and their aromatic smell.