ZYN is the best nicotine pouch brand in the US, while Nordic Spirit is a classical brand from the UK. There have been some comparisons between ZYN and Nordic Spirit recently. However, most of these fail to factor in cost, flavor ranges, and real experiences.
I smelled, tasted, and thoroughly enjoyed both brands to find how each one was unique. In this review, I'll share all my findings, including how they felt, what you might like, and what I disliked. Here's the short version of the comparison:
- ZYN nicotine pouches have more flavor variety and quality
- ZYN nicotine pouches have more pouch formats
- Nordic Spirit pouches have classic one-dimensional flavors
- ZYN offers a wider strength range
- Nordic Spirit is 28.4% cheaper than ZYN
- ZYN pouches are more discreet and produce less drip
- ZYNs are perfect for everyone
- Nordic Spirit is only for experienced users
Table Of Contents
Overview of ZYN vs Nordic Spirit
Here's a brief comparison of Nordic Spirit and ZYN to put things into perspective:
| Aspect | ZYN Nicotine Pouches | Nordic Spirit Pouches |
| Parent Company | Swedish Match | Japan Tobacco International |
| Established In | 2022 | 2018 |
| Founding Country | Sweden | Sweden |
| Contains Tobacco? | No | No |
| Range of Strengths | 3 to 17 mg per pouch | 6, 9, and 11 mg per pouch |
| Range of Flavors | 15 to 20 Flavors | 7 Flavors |
| Pouch Formats | Mini and Slim Format | Slim Format |
| Base Price Per Can | $5.99 Per Can | $4.29 Per Can |
| Best For | Everyone | Classic flavor lovers |
History of Nordic Spirit and ZYN
As of 2025, ZYN is the most popular nicotine pouch brands in the US, followed by VELO. Swedish Match owns ZYN nicotine pouches and Phillip Morris International acquired the company including ZYN in November 2022. In 2025, ZYN became the only FDA authorized nicotine pouch brand in the US.
Nordic Spirit is also a Swedish brand, owned by Japan Tobacco International (JTI). The brand was established in 2018, but failed to gain a foothold in the US. Currently Nordic Spirit pouches are popular in Sweden and the UK.
ZYN vs Nordic Spirit Ingredients
Nordic Spirit and ZYN ingredients do not have any major differences other than flavorings. Both pouches contain tobacco-free nicotine, fillers, pH stabilizers, preservatives, and water. However, the concentration of these ingredients varies across both products.
ZYN nicotine pouches, particularly the mini dry formats, have low moisture. This low moisture reduces drip production compared to Nordic Spirit. Apart from this, ZYN and Nordic Spirit use different flavorings.
Nordic Spirit vs ZYN Flavors
ZYN offers more flavors that range from classics mint, to fruity renditions like ZYN black cherry. Currently, ZYN has over 20 riveting flavors, excluding some extra region-specific flavors like Wintry Watermelon.
Nordic Spirit has more one-dimensional flavors, making it perfect for classic snus or tobacco lovers. You'll love Nordic Spirit if you enjoy flavors like elderflower, mint, wildberry, or melons.
Here is a list to help you compare flavors between ZYN and Nordic Spirit:
| Aspect | ZYN Flavor | Nordic Spirit Flavor |
| Apple | ZYN Apple Mint | None |
| Mint | ZYN Cool Mint, ZYN Cool Frost | |
| Citrus | ZYN Mini Dry Citrus | None |
| Exotic Fruits | ZYN Bellini | Nordic Spirit Tropical Mix |
| Lemon | ZYN Lemon Spritz | None |
| Raspberry | ZYN Red Fruits | Nordic Spirit Raspberry |
| Sweet Mint | ZYN Gentle Mint | Nordic Spirit Sweet Mint |
| Melon | ZYN Bellini Mini Dry | Nordic Spirit Melon Fresh |
| Coffee | ZYN Mini Dry Coffee | None |
| Blackcurrant | ZYN Blackcurrant | None |
| Licorice | ZYN Violet Licorice | None |
| Berries | ZYN Red Fruits | Nordic Spirit Frosty Berries |
| Cucumber | ZYN Cucumber Lime | None |
| Spearmint | ZYN Spearmint | None |
| Menthol | ZYN Menthol Ice | None |
Note: ZYN also offers on unique product titled ZYN Original. It's the world's first nicotine pouch, without any additional flavor. ZYN Original is for people who want a flavorless nicotine kick.
