VELO and ZYN are the two most popular nicotine pouch brands on the market. Unlike other pouches, ZYN and VELO cater to the wider masses. Their varying flavors and strengths mean that both experienced and novice nicotine users can use these pouches without much trouble.
Apart from this mutual versatility, there are a lot of differences between ZYN and VELO. Today, we'll look at these intricate details and determine the best nicotine brand for you. So let's get to it before our curiosities run rampant.
Introduction to VELO and ZYN
VELO and ZYN are oral nicotine pouches often used as a substitute for tobacco products like snus and cigarettes. Some people use these pouches to quit smoking, while others use them to get a sweet nicotine buzz. Both VELO and ZYN are major shareholders of the nicotine industry in the US and around the world.
According to an NCBI report, ZYN was the most popular nicotine pouch brand in the US, while VELO was the third most popular brand. Both VELO and ZYN nicotine pouches offer a great variety of flavors and nicotine contents that will have you swooning in joy.
VELO and ZYN at a Glance
| ZYN | VELO | |
| Parent Company | Swedish Match | British American Tobacco |
| Establishment Date | 2014 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Stockholm Lans, Sweden | Building 7, Chiswick Business Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London, England |
| US Market Share | 58% | 12% |
| Nicotine Content Per Pouch | 4 mg to 14 mg | 3 mg to 11 mg |
| Nicotine Pouch Formats | Mini, Slim | Mini, Slim |
| General Ingredients | Nicotine, Water, Plant Based Fibers, Flavorings, Sweeteners | Nicotine, Water, Plant Based Fibers, Flavorings, Sweeteners |
| Quantity Per Can | Contain 20 Nicotine Pouches | Contain 20 Nicotine Pouches |
| Price Per Can | $4.69 - $3.52 | $4.99 - $3.49 |
Comparative Analysis: VELO vs. ZYN
ZYN and VELO are two of the biggest nicopod brands in the world. Overall, they have similar varieties of flavors and nicotine strengths. Both nicotine pouches have similar ingredients (mainly all-white nicotine) and use sustainable plant-based fibers. It means that neither of these pouches will stain your teeth or hurt your gums.
Key Differences and Similarities
We tested both extensively over a period of 20 days and noted the similarities and differences. Here are the results:
Flavor Comparison: VELO vs. ZYN
VELO has 11 main flavors, along with some region-specific and limited flavors. ZYN has 10 main flavors and doesn't have a history of releasing limited or special flavors. VELO wins the number of games, but quantity doesn't necessarily mean quality or diversity.
From our experience, some VELO nicotine pouch flavors are similar to each other. For example, VELO Ice Cool, Freeze, and Cool Storm are all menthol and mint flavors with slight degrees of sweetness, while ZYN nicotine pouches have completely unique and different flavors.
VELO's nicotine pouches have a mellow flavor intensity and more of a happy vibe, while ZYN flavors are more saccharine and intense with an overwhelming sweetness.
Nicotine Strengths: A Side-by-Side Look
VELO has a range of nicotine pouches, with strengths varying between 4 and 14 mg per pouch. VELO uses a scale of 5 dots to classify the strength of their pouches. As of today, the weakest VELO nicotine pouch is Nutty Virginia (2-Dots) with a nicotine concentration of 4 mg. The strongest pouch is VELO Freeze Max (5-Dots) with a nicotine concentration of 14 mg.
ZYN offers pouches with nicotine concentrations of 3 to 11 mg. ZYN uses the same 5-dot scale to rate the strength of their products. The strongest ZYN product to date is Cool Mint Extra Strong, which has a nicotine density of 11 mg per pouch.
The weakest ZYN pouch is Slim Mini Dry Spearmint which has nicotine levels of 1.5 mg per pouch.
VELO has pouches for novices and the most experienced users, while ZYN caps the strength of its products at 11 mg per pouch. From personal experience, we prefer VELO because of their flavor and you can easily make their kicks more intense by putting them in a refrigerator before usage.
