American Spirit Cigarettes
"American Spirit
Cigarettes:
Types, Flavors &
Natural Tobacco"
"Explore
Natural American
Spirit cigarettes—additives-free tobacco in various types and flavours. Learn about organic options, pack colours, and full-bodied taste."
"American Spirit Cigarettes: Natural Tobacco Experience with Various Types and Flavors"
Natural American Spirit cigarettes offer a distinctive smoking experience with their additive-free, organic tobacco blends. Manufactured by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company (a subsidiary of Reynolds American), these premium cigarettes stand out in the tobacco industry for their commitment to natural ingredients and unique flavour profiles.
American Spirit cigarettes are colour-coded to denote different nicotine strengths and flavour profiles:
- **Turquoise (Organic Full-Bodied)**: Rich, organic tobacco with a full-bodied taste
- **Dark Green (Organic Full-Bodied Menthol)**: Robust menthol experience
- **Black (Perique Blend)**: Contains 10% Perique tobacco for depth
- **Light Blue (Original Full-Bodied)**: The classic American Spirit flavor
- **Yellow (Mellow)**: Smooth original taste
- **Celadon/Light Green (Balanced)**: Medium-bodied with organic menthol
- **Gold (Organic Mellow)**: Lighter organic option
- **Orange**: Smooth mellow, original taste
- **Non-Filter**: Pure, unfiltered tobacco, expect
What makes American Spirit cigarettes different?
Unlike many cigarette brands, Natural American Spirit products are marketed as:
- 100% additive-free tobacco
- Available in organic varieties (USDA certified)
- Made with tobacco and water only (no artificial ingredients)
- Longer burning time due to more tobacco filler per cigarette
However, it's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration requires disclosure that these cigarettes are "no safer or healthier" than other tobacco products. Research from the Truth Initiative indicates American Spirit cigarettes may actually deliver more nicotine per cigarette than other brands.
The Controversy Around American Spirit Marketing
The brand has faced criticism for:
- Use of Native American imagery that some find culturally appropriative
- Marketing terms like "natural" and "additive-free" that may mislead consumers
- Higher nicotine content despite "healthier" perceptions
- Premium pricing (typically $1-2 more per pack than competitors)
A study from UC Merced found that many consumers, including American Indians and Alaska Natives, mistakenly believe the brand is tribal-owned or safer than other cigarettes.
Why Smokers Choose American Spirits
Despite being more expensive (average $16-$20 per pack), many smokers prefer American Spirit cigarettes for:
- The authentic, unadulterated tobacco taste
- The perception of a more "natural" smoking experience
- Variety of flavor options from mellow to full-bodied
- Organic tobacco options (selected varieties)
- The distinctive pack design and branding
Important Health Considerations
While marketed as natural, American Spirit cigarettes:
- Contain the same harmful chemicals as other cigarettes when burned
- May be more addictive due to higher nicotine content
- Are not a safer alternative to quitting smoking
- Still pose all the health risks associated with tobacco use
The tobacco control community emphasises that no cigarette is safe, regardless of its "natural" or "organic" claims. The Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company has been required by regulators to include disclaimers about the health risks of their products.
For those looking to purchase American Spirit cigarettes, they're widely available at tobacco shops, convenience stores, and pharmacies across the United States, with availability varying by location for specific varieties.