ZYN Strength Guide - How to Choose Your Strength
Author : Louise Johnson
Published: -
Updated on:
ZYN
View All ZYN
4.3★★★★★(293)
What Strengths of ZYN are Available?
ZYN offers a versatile nicotine strength range suitable for users seeking subtle to moderate intensity. You’ll find strengths from a gentle 3 mg per pouch to a firmer 11 mg, depending on the flavour and format. It’s not the go-to brand for extreme strength seekers, but it delivers a clean, controlled experience that many users prefer for its balance and consistency.
If you're looking for ultra-high strength (20 mg+), you'd be better off exploring brands like Cuba, Pablo, or Iceberg. But for day-to-day use with a focus on comfort, ZYN is a top contender.
In short, ZYN is the perfect brand if you’re after mild to medium strength with smooth, well-engineered delivery and fresh, modern flavours.
What Do the Dots on ZYN Mean? ZYN Dot Meaning
ZYN uses a dot system to help users identify pouch strength at a glance:
Keep in mind: the format of the pouch (Mini or Slim) also plays a role in perceived strength.
See the table below to understand ZYN strength dots and ZYN mg levels.
| Format | Dots | Strength / Pouch | Wombat Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 1/4 | 1.5mg | Light |
| Mini | 2/4 | 3mg | Regular |
| Slim | 2/4 | 6mg | Regular |
| Slim | 3/4 | 9mg | Strong |
| Slim | 4/4 | 11mg | Extra Strong |
| Slim | 5/5 | 12.5mg | Extra Strong |
Note: ZYN’s dot system accounts for both the pouch size and the mg of nicotine. A 3 mg Mini pouch might have the same impact as a 6 mg Slim pouch, due to a higher concentration in a smaller pouch.
Nicotine Strength: The Breakdown
Nicotine strength isn’t just about the number printed on the can. While the milligram count gives a general idea of potency, it doesn’t tell the whole story. In reality, several other factors influence how your body absorbs nicotine and how intense the experience feels.
Each pouch has its own unique “release profile”, a combination of elements that affect how quickly the nicotine kicks in, how strong it feels, and how long the nicotine lasts. From the type of nicotine used to flavour, moisture, pH level, and even how the pouch is made, all of these play a major role in shaping your experience.
Let’s break it down.
1. Nicotine Type
There are two main types of nicotine used in pouches:
- Freebase nicotine – Absorbs slowly, feels harsher on the gums. You'll mostly find this in older, more traditional pouches.
- Nicotine salts – Smoother, faster-acting, and easier for your body to absorb. Most modern pouches (like ZYN) use this type to deliver a strong impact without bumping up the mg.
2. The Flavour
Cool flavours like Mint or Menthol create a refreshing, tingling sensation. This “cool kick” tricks your brain into feeling the pouch is stronger than it is.
For example, a ZYN Cool Mint 6 mg may feel more intense than a ZYN Citrus 9 mg, purely due to the cooling effect.
This is why minty ZYN flavours are so popular, they deliver sharpness without needing a higher dose.
3. The Moisture
ZYN pouches are typically drier than other contenders on the market, which means:
- Slower nicotine release
- Longer-lasting flavour
-
Minimal drip (great for discreet use)
Compared to wetter pouches, ZYN may feel less intense at first, but the experience is more consistent over time.
4. PH Level
You won’t find pH printed on the label, but it matters.
- Higher pH = faster nicotine absorption = stronger kick
-
Lower pH = smoother delivery but less punch
ZYN fine-tunes its pH for balance, strong enough to satisfy, but smooth enough to stay comfortable.
5. Production Style
ZYN pouches are firm and dry, made with uniform filling for a consistent, gradual release. This contrasts with brands like VELO, which coat nicotine on the outside for a faster effect.
Which Strength of Nicotine Pouch Should I Choose?
Choosing the right nicotine strength is all about what feels right for you. Each pouch brand has its own way of showing strength: some use a mg number, others use dots, bars, or labels like “Strong” or “Extra Strong.”
But heads up: these aren’t universal.
- For example, 3 / 4 dots in Northern Spirit means 9 mg, but in CLEW it means 15 mg.
- One brand’s “Extra Strong” might be 15 mg, while another’s could be 33 mg.
That’s why we always recommend checking the mg of nicotine per pouch when comparing products on our site. It’s the best way to know what you’re getting.
As ZYN offers 4 strengths, here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:
-
Mellow (3 mg)
Great for beginners, casual users, or anyone looking for a mild hit. -
Light (6 mg)
Smooth and easy-going — a balanced option with a gentle effect. -
Regular (9 mg)
A solid middle ground for returning users or those wanting more kick. -
Strong (11+ mg)
Made for experienced users who want a more intense nicotine effect.
| Brand | Number of Strength Options | Lowest Strength | Highest Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZYN | 4 | 3mg | 11mg |
| Velo | 6 | 4mg | 17mg |
| Zyn | 5 | 3mg | 11mg |
| Killa | 3 | 8mg | 13.2mg |
| Cuba | 2 | 16mg | 43mg |
| Clew | 3 | 5mg | 20mg |
ZYN Expert Review
Louise is a product tester at Two Wombats. She has a lot of experience testing different nicotine products like gum, patches, and pouches. She has tested every brand on our website. so she is the queen of comparing flavours, strengths, and formulas. Plus, she is passionate about helping people make informed decisions about the products they use.
