Nicotine Pouches

Compared to the argy bargy world of vaping, which faces continued attacks despite youth vaping rates at a ten year, the universe of nicotine pouches seems calm. There is no arms race between flavor disposable vapes with LED screens. Instead, customer decisions are made at the margins based on the most subtle of differences. Nicotine pouches are a tobacco-free nicotine product which consists of a filler made of plant material soaked in synthetic nicotine salts. There are some other shelf stabilizing, pH balancing and moisture controlling ingredients but that is it. 

Despite what would seem to be a very limited number of variables, there is no question that ZYN has lapped the field in sales, with an array of mild yet compelling flavor options. On!, Velo, and other tobacco industry rivals have consistently fallen short at the gas station counter.

But what if you are an adult nicotine consumer who does not want to pay a premium for a Big Tobacco product that at least on paper has few advantages over any number of credible independent rivals. Or are a long-time tobacco user unwilling to give any more money to companies that seek to create an oligopoly of several massive nicotine-selling conglomerates. 

Then it just becomes a matter of matching your favorite ZYN flavor with the best alternative. Mi-Pod's nicotine pouches collection has several great options in terms of nicotine strength, flavor, longevity, mouthfeel, and release speed. 

Citrus ZYN Review

If you are an adult who uses nicotine pouches, chances are that you have encountered Citrus ZYN. While not a polarizing flavor, it is a somewhat more assertive approach tobacco-free nicotine pouch flavor than the usual suspects of Wintergreen, Spearmint, Cool Mint, the ice only Smooth and the nearly flavorless Chill ZYN.

The Citrus ZYN flavor manages to be somewhat muted yet consistently deliver a slightly tart lemon flavor with a hint of line. Naturally, the flavor itself is not natural but more closely resembles a hard lemon confection than fruit you would pull off a tree.

Available in 3 and 6mg strength, ZYN comes in cans of fifteen. Their legion of fans swears by the steady and slow release that their slim and dryer pouch design provides versus Velo. This more subdued and satisfying experience makes ZYN an appealing "all-day" pouch. With up to 45 minutes of flavor release, it provides a tarter experience than fans of cool flavored nicotine pouches deliver but doesn't feel or taste overly caustic.

Citrus ZYN Specifications

• Nicotine Level: 3mg and 6mg
• Can QTY: 15 nicotine pouches per can
• Plant Fiber Pouches
• Extended, long-lasting nicotine release
• Manufactured by Swedish Match (Phillip Morris Subsidiary)

Best Citrus ZYN Alternatives

We have found a pair of very worthy competitors to the Citrus ZYN. The respective manufacturers are Ammo Nicotine Pouches and Zimo Pouches. It is amazing how much variety one finds in a synthetic nicotine pouch loaded up with artificial lemon flavors, yet here we are.

Citrus Ammo Nicotine Pouches

Ammo Nicotine Pouches stand out in a crowded field. They position themselves as a premium product, also being sold in 15 pouches per can like ZYN rather than the typical 20 nicotine pouch quantity offered by most other competitors. Check out the Ammo Pouches collection at Mi-Pod. They have several ZYN alternative flavors, although it could be argued that they are the front runner in terms of flavor and potency in this matchup.

Citrus Ammo Nicotine Pouches Specifications

• Nicotine Level: 9mg (Standard), 12mg (Strong) or 15mg (Magnum) per pouch
• Can QTY: 15 nicotine pouches per can
• Patented Coconut-Fiber Pouch Technology
• Extended, long-lasting nicotine release
• Assembled in the USA

Coconut Fiber Filler

The distinguishing feature of Ammo Nicotine Pouches is the use of coconut fiber technology. This apparently adds price compared to the usual non-woven cotton. Coconut fiber-based filler provides a smooth, consistent nicotine release and long-lasting flavor delivery, offering a nearly unparalleled experience.

Extended-Release Formula

The combination of filler and nicotine in AMMO utilizes a proprietary approach to nicotine delivery that allows for an immediate release but also extends the longevity of the flavor itself for an additional 30 minutes.

Ammo Pouches Pros and Cons

Pros: The coconut fiber filler is pretty awesome. Very long lasting, exceedingly potent, and great flavor. 

Cons: Priced like a premium product with 15 pouches per can. Extremely high nicotine strengths compared to ZYN or Zimo with no lower strength options. 