ZYN vs Nordic Spirit Strengths
ZYN offers a wider variety of nicotine strengths, ranging from 3 to 17mg per pouch. It is one of the best nicotine pouches for beginners, slightly experienced, and veteran users. I recommend it for everyone trying to quit smoking or tobacco.
Nordic Spirit lacks this strength diversity because it only offers strengths between 6 and 11mg per pouch. While this is good enough for most experienced users, it also alienates most new nicotine pouch users.
Inexperienced users who use Nordic Spirit might experience symptoms of a nicotine overdose. I do not recommend this brand for novices who are occasional smokers or complete newbies.
Nordic Spirit vs ZYN Formats
Nordic Spirit only offers slim-format pouches, while ZYN offers slim and mini dry pouches. For reference:
- Slim pouches are usually 34 mm long and 14 mm wide
- Mini dry pouches are 28 mm long and 13 mm wide
The extra format makes ZYN more usable, especially for everyday office workers. These pouches are easier to conceal because of their small size. I keep a can of ZYN mini for outdoor activities and a ZYN slim for indoor lounging.
User Experience of ZYN & Nordic Spirit
ZYNs offer a better experience due to their perfect moisture levels and pouch formats. The brand offers two different formats, both of which fit comfortably under your upper lip. ZYN has nailed the user experience, with a strong, consistent, and long-lasting nicotine release.
I despise that lingering aftertaste of nicotine pouch flavors. That's why I prefer ZYN's user experience because their aftertaste is easier to wash away and forget. However, that's a personal opinion and some people enjoy that lingering flavor.
Nevertheless, what works for me won't necessarily work for everyone else. Both ZYN and Nordic Spirit offer a unique experience. I highly recommend trying both to find your vibe.
Versatility of Nordic Spirit vs ZYN Pouches
ZYN nicotine pouches are more versatile than Nordic Spirit. Nordic Spirit has only one format, a limited strength range, and high moisture. It makes Nordic Spirit pouches harder to use and less discreet compared to ZYNs.
While ZYN slim pouches are also less discreet, the brand offers an alternative in the form of mini dry pouches. You can use these pouches on a cruise, subway, plane, and just about anywhere else.
Price of ZYN vs Nordic Spirit
Nordic Spirit pouches are 28.4% cheaper than ZYN nicotine pouches. A can of VELO costs $5.99 compared to Nordic Spirit's $4.29 per can. There's a major $1.70 base price difference between the two products.
Here's an overview of the prices:
| Price Points | ZYN | Nordic Spirit |
| Price Per Can | $5.99 | $4.29 |
| Pouches Per Can | 20 | 20 |
| Price Per Pouch | $0.2995 | $0.2145 |
| Discounted 10 Pack Price | $4.49 Per Can ($44.9) | $3.86 Per Can ($38.6) |
ZYN is one of the most expensive nicotine pouch brands worldwide. However, the steep price makes sense considering its variety of flavors and superior quality. Furthermore, it's the only FDA authorized nicotine pouch, which speaks volumes for its quality.
FAQs on ZYN vs Nordic Spirit
Is 6mg ZYN too much to start?
ZYN 6mg is too strong for complete novices who have never used nicotine before. If you're a new nicotine user, go for ZYN 3mg pouches. Your body absorbs only 1.5 to 2mg of nicotine from these pouches, which is equivalent to the nicotine absorbed from a cigarette.
Does Nordic Spirit give you a buzz?
Nordic Spirit gives you a satisfying nicotine buzz because of its strong concentration and smooth release of flavor. The buzz feels like a light headed sensation in your brain with increased cognition and awareness.
Do you have to spit with ZYNs?
You do not have to spit with ZYNs, because it is tobacco, smoke, and spit-free. ZYN nicotine pouches a dry format pouch and low moisture combo to reduce spit production. Use ZYN mini dry pouches for the best spit-free experience.
Bottom Line on Nordic Spirit & ZYN Nicotine Pouches
ZYN nicotine pouches have superior flavors, strength range, formats, and quality. While Nordichave some unique flavors like mint and berries, most newbies cannot enjoy them because of the nicotine strength.
ZYN proves to be the perfect nicotine pouch brand for everyone, while Nordic Spirit is a viable alternative for former smokeless tobacco users. Nevertheless, I recommend trying both to find the right nicotine pouch for your needs.
If you don't know where to get started, try the best ZYN flavors. We offer the freshest ZYN and Nordic Spirit pouches at the best price. Add your favorite products to the cart and checkout. Find your buzz and enjoy!