CLEW vs ZYN: Which Nicotine Pouch Should You Choose?

Have you noticed a new brand on store shelves or online, with distinct can colors and unique flavors? Are you wanting to learn more but not sure where to search? If you don’t have a clue about CLEW, you’re in the right place. 

 
CLEW is a newer contender in the nicotine pouch space, and many users are wondering how it stacks up against established brands like ZYN. In this guide, we’ll compare CLEW vs ZYN across essential categories—including flavor variety, pouch count, nicotine strengths, and ingredients—so you can decide which nicotine pouch is right for you. 


Key Takeaways

Choosing between CLEW and ZYN comes down to your preferences—whether that’s strength, flavor variety, pouch feel, or value. Here’s a high-level comparison: 

 

Flavors 

ZYN leads in variety with 10 flavors, including unique options like Cinnamon, Coffee, and 2 unflavored picks. CLEW keeps it simpler with 6 flavors, but stands out with Blueberry, a rare option in the pouch world. 

Nicotine Strengths 

CLEW offers a wider strength range—3mg, 6mg, 9mg, and 12mg—catering to users with stronger nicotine needs. ZYN is limited to 3mg and 6mg, which may suit those who prefer Less- Intense and Regular strengths. 

Pouch Format & Ingredients 

CLEW uses slim, ultra-smooth moist pouches, delivering faster nicotine absorption and a softer mouthfeel. It also features pharmaceutical-grade synthetic nicotine and plant-based fillers. ZYN, by contrast, uses mini, semi-dry pouches for a slower, more gradual release and nicotine salts for a tobacco-leaf free experience. 

Pouch Count & Value 

CLEW gives you 20 pouches per can, compared to ZYN’s 15, offering more value per unit. Both brands offer bundle deals on Nicokick (5, 10, 25, or 50-can packs). 

Availability 

Now is the perfect time to try CLEW as an alternative as ZYN is currently experiencing ongoing supply shortages. Despite being relatively new to the market, CLEW has been gaining positive reviews and increasing in popularity, making it a great option—especially if you're having trouble finding ZYN in stock. 


CLEW vs ZYN: Side-by-Side Comparison

  CLEW ZYN
Flavor Options 6 10
Nicotine Strengths 3mg, 6mg, 9mg, 12mg 3mg, 6mg
Pouches per Can 20 15
Pouch Format Slim, Ultra-Smooth Mini, Semi-Dry
Manufacturer VCherish Labs Private Limited Swedish Match
Main Ingredients Pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, plant-based fillers, moisture agents, sweeteners, pH balancers Nicotine salt, flavorings, sweeteners, fillers, stabilizers, pH adjusters



Key Takeaways: You might opt for CLEW if you're looking for stronger nicotine options (up to 12mg), prefer a smoother-feeling slim pouch, or want more pouches per can (20 vs 15). CLEW’s ultra-smooth, moist pouch format also helps retain flavor longer, and they lean into pharmaceutical-grade nicotine and plant-based ingredients—a possible draw for those focused on formulation and feel. 

On the other hand, ZYN could be your pick if flavor variety is the top priority. With 10 flavor options—including favorite picks like Cinnamon and Coffee—and a compact mini format, ZYN suits users who like frequent flavor changes or a more gradual nicotine release. Plus, ZYN’s established reputation under Swedish Match may appeal to brand-loyalists or those who have just switched to nicotine pouches seeking consistency and trust. 

Flavor Face-Off

  • ZYN leads in number of flavors, offering 10 options—from Citrus to Cinnamon, Wintergreen to Peppermint, and even 2 unflavored options. It's a strong pick for flavor adventurers who desire variety. 
     
  • CLEW currently offers 6 flavors, including Cool Mint, Wintergreen, Spearmint, Citrus, Blueberry (a rare find) and their unflavored Original.
     

Key Takeaways:  While there’s some flavor overlap between the two, ZYN stands out with a wider selection and more niche options for those who like to mix it up. CLEW, on the other hand, offers an exclusive Blueberry flavor and ultra-smooth, moist pouches that help retain flavor longer—a win for users who value consistency and mouthfeel over variety. 

Nicotine Strengths

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

 

Strength CLEW ZYN
Less Intense 3mg 3mg
Regular 6mg 6mg
Strong 9mg -
Extra Strong 12mg -

 

It’s important to note in terms of pouch format ZYN is semi-dry and CLEW is moist and ultra-soft. 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.  

 
Key Takeaways:  Both ZYN and CLEW have Less Intense and Regular options. If you're after something stronger, CLEW edges ahead with 9mg and 12mg options. CLEW’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. 

Price Check: What Will It Cost?

Nicokick offers a large assortment of brands at competitive prices, but pricing can fluctuate depending on where and when you shop.  Both CLEW and ZYN are offered in bundle deals—including bulk buy options like 5, 10, 25, or even 50-can packs— which can lead to meaningful savings over time.  Explore CLEW and ZYN online at Nicokick to see current pricing, stock, and more!

Worth Noting: CLEW as an Alternative Amid the ZYN Shortage

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 building 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, CLEW should be considered as a great alternative. It offers the same nicotine strengths (plus slightly stronger), refreshing mint options, and a moist ultra-soft 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!  

FAQs

  • It depends on your preferences. CLEW offers more pouches per can, stronger nicotine options, and an ultra-smooth pouch feel, while ZYN has more flavor variety, brand recognition, and offers a mini, semi-dry pouch. 
  • CLEW pouches come in 3mg, 6mg, 9mg, and 12mg—one of the broadest ranges on Nicokick. 
  • CLEW flavors include Cool Mint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, Citrus, Blueberry, and Original (unflavored). 
  • CLEW is produced by VCherish Labs Private Limited, a company known for its next-gen nicotine products and industry-awarded manufacturing. 
  • While CLEW is stocked in many convenience stores and gas stations, the best variety and value can be found online through sites like ours—especially with bundle discounts available.