Velo vs Nordic Spirit vs Zyn: UK Nicotine Pouches Compared [2026]

The UK nicotine pouch market has exploded in recent years, with three brands dominating the conversation: Velo, Nordic Spirit, and Zyn. If you've found yourself standing in the supermarket aisle wondering which one to try, you're not alone.

This comprehensive comparison breaks down everything you need to know about these three leading brands—from flavours and strengths to prices and where to buy them.

Quick Comparison: Nicotine Pouches at a Glance

What Are Nicotine Pouches?

Before diving into the comparison, let's cover the basics. Nicotine pouches are small, tobacco-free sachets that you place under your upper lip. The nicotine absorbs through your gum tissue, delivering a hit without smoke, vapour, or the need to spit.

They've become increasingly popular in the UK as an alternative to smoking and vaping. According to recent research, nicotine pouch use among 16 to 24-year-olds rose to 4% in 2025, up from just 0.7% in 2022—a significant shift in how people consume nicotine.

All three brands—Velo, Nordic Spirit, and Zyn—are tobacco-free, meaning they contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine rather than tobacco leaf. This makes them a cleaner alternative to traditional snus products.

Velo: The Strength Specialist

Brand Background

Velo was created in 2015 in Stockholm by British American Tobacco (BAT). The brand has become synonymous with variety, offering one of the widest ranges of strengths and flavours in the UK market.

Strengths Available

Velo doesn't hold back when it comes to nicotine options:

• Low: 4mg, 6mg
• Medium: 8mg, 10mg, 11mg
• High: 14mg, 17mg

The 14-17mg range delivers a proper kick, and the 17mg variants in particular hit harder than many competitor products. Thanks to the pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, the effect feels clean and steady rather than chaotic.

Popular Flavours

Mint Options:

• Crispy Peppermint: Balanced peppermint and menthol, suited to regular users
• Freezing Peppermint: Highest strength mint option (up to 17mg)
• Bright Spearmint: Slightly sweeter mint alternative

Fruit Options:

• Ruby Berry: Berry notes with a touch of tartness
• Tropical Mango: Mango with tropical undertones (6mg and 10mg)
• Lime Flame: Bold lime with warmth from chilli extract

Pouch Experience

Velo pouches have a slightly moist texture and smooth mouthfeel, providing immediate flavour release. Most pouches deliver 30-45 minutes of flavour, with onset time typically between 3-10 minutes depending on your tolerance.

The brand offers two formats:

• Slim: 20 pouches per can, longer-lasting
• Mini: 15 pouches per can, more discreet

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Widest strength range (up to 17mg)
• Clean, pharmaceutical-grade nicotine
• Excellent pouch quality—rarely bursts
• Widely available in supermarkets

Cons:

• Salty drip in some flavours
• Lower strengths (4-10mg) can feel weaker than labelled
• Premium pricing

Nordic Spirit: The Smooth Operator

Brand Background

Nordic Spirit launched in Sweden in 2018 and entered the UK market in 2019, quickly becoming the top-selling nicotine pouch brand in the country. It's owned by Japan Tobacco International and produced using plant-based fibres.

Strengths Available

Nordic Spirit focuses on lower-to-medium nicotine levels:

• Light: 3.2mg
• Regular: 6mg
• Strong: 9mg
• Extra Strong: 10.5mg (11mg per portion)

The maximum strength of around 11mg per portion means Nordic Spirit won't satisfy users seeking an intense hit, but it's perfect for those who prefer a gentler experience.

Popular Flavours

Nordic Spirit has earned a reputation for creative flavour combinations:

• Spearmint: The bestseller (390 monthly searches)
• Mint: Classic mint profile (260 monthly searches)
• Bergamot Wildberry: Tart citrus with sweet berry notes
• Elderflower: Refreshing floral profile
• Mocha: For coffee lovers
• Watermelon: Sweet and fruity
• Raspberry: Sharp berry flavour (rated 4.7 stars)

Recent additions include Tropical Mix, Forest Berries, Dark Fizz (cola-inspired), and Melon Fresh.

Pouch Experience

Nordic Spirit pouches are slightly smaller and thinner than competitors, making them ideal for beginners or those who've recently switched from smoking. Each pouch provides satisfaction for upwards of an hour—perfect for long meetings or social situations.

