It is expensive saw, but considering it's a long drawn out process to extract it and from what I gather by a comment made by Roly, can be somewhat dangerous, I certainly don't begrudge those willing to accomplish it the extra cash. Like I said, if all else fails look to the Swedish Snus. Still more expensive than the American brands since it's imported, but they take extra steps to keep the product as chemically clean as possible.
I've used the snus in the past, it's fine and all, but I salivate like a pig and needed a "spit can" with it even. And I'd just as well stay away from anything tobacco.