Louise compared different brands with the same strengths to see how formula and strength collide to make changes in user experience.
After trying both ZYN Citrus 6mg and KLAR Citrus 6mg, I found their flavour and strength quite similar, both offer a bright, zesty citrus taste with a moderate 6mg nicotine kick. I did find the flavour on the Klar pouch to be a bit stronger and more pronounced.
What sets them apart is the nicotine delivery. KLAR hits faster and harder, thanks to its bioceramic tech, it feels intense almost immediately, making it ideal if you want a faster effect. ZYN, on the other hand, delivers more gradually. The effect builds smoothly and stays steady, which makes it feel more balanced over time.
ZYN’s pouch also felt more comfortable for longer, with better flavour and moisture retention.
In summary: KLAR is punchier and faster, while ZYN is smoother and longer-lasting.
Now it's time for ZYN Spearmint 6.5mg and Clew Spearmint 5mg. I found them quite similar in flavour, both offer a sweet, refreshing mint profile, but they differ in nicotine delivery and overall experience.
ZYN Spearmint 6.5mg provides a smooth, gradually building nicotine release. The pouches are slim and discreet, with a comfortable fit under the lip. The flavour is sweet and gum-like, lasting around 20–30 minutes.
Clew Spearmint 5mg delivers a quicker nicotine hit, with a moist pouch design that reduces the break-in period. The flavour is cool and slightly herbal, lasting up to 45 minutes.
In summary: ZYN offers a smoother, longer-lasting experience, while Clew provides a faster nicotine release with a more intense initial sensation.
After trying both ZYN Black Cherry 6mg and R4VE Merry Cherry 5mg, I found them to be different in flavour, both deliver a sweet cherry profile but the ZYN is a more natural cherry flavour while Rave is a bit more artificial.
ZYN Black Cherry 6mg provides a smooth, gradually building nicotine release. The pouches are slim, dry, and discreet, with a soft fit under the lip. The flavour leans toward natural black cherry, mildly sweet, slightly tart, and less candy-like than other options. The effect builds steadily and lingers for a longer-lasting, balanced experience.
R4VE Merry Cherry 5mg delivers a quicker nicotine hit, thanks to its moist pouch design. The flavour is brighter and more artificial, reminiscent of cherry candy or soda. The nicotine comes on fast, making it more punchy and energising, though it may fade a bit quicker compared to ZYN.
In summary: ZYN offers a more natural, smoother, and sustained cherry experience, while R4VE gives a faster, bolder, and sweeter kick.
Customer Feedback Summary
Nicotine Strengths
ZYN is popular with light to moderate users. Most start with 6 mg, while more experienced users favour 9 mg or 11 mg. Heavy smokers may still opt for brands like VELO or Killa for a stronger nicotine experience.
Flavour & Feel
ZYN’s minty options (Cool Mint, Spearmint) are praised for their clean, refreshing sensation. Fruity flavours like Citrus or Espresso offer a smoother, more relaxed feel.
Pouch Quality
Users appreciate ZYN's firm, low-drip pouches that stay comfortable under the lip. Some find them a bit dry, but that’s what makes them ideal for discreet, long-lasting use.
Nicotine Pouches vs. Vaping vs. Smoking
Many people turn to nicotine pouches as a way to quit smoking or vaping. Products like ZYN are becoming a popular alternative because they deliver nicotine without harming the lungs, making the transition away from cigarettes or vapes easier and safer.
Nicotine pouches work by delivering nicotine through the gums, and the rate of absorption varies across products. Here's how they compare:
- Cigarettes: Contain 10–12 mg of nicotine, but only about 1–2 mg is absorbed through the lungs per cigarette.
- Vapes: Provide around 1 mg of nicotine per 10 puffs, depending on the device and liquid strength.
- ZYN pouches: Deliver a steady 2–3 mg of nicotine per pouch, absorbed slowly through the mouth lining.
This slow-release format provides a smoother, more controlled nicotine experience, without smoke, vapor, or lung exposure.
Want to learn more about how nicotine pouches can support your journey to quit smoking? Read our full blog.
Conclusion
Ultimately, ZYN holds its own in the mid-strength crowd and is often seen as a great starting point for pouch users. It delivers a smooth and steady nicotine that's perfect for those who prefer something milder and longer-lasting.
Heavier users may switch to stronger brands like VELO or high-nicotine options like Pablo or Killa. However, many are happy to stick with ZYN.
It may not pack the biggest punch, but it performs well and has great flavours. This has earned it a loyal fan base. Many users appreciate a nicotine pouch that is “gentle yet satisfying” instead of too strong.
Want to learn more about pouches or learn tips from experienced users? Check out our reviews, flavour guides, and blogs on Two Wombats.