VELO vs ZYN

VELO and ZYN are two brands that often dominate the nicotine pouch conversation. But which one (if any) is the right fit for you?

From flavors to strengths, the quantity of pouches to their size , we’re putting VELO and ZYN head-to-head to help you decide which pouches deserve a spot in your pocket. We’re also including VELO Plus in this comparative guide as the latest offering from VELO.

Expert Opinion: “ZYN is known for its minimalistic approach with focus on simplicity, which may appeal to users who prefer straightforward options. VELO, on the other hand, tends to attract those looking for a broader variety and enhanced loading of nicotine experience due to its two product lines.”

For many users, flavor is the key factor when it comes to choosing nicotine pouches. So, let’s take a closer look at how ZYN and VELO stack up against each other in the flavor department.

Both brands bring 10 flavors to the table, with 5 of them overlapping—namely  Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, Citrus, Coffee, and Cinnamon. Your choice could ultimately depend on your preference for fruity vs minty pouches or wanting to try something completely new.

While ZYN has long been considered a mint specialist, VELO seems to offer the best of both worlds flavor-wise. Not only do they have an assortment of the most popular mints, but they also  stand out with bold fruity options like Black Cherry and Dragon Fruit. The introduction of VELO Plus has expanded their lineup even further with new flavors such as Citrus Chill and Wild Berry.

Something to keep in mind if you prefer to skip the sweeteners and enjoy a more neutral nicotine pouch experience is that ZYN offers 2 unflavored pouches.

So, what’s it going to be—fruity, minty, or no flavor at all? Of course Coffee and Cinnamon are also available, with all this choice at your fingertips when you shop with Nicokick!

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular flavors for each brand according to our customers.

Expert Opinion: “Flavor plays a significant role in user satisfaction. VELO stands out for its variety, offering not only classic mints but also exciting fruity flavors, while ZYN continues to dominate with its strong mint offerings.”

Another important factor for picking a pouch is strength. Both brands offer a Regular nicotine pouch experience (4-6mg), while ZYN caters for those seeking a Less Intense option (3mg) and VELO/VELO Plus presents slightly Stronger alternatives (7-9mg).

Expert Opinion: “For those who prioritize strong nicotine delivery, VELO and VELO Plus provide options that cater to their needs, while ZYN’s less intense strengths are ideal for users who prefer a less intense experience”

Now, let's take a moment to go through the pouch itself.

When it comes to ingredients:

• ZYN focuses on simple stabilizers, sweeteners, flavorings, and tobacco leaf-free nicotine salts in their Mini, Semi-Dry pouches
• VELO’s Slim pouches include sweeteners like xylitol and a more complex mix of ingredients for a bolder flavor. The main point of difference between VELO and VELO Plus is that VELO uses nicotine derived from the tobacco plant and  VELO Plus is made entirely of synthetic nicotine!

Both brands craft their pouches with your comfort and enjoyment in mind, so the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the smoothness of ZYN or the boldness of VELO, especially with their new offerings.

Both are crafted to fit different preferences, but the choice ultimately comes down to the user - smoothness in taste (ZYN) or boldness (VELO).

Our expert’s opinion: “ZYN pouches are generally on the drier side and should produce less saliva than VELO, meaning the nicotine absorption is more gradual.  On the other hand, VELO (and especially VELO Plus) come in a larger and softer pouch that will release flavor and nicotine at a faster rate. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the type of experience you want and how long you leave the pouch in place.”

We get it—cost is crucial these days. Let’s break it down and see how VELO and ZYN stack up when it comes to value.

Keep in mind that prices may vary based on retailer. However, VELO often comes in at a slightly lower price point, making it a practical option for the price-conscious shopper.

Remember, you can unlock better deals online by purchasing either brand in bulk (depending on your personal usage and local taxes, of course). On Nicokick, you have the option to buy up to 50 cans at once, saving more per can compared to buying them individually.

Expert Opinion: “Budget-conscious consumers tend to favor VELO due to its more affordable pricing and additional pouches per can. However, ZYN’s established reputation and unique flavors may justify the higher price for some users.”

Choosing between VELO and ZYN can feel like a tough call, but it ultimately comes down to what matters most to you. Here's a quick recap:

Flavors

• Both brands offer 10 flavors with 5 in common—including 3 extremely popular mints. VELO features more fruity options with the addition of 2 new ones from VELO Plus, while ZYN offers more on the unflavored front.
  
  

Pouch Formats and Ingredients:

• The key difference between ZYN and VELO ingredients is the nicotine type. ZYN uses tobacco leaf-free nicotine salts; VELO uses purified nicotine derived from the tobacco plant, and VELO Plus is 100% synthetic.
  
  
• Whereas ZYN offers mini and slim pouches that are dry, VELO features slim pouches that are sleek and narrow, with a longer shape and a silky, moist texture—due to their higher moisture content.
  
  

Nicotine Strength

• If you prefer a less intense nicotine experience, ZYN has you covered with their 3mg and 6mg options. For regular/heavy nicotine pouch users seeking something slightly stronger, VELO may be for you with the choice between 4mg, 6mg, 7mg, and 9mg across the entire VELO and VELO Plus range.

Price

• Prices will vary based on the retailer you choose and how many cans you’re purchasing in one go. Generally speaking, VELO comes at a slightly lower price point than ZYN, with more pouches per can too.
  
  

High demand and recent production shortages have made it challenging to track down ZYN right now. We recommend exploring the world of VELO or trying VELO Plus for the time being until both brands are back in stock and able to be compared. 

Enjoyed this guide? Explore our other reviews comparing top nicotine pouch brands!