VELO nicotine pouches are popular alternatives to cigarettes because of their flavor range, strength choices, formats, and ease of use. While they are touted as the cure-all, most people are confused about their effectiveness and properties. Others believe they are just as dangerous as cigarettes.
In this VELO vs cigarettes comparison, I looked at all the definitive differences. I analyzed the flavors, risk profile, experience, formats, usability, versatility, and prices. Here's a brief rundown of what I found:
- VELOs are an alternative to cigarettes
- VELOs are also used recreationally
- Cigarettes are only used for recreational purposes
- Cigarettes have more severe health risks compared to VELO
- VELO offers more flavors compared to cigarettes
- Cigarettes are regulated by the FDA, while VELO isn't
- VELOs are easier to use compared to cigarettes
- VELO is 30% cheaper than cigarettes
Table Of Contents
Overview of VELO and Cigarettes
Here's a quick overview of VELO vs cigarettes to help you understand the dynamic:
| Aspects | VELO Nicotine Pouches | Cigarettes |
| Purpose | Alternative to Smoking | Recreational Use |
| Contains Tobacco? | No | Yes |
| Causes Cancer? | No | Yes |
| Nicotine Strength | 4 to 16mg per pouch | 8 to 11mg per cigarette |
| Nicotine Absorbed1 | 2 to 8mg per pouch | 0.8 to 1.2mg per cigarette |
| Flavor Range | 10 to 15 flavors | Singular flavor (tobacco) |
| Usable in Public | Yes | Maybe |
| Approved by the FDA | No | No |
| Regulated by the FDA | No | Yes |
Purpose of Cigarettes vs VELO Nicotine Pouches
VELO nicotine pouches are often used to quit smoking, vaping, and other recreational tobacco use. This brand was previously known as Epok and was used as a non-approved NRT. In 2022, British American Tobacco (BAT) rebranded Epok as VELO after commercializing it.
Despite what everyone says, nicotine is a stimulant with addiction risks. That's why VELOs are now being used recreationally more readily. Simultaneously, cigarettes have always been used recreationally as a crutch against anxiety.
Initially (pre-21st century), cigarettes were used for their "medicinal properties." However, mounting research and evidence show that these properties were often a byproduct of their addictive properties and placebo effects.
Risk Profile of VELO vs Cigarette Smoking
Cigarettes are inherently riskier than tobacco-free nicotine pouches like VELO. An average cigarette contains 8000 chemicals and 70+ carcinogens. Some of these carcinogens are:
| Carcinogen | Risk Factor | Caused By | Cancer Type |
| N-Nitrosamines | Group 1 | Present in mainstream and sidestream smoke | Lung, Oral, Pancreas, and Esophagus |
| Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) | Group 1 | Tar and incomplete burning of tobacco | Lung, Skin, and Bladder |
| Aromatic Amines | Group 1 | Formed during the combustion of tobacco and paper | Bladder and Colon |
| 1,3-Butadiene | Group 1 | Present in mainstream and sidestream smoke | Leukemia and Blood |
| Arsenic | Group 1 | Accumulate in tobacco plants from soil & water | Lung, Bladder, and Skin |
| Cadmium | Group 1 | Tobacco plants absorb it from the soil | Lung and Prostate |
| Chromium | Group 1 | Tobacco plants absorb it from the soil | Lung |
| Polonium-210 | High Risk | Found in the environment & accumulates in tobacco | Lung |
Tobacco products like cigarettes are notorious for their long-term cancerous effects and short-term health risks. For example, cigarettes can cause hair loss, skin conditions, oxidative stress, mood disorders, severe addiction, muscle loss, and stamina loss.
VELO nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco or other carcinogens. While they carry the same risk of addiction, VELO pouches do not cause cancer. Compared to cigarettes, VELO nicotine pouches are safe when used properly.
Nicotine Strength of VELO vs Cigarettes
VELO nicotine strengths in the US range between 3 and 9mg. Standard VELO offers 4mg and 7mg of nicotine per pouch, while VELO Plus provides 3mg, 6mg, and 9mg options. Note that international markets may offer different strength ranges, with some regions providing up to 17mg.
An average cigarette contains 8 to 11mg of nicotine. However, because of varying nicotine absorption rates, you only get 0.8 to 1.2mg of nicotine from a cigarette.