Citrus Ammo Nicotine Pouch Flavor Review

There are no 15-minute duds or gum shredding misfires in the Ammo lineup. Their take on Citrus is a winner. It was still solid almost an hour in, matching ZYN. With strengths of 9, 12 and 15mg, there may only be 15 pouches per can, but you can get away with using fewer and still enjoying the same level of satisfaction. This flavor is zestier and sharper than ZYN, making it a great Citrus ZYN alternative. A lower strength option would be nice, but as a value proposition it is impossible to ignore that the Magnum Strength Ammo Nicotine Pouches have 5x the potency per can as a the 3mg ZYN. These strengths might be a bit stiff for some users and aren't exactly conducive to lowering nic intake, however.

Zimo Pouches Lemon

With nicotine strength options of 3, 6 and 8mg, Lemon Zimo splits the difference between the possibly overly explosive Ammo Nicotine Pouches and the steady competency of the defending champion Citrus ZYN.

There are clearly a lot of excellent and mediocre nicotine pouches on the market currently. Many are presented similarly with anodyne names (Ammo being an obvious session) and it can be tough to know which ones are a great ZYN alternative and which ones are just average. Zimo is not another face in the crowd and their nicotine pouches product is outstanding.

Lemon Zimo Nicotine Pouches Specifications

• Nicotine Level: 3, 6, 8mg
• Can QTY: 20 nicotine pouches per can
• Premium Non-Woven Cotton Pouches
• Water-Free Semi-Dry Formula
• Extended, long-lasting nicotine release
• Pharmaceutical Grade Nicotine

Water-Free, Semi-Dry Formula

Zimo’s semi-dry, water-free formula delivers consistent flavor and nicotine without the mess or discomfort of traditional pouches, offering a clean, convenient experience anywhere. The long-lasting flavor of ZYN was used as a benchmark to match and exceed.

Slim Style for Discreet Use

Zimo pouches offer a discreet and comfortable way to enjoy nicotine, with a sleek design that fits easily under your lip. Perfect for any setting—work, social events, or on the go.

Premium Non-Woven Cotton

Zimo pouches use premium, non-woven cotton from the UK for a soft, comfortable, and gentle experience, ensuring no gum irritation.

Imported UK Flavoring

Zimo offers six delicious flavors; the Lemon Zimo took a while to appear but is well worth the wait.

Leak-Proof Design

Zimo pouches are 100% leak-proof, ensuring your nicotine stays in place for a clean, hassle-free experience with no loose filling.

Pharmaceutical-Grade Nicotine

Zimo pouches use pharmaceutical-grade nicotine for a pure and consistent experience. Available in 3mg, 6mg, and 8mg, they prioritize safety and satisfaction with every use.

Pros and Cons Zimo Pouches 

Pros: Very steady release of nicotine, nice blend of strengths with great taste. Excellent mouthfeel. 

Cons: With a name that starts with "Z", blends into the background a bit when the dominant opponent that also sports "Z" in its name. Doesn't have an answer for the 15mg Magnum strength ammo. 

Lemon Zimo Review

Zimo is not a 1-to-1 clone of ZYN. While not idiosyncratic it does have a slightly different mouthfeel and is initially a smidge dryer. Yet the flavor itself is spot on. The lemony notes burst forth and stick around for the whole ride. The nicotine release has an initial kick and then is as slow as advertised. At a lower price point, the experience is equivalent to a ZYN and in the author's opinion superior. The flavor manages to be engaging and sharp without acidic. The lemon flavor does not translate into unpleasant savagery on the gums. Zimo is a brilliant Citrus ZYN alternative that you will not want to miss.

Our Verdict

In terms of the best Citrus ZYN alternative, Zimo is the winner. It is similar enough and what makes it unique also makes it potentially better.

What Zimo does not have are heavy hitting options of the Ammo Nicotine pouch design. If you are looking for more kick and uniquely premium experience, the Ammo Citrus Pouch might be the most explosive and delightful nicotine pouch on the market. It takes the ZYN experience to the next level, with far more strength on tap, tons of flavor, and a pleasant coconut fiber pouch design.

One to one, the strongest Zimo versus the least potent Ammo, it is a much closer contest though and we give the nod Zimo.