The Best Unflavored Nicotine Pouches
The year 2024 has been an important one for nicotine alternatives. This spring we had the ZYNsurrection. This was one some of the first politically motivated organized resistance against the nicotine prohibitionists along libertarian lines. Anti-nicotine zealots have been hell bent on denying adult nicotine consumers access to the flavored but non-combustible products that the vast majority prefer. It was inevitable they'd eventually strike a nerve with the opposition part.
This was followed by surging ZYN sales and the ZYN shortage. We have also seen several studies prove that flavor bans increase cigarette sales, the inevitable result of misguided public health policies.
Meanwhile, the CDC's own data has shown that vaping rates among youth have hit 10-year lows and that nicotine pouch use is negligible among minors. All of this science in favor of combustible tobacco alternatives has naturally been met in California by a ban on flavored alternative nicotine products. If this sounds like crying wolf, check out our feature for more information: Flavored Nicotine Faces Extinction With Uncompromising New Laws.
Nicotine Pouches
There was also the Great ZYN Pouches shortage this summer, where adult nicotine pouch users had a chance to try the best ZYN alternatives. Mi-Pod's nicotine pouches collection has many great options.
The reviewers personal favorite of the many sampled has been Zimo. Zimo boasts a water-free, semi-dry formula. This innovative approach ensures a consistent release of nicotine.
Unflavored Nicotine Pouches
The federal government’s own surveys show alternative nicotine products are being primarily consumed by adults and tobacco use has plunged as a result. This should come as no surprise that there are some high-quality nicotine pouch products on the market.
What they all have in common is they contain no tobacco-leaf, come in a variety of nicotine strengths, and utilize nicotine salt. They are intended for adult use and marketed exclusively to adult users.
Unfortunately, California and several other states have not gotten memo. After our product reviews, we have included the latest studies and research. Sweden for example is now considered the first smoke-free country and this was largely accomplished on the back of oral nicotine products.
Original Zimo
There are a lot of great nicotine pouch products on the market, but the Zimo Nicotine Pouches Collection has consistently stood out when compared to other brands. The key is the water-free semi-dry formula, which positions it uniquely to compete with ZYN.
Zimo led the list of top nicotine pouches of 2024. Zimo Original has no flavorings and has no cooling elements so that it is California-compliant. This makes it akin to ZYN Smooth rather than ZYN Chill. Our feature article on the Top Ten Reasons to Choose Zimo over ZYN helps outline some differentiators that make Zimo such a viable option for fans of the currently dominating PMI pouch brand.
It has a silky mouthfeel, with only the sweetness of the synthetic nicotine and pH adjusters providing anything resembling a detectable flavor. It retains a nice bit though when parked under the lip and gum. The release is smooth and potent. Sold in cans of 20, versus 15 with ZYN, it is a better deal by far. The peak nicotine strength is 8mg, which is also more potent than anything in the ZYN lineup.
ZIMO Nicotine Pouches Specifications
- Nicotine Level: 3mg/6mg/8mg Nicotine Per Pouch
- Pouches per Can: 20
Zimo Original Pros and Cons
Pros: Water-free nicotine formula provides a silken mouthfeel without harshness and provides steady absorption. Just enough sweetness released by nicotine to provide a mild and satisfying experience.
Cons: Lacks the higher strength options to compete with some of the heavier hitting products. No flavor-free option with only cooling elements to compete with ZYN Chill.
ZYN Smooth
ZYN Smooth is designed for nicotine enjoyment. In theory it is flavorless, but there is a hint of sweetness. ZYN, manufactured by Big Tobacco subsidiary Swedish Match, is the most popular nicotine pouch on the US market. ZYN Nicotine pouches have a rabid following and their popularity has sliced into the sale of tobacco products.
This is an interesting turn of events, as they are a product of Phillip Morris International and cigarette smoking rates continue to plunge thanks to alternatives like ZYN. For someone who wants to enjoy nicotine without ash, smoke or even vapor, it is a solid brand.
ZYN nicotine pouches are available in 3 and 6mg strength. Free of tobacco-leaf ingredients, this nicotine content is a bit lower than some rivals but that has not harmed the popularity of ZYN Pouches in the US.
The biggest draw-back of ZYN Pouches is that they are sold in cans that only contain 15 pouches, rather than the typical 20, and cost more. For adults who use nicotine daily, the combination of lower nicotine strength and fewer pouches is likely to harm the pocketbook and bank account in quick succession. That they are made by a manufacturer of cigarettes is another minus.
