Abstract: To improve tobacco processing quality, the moisture retention property of five humectants(including maltooligosaccharitol, NCS, D-pyranylgalacturonic acid, PDSI-101, and chitosan derivative) and their effects on maintaining the moisture content in cut tobacco were tested and contracted with propylene glycol and blank sample, the cased cigarettes were evaluated by panelists.The results indicated that 1) the moisture retention capacities of the five humectants were more or less better than that of propylene glycol;2) the moisture retention of NCS, D-pyranylgalacturonic acid, PDSI-101 and chitosan derivative was relatively stronger, and that of maltooligosaccharitol or propylene glycol was weaker;and 3) they(imparted) no negative effects on cigarette taste except chitosan derivative.