Aroma: Smelling The Juice
ZYN aromas feel more intense because of their ingredients and particular moisture content, but overall, there isn't much of a difference. The aromas also don't affect your nicotine buzz in any way, so they don't matter that much in the bigger picture.
Ingredients: What Sets Them Apart
Both ZYN and VELO nicotine pouches contain:
- Nicotine Salt (Main Ingredient)
- Plant-Based Fibers (For the Pouches)
- Filler (To Give the Salt Cohesion)
- Sweetener (Sucralose or Acesulfame K)
- Water (For Moisture)
The main difference between VELO and ZYN is the type of nicotine they use. ZYN is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch that uses pharmaceutical-grade nicotine salt, chemically known as Nicotine Bitartrate Dihydrate. VELO contains nicotine derived from tobacco plants but is washed and cleaned to remove the toxins.
Here's a general overview of the ingredients:
| VELO Ingredients | ZYN Ingredients | |
| Nicotine Salt | Derived from Tobacco | Pharmaceutical-Grade Nicotine |
| Filler | Microcrystalline Cellulose, Xylitol, Propylene Glycol | Microcrystalline Cellulose, Arabic Gum, Maltitol |
| Sweetener | Sucralose | Acesulfame K |
| pH Adjusters | Sodium Bicarbonate | Sodium Carbonate and Bicarbonate |
| Main Difference | Refined Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches | 100% Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches |
User Experience and Preferences
From the collective experiences of our snus family and our experiences, we've determined that ZYN seems to be a more popular choice user for most US users. VELO is more popular around the UK, the EU (Brexit Eh!), and some Asian countries.
Most people appreciate the fact that VELO is more affordable than ZYN. Simultaneously, VELO is easier on the gums and offers a more consistent release of flavor and nicotine. They also have a wider range of flavors and strengths, which makes them much more versatile.
On the other hand, people love ZYN because it's a completely tobacco-free nicotine pouch. It also offers a more intense flavor and nicotine experience. There is no real winner in the ZYN vs VELO debate because it all boils down to personal preference.
VELO and ZYN: Ease of Use
Both VELO and ZYN do their best to make their products more accessible and easier to use. Here's how you use these pouches:
- Order the pouches online from Snusdaddy.
- Take out and place a pouch between your upper lip and gums.
- Enjoy the flavor and nicotine.
- Remove the pouch after 30 minutes.
This process remains the same, regardless of what popular flavored nicotine pouch you use.
Popular Choices: Flavors and Strengths
ZYN and VELO contain a great variety of flavors and strengths. Let's look at the most popular choices for each brand.
| Ranking | ZYN Flavor | Nicotine Strengths | VELO Flavor | Nicotine Strength |
| 1 | Mini Dry Original | 3 to 6 mg | Ice Cool (Mini and Strong) | 8 to 10 mg |
| 2 | Mini Dry Gold | 3 to 6 mg | Freeze (Strong and X-Strong) | 11 to 16 mg |
| 3 | Mini Dry Cool Mint | 6 mg | Mint | 5.6 mg |
| 4 | Mini Dry Citrus | 3 mg | Cool Storm X-Strong | 11 mg |
| 5 | Mini Black Cherry | 3 mg | Tropic Breeze | 5.6 mg |
| 6 | Slim Citrus Strong | 9 mg | Easy Mint Mini | 4 mg |
| 7 | Slim Violet Licorice | 6.4 mg | Royal Purple Standard | 10 mg |
| 8 | Mini Dry Espressino | 3 mg | Iced Melon Mini | 6 mg |
You can learn more about the best ZYN flavors through our dedicated guide.
Strength and Ingredient Analysis
ZYN has a lower nicotine concentration but more moisture (water). It leads to a quick release of flavor and nicotine, that feels more overwhelming. The pharmaceutical nicotine also kicks more actively compared to the refined nicotine ingredients of VELO.
Overall, both VELO and ZYN pouches are safe to use compared to other alternatives because of their clean and toxin-free ingredients. However, it is equally important to use a pouch according to your tolerance levels to avoid a nicotine overdose.
