On vs Zyn: The Ultimate Nicotine Pouch Face-Off

Introduction – ON Vs Zyn

Nicotine pouches are experiencing a rapid surge across the UK as more adults opt for discreet, spit-free alternatives to cigarettes and vaping. According to a recent study in Tobacco Control (a BMJ journal), 92 million nicotine pouch units were sold in the UK in 2022—followed by a 55% increase in sales in 2023. The study also notes that adult pouch use, which was under 0.4% in 2020–2021, doubled during that period.

Introduced just five years ago, brands like Zyn, On!, Velo, and Nordic Spirit are now leading the charge. With stronger adoption among younger men,—a group likelier to have smoked, vaped, or used nicotine replacement therapy—the nicotine pouch trend shows little sign of slowing down

The Top Zyn Flavours

Zyn Cool Mint

A true classic and one of the UK’s favourites. Zyn Cool Mint delivers a crisp, refreshing chill that’s smooth on the gums and perfect for an all-day mint hit without overpowering your taste buds.

Zyn Black Cherry

For something sweeter and more indulgent, Zyn Black Cherry is a standout. It combines a rich, fruity cherry note with a gentle tartness, giving a flavour that’s satisfying and slightly luxurious — great for when you want a change from mint.

Zyn Apple Mint

Zyn Apple Mint is a clever twist for mint fans. It balances a juicy, fresh apple taste with Zyn’s signature minty coolness, creating a light, crisp flavour that feels unique but not too sweet. A refreshing choice for everyday use.

Tip: If you like mint but want something a bit gentler, give Nordic Spirit Spearmint a spin — it’s hugely popular for a reason.

Read our comparison: Velo vs Nordic Spirit

The Top ON! Flavours

On! Spearmint

On Spearmint is an icy classic that hits quickly and stays sharp. It’s favoured by users who love a clean, powerful mint taste that feels immediately cooling under the lip, making it a reliable go-to for work or social moments.

On! Coffee

On Coffee stands out in the On! line-up for its smooth, mellow coffee taste. It’s not overpowering — instead, it offers a subtle, creamy coffee note that pairs nicely with an afternoon break or after a meal, without needing to reach for another cup.

On! Berry

For a fruity kick, On Berry delivers a sweet-tart profile that balances bright berry notes with a subtle zing. It’s an easy flavour to rotate if you want a break from mint but still crave something clean and uplifting.

On vs Zyn: Flavour & Strength Comparison

Here’s a quick at-a-glance table showing real examples of popular flavours and strengths available in the UK:

Brand	Flavour	Strength (mg per pouch)	Notes
Zyn	Cool Mint	3mg, 6mg	Smooth, crisp mint
Zyn	Black Cherry	3mg, 6mg	Sweet, tart cherry
Zyn	Citrus	3mg, 6mg	Subtle, fresh citrus
On!	Spearmint	3mg, 6mg	Sharp, frosty mint
On!	Berry	3mg, 6mg	Sweet-tart berry blend
On!	Spicy Lime	3mg, 6mg	Zesty with a hint of spice

Note: Zyn also offers higher strengths up to ~12mg in Sweden. In the UK, 3mg and 6mg are most common ones.

On Vs Zyn – Strengths Compared

Light (2–3mg) — Gentle and perfect for first-timers.
Medium (6mg) — The UK’s most popular strength for regular users.
High (9–12mg) — Zyn occasionally releases higher strength pouches abroad; UK buyers stick mostly to medium.

Velo, another UK favourite, slots in well for those who want a similar nicotine hit but with a slightly different pouch texture and style.

Read our comparison: Zyn vs Velo

On Vs Zyn – Comfort & Discretion

Zyn’s dry, slim pouches mean no drips — ideal for the office, train rides, or nights out.

On! is even more discreet: the mini format almost vanishes under your lip. The On! Plus line features Flex Technology that moulds smoothly to your gums.

Fun fact: If you love ultra-slim pouches, XQS is a Scandinavian brand now making waves in the UK for its soft texture and gentle mouthfeel.

Read our guide: XQS UK – The Top Flavors To Try

On Vs Zyn – Ingredients & Sustainability

Both brands are 100% tobacco-free. Zyn nudges ahead with more recyclable packaging and a push towards lower-impact production. On! is catching up, but not quite there yet.

Other Nicotine Pouch Brands in the UK

If you’re exploring nicotine pouches in the UK, it’s worth knowing the standout brands trusted by thousands of pouch fans across Britain. Each one brings something unique to the table — whether you’re after icy mint, fruity twists, or a smooth all-day pouch.

🔝 Velo

Velo Nicotine Pouches has built a huge UK fanbase for its straightforward, refreshing mint blends and reliable pouch feel. Flavours like Freeze and Ice Cool are staples for mint lovers who want a fresh, invigorating hit anytime.

🔝 Nordic Spirit

Nordic Spirit combines soft, comfortable pouches with gentle yet satisfying flavours. Spearmint and Bergamot Wildberry are top picks for UK users who prefer a mild but steady nicotine experience.

🔝 Pablo

Pablo Snus stands out for delivering extra-strong pouches — not for beginners! Fans love its intense mint and icy flavours when they want a stronger nicotine kick. Always handle Pablo pouches responsibly.

🔝 Swag

Swag is an up-and-coming name making waves with trendy flavours and a smooth pouch texture. It’s a solid pick if you like to mix things up and try something different alongside the big brands.

🔝 White Gold

White Gold nicotine pouches has earned attention for its premium, clean-tasting pouches and well-balanced flavours. It’s ideal for pouch users who want a refined feel with satisfying strengths — definitely worth trying if you appreciate quality and subtle flavour profiles.

Conclusion – On Vs Zyn

Choosing between On! and Zyn pouches isn’t just about picking a flavour — it’s about finding the pouch that fits your day-to-day life, your taste, and the way you like to enjoy nicotine, discreetly and on your own terms.

For many UK pouch fans, On! stands out thanks to its compact mini pouches, which are easy to hide under the lip and comfortable to wear for hours. The variety of mint, citrus, berry and even spicy twists means there’s always something different to try, especially if you like a crisp, direct kick and a pouch that stays neat and subtle at work, on a commute, or out with friends.

Zyn, meanwhile, wins over users who want a smooth, well-balanced taste that feels refined and reliable. Flavours like Cool Mint, Black Cherry, and Espressino are known for their clean profile and consistent experience — with a dry pouch texture that reduces drip and stays comfortable for longer. Many appreciate that Zyn continues to invest in recyclable packaging and sustainability, making it a thoughtful choice for the environment-conscious too.