What Is a Clove Cigarette? Facts, History & Health Effects

A clove cigarette, also known as a kretek, is a cigarette made with a mixture of tobacco and ground cloves. Originating in Indonesia in the 1880s, these cigarettes typically contain 60-80% tobacco and 20-40% ground clove buds and clove oil. Unlike regular cigarettes, kreteks produce a distinctive aroma and flavor from the clove content, which also creates a characteristic crackling sound when smoked.

Understanding what is a clove cigarette requires examining both its composition and cultural significance. These unique tobacco products have a rich history and distinct characteristics that set them apart from conventional cigarettes. Despite their aromatic profile, it's crucial to recognize that clove cigarettes still contain nicotine and deliver harmful tobacco smoke.

Composition and Manufacturing Process

When exploring what is a kretek cigarette, the blend ratio is essential. Traditional Indonesian kreteks maintain the 60-80% tobacco to 20-40% clove ratio, though variations exist globally. The manufacturing process involves:

• Grinding dried clove buds into fine particles
• Mixing with shredded tobacco (often local varieties)
• Adding clove oil for enhanced flavor and aroma
• Rolling in traditional cigarette paper or tembakau (tobacco leaf wrappers)

Historical Origins and Global Spread

The history of clove cigarettes dates to 1880 in Kediri, East Java, when Haji Djamaluddin Malik created the first kretek to alleviate asthma symptoms. The name "kretek" mimics the distinctive crackling sound produced by burning cloves. Initially medicinal, they evolved into popular recreational products throughout Indonesia.

By the mid-20th century, kreteks gained international attention. American brands like Djarum and Clove Cigarettes entered Western markets in the 1980s, marketed as exotic alternatives to traditional cigarettes. This expansion led to increased regulatory scrutiny as health authorities examined the health effects of clove cigarettes.

Distinguishing Features: Clove Cigarettes vs. Regular Cigarettes

Understanding the difference between clove cigarettes and regular cigarettes reveals significant distinctions:

Feature	Clove Cigarettes (Kreteks)	Regular Cigarettes
Primary Ingredients	Tobacco (60-80%) + Ground Cloves (20-40%)	100% Tobacco
Aroma	Distinctive spicy, sweet clove scent	Tobacco smoke odor
Sound	Characteristic crackling ("kretek" sound)	Quiet combustion
Flavor Profile	Complex with spicy, warming notes	Primarily tobacco flavor
Global Availability	Restricted in many countries	Widely available (with regional restrictions)

Health Implications of Clove Cigarettes

Despite common misconceptions, are clove cigarettes safer than regular cigarettes? Research indicates they carry similar or potentially greater health risks. The FDA has determined that the addition of cloves does not reduce harm. Key health concerns include:

• Eugenol content: The primary compound in cloves may numb the throat, potentially encouraging deeper inhalation
• Increased carbon monoxide: Some studies show higher CO levels compared to regular cigarettes
• Respiratory irritation: Clove particles can cause additional airway inflammation
• Nicotine addiction: Equivalent or higher nicotine delivery in some brands

The misconception that clove cigarettes are less harmful represents a significant public health concern. Comprehensive research on the health effects of clove cigarettes continues, but current evidence confirms they deliver dangerous levels of carcinogens and toxins.

Legal Status Worldwide

Regulatory approaches to clove cigarettes vary significantly across countries:

• United States: The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act banned flavored cigarettes, including clove varieties, with exceptions for menthol
• Indonesia: Kreteks remain culturally significant and legally available, though subject to increasing health warnings
• European Union: Most member states prohibit flavored tobacco products, including clove cigarettes
• Canada: Bans on most flavored tobacco products include clove cigarettes
• Australia: Strict regulations prohibit the sale of flavored cigarettes

Cultural Significance and Modern Usage

In Indonesia, kreteks transcend mere tobacco products—they're woven into cultural identity. Traditional ceremonies, social gatherings, and even artistic expressions incorporate these distinctive cigarettes. The Indonesian kretek industry supports millions of jobs across cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution networks.

Globally, while their popularity has declined due to health regulations, clove cigarettes maintain niche appeal among certain demographics seeking alternative smoking experiences. However, public health campaigns increasingly emphasize that clove cigarette composition doesn't mitigate the fundamental risks of tobacco consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clove cigarettes the same as kreteks?

Yes, clove cigarettes and kreteks refer to the same product. "Kreteks" is the Indonesian term that describes both the sound they make when smoked and the product itself. Internationally, they're commonly called clove cigarettes.

Why were clove cigarettes banned in the United States?

The U.S. banned clove cigarettes in 2009 under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which prohibited flavored cigarettes (except menthol). Regulators determined that flavored cigarettes, including clove varieties, appealed to youth and created a misleading perception of reduced harm.

Do clove cigarettes contain less nicotine than regular cigarettes?

No, clove cigarettes typically contain equivalent or sometimes higher nicotine levels than regular cigarettes. The addition of cloves doesn't reduce nicotine content, and the eugenol in cloves may actually facilitate deeper inhalation, potentially increasing nicotine absorption.

Can you still buy clove cigarettes legally anywhere?

Yes, clove cigarettes remain legally available in Indonesia, their country of origin, and in some other Southeast Asian nations. However, most Western countries including the United States, Canada, and European Union nations have banned the sale of flavored cigarettes, including clove varieties.

Are clove cigarettes less harmful than regular cigarettes?

No, research indicates clove cigarettes are not less harmful. They deliver similar levels of nicotine, tar, and carcinogens. The eugenol in cloves may cause additional respiratory irritation and potentially encourage deeper inhalation, possibly increasing health risks compared to regular cigarettes.