Comparing the Potency: VELO vs. ZYN
ZYN is more potent compared to its counterpart VELO. For example, a ZYN 6mg nicotine pouch may seem stronger than a VELO 6 mg. The reason for this lies in the ingredients of each pouch.
What Users and Experts Say
We are experts in this industry, and we've tested and tasted both brands of nicotine extensively. From our experience, we prefer VELO when we want to experience a mellow but minty experience. If we want more varieties of intense flavors, we go for ZYN.
We found that VELO is easier to manage and hide compared to ZYN. VELO is also much more consistent and long-lasting, but it lacks the intensity that ZYN offers. You can use these arguments and your preferences to choose a brand for yourself.
Choosing the Right Brand for You
Here's a brief overview of some things that you should consider when selecting VELO or ZYN as your nicotine pouch.
| Which one has more flavors? | VELO |
| Which one has more unique flavors? | ZYN |
| Which brand is perfect for beginners? | Both |
| Which brand is perfect for experienced users? | VELO (up to 16 mg) |
| Which brand has a more intense nicotine kick? | ZYN |
| Which brand is cheaper? | VELO ($4.99 per can) |
| Which brand is perfect for offices? | VELO |
| Which brand is good for home use? | Both |
If you intend to stick to just one of these two brands, analyze your situation and usage to make a choice accordingly.
Practical Considerations
VELO pouches are more manageable compared to ZYN, because of the low drip. At the same time, you can get a ZYN mini dry pouch, which has less moisture compared to the standard pouches.
If you like more sugary flavors and intense kicks, go for ZYN. You can also try a combination of both products. For example, the best ZYN pouch for home use, when you're not worried about intense kicks, and a slim format VELO pouch for work or office.
Also, please choose a nicotine pouch that is adequate for your tolerance levels. Excessively strong pouches will only cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms of nicotine poisoning.
Price Comparison
Here's a brief overview of the prices of ZYN vs VELO:
| ZYN | VELO | |
| Pouches Per Can | 20 | 20 |
| Price Per Can | $4.69 - $3.52 | $4.99 to $3.49 |
| Available In | Limited Stores, Online at Snusdaddy | Limited Stores, Online at Snusdaddy |
| Max Discounts on Snusdaddy | 25% on ZYN 100 Pack | 25% on VELO 100 Pack |
ZYN Prices
ZYN nicotine pouches contain 20 pouches per can and cost $4.69. The prices tend to vary across regions and suppliers. For example, the same ZYN cans may cost $6 in a local gas station or store. On the bright side, there's a special ZYN rewards programs that let you save up on each purchase.
For the best prices and convenience, try Snusdaddy. We offer ZYN pouches at the best price and even offer discounts on bulk orders. You can even order a ZYN 100 pack for a giant discount.
VELO Prices
VELO nicotine pouches cost $4.99 per can, and each can contains 20 pouches. These pouches generally cost more when you buy them from local retail stores.
Your best bet is a supermarket, but even these might not offer discounts on bulk orders. Buy VELO pouches in bulk from us, to enjoy amazing discounts and freebies.
Summarizing VELO vs. ZYN
ZYN and VELO are two giants in the nicotine pouch industry. ZYN has more unique flavors, that overwhelm your senses, while VELO has a greater variety of mint flavors that give you a dose of refreshing nicotine.
Overall, VELO has a high nicotine cap and low moisture compared to ZYN, which makes it more versatile and manageable. VELO is also more affordable, and you can get even more incredible discounts on the 100-pack compared to ZYN. Because of this, we have to give VELO an edge over ZYN.
Some people like ZYN, others like VELO, but you don't have to take sides. Try out both pouches and enjoy the best of both brands. We highly recommend testing ZYN Lemon Spritz and VELO Ice Cool Mint.
If you need more recommendations, refer to our best tobacco free nicotine pouch list. Thank you for reading our VELO vs ZYN guide.
If you have any feedback or info that can enhance this article, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]
