A smokeless tobacco product includes a powdered or granular smokeless tobacco formulation that is contained within a moisture-permeable packet or pouch. The smokeless tobacco formulation includes finely ground particles of tobacco in powder-like form and other ingredients such as sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavoring agents, disintegration aids, antioxidants and preservatives. The container has the form of a pouch or bag, such as is the type commonly for the manufacture of snus products. The container is intended to be placed in the mouth of the tobacco user, in order that the dry tobacco formulation within the container may be enjoyed by the user. After the tobacco user is finished using the smokeless tobacco product, the container is removed from the user's mouth for disposal. Alternatively, the container is dissolvable or dispersible in the mouth of the user.