If you've been staring at that big plastic container behind the counter and wondering exactly how many cans are in a tub of stokers, the quick and easy answer is ten. It's pretty much the gold standard for value in the dipping world, offering a massive 12-ounce tub that equates to ten standard 1.2-ounce cans. If you're a daily dipper, making the switch from individual cans to the tub is usually one of those "lightbulb moments" where you realize just how much cash you've been leaving on the table.
But there is a bit more to it than just a simple number. Understanding how that volume translates to your daily habit, how it affects your wallet, and how you actually manage that much tobacco without it turning into a dry brick of hay is worth talking about. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of why the Stoker's tub is such a staple for so many people.
Breaking down the numbers and the weight
When you buy a standard tin of dip—whether it's Copenhagen, Grizzly, or even Stoker's own individual cans—you're getting 1.2 ounces of tobacco. It's been the industry standard for as long as most of us can remember. Stoker's decided to go a different route by offering these bulk tubs. The tub contains 12 ounces of tobacco.
If you do the math, 12 divided by 1.2 gives you exactly ten. It's a clean, even ratio. However, because Stoker's is a "long cut" that is often much longer than what other brands call long cut, the volume can sometimes look a bit different. It's packed in there pretty tight, but once you start fluffing it up and moving it into your pocket can, you'll see that it really does hold the equivalent of ten full tins.
The consistency is also a big factor here. Because it's all from the same batch in one large container, you don't have to worry about one can being drier than the next, which can sometimes happen when you buy a log (a roll of five cans) that might have been sitting on the shelf for different amounts of time.
Why bother buying a tub instead of individual cans?
You might be thinking, "Do I really need a giant tub of dip sitting on my dresser?" For a lot of guys, the answer is a resounding yes, mostly because of the price tag. Depending on where you live—because we all know tobacco taxes vary wildly from state to state—a tub of Stoker's usually costs about the same as three or four cans of a premium brand like Copenhagen or Kodiak.
The cost-benefit analysis
Let's look at the math for a second. If you're paying $5 or $6 for a single can of a premium brand, a "ten-can habit" is going to cost you $50 or $60. In many places, you can grab a Stoker's tub for somewhere between $15 and $25. Even on the higher end of that scale, you're basically getting ten cans for the price of four. It's a massive discount.
If you're a "can-a-day" kind of person, those savings add up fast. You're looking at saving hundreds of dollars over the course of a year just by switching to the bulk option. It's one of the few ways to keep the habit affordable without having to switch to a brand that tastes like floor sweepings.
Cutting down on the trash
Another thing people don't often consider is the waste. If you go through ten cans, that's ten plastic or metal lids and ten plastic bottoms going into the trash. With the tub, you have one large container that you can actually repurpose once it's empty. I've seen people use old Stoker's tubs to hold nails, fishing tackle, or even as a makeshift planter. It's a small thing, but it's a lot less junk hitting the bin every week.
What's the deal with the refillable can?
One of the coolest things about buying the tub is that it almost always comes with a refillable "pocket can." Stoker's knows you aren't going to lug a 12-ounce tub around in your back pocket—unless you have some seriously oversized cargo pants.
The pocket can is usually tucked right under the lid or attached to the side. It's a sturdy, plastic can that looks just like a regular tin but is designed to be opened and closed thousands of times without the seal getting weak. You just grab a pinch (or a handful) from the tub, pack it into the pocket can, and you're good to go for the day.
Some guys actually prefer the Stoker's refillable can to standard tins because it's a bit more durable. It doesn't get crushed as easily if you sit on it, and the lid stays on tight. Plus, there's something weirdly satisfying about "loading up" your can for the day from your main stash.
Keeping your 12 ounces of dip fresh for the long haul
The biggest concern most people have when they hear there are ten cans in a tub is freshness. "Won't it dry out before I get to the bottom?" It's a valid question. 12 ounces is a lot of tobacco, and if you aren't a heavy user, it might take you a couple of weeks to get through it.
Luckily, Stoker's is famous for being incredibly moist. In fact, it's probably the moistest dip on the market. Bobby Stoker (the man behind the brand) has always hung his hat on that. Because it starts out so wet, it has a much longer shelf life than the drier stuff.
The refrigerator trick
If you're worried about it losing that "juice," the best thing you can do is keep the tub in the fridge. This is an old-school dipper trick. Keeping the tobacco cold slows down the evaporation of the moisture and keeps the oils in the tobacco from breaking down.
When you're ready to refill your pocket can, just take the tub out, fill your tin, and put the tub back in the crisper drawer. Not only does this keep it fresh for months, but there's also something incredibly refreshing about a cold pinch of mint or wintergreen on a hot day.
Let's talk about the flavors and the cut
You can't really talk about the Stoker's tub without mentioning the cut. Stoker's is a long-cut tobacco, but it's almost more of a "wide cut" or "shredded cut." It's much longer and thicker than what you'll find in a can of Grizzly.
This is actually a huge benefit when you're dealing with a bulk tub. Because the strands are so long, they stay together really well. This makes it easy to grab a clean pinch out of the tub without leaving a mess of "floaters" or loose tobacco all over your counter. It packs like a dream.
As for the flavors, the most popular tub options are: * Wintergreen: The heavy hitter. It's got a very bold, sweet wintergreen flavor. * Straight: This one is legendary. It's got a dark, smoky, almost barbecue-like sweetness to it. * Mint: Very cooling and holds its flavor for a long time. * Natural: For the guys who just want the taste of the tobacco without the bells and whistles.
The flavor in these tubs stays consistent from the first pinch to the tenth "can." Stoker's uses a pretty heavy-handed approach with their flavoring oils, which is why it stays so tasty even after the tub has been open for a week or two.
Is the tub actually worth it for a casual user?
If you only have a pinch once every few days, a tub might be overkill. Even with the fridge trick, tobacco is an organic product, and it won't stay perfect forever. However, if you find yourself buying two or more cans a week, the tub is a no-brainer.
It's all about convenience and cost. You stop making those daily trips to the gas station, which, let's be honest, usually results in you buying a soda or a snack you didn't need anyway. By having your ten cans' worth of dip sitting at home in a single tub, you're saving money on the tobacco and the "impulse buys" at the convenience store.
At the end of the day, knowing how many cans are in a tub of stokers helps you plan your budget and your habits. It's ten cans of solid, dependable, extra-moist tobacco that doesn't break the bank. Whether you're a fan of the wintergreen or that unique smoky straight flavor, the tub is easily the most "bang for your buck" you can find in the tobacco aisle. Give it a shot, grab the refillable tin, and you'll probably find it hard to go back to buying individual cans ever again.