ZYN is clearly the big dog in this fight. But it is important to remember there are less expensive options with very similar performance.
ZYN Nicotine Pouches Specifications
- Nicotine Level: 3mg/6mg per pouch
- Pouches per Can: 15
ZYN Smooth Pros and Cons
Pros: Swedish Match hit the mark with this appealing ZYN product that has no characterizing flavors. It holds the US sales crown against tobacco industry rivals with good reason.
Cons: From the makers of Phillip Morris Cigarettes, if you are ditching smoking and cigarettes to get away from tobacco-industry, you had best look elsewhere. Cans only hold 15 pouches and limited nicotine strength options mean a lot less bang for your buck.
Sesh+ Clear
With long-lasting flavor of up to 30 minutes and an appealing selection of flavors, Sesh Pouches are available in 4, 6 and 8mg. Clear is their flavorless option and targets adult consumers looking to avoid food grade artificial flavorings. The typical hint of sweet is all you get, otherwise it is pure convenience, nicotine, and none of the harmful tobacco-leaf ingredients found in Snus. It has more kick than ZYN, but holds a consistent flavor for a prolonged period. Check out our review of Sesh Pouches for more information.
The shrewd use of moisture enhancers and a very nicely balanced selection of flavors has built a strong following of loyal Sesh users. Considering the savings available, it is worth exploring this excellent ZYN alternative.
Recent inventory issues were linked to a switch to a US manufacturing facility. With this supply limit resolved, expect US-made Sesh pouches to make a strong play in the coming year.
Sesh+ Nicotine Pouches Specifications
- Nicotine Level: 4mg/6mg/8mg Nicotine Per Pouch
- Pouches per Can: 20
Sesh+ Clear Pros and Cons
Pros: Have switched to a US manufacturing facility. A very solid and reasonable combination of longevity and smoothness. Strong price point.
Cons: Haven't quite managed to discover the total balance of flavor, absorption, longevity, and satisfaction achieved by Zimo and ZYN.
ZYN Chill
While ZYN Smooth should be the focus for flavor ban states, they have the legal firepower to also have a slightly chilled but otherwise flavorless pouch flavor called ZYN Chill. While the marketing heavily targets men rather than women, the ZYN Chill has universal appeal with chill notes and not a hint of sweeteners. Marketed to adults, it would be nice if this icy flavor is still allowed to deliver nicotine enjoyment in flavor ban areas starting in 2025.
It is likely that the negative attention garnered by nicotine pouches in the media, specifically targeted by Democratic Senators who also oppose vaping, will make availability an uphill battle. It may contain no additional flavors but "chill" but restrictions like the flavor ban in California are intended to harm ZYN chill sales.
ZYN Chill Pros and Cons
Pros: An icy option that purports to be flavorless will give adult consumers another option in flavor ban areas. The predictable ZYN experience is what many nicotine pouch users are familiar with. Use of nic salts gives ZYN a big edge of On!
Cons: Is it unflavored? Buying ZYN means paying the folks who sold smoking for a century. Limited nicotine options and potency.
On! Original
On! is made by Helix Innovations LLC, a subsidiary of Altria. Better known as a manufacturer of tobacco products that lobbies heavily to ban vaping competitors, their pouch product as ZYN's number in Europe but is at risk of being buried in the US. Despite their advertising budget and distribution, On! is a consistent also-ran in sales. All for the FDA and their failed PMTA scheme when it comes to banning e-liquids, they are eager to circumvent regulations with an unflavored nicotine pouch. Whether they are playing with fire and will also be banned remains to be seen.
On! Original is the direct competitor to ZYN Smooth. Unfortunately, ZYN is the smoother and more consistent product. Despite having more nicotine strength options, it seems to lag in the satisfaction department as well. Zimo and Sesh have quite credible ZYN alternatives, that simply lack the budget to be as well known. On! is getting lapped for a reason.
On! Nicotine Pouches Specifications
- Nicotine Level: 2mg/4mg/8mg Nicotine Per Pouch
- Pouches per Can: 20
On! Original Pros and Cons
Pros: Available everywhere, meaning you won't have problems finding it at a gas station if it is your favorite. An earnest effort to make a pouch that has no taste, only fair since they are frequently pushing flavor bans and PMTA Registry laws.