The brand is known for balanced, rounded flavour with a smooth mouthfeel that appeals to users wanting a less intense experience.

Where to Buy

Nordic Spirit is available at Tesco (260 monthly searches for "nordic spirit tesco"), Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and numerous petrol stations and vape shops across the UK.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Most diverse flavour range with unique options
• Slim, comfortable pouches ideal for beginners
• Long-lasting satisfaction (up to 1 hour)
• Widely available in UK supermarkets
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Lower maximum strength may not satisfy heavy users
• Not all retailers stock the full flavour range

Zyn: The Classic Choice

Brand Background

Zyn originated in Sweden in 2014 under Swedish Match, now owned by Philip Morris International. The brand is known for its clean ingredients and straightforward approach, catering to users who prefer classic flavours without overwhelming complexity.

Strengths Available

Zyn offers a broader strength range than Nordic Spirit:

• Mini: 1.5mg, 3mg, 6mg
• Slim: 9mg, 11mg, 13.5mg, 16.5mg

The Mini pouches are designed for discretion, while Slim pouches offer a larger, longer-lasting option for experienced users.

Popular Flavours

Zyn takes a more traditional approach to flavours:

• Cool Mint: The UK bestseller (available in multiple strengths)
• Citrus: Zesty lemon and lime blend
• Coffee: For those who want something different
• Spearmint: Classic mint profile

The brand offers over 10 flavours and 7 strength options, though the range is less adventurous than Nordic Spirit's creative combinations.

Pouch Experience

Zyn pouches are noticeably drier than Velo, which some users prefer as it reduces drip. The flavour release is more gradual, and the overall experience is cleaner and more understated.

Pricing and Availability

Zyn offers competitive pricing:

• Single can on Zyn.com: £6.50
• Multi-buy discounts: Up to 40% off (20% off 3 cans, 30% off 5 cans, 40% off 10 cans)
• Starting price at retailers: £4.49 per can

You can find Zyn using their online store locator, or purchase from retailers like Northerner, Haypp, and Electric Tobacconist with free UK delivery options.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Drier pouches with less drip
• Clean, straightforward flavour profiles
• Good strength range up to 16.5mg
• Competitive pricing with multi-buy discounts
• Free samples available for new users

Cons:

• Fewer flavour options than competitors
• Less creative/adventurous flavours
• Some strengths only available in certain formats

Head-to-Head: Velo vs Nordic Spirit vs Zyn

Strength Comparison

If nicotine strength is your priority, the ranking is clear:

1. Velo (up to 17mg) - Best for heavy users or those switching from strong cigarettes
2. Zyn (up to 16.5mg) - Good mid-range option
3. Nordic Spirit (up to 10.5mg) - Best for beginners or light users

Flavour Variety

For adventurous palates:

1. Nordic Spirit - Most creative flavours (Bergamot Wildberry, Elderflower, Mocha)
2. Velo - Good variety with some unique options (Lime Flame)
3. Zyn - Classic, reliable flavours

Value for Money

Based on typical UK pricing:

1. Zyn - Starting at £4.49, best multi-buy discounts
2. Nordic Spirit - Around £4.95-£5.50
3. Velo - Premium pricing at £5.50-£6.50

Beginner-Friendliness

For those new to nicotine pouches:

1. Nordic Spirit - Smaller pouches, lower strengths, smooth experience
2. Zyn - Dry pouches, gradual flavour release, low strength options from 1.5mg
3. Velo - Can be overwhelming for beginners due to higher strengths

Where to Buy Nicotine Pouches in the UK

All three brands are widely available across the UK:

Supermarkets

• Tesco: Stocks Nordic Spirit and Velo
• Sainsbury's: Nordic Spirit, Velo
• Asda: Nordic Spirit, Velo
• Morrisons: Nordic Spirit

Online Retailers

• Brand websites: Velo.com, NordicSpirit.co.uk, Zyn.com
• Specialist retailers: Northerner, Haypp, Electric Tobacconist
• General vape shops: Most stock at least one brand

Price Tips

1. Buy online in bulk for the best per-can prices
2. Check multi-buy offers - Zyn offers up to 40% off 10-can purchases
3. Compare supermarket prices using Grocefully to find the best local deals
4. Try free samples - Zyn offers free samples for new customers

Health Considerations

It's important to address the health aspects of nicotine pouches. While they're marketed as a cleaner alternative to smoking, they're not risk-free.

