April 22, 2025
By Jaron Whitfield

I wasn’t planning to start my morning this way, but here we are.

I cracked open a fresh can of Skoal Classic Straight—same as I’ve done for years. It’s kind of a ritual for me. I don’t smoke, never have, but dipping’s been my thing since college. Not something I’m proud of, not something I really advertise, just… a habit.

Anyway, I pop the lid, and right there, nestled right on top like it paid rent—was a tick.
A legit, six-legged, nasty little bloodsucker just hanging out in the can.

At first I thought maybe I was seeing things. Like maybe it was a piece of leaf or something stuck to the seal. But nope. That thing moved when I poked it with a toothpick. I nearly threw up right there at the kitchen counter.

I ended up calling the number on the side of the can—1-866-404-1934, US Smokeless Tobacco. Some automated message picked up and after pushing through the menus, I left a message. Told them what I found, gave the barcode, batch number, all that. Still waiting to hear back. Not sure what they’ll say.

I don’t even know what I expect, honestly. A refund? An apology? A new can without the surprise wildlife?

More than anything, I think I’m just grossed out. Like, really grossed out. That stuff’s been in my mouth. For years. And now I can’t stop thinking about what might’ve been in it before.

I’ve quit for now. Might be the final straw, honestly.

So yeah. If you dip, maybe give your can a shake before you crack it open. You never know what’s waiting inside.