ALP vs ZYN: Which Nicotine Pouch is Right for You? 

ALP has started to create a buzz in the nicotine pouch market, offering an outspoken alternative to established brands like ZYN. But how does it stack up against one of the most recognized names in the industry?

From flavors to nicotine strengths, pouch formats to price points, we’re putting ALP and ZYN head-to-head in this comparison to help you decide which pouches suit your preferences best. 

Step 1: Understanding the Brands

Brand ZYN ALP
Pouches per Can 15 20
Flavor Options 10 (including 2 unflavored) 5
Nicotine Strength 3mg & 6mg 3mg, 6mg, & 9mg
Pouch Format Mini; Semi-Dry Slim; Moist
Manufacturer Swedish Match ALP Supply CO. LLC


At a Glance: You might choose ZYN if you prioritize a wider variety of flavors over strengths and prefer a drier pouch. On the other hand, you might lean towards ALP if the speed of nicotine release is important to you (moist pouches = faster absorption), or if getting more pouches per can matters most. ALP also appeals to anyone who’s looking for a higher strength option. 

Step 2: Flavor Profiles 

For many users, flavor selection is a deciding factor when choosing a nicotine pouch. Let’s take a closer look at how ALP and ZYN compare in this category:

 

  • ZYN offers 10 different flavors including a variety of mints, cinnamon, coffee, citrus, and 2 unflavored pouches (Chill and Smooth).

  • ALP’s flavor lineup consists of 5 flavors with 3 twists on popular mint profiles and 2 fruit-based options. 

Bestselling Pouches: 

Top ZYN Flavors 

  1. Wintergreen

     

  2. Spearmint  

     

  3. Cool Mint  

 

Top ALP Flavors  

  1. Chilled Mint 

     

  2. Mountain Wintergreen

     

  3. Refreshing Chill 

At a Glance: Both ZYN and ALP lean into mint flavors, but they take different approaches. ALP’s mint flavors carry a strong “chill” theme, focusing on an icy, refreshing mouth feel, while ZYN sticks to classics like Cool Mint and Peppermint. When it comes to fruit, ALP goes for the tropical or southern fruit feel, whereas ZYN offers a more traditional Citrus option. ZYN also stands out with Coffee, Cinnamon, and even unflavored pouches — choices that don’t appear in ALP’s lineup. So, if you’re after variety and classic flavors, ZYN has the edge. But if you prefer bold, chill-forward profiles with a tropical twist, ALP might be more your style. 

Step 3: Nicotine Strength

Strength is another key factor when choosing a pouch. Here’s how ALP and ZYN compare: 

 

Strength Level ZYN ALP
Less Intense 3mg 3mg
Regular 6mg 6mg
Strong - 9mg

It’s important to note in terms of pouches that ZYN is semi-dry and ALP is moist. Moist pouches tend to release nicotine more quickly, while dry pouches offer a steadier release over time—both of which can affect your perception of how strong a pouch feels. 


At a Glance: Both ZYN and ALP have Less Intense and Regular options. If you're after something slightly stronger, ALP edges ahead with a 9mg option—a 3mg step up from ZYN's maximum. ALP’s moist pouch format also delivers nicotine more quickly than ZYN’s semi-dry one, which can make it feel stronger in effect for some. If you're looking for something even stronger, there are other high-strength brands worth exploring. 

Step 4: Ingredients & Pouch Format 

When it comes to format and pouch design, each brand takes a unique approach: 

  • ZYN: Uses tobacco leaf-free nicotine salts in their mini, semi-dry pouches. 

  • ALP: Uses tobacco leaf-free, synthetic nicotine, flavorings, and fillers like plant fibers in slim, moist pouches.


At a Glance: You might choose ZYN if you prefer a semi-dry pouch with a more gradual nicotine release. You might choose ALP if you prefer a moist pouch with a more immediate nicotine release. Because their ingredient lists are so similar, the choice between ZYN and ALP here will likely depend on your preference for dry vs moist pouches. 

Step 5: Pricing Breakdown

Cost is always a factor, so let's compare.

Brand Price
ALP $4.79
ZYN $5.29

Keep in mind that prices will vary based on retailer and location, plus buying in bulk online can reduce the overall cost per can. 


At a Glance: You might choose ZYN if you prioritize a well-known brand with a strong market presence. You might choose ALP if you want to try something new or are looking for better value in terms of the number of pouches per can (ALP has 20 vs ZYN’s 15).

Worth Noting: The ZYN Shortage & ALP as an Alternative 

ZYN is currently upping its production capacity to meet demand, as many retailers—including us—have been facing stock shortages of these popular nicotine pouches since mid-2024. While we know they're buiding a new manufacturing facility in Colorado, there’s no set date for when ZYN nicotine pouches will be fully back in stock in all states.

 

If you're struggling to find your go-to ZYN, ALP should be considered a great alternative. It offers the same nicotine strengths (plus one slightly stronger), refreshing mint options, and a moist pouch format that provides an even quicker nicotine release. If you’re open to exploring other nicotine pouches, now is the time to try new brands and potentially find a new favorite in the absence of ZYN! 

ALP vs ZYN: Key Takeaways 

Choosing between ALP and ZYN depends on your personal preferences. Here’s a quick recap: 

  • Flavors: ZYN offers 10 different flavors, including multiple mint options, flavors not offered by many other brands such as cinnamon and coffee, and 2 unflavored varieties. ALP has a more focused lineup with 5 flavors, 3 of which cater to mint lovers and 2 fruit options.

  • Pouch Format & Ingredients: ZYN features mini, semi-dry pouches with tobacco-free nicotine salts, providing a more gradual nicotine release. ALP uses a slim, moist pouch with responsibly derived nicotine and plant-based fillers, allowing for a quicker nicotine release.

  • Nicotine Strengths: ZYN is available in 3mg and 6mg strengths. ALP offers the same strengths plus a higher 9mg option for those who prefer a stronger experience.

  • Availability: Due to ZYN's high demand and ongoing supply shortages, ALP may be a great alternative for those struggling to find their preferred ZYN products. 

 
 

FAQs

  • It really depends on what you’re looking for. ZYN offers more flavor variety and a semi-dry pouch for steady nicotine release, while ALP has 5 flavors in a moist pouch (promising quicker nicotine release) and a stronger 9mg option. It's worth noting that ALP is currently easier to find on shop shelves too due to it's recent launch and the ongoing ZYN shortage.

  • The biggest differences are in terms of:

    • Pouch format (ZYN is semi-dry / ALP is moist);

    • Flavor variety (ZYN offers more options including unflavored / ALP has an emphasis on mint or topical fruit);

    • Nicotine strengths (ALP goes up to 9mg, while ZYN maxes out at 6mg).

  • Yes, both brands offer sugar-free nicotine pouches.
  • ZYN’s growing popularity has led to supply shortages in many states across the US. A new manufacturing facility is currently being built to meet demand, but availability remains uncertain for now.
  • Absolutely! ALP provides similar nicotine strengths, a selection of mint-forward flavors, and a moist pouch format for faster nicotine release. If your preferred ZYN product is out of stock right now, ALP is definitely worth trying.