The Zyn Flavour Review: Are These the Best Tasting Nic Pouches?

The nicotine strength ranges from light 1.5mg - 3mg options, medium 6mg - 9.5mg and stronger 12.5mg options.

Depending on the brand, what some may consider strong, or extra strong, others may label mild or mediumstrength. In the UK, the spectrum of nicotine strength in pouches ranges from 1.5mg to 30mg per pouch. In Zyn’s case, their ‘strong’ is a 6mg strength which generally is considered mild or a beginner level (social smoker) level. XX-Strong is a 12.5mg strength which sits about halfway between what is available.

That being said, the nicotine pouch industry could do with standardisation when it comes to grading nicotine strength on their packaging. Some brands use wording like X-Strong, others use a 5-dot visual system, and some may list the nicotine strength in total weight (mg/g) or mg per pouch. At Alternix we feel that mg per pouch is the more accurate measurement and we’ll be using that when mentioning nicotine pouch strength in this review.

For a better understanding of nicotine strength check out our article on ‘Understanding Nicotine Pouch Strength’ before you buy your first tub of nicotine pouches, it will save you money in the long run.

First impressions

Initially, I was greeted with a milky note of smooth cream, which slowly developed into a robust coffee flavour. Subtle notes of chocolate bring a good amount of sweetness and the full-bodied roasted coffee flavour is accurate and balanced. I hate having to bin a nic pouch early because the flavour is too intense, and thankfully this wasn't the case with Espressino, which provided a gradual release of sweet and creamy coffee that didn’t overwhelm me at all.

How long does the flavour take to develop?

I picked up the cream note within the first five minutes, followed by a distinctive note of coffee and sugar. The Espressino flavour peaks at around the 10 minute mark.

How long does it last for?

I used the ‘mini’ version which fit comfortably and was a pleasant change from the slim size as it is much flatter. This does however mean that the pouch lasts for up to 30 minutes. I can report though, that the flavour is consistent for the full half an hour.

Is the flavour accurate?

Yes. This tastes like coffee. My only criticism is that this is supposed to be an espresso, so I would have liked a more robust coffee note and less sweetness and cream. I would class this more as a cappuccino or latte flavour - but it's still good.

Who would like this?

Zyn Espressino will delight coffee lovers with its smoothness and rich flavour. That said, it could also win over a lot of mint users, who may find it a welcome change to the constant kick of menthol. Espressino is the obvious choice for your morning nic pouch and its balanced flavours and sweetness will see coffee lovers savouring it all day.

First impressions

Opening the can I noticed the promising aroma of lemon and lime. So I popped one in and waited, and waited. The flavour does capture the classic taste of hard boiled lemon sweets, but it is very muted. I had to lick the pouch to really get a sense of what it tasted like, which was quite nice but not something you want to be doing all the time. There is a good blend of acidic lemon and sweet lime but it needs more punch.

How long does the flavour take to develop?

After 10 minutes there is a very mild note of lemon with an undernote of lime, the flavour of Zyn Citrus doesn't reach heights greater than this.

How long does it last for?

The citrus flavour is consistent throughout the 30 minute lifespan of the pouch and unfortunately, it remains very subtle.

Is the flavour accurate?

Yes, you can taste a well balanced combination of lemons and limes, just.

Who would like this?

This might be the perfect pouch for people who don’t want an overpowering taste in their mouth. Citrus is a background flavour that would make an ideal option for everyday use.

First impressions

Zyn Icy Mint is a flavour that doesn’t waste any time. A cool ice note hits you almost immediately and the mint builds rapidly within the first 5 minutes. The cool ice note is localised around the gums and the mint flavour is all there and develops as the top note on the tongue. I’m reminded of chewing a stick of fresh minty gum.

How long does the flavour take to develop?

The pouch's moistness definitely increases the flavour's rapidity - it’s almost instantaneous, a chill of ice as soon as you place the pouch followed by a strong mint flavour.

How long does it last for?

Icy Mint lasted for the entire pouch duration, about 45 minutes as we tested the slim size. Cool Ice from the pouch and a robust peppermint flavour in the mouth.

Is the flavour accurate?

Absolutely. This icy mint pouch does what it says on the tin. I would have preferred the ice to spread beyond the confines of the pouch but it's a small niggle.

Who would like this?

Anyone looking for strong minty refreshment will love this combination of arctic coolness and spicy mint, it's like chewing a fresh stick of icy mint gum.

First impressions

Icy Blackcurrant is simply moreish, I was enveloped with a berry aroma as I opened the tub, and the moistness of the pouches made the flavour hit immediately. Imagine biting down on a plump and juicy blackcurrant you've just picked from a countryside ramble. It's the dominant note here, there is loads of flavour that fills the mouth with sweet and tangy berries and the ice come in behind to add a touch of fresh excitement to the experience.

How long does the flavour take to develop?

Within seconds your mouth is filled with juicy blackcurrant flavour, the ice takes a little longer to develop but it's there.

How long does it last for?

A strong burst of flavour for the first 15 minutes that mellowed throughout the remaining 45 minutes of use that I got out of the 12.5mg slim pouch, which is ideal for stronger nicotine cravings. However, in this instance, the loss of flavour served as a timely indication that the pouch was finished.

Is the flavour accurate?

The stand-out quality of Zyn Icy Blackcurrant is it's accuracy, I was anticipating a blackcurrant candy or wine gum flavour, but not so, this is fresh berry fruit all the way.

Who would like this?

If fresh, authentic blackcurrant fruit is what you're after then you are going to love Icy Blackcurrant. It is a rich and refreshing berry fruit delight and one of the best Zyn flavours in the bunch.

First impressions

Cool Mint is a very mild flavour reminiscent of peppermint chewing gum. A hint of menthol sits nicely in the background with peppermint being the dominant note. The taste is accurate, if quite subtle which I think would suit anyone who likes mint but doesn’t want it too strong.

How long does the flavour take to develop?

The pouch is dry, so the flavour took about 5 minutes to develop. The menthol note is the first to come through followed by a light mint.

How long does it last for?

Cool Mint peaks at about the 20-minute mark and then drops off. It is a very muted flavour to begin with, so I wasn’t expecting it to be that noticeable towards the end, which it isn’t.

Is the flavour accurate?

Zyn Cool Mint hits the marks for accurate peppermint flavour with a suggestion of cooling menthol.

Who would like this?

Lovers of refreshing mint flavours looking for an easy all day pouch that doesn’t overwhelm your senses will find Cool Mint the perfect fit.

First impressions

Zyn Chili Guava is a flavour I saved for last as I enjoy both these flavours and I was not disappointed. Smooth tropical fruit and a warm blaze of chili come in swinging, delivering an expert balance of sweetness and a moderate level of heat. Most of the heat is localised around the pouch, whilst exotic fruit develops on the palate. I also noticed a welcome hint of spice from the chili on my tongue - a tasty and exciting flavour.

How long does the flavour take to develop?

This is a moist pouch that takes seconds to release its tantalising combination of flavours.

How long does it last for?

A good balance of fruit and spice was present throughout the 45 minute duration of the pouch. The heat from the chili does begin to dissipate halfway through but the spicy flavour remains.

Is the flavour accurate?

The guava notes are rich and on point and the chili delivers a blazing kick that has just the right level of heat.

Who would like this?

Zyn’s Chili Guava is a fun flavour that makes for a welcome change for anyone who wants a change from traditional mint and fruit combinations.