ZYN vs. VELO: Strength, Flavour & Price Compared

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 of tobacco-free nicotine pouches. ZYN focuses on a few clearly graded strengths from 3 to 11 mg per pouch and classic flavours. VELO offers more varieties, a wider strength range up to the "Max" level and special effects such as cooling or warmth. At Snustrend, a can of VELO usually costs slightly less than a can of ZYN.

If you buy nicotine pouches in Switzerland, you will almost always come across two names: ZYN and VELO. Both are tobacco-free, both are white (All White), and both come in round cans. Still, they differ clearly in strength, choice of flavours, pouch feel and price. This comparison gives you the facts at a glance, so you can find the brand that suits you.

Who is behind ZYN and VELO?

ZYN was launched in 2016 by Swedish Match in Sweden. Since November 2022, Swedish Match has belonged to Philip Morris International (PMI). In Switzerland, ZYN is marketed by 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 its 2026 half-year results, VELO is one of BAT's most important growth drivers. VELO was revamped in 2024 with a new design and new flavour names – more in our VELO snus guide.

How strong are ZYN and VELO in comparison?

Strength is best stated in milligrams of nicotine per pouch. The markings on the can (dots, "S4", "Strong") differ from brand to brand. We explain how to read mg per pouch and mg per gram in the article Nicotine pouch strength explained.

ZYN has a few clearly separated levels. The Mini pouches come in 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 dot scale from 1 to 6. The Mini varieties start at 4 mg, Strong Slim is 6 mg. The Freezing Peppermint range climbs via "Ultra" to "Max", the brand's strongest level. The exact mg figure is printed on the can and may vary by market edition.

Strength verdict: if you like mild to medium, you will find suitable varieties from both brands. If you are looking for the top levels, VELO offers more choice. Even stronger brands are listed 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 marking	Normal / Strong / Extra Strong or S levels	Dot scale 1–6, names such as "Ultra" and "Max"
Strengths in the Snustrend range	3 mg to 11 mg per pouch	from 4 mg up to "Max"
Varieties at Snustrend	14 products	over 35 products
Typical flavours	Mint, coffee, cherry, citrus, liquorice	Mint, berries, mango, grape, grapefruit, elderflower
Special features	Very understated flavours, small Mini pouches	Effect varieties (VELO Shift "Hot", "Tingling"), nicotine-free VELO ZERO
Price per can at Snustrend	CHF 5.20 to 6.90	mostly CHF 5.40, Shift CHF 6.90

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

Which brand has the better flavours?

Taste is personal – but the two brands clearly take different directions:

ZYN sticks close to the classics. Cool Mint, Gentle Mint, Coffee, Citrus, Black Cherry and Violet Licorice are rather subtle. Newer varieties such as Apple Mint, Menthol Ice or Blackcurrant Ice add more coolness. If you are looking for a calm, not too sweet flavour, ZYN is a good place to start.

VELO is more colourful and adventurous. Alongside many mint variants (Freezing, Crispy, Bright, Green Spearmint), there are fruit varieties such as Tropical Mango, Ruby Berry, Purple Grape or Zesty Elderflower. The VELO Shift range also adds a noticeable warming effect. You can find all VELO flavours in detail in our VELO flavour overview.

How much does a pouch of ZYN or VELO cost?

A standard can of either brand usually contains 20 pouches. The exact number is printed on the can. Here is the calculation with our current shop prices:

Product line	Price per can	Price per pouch (at 20 pouches)
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 Snustrend's volume discount it gets cheaper: 3% from 10 cans, 5% from 30 cans, 10% from 60 cans and 12% from 120 cans. 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 less noticeable, while Slim pouches contain more filling and usually release flavour and nicotine for longer. VELO also has effect varieties that deliberately create a cooling, tingling or warming sensation. For both: place the pouch under your upper or lower lip, do not chew it, and leave it in for 15 to 60 minutes depending on strength. More basics in the article What are nicotine pouches?

ZYN or VELO: which brand suits you?

ZYN suits you if you want clear strengths, classic flavours and small, discreet pouches.
VELO suits you if you like trying lots of varieties, enjoy fruit or effect flavours, or are looking for a higher strength level.
If you are unsure: start with a low strength (3–6 mg) and work your way up slowly.

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

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is ZYN or VELO stronger?

At the top 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 flavourings. That is why the pouches do not stain.

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

Usually 20 pouches per can. The number may vary by market edition; the exact figure is printed on the can.

Which brand is cheaper?

At Snustrend, most VELO cans cost CHF 5.40 and ZYN cans CHF 5.20 to 6.90 (as of 02.10.2026). That is about 26 to 35 centimes per pouch.

Who makes ZYN and VELO?

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

Can you buy ZYN and VELO in Switzerland?

Yes, if you are an adult. Since 1 October 2024, the Tobacco Products Act has banned sales to anyone under 18 throughout Switzerland – including nicotine products without tobacco.

Sources

Discover now: ZYN nicotine pouches · VELO nicotine pouches

Note: this article is for information only and does not replace personal advice. Details on strengths and prices may change. Nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is addictive.