ZYN vs. VELO: Strength, Flavor & Price Comparison

As of: 02.10.2026 · Snustrend Editorial Team · Reading time approx. 7 minutes

In short: ZYN (Philip Morris International) and VELO (British American Tobacco) are the two largest brands for tobacco-free nicotine pouches. ZYN focuses on a few clearly defined strengths ranging from 3 to 11 mg per pouch and classic flavors. VELO offers more varieties, a broader strength range up to the “Max” level, and special effects like cooling or warmth. At Snustrend, a VELO can usually costs slightly less than a ZYN can.

When buying nicotine pouches in Switzerland, you almost always come across two names: ZYN and VELO. Both are tobacco-free, both are white (All White), and both come in round cans. Nevertheless, they differ significantly in strength, variety selection, pouch feel, and price. In this comparison, you get the facts at a glance – so you can find the brand that suits you.

Who is behind ZYN and VELO?

ZYN was introduced in 2016 by Swedish Match in Sweden. Since November 2022, Swedish Match has been part of Philip Morris International (PMI). In Switzerland, ZYN is marketed through Philip Morris Products S.A. In addition to the classic pouches, there are now also “ZYN Melts,” small nicotine tablets that dissolve in the mouth.

VELO is the pouch brand of British American Tobacco (BAT). According to the half-year figures for 2026, VELO is one of the most important growth drivers for BAT. VELO was revamped in 2024 with new designs and new product names – more about this in our VELO Snus Guide.

How strong are ZYN and VELO in comparison?

The strength is best indicated in milligrams of nicotine per pouch. The information on the can (dots, “S4”, “Strong”) varies by brand. How to correctly read mg per pouch and mg per gram is explained in the article Nicotine Pouch Strength Explained.

ZYN has few, clearly separated levels. The mini pouches are available with 3 mg (Normal) and 6 mg (Extra Strong). The slim pouches go up to 11 mg, for example, ZYN Menthol Ice Slim S5.
VELO uses a point scale from 1 to 6. The mini varieties start at 4 mg, Strong Slim is at 6 mg. The Freezing Peppermint range increases from “Ultra” to “Max” – according to retailer overviews, up to around 17 mg per pouch. The exact amount may vary depending on the market edition.

Conclusion on strength: Those who prefer mild to medium will find suitable varieties in both brands. Those looking for the highest levels have more options with VELO. You can find even stronger brands in our Ranking of the Strongest Nicotine Pouches.

ZYN vs. VELO: The Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	ZYN	VELO
Manufacturer	Swedish Match / Philip Morris International	British American Tobacco (BAT)
Tobacco	No, All White	No, All White
Formats	Mini, Slim	Mini, Slim
Strength Indication	Normal / Strong / Extra Strong or S-levels	Point scale 1–6, names like “Ultra” and “Max”
Strengths in Snustrend Range	3 mg to 11 mg per pouch	from 4 mg to “Max” level
Varieties at Snustrend	14 products	over 35 products
Typical Flavors	Mint, Coffee, Cherry, Citrus, Licorice	Mint, Berries, Mango, Grape, Grapefruit, Elderflower
Special Features	Very simple flavors, small mini pouches	Effect varieties (VELO Shift “Hot”, “Tingling”), nicotine-free VELO ZERO
Price per Can at Snustrend	CHF 5.20 to 6.90	usually CHF 5.40, Shift CHF 6.90

Prices and assortment: Snustrend, as of 02.10.2026. Strengths according to product information and manufacturers.

Which brand has better flavors?

Taste is subjective – but the orientation is clearly different:

ZYN stays close to classics. Cool Mint, Gentle Mint, Coffee, Citrus, Black Cherry, and Violet Licorice are rather subtly flavored. Newer varieties like Apple Mint, Menthol Ice, or Blackcurrant Ice bring more coolness. If you are looking for a calm, not too sweet aroma, ZYN is a good starting point.

VELO is more colorful and experimental. In addition to many mint variants (Freezing, Crispy, Bright, Green Spearmint), there are fruit varieties like Tropical Mango, Ruby Berry, Purple Grape, or Zesty Elderflower. The VELO Shift range additionally focuses on a noticeable warmth effect. You can find all VELO flavors in detail in our VELO Flavor Overview.

What does a pouch of ZYN or VELO cost?

A standard can typically contains 20 pouches for both brands. The exact number is stated on the can. Here’s how the calculation looks with our current shop prices:

Product Line	Price per Can	Price per Pouch (at 20 pieces)
ZYN Mini / Slim (e.g., Coffee, Cool Mint)	CHF 6.90	approx. CHF 0.35
ZYN Slim S4 / S5 (e.g., Apple Mint, Menthol Ice)	CHF 5.20	approx. CHF 0.26
VELO Standard (e.g., Crispy Peppermint, Freezing Peppermint)	CHF 5.40	approx. CHF 0.27
VELO Shift	CHF 6.90	approx. CHF 0.35

With the quantity discount at Snustrend, it gets cheaper: from 10 cans 3%, from 30 cans 5%, from 60 cans 10%, and from 120 cans 12%. You can combine the discount across both brands.

How do the pouches feel?

Both brands offer Mini (small, discreet) and Slim (elongated, more content). Mini pouches are smaller and sit less conspicuously, while Slim pouches contain more filling and usually release flavor and nicotine longer. VELO also includes effect varieties that specifically trigger a cold, tingling, or warmth sensation. For both, the rule is: place the pouch under the upper or lower lip, do not chew, and leave it in for 15 to 60 minutes depending on strength. You can find more basic knowledge in the article What are Nicotine Pouches?

ZYN or VELO: Which brand suits you?

ZYN is suitable if you want clear strengths, classic flavors, and small, discreet pouches.
VELO is suitable if you want to try many varieties, like fruit or effect flavors, or are looking for a higher strength level.
If you are unsure: Start with a low strength (3–6 mg) and gradually work your way up.

You can also combine both brands with us – for example, in the collection ZYN & SKRUF or as a nicotine-free variant with VELO ZERO.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ZYN or VELO stronger?

At the highest levels, VELO is stronger. ZYN goes up to 11 mg per pouch in the Snustrend range, while VELO offers higher levels with “Ultra” and “Max.” In the entry and mid-range (3–6 mg), both brands are comparable.

Do ZYN and VELO contain tobacco?

No. Both brands are tobacco-free nicotine pouches (All White). They contain nicotine, fillers, and flavors. Therefore, the pouches do not stain.

How many pouches are in a can of ZYN or VELO?

Typically 20 pouches per can. Depending on the market edition, the number may vary, and the exact information is stated on the can.

Which brand is cheaper?

At Snustrend, most VELO cans cost CHF 5.40, while ZYN cans cost CHF 5.20 to 6.90 (as of 02.10.2026). Per pouch, that’s about 26 to 35 cents.

Who manufactures ZYN and VELO?

ZYN comes from Swedish Match, which has been part of Philip Morris International since 2022. VELO is a brand of British American Tobacco.

Is it legal to buy ZYN and VELO in Switzerland?

Yes, for adults. Since October 1, 2024, a nationwide ban on sales to persons under 18 years of age applies under the Tobacco Products Act – also for nicotine products without tobacco.

Sources

Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace personal advice. Information on strengths and prices may change. Nicotine products are only for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is addictive.

Discover now: ZYN Nicotine Pouches · VELO Nicotine Pouches