If you're standing in the tobacco aisle trying to do the math in your head, you're probably wondering how many cans in a Stokers tub you're actually getting for your hard-earned cash. The short answer, and the one most guys are looking for, is ten. A standard Stoker's tub contains 12 ounces of tobacco, and since a regular individual can is 1.2 ounces, the math works out perfectly to 10 cans.
But as any regular dipper knows, there is a lot more to the "tub life" than just a simple math equation. It's about the value, the freshness, and honestly, the convenience of not having to run to the gas station every two days because you realized you're on your last pinch.
Breaking down the math and the weight
When you pick up a tub of Stoker's, it feels substantial. It's a big, round plastic bucket that looks more like something you'd find in a deli than a tobacco shop. Most people are used to the standard 1.2-ounce (roughly 34 grams) tins produced by brands like Copenhagen or Grizzly.
Because Bobby Stoker decided to package his long cut in 12-ounce increments, you are getting exactly ten times the amount of a standard tin. If you're a can-a-day kind of person, a single tub is going to last you a week and a half. If you're a more casual dipper, that tub might be sitting on your shelf for a month.
What's interesting is that while the weight says 12 ounces, it often feels like you're getting more. This is mostly because of the way Stoker's cuts their tobacco. It's famously long—maybe the longest cut on the market—which means it isn't as densely packed as some of the finer cuts. When you start packing your own refillable tin, you realize just how much volume is actually inside that tub.
Is the tub actually a better deal?
The main reason anyone asks how many cans in a Stokers tub is to figure out if they are saving money. In almost every state in the U.S., the answer is a resounding yes.
Tobacco prices vary wildly depending on where you live. If you're in a place like Pennsylvania or Missouri, prices are low across the board. But if you're in a high-tax state, buying individual cans can feel like you're taking out a small second mortgage.
On average, a tub of Stoker's usually retails for somewhere between $15 and $25, depending on local taxes. If you break that down, you're paying between $1.50 and $2.50 per "can." Compare that to buying ten individual cans of a premium brand, which could easily run you $50 to $70 in many areas. Even compared to Stoker's own individual cans, the tub usually shaves a few bucks off the total price. It's the "buying in bulk" philosophy applied to dipping, and for most people, it's a no-brainer.
The refillable can: A nice little bonus
One of the coolest things about buying the tub is that Bobby Stoker includes a "free" refillable plastic can inside. It's usually tucked right under the lid or sitting on top of the tobacco when you first open it.
This isn't just a gimmick. Carrying around a 12-ounce tub in your back pocket isn't exactly practical unless you're wearing some seriously oversized cargo pants. The refillable can is lightweight, made of plastic, and has a decent seal to keep your daily supply fresh.
A lot of guys actually prefer these plastic refillable cans over the standard metal lids of other brands because they don't rust and they don't get that "clanking" sound when you're walking around. Plus, if you lose it, you aren't out five bucks; you just grab another one when you buy your next tub.
How to keep those 10 cans fresh
Since we've established that there are 10 cans in a tub, the next logical concern is freshness. Nobody wants to be on can number eight only to find out the tobacco has turned into dry sawdust.
Stoker's is known for being incredibly moist. In fact, it's arguably the juiciest dip on the market. That's great for flavor and for keeping a pack, but it also means you have to be a little careful about how you store it.
If you leave the tub sitting on the dashboard of your truck in the middle of July, those 10 cans worth of tobacco are going to dry out fast. Most "tub users" suggest keeping the main tub in a cool, dark place. Some guys even swear by keeping it in the refrigerator. While that might seem extreme to some, it definitely keeps the moisture locked in. As long as you keep the lid snapped shut tight and only open it long enough to refill your pocket tin, it should stay fresh until the very last pinch.
The unique Stoker's cut
You can't talk about the volume of a Stoker's tub without mentioning the cut itself. If you're switching from something like Grizzly Long Cut, you're going to notice a huge difference. Stoker's is almost like shredded leaves. It's very long, very dark, and very easy to pack.
Because of this cut, it stays together in your lip better than almost anything else. It doesn't "float" around your mouth, which is a big plus for guys who are working or driving while they dip. This long cut also means that when you're refilling your tin from the tub, you don't really have to "pack" it the same way you would a fresh tin from the store. You just grab a few handfuls, stuff them in, and you're good to go.
Flavor options in the 12-ounce tub
If you're going to commit to ten cans' worth of tobacco, you better like the flavor. Luckily, Stoker's doesn't just offer one variety in the tub format. You can usually find:
- Wintergreen: Their most popular seller. It's a very bold, sweet wintergreen that stays flavorful for a long time.
- Mint: Many dippers claim Stoker's Mint is the best in the business. It's very cooling and doesn't have that medicinal aftertaste some other brands have.
- Straight: A very sweet, smoky flavor. It's got a lot of that "barbecue" sweetness that straight dippers look for.
- Natural: This one is a bit more of an acquired taste, with a very salty, earthy tobacco profile.
Since you're essentially buying ten cans at once, it's usually a good idea to try an individual tin of a flavor before pulling the trigger on a full tub. It's a bit of a bummer to be stuck with 11 ounces of a flavor you don't actually enjoy.
Why don't other brands do this?
It's a question that comes up a lot. If Stoker's can sell 10 cans in a tub for $20, why are we paying $6 for a single can of Copenhagen?
Part of it is brand prestige and marketing, but a big part of it is the way the tobacco is processed and sourced. Stoker's has always positioned itself as the "working man's" brand. They don't spend as much on flashy national TV commercials or massive racing sponsorships. They put their money into the bulk value.
Also, the tax structure for "loose" tobacco or tubs can sometimes be different than the tax on individual "pre-packaged" tins, depending on the jurisdiction. By selling it in a large tub, they can sometimes pass those savings directly to the consumer.
Wrapping it up
At the end of the day, knowing how many cans in a Stokers tub helps you realize just how much money you might be throwing away on individual tins. With ten cans per tub, it's the most cost-effective way to dip, period.
You get the convenience of a refillable tin, the legendary moisture of Bobby Stoker's secret recipe, and a price point that makes it a lot easier to justify the habit. Just remember to keep the lid tight, maybe store it in the fridge if you're a slow dipper, and enjoy the fact that you won't have to visit the tobacco shop for a good while. Whether you're a fan of the Wintergreen or the Mint, the tub is a classic piece of Americana that's hard to beat for value.