What the NHS Says

The NHS notes that while nicotine pouches may help manage withdrawal symptoms, they don't currently officially recommend them as a stop-smoking aid due to limited research on their long-term safety and effectiveness.

Known Side Effects

• Common: Mild gum irritation, hiccups, nausea (especially for new users)
• Possible: Mouth soreness, ulcers, or gum recession with long-term use
• Nicotine effects: Dizziness, headaches, and increased heart rate

Compared to Smoking

Research suggests that using nicotine pouches is likely to be substantially less harmful than smoking tobacco, as they don't involve combustion or tobacco leaf. However, they still contain nicotine, which is addictive.

UK Regulation

Nicotine pouches are currently less regulated than cigarettes or vapes in the UK. However, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduced in November 2024 proposes new regulations for these products.

Important: If you're considering nicotine pouches to quit smoking, consult a healthcare professional who can advise on the full range of options including NHS-approved nicotine replacement therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strongest nicotine pouch brand in the UK?

Velo offers the highest strength nicotine pouches available in UK supermarkets, with options up to 17mg per pouch. Zyn reaches 16.5mg, while Nordic Spirit maxes out at around 10.5mg. For users seeking an intense hit, Velo is the clear choice.

Are Velo, Nordic Spirit, and Zyn tobacco-free?

Yes, all three brands are completely tobacco-free. They use pharmaceutical-grade nicotine derived from tobacco plants but don't contain any tobacco leaf. This makes them a cleaner alternative to traditional Swedish snus.

Which nicotine pouch brand has the best flavours?

This is subjective, but Nordic Spirit is generally praised for the most creative and diverse flavour range, including unique options like Bergamot Wildberry and Elderflower. Velo offers good variety with some interesting options, while Zyn focuses on classic flavours like Cool Mint and Citrus.

How long do nicotine pouches last?

Most pouches provide 30-60 minutes of flavour and nicotine release. Nordic Spirit pouches are known for lasting up to an hour, while Velo typically delivers 30-45 minutes. The duration depends on the specific product and individual usage.

Can I buy nicotine pouches at Tesco?

Yes, Tesco stocks nicotine pouches including Nordic Spirit and Velo. "Nordic spirit tesco" receives 260 monthly searches, showing strong demand for supermarket availability. Check your local store for specific stock.

Which brand is best for beginners?

Nordic Spirit is generally recommended for beginners due to its smaller, thinner pouches and lower nicotine strengths (starting at 3.2mg). Zyn is also beginner-friendly with options as low as 1.5mg. Avoid starting with Velo's higher strength options if you're new to nicotine.

Are nicotine pouches safer than smoking?

Research suggests nicotine pouches are likely substantially less harmful than smoking because they don't involve combustion or tobacco leaf. However, they still contain addictive nicotine and aren't risk-free. The NHS doesn't currently recommend them as a quit-smoking aid.

How much do nicotine pouches cost in the UK?

Prices typically range from £4.49 to £6.50 per can. Zyn is often the cheapest starting option, while Velo tends to be at the premium end. Buying in bulk online can save up to 40% compared to single-can purchases.

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

After comparing Velo, Nordic Spirit, and Zyn across all factors, here's my recommendation:

Best for High Strength: Velo - If you need a strong nicotine hit, Velo's 17mg options are unmatched in UK supermarkets.

Best for Beginners: Nordic Spirit - Smaller pouches, lower strengths, and a smooth experience make this ideal for newcomers.

Best for Classic Flavours: Zyn - If you want straightforward mint or citrus without complexity, Zyn delivers reliably.

Best Value: Zyn - Starting prices and multi-buy discounts make it the most budget-friendly option.

Best Flavour Variety: Nordic Spirit - Creative options like Bergamot Wildberry set it apart from the competition.

Ultimately, the best brand depends on your personal preferences. Many users end up trying all three before settling on a favourite—and with prices ranging from £4-6 per can, experimenting won't break the bank.

Compare prices on nicotine pouches across UK supermarkets using Grocefully, and find the best deals near you.

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