Gutka

Gutka is a smokeless tobacco product widely used in South Asia and among diaspora communities. It consists of crushed areca nut (betel nut) and tobacco combined with sweeteners, flavorings, and colorings, and is often packaged in small sachets. Some formulations include lime (calcium hydroxide) or catechu. The product is designed to be placed in the mouth and held between the cheek and gum, where users chew or suck the mixture to release nicotine and flavors. It is not swallowed; excess saliva is typically spat out.

Gutka is sold in pharmacies, grocery stores, and street markets, and is marketed as a convenient, travel-friendly form of chewing tobacco or mouth freshener. Availability and regulation vary by country; some jurisdictions ban gutka or regulate its sale with warnings and age limits, while others permit sale with packaging requirements.

Health effects: Gutka contains tobacco and, through the areca nut, is associated with significant health risks. Regular use can lead to nicotine dependence and various oral health problems, including leukoplakia and other precancerous lesions, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Areca nut use is linked to oral submucous fibrosis, a debilitating condition that can restrict jaw movement. Long-term exposure raises the risk of cancers of the oral cavity and other sites.

Regulation and public health: Many governments restrict or prohibit sale; public health campaigns emphasize warnings and cessation resources. Education and policy efforts aim to reduce initiation and promote quitting.

See also: pan masala, chewing tobacco, and areca nut preparations.