A cigarette is formed by extruding a plurality of strands (32) through orifices (24) in a nozzle (22). The mixture which is extruded comprises tobacco and binder in a wet blend and the conditions of extrusion are such that the water evaporates and effects expansion of the mixture as it leaves the nozzle. The extruded strands are twisted together so that they adhere to each other to form a cylindrical mass with passages extending generally longitudinally through the mass. The mixture to be extruded can also contain fillers, other foaming agents, a polyfunctional acid such as citric or phosphoric acid, and alcohol. In a preferred method the binder is mixed with water before mixing it with the other components of the mixture.
