The Tobacco Institute, Inc. was a trade association with the stated purpose of promoting a better understanding of the tobacco industry and its place in the national economy. The association also compiled and disseminated information about the industry and the use of tobacco products. It was founded in 1958 by twelve tobacco products manufacturers. The Tobacco Institute's activities included lobbying, policy work, advertising, and publishing white papers.

In 1998, legal action brought against the industry by the United States National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) resulted in the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, which caused the Tobacco Institute to dissolve and its internal records to be made publically available. According to internal memoranda, it was revealed that the group's purpose and tactics were in direct opposition to its public persona and stated mission.

The true purpose of the Tobacco Institute was to defeat legislation unfavorable to the tobacco industry, put a positive spin on the industry, bolster the industry's credibility with legislators and the public, and maintain doubt about the health risks of tobacco without outright denying them. The Tobacco Institute sought to publicize scientific research funded by the industry that produced counter-evidence to unfavorable findings or, at least, helped to keep the question open and advocated for the public's right to smoke without actually urging people to take up smoking.