R.J. Reynolds will introduce 'dissolvable' tobacco products in test markets next year as well as expanding national distribution of its new smokeless tobacco product, Camel Snus, Brandweek reported Oct. 8.

The new Camel Dissolvables include Camel Sticks, Camel Orbs, and Camel Strips. The products purportedly melt in the mouth within three to 15 minutes. RJR said the Strips melt fastest, the toothpick-like Sticks dissolve in about 10 minutes, and the pellet-size Orbs last the longest.

The nicotine delivery of the products is said to be high: whereas a cigarette smoker typically takes in about 1 milligram of nicotine, the Camel Dissolvables are said to deliver about 0.6 to 3.1 mg of nicotine each.

The three Camel Dissolvable products will be sold in Columbus, Ohio, Portland, Ore., and Indianapolis. Reynolds reportedly wants to determine which of the three products is most popular, and among whom.

Reynolds said the dissolvable products were developed in response to negative customer feedback in 2006 regarding other smokeless products: even the spitless Camel Snus ("snoose") must be removed from the mouth after consumption.

The company has said it will not advertise the dissolvables as less harmful than smoking. "The consumer should be aware...about the potential risks of each tobacco product. There are none that are safe and there are none that are without risks," said David Howard, a Reynolds spokesperson.