ZYN vs VELO
On our shelf, ZYN has 10 cans in Mini and Slim formats across 5 flavor families, at 6–10 mg per pouch. VELO has 15 cans in Mini and Slim formats across 4 flavor families, at 6–8 mg per pouch. On our shelf, ZYN cans are 6 to 10 mg per pouch and rated VELO cans 6 or 8 mg, on one 6-dot strength scale for every brand. Strength overlaps, so the choice mostly comes down to flavor, format and price ($13.99 vs $14.99 a can).
Updated
ZYN and VELO side by side
Built from the cans on our shelf right now, so the figures update as the range changes.
| Detail | ZYN | VELO |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Swedish Match USA, Inc. | British American Tobacco, sold in the US by Reynolds American |
| Origin | [Country of manufacture] | [Country of manufacture] |
| Cans on our shelf | 10 cans | 15 cans |
| Flavors | 9 | 15 |
| Flavor families | Mint, Citrus, Berry & fruit, Coffee, Licorice | Mint, Citrus, Berry & fruit, Ice |
| Formats | Mini and Slim | Mini and Slim |
| Nicotine per pouch on our shelf | 6–10 mg | 6–8 mg |
| Strength dots (of 6) | 2–4 of 6 dots | 2–3 of 6 dots |
| Price per can (CAD) | $13.99 (was $17.99); rolls and cartons 5% off | $14.99 (was $17.45); rolls and cartons 5% off |
Which should you pick: ZYN or VELO?
Pick on the two things you can actually compare: how much nicotine you want in a pouch, and which flavors you like.
- Strength: ZYN cans we carry are 6, 8 or 10 mg per pouch (2 to 4 of 6 dots). Rated VELO cans are 6 or 8 mg (2 or 3 of 6 dots); the rest show [mg] until rated. Check the number on each can's page before you order.
- Price: every ZYN can is $13.99 CAD (was $17.99); every VELO can is $14.99 CAD (was $17.45). Rolls and cartons take another 5% off.
- Flavor: ZYN spreads across mint, citrus, coffee, licorice and fruit. VELO leans toward ice and fruit flavors, with mint and citrus options.
- Format: ZYN comes in Mini and Slim cans. VELO comes in Mini and Slim cans; formats for the rest of the range are [Format].
If you already know the mg you like, filter by that number first and then choose the flavor you prefer.
Are the strength dots the same for both brands?
Yes, on PouchSelect. Every can on PouchSelect uses one 6-dot strength scale: 2 dots is 6 mg, 3 dots 8 mg, 4 dots 10 mg, 5 dots 17 mg and 6 dots 20 mg per pouch. ZYN cans here are 2 to 4 dots; rated VELO cans are 2 or 3. The dots each maker prints on its own lid follow that brand's scale, so use ours, or mg per pouch, to compare.
Our guide to how nicotine pouch strength works explains how to read both.
Who makes ZYN and VELO?
ZYN is made by Swedish Match USA, Inc., the company named for ZYN on FDA's list of authorized nicotine pouch products.
VELO is a British American Tobacco brand, sold in the US by its subsidiary Reynolds American. In October 2024 Reynolds announced Velo Plus, a version made with synthetic nicotine, for the US (Reuters). Since April 14, 2022, nicotine products made with non-tobacco (synthetic) nicotine are regulated as tobacco products in the US, the same as tobacco-derived ones.
A few cans from each brand
ZYN on our shelf
All 10 ZYN cans
Frequently asked questions
Is VELO stronger than ZYN?
Not on our shelf so far: rated VELO cans are 6 or 8 mg per pouch (2 or 3 of 6 dots), and ZYN cans are 6 to 10 mg (2 to 4 of 6 dots). Some VELO cans aren't rated yet and show [mg]; check each can's page.
Who makes VELO nicotine pouches?
VELO is a British American Tobacco brand. In the US it is sold by BAT's subsidiary Reynolds American.
Is VELO made with synthetic nicotine?
Reynolds American announced Velo Plus, made with synthetic nicotine, for the US in October 2024 (Reuters). Whether a specific VELO can uses synthetic nicotine is listed on its product page: [nicotine source per VELO product]. In the US, synthetic nicotine pouches are regulated as tobacco products, like tobacco-derived ones.
Where can I check which nicotine pouches FDA has authorized?
FDA publishes a list of authorized nicotine pouch products. Check it for the exact brand, flavor and strength you are looking at.
Keep comparing
- ZYN nicotine pouchesEvery ZYN can on our shelf.
- VELO nicotine pouchesEvery VELO can on our shelf.
- ZYN vs PabloStrength, flavors and formats side by side.
- Pablo vs VELOStrength, flavors and formats side by side.
- All brands comparedZYN, VELO and Pablo in one table.
- Nicotine pouch strength explainedMg per pouch and PouchSelect's 6-dot strength scale.
Shop ZYN and VELO
Browse every can on the shelf, filterable by brand, strength and flavor. Buying for a store? Apply for a trade account.