Walk into any U.S. gas station and you'll see the same four brands dominating the cigarette racks. Here's how they stack up in the real world, beyond the marketing hype.
1. Marlboro
Marlboro controls nearly half the U.S. market - more than the next nine brands combined. A pack averages $9.27 now, up from $7.05 in 2020. Their secret? Three distinct options:
- Reds: The classic full-flavor choice
- Golds: For smokers who want something lighter
- Ice Blast: Menthol with a unique "toasted" twist
Fun fact: These were originally marketed to women before the 1954 cowboy rebrand that changed everything.
2. Newport
Newport owns the menthol game with 12.7% market share. At 1.2mg nicotine per stick, they pack more punch than most competitors. You'll see these everywhere in urban areas - they've got particular stronghold among Black smokers.
3. Camel
Camel holds steady at 7.9% share thanks to two smart plays:
- Blues: Their smooth Virginia/Burley blend
- Crush: The capsule menthol that started a trend
They've been at this since 1913 when they introduced pre-packaged cigarettes.
4. Pall Mall
Pall Mall's hanging on with 3.8% share as the "cheap but decent" choice. But they're losing ground fast - sales dropped 25% last year as BAT pushes Lucky Strike instead.
