(57) A process for treating tobacco with a water-insoluble or slightly water-soluble flavorant employs an aqueous dispersion technique thus avoiding the need for any volatile organic solvents. The process is carried out, either by batch, continously, or a combination thereof, by forming an aqueous dispersion of the flavorant, preferably menthol for cigarette tobacco and wintergreen for smokeless tobacco, and water in predetermined proportions under constant agitation conditions. The dispersion is stabilized through the heat of shearing caused by agitation and by supplemental heat, or by a solvent stabilizer at ambient temperature. The dispersion is applied to the tobacco in a homogeneous and uniform way by spraying.