ALP vs ZYN – Which Nicotine Pouches

Introduction

The nicotine pouch market has grown rapidly in recent years, with millions of adult users across the UK and Europe now turning to pouches as a discreet, tobacco-free option. According to Statista, Philip Morris International—the company behind ZYN—has shipped hundreds of millions of cans globally, reflecting the surge in popularity.

But ZYN isn’t the only name in the game. Newer entrants like ALP Nicotine Pouches, backed by Tucker Carlson in the U.S., are starting to appear in European conversations. Add to that brands like VELO, White Gold, Helwit, and Nordic Spirit, and UK pouch users are spoilt for choice.

This article takes a closer look at ALP vs ZYN in detail—strengths, flavours, formats, and who each is for—while also exploring how other brands fit into the picture.

Alp vs ZYN

ALP vs ZYN at a Glance

On the surface, ALP and ZYN are similar: both are tobacco-free nicotine pouches that sit discreetly under the lip, delivering nicotine without smoke, vapour, or spit. But when you break down their strengths, flavours, and market presence, the differences become clearer.

  • ZYN is the established leader, with global recognition, a wide range of flavours, and a reputation for consistent quality.

  • ALP, in contrast, is a challenger brand. Its identity revolves around higher strength options and bolder mint/wintergreen profiles, positioning it between ZYN’s mainstream appeal and VELO’s extra-strong segment.

 

ALP Nicotine Pouches

ALP is a relatively new entrant to the pouch category but one that has made a name for itself quickly.

  • Strengths: 3 mg, 6 mg, 9 mg

  • Formats: Slim, discreet, with a slightly moister feel

  • Flavours: Chilled Mint, Mountain Wintergreen, Tropical Fruit, Sweet Nectar

ALP’s big differentiator is the 9 mg strength. For users who find ZYN’s 6 mg too light but don’t want to jump straight into VELO’s ultra-strong options (which can hit 15–20 mg in some products), ALP fills the gap nicely. The moister pouch design also means the nicotine releases quicker, giving a more immediate hit.

The downside? ALP is still building its UK presence. Availability is patchy compared to VELO or ZYN, which are far easier to find across shops and online retailers.

See our guide: Where to buy ZYN in UK

ZYN Nicotine Pouches

ZYN has become almost synonymous with nicotine pouches in the U.S. and is steadily carving out a market in the UK as well.

  • Strengths: 3 mg and 6 mg

  • Formats: Mini Dry and Slim

  • Flavours: Black Cherry, Citrus, Apple, Cool Mint, Coffee, and many more

ZYN’s biggest advantage is variety. From fruity favourites like Black Cherry—which has developed almost cult status—to refreshing options like Citrus and Apple, ZYN caters to a wide spectrum of taste preferences.

Another strength of ZYN is consistency. The pouches are typically drier than ALP, which gives a steady, low-drip release. This makes them predictable and easy to use for longer sessions.

VELO and the Stronger Tier

No discussion of nicotine pouches in the UK would be complete without mentioning VELO. Backed by British American Tobacco, VELO dominates the UK market in terms of visibility and availability. You’ll find it in supermarkets, petrol stations, corner shops, and virtually every online retailer.

What makes VELO stand out is the range of strengths. While ZYN tops out at 6 mg and ALP at 9 mg, VELO stretches all the way up into double digits. Products like VELO Freeze X-Strong or VELO Ice Cool can range anywhere from 10 mg to 17 mg per pouch depending on the market.

Flavour-wise, VELO leans heavily into peppermint, menthol, and cooling profiles, offering a sharp, icy experience. It’s the go-to brand for users looking for something extra intense.

Read our guide: ZYN Vs VELO

White Gold, Helwit, and Nordic Spirit

While ALP, ZYN, and VELO dominate the discussion, other brands are carving their own niches in the UK pouch scene:

  • White Gold: A brand gaining popularity for its bold strength levels and premium feel. White Gold often pushes into higher mg territories, appealing to users who want something strong but not overwhelming. It’s particularly popular among those who’ve already tried VELO’s upper range and are looking for alternatives.

  • Helwit: A Swedish brand known for its environmentally conscious approach. Helwit offers more creative flavours like Blueberry and Violet, making it a refreshing alternative for users tired of endless mint variations.

  • Nordic Spirit: Owned by Japan Tobacco International, Nordic Spirit has been a mainstream option in the UK for a while. It sits closer to ZYN in strength and style, offering fruit and mint blends at approachable mg levels.

Read our guide: Discover Helwit Nic Pouches

Flavours and Strengths Compared

Flavour Profiles

  • ZYN: Wide-ranging, with fruit-forward options like Black Cherry and Citrus leading the way.

  • ALP: Mint and wintergreen heavy, with occasional fruit flavours in rotation.

  • VELO: Peppermint, menthol, and icy profiles dominate.

  • White Gold: Stronger, classic flavours designed for bold experiences.

  • Helwit: Unique and lighter, with creative flavours.

  • Nordic Spirit: Balanced, fruit and mint, widely accessible.

Strength Range

  • ZYN: 3 mg, 6 mg

  • ALP: 3 mg, 6 mg, 9 mg

  • VELO: 4 mg to 17 mg (depending on SKU)

  • White Gold: High-strength focus (often above 10 mg)

  • Helwit: Moderate strength, designed for lighter use

  • Nordic Spirit: 3 mg to 9 mg, accessible to most users

Choosing Between ALP and ZYN

So, how do you decide?

  • If you want flavour variety and predictability, ZYN is the safest bet. Its flavours like Black Cherry have become modern staples.

  • If you want a bit more kick without venturing into ultra-strong territory, ALP’s 9 mg offerings are ideal.

  • If you’re chasing the strongest possible hit, VELO and White Gold are better suited.

  • If you want unique or eco-friendly flavours, Helwit delivers something different.

  • If you want a balanced middle ground, Nordic Spirit remains a solid everyday choice.

Snus and Vaping in Context

For context, it’s worth noting how these compare to other nicotine products:

  • Snus: Unlike pouches, snus contains actual tobacco. It’s legal in Sweden but banned for sale in most of the EU, including the UK. Some consumers import it privately, but for most UK pouch users, nicotine pouches have replaced what snus used to offer.

  • Vaping: A completely different experience involving inhalation. While vaping has a wide variety of flavours and device styles, it’s less discreet than pouches and comes with different regulations and social acceptance.

Nicotine pouches like ALP, ZYN, VELO, and others fill the space in between: discreet, smoke-free, and available in a growing range of strengths and flavours.

Summary

  • ZYN: A global leader, known for consistent 3 mg and 6 mg strengths, plus iconic flavours like Black Cherry.

  • ALP: A newer player, offering 3 mg, 6 mg, and 9 mg strengths with mint-forward flavours and faster release.

  • VELO: The UK heavyweight, with availability everywhere and extra-strong options reaching 17 mg.

  • White Gold: A rising brand, catering to those seeking strong but premium-feeling pouches.

  • Helwit: Creative, lighter flavours with a sustainability angle.

  • Nordic Spirit: Balanced, accessible, and mainstream.

Ultimately, the choice depends on flavour preference, strength tolerance, and availability. For many UK users, the journey starts with ZYN or Nordic Spirit, experiments with ALP or Helwit, and eventually explores the higher strengths of VELO or White Gold Nicotine Pouches.