Cons: As a catalyst for PMTA laws, which seek to ban virtually all vaping products, fans of consumer choice shouldn't be too eager to help them pick up the pieces. While their European pouch is well-liked, On! is summarily destroyed by ZYN in just about every encounter in the US.
Rogue Original
Made by tobacco-giant Swisher International, Rogue Original has a slightly different approach than ZYN. Their pouches last up to an hour and retain dryness longer. It is an acquired taste, as the flavor itself is correspondingly stronger at first as well. They have a nicotine strength selection of 3mg and 6mg.
There is something to be said for being long-lasting and packed with flavor, although the second element is skipped here. Some customers critique them for being a bit harsh on the gums. Whether these users speak for the majority, it is a larger pouch size. It still parks between the lip and gum, but the size difference is measurable.
Rogue Nicotine Pouches Specifications
- Nicotine Level: 2mg/4mg/8mg Nicotine Per Pouch
- Pouches per Can: 20
Rogue Original Pouches Pros and Cons
Pros: Bigger pouch with big flavor. Swisher's entry is somewhat unique in mouthfeel and has its own following of die-hard fans.
Cons: Lacks the characteristic moisture of the minty Rogue flavors.
Frē Sweet Nicotine Pouches
There is truth in advertising here. The pH regulators, shelf stabilizing ingredients, nicotine-soaked fillers, and nicotine itself impart a mildly sweet essence to these unflavored pouches. Whether Frē will choose to switch the name to unflavored to avoid attention, it is still a nice pouch with no added artificial notes or tastes.
What makes Frē stand out is that these pouches pack a punch. 9mg, 12mg, and 15mg are the strengths. The lowest potency version is stronger than the highest pouch for most brands!
Frē Nicotine Pouches Specifications
- Nicotine Level: 9mg/12mg/15mg Nicotine Per Pouch
- Pouches per Can: 20
Frē Sweet Pouches Pros and Cons
Pros: Much more potent formula in terms of nicotine. Mildly sweet essence is doesn't distract and blends into scenery when parked.
Cons: A bit rough for the typical pouch user used to half this amount of nicotine or less.
Unflavored Nicotine Pouches Final Thoughts
Given his druthers, the author rather prefers not to send additional money to the cigarette manufacturers and tobacco-industry that have proven so harmful to the youth of the country over the last century.
But that is an issue to be litigated elsewhere. In terms of real flavor, any pouch user will quickly find why ZYN has surged ahead of On! and Velo in the gas station nicotine business. ZYN faces a sterner test from some of the independents. Rogue is a wild card; unlike their moistened mint options the unflavored version is dry and smidge harsh. Frē is another outlier, with a heavy-handed nicotine kick that exceeds every rival.
History Made in Sweden
The biggest news regarding nicotine pouches is in Sweden, which was the first country to be declared officially smoke-free this fall. This progress has been achieved by promoting nicotine pouches and snus. Check out our blog which covers this important event, Sweden Makes History: First Officially Smoke-Free Nation.
Dr. Delon Human, leader of the Smoke Free Sweden initiative, lauded this achievement:
“This outstanding moment is a testament to the progressive policies that have guided Sweden’s approach to tobacco control. Sweden stands as a beacon of hope and proof that a pragmatic, enlightened approach can deliver sensational public health gains and save lives.”
The impact of these policies is clear: Sweden now has the lowest rate of tobacco-related diseases in the EU and 41% fewer cases of cancer compared to other European countries.
The popularity of nicotine pouches in Sweden has carried over to the US market in the form of ZYN, a product of Swedish Match. While dip and other tobacco products taken orally still contain cured tobacco, synthetic nicotine pouches are free from carcinogenic nicotine specific nitrosamines.
California Tobacco Flavor Ban
California, a state viewed as a progressive outpost, has opted not to follow the science. They will soon begin enforcing a flavor-ban on nicotine pouches. Michael Bloomberg and his well-funded lobbying group is behind this ill-timed push. If you are an adult nicotine consumer in the Golden State who thought only vaping is subject to these arbitrary restrictions, you will discover in 2025 that oral nicotine pouches are held in just as much scorn and are also on the chopping block for a total ban.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
There is plenty of misinformation afoot. For a complete overview of this class of product, check out our feature: A Complete Guide to Nicotine Pouches.
