Tag: Tobacco ingredients

While tobacco is not a sugar, the tobacco plant naturally contains sugars, and manufacturers frequently add more during processing to enhance flavor and appeal. This practice, which is often unknown to consumers, has profound implications for a product's toxicity and addictiveness.

Less than 6% of cigarette smokers are aware that sugar is added to cigarettes. In fact, tobacco contains both natural sugars and significant amounts of added sugars, which play a critical role in its appeal and the increased toxicity of its smoke.

Tobacco leaves can contain a significant amount of carbohydrates, with some varieties having up to 30% or more by weight. This surprising fact reveals why a seemingly carbohydrate-free product actually carries a complex chemical composition that contributes to the formation of toxic compounds when smoked.