American White Birch: The Wood in Every Stokes Pick

Every Stokes pick starts as a piece of American white birch. Here is why we use it and where it comes from.

What white birch is

White birch, also called paper birch, is the tree with the white, peeling bark. It grows across the northern United States and Canada. The wood is pale, light and fine-grained.

Why it makes a good toothpick

• Smooth. The fine grain means no rough edges in your mouth.
• Strong for its size. A birch pick holds up for the 20 to 60 minutes you use it.
• Does not splinter easily. Hold it between your cheek and gum and it stays in one piece. Do not chew it, though.
• Holds flavor. Birch soaks up the nicotine, organic flavor, monk fruit and glycerin and releases them slowly.
• Neutral taste. Birch does not add a woody flavor, so you taste the vanilla, lemon, cinnamon or anise.

Birch has been used for toothpicks, popsicle sticks and tongue depressors for a long time for the same reasons.

Where the wood comes from

The birch in Stokes picks grows in managed forests in the United States. Managed means trees are cut and replanted on a schedule so the forest keeps growing. Birch grows fast and comes back on its own after a harvest.

What happens after you use it

A used pick is a piece of wood. It breaks down naturally in months. There is no plastic in it. Read more in our guide to biodegradable toothpicks.

Made in the USA

Stokes picks are made in the United States. The company is based in Louisville, Colorado.

A reminder

Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Stokes picks are for adults 21 and over who already use nicotine.

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