VELO pouches have a higher absorption rate, leading to a stronger nicotine buzz. Cigarette smoke has lower bioavailability in the body, which leads to a milder or nonexistent buzz. Simultaneously, nicotine pouches offer a wider variety of strengths.
That's primarily why people use VELOs for nicotine replacement. The difference in absorption rate means a daily smoker can use a nicotine pouch with 4 to 6mg of nicotine per pouch to quit smoking.
Flavor Variety of Cigarettes vs VELO Nicopods
Except for some flavored cigarettes, most cigarettes taste like tobacco and paper. It's not a nice flavor, and the aftertaste is even worse. It feels like eating an incense stick that smells of burned paper (don't ask how I know that).
VELO nicotine pouches have pleasant flavors that range from mint and grapefruit to mango and lime. Currently, VELO offers around 15 flavors, each with a unique taste and sensation. I highly recommend trying out the best VELO nicotine pouches if you're a smoker.
The attractive flavors are what make VELO such an effective alternative to cigarettes. If you want a good flavor and nicotine combo to curb cigarette consumption, try VELO Sour Lime Mini.
Usability of VELO vs Cigarettes
VELO pouches are super easy to use. You pry open the lid, take out a pouch, and place it under your upper lip. A VELO pouch lasts for 30 to 40 minutes, after which you can take the pouch out and throw it in a trash can or store it in the catch-lid.
Comparatively, cigarettes are much harder to use because you'll need a lighter (with fuel), a pack of cigarettes (which squishes easily), an ashtray, and a breath mint. There are so many steps in between that I don't even understand why people smoke anymore.
You can also improve your nicotine pouch experience by learning how to use VELOs properly. Nicotine pouches and cigarettes have inherent risks. Please use them with care and caution.
Versatility of Cigarettes vs VELO Nicotine Pouches
VELO nicotine pouches are more versatile than cigarettes because they are smoke, spit, and residue-free. You cannot use cigarettes in every situation or area, especially with increasing regulations on outdoor usage. Simultaneously, you can use nicotine pouches in public.
VELO nicotine pouches do not leave a lingering stench, which makes them almost imperceptible. Thanks to their slim and mini dry formats, they aren't even noticeable under your upper lip.
Furthermore, you can use VELO nicotine pouches on a plane, on a cruise, in an office meeting, on a park bench, and anywhere else. VELO nicotine pouches are undoubtedly more versatile than cigarettes.
Legality of VELO vs Cigarette
VELO, cigarettes, and every other nicotine product will never be FDA-approved. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will never approve a nicotine product for general consumption. However, the FDA does regulate nicotine products by controlling their sales and marketing.
The FDA regulates cigarette sales in the US, but nicotine pouches are still not regulated. The legal age to buy cigarettes or any product containing nicotine is 21 or above. This applies to all nicotine products, including vapes, e-cigs, nicotine pouches, etc.
VELO submitted Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (PMTAs) to the FDA in September 2020 seeking marketing authorization, but the FDA has yet to reach a decision. Currently, VELO operates under FDA enforcement discretion, allowing the products to remain on the market while their applications are under review.
Note: The FDA has only authorized ZYNs for sales and marketing in the US.
Price of VELO Cans vs Cigarette Pack
According to World Population Review, the average price of a pack of cigarettes in the US is $8.00. The price of cigarettes has been rising consistently in the US since 2018, because of growing taxes and restrictive laws. In 2025, a pack of cigarettes costs $14.50 in New York and $7.95 in North Carolina.
A can of VELO costs $5.19 across most states, excluding delivery charges. A VELO can contains 15 to 20 pouches, while a cigarette pack contains 20 sticks. Naturally, a VELO can is more affordable compared to a cigarette pack.
Here's a breakdown of the cost of VELO compared to cigarettes:
| Average VELO Price Per Can | $5.19 |
| Average Cigarette Pack Price | $8 (Average) |
| Min-Max Price of VELO Can | $4.36 to $5.19 |
| Min-Max Price of Cigarette Pack | $7.95 to $14.50 |
| Average Price Per VELO Pouch | $0.2595 |
| Average Price Per Cigarette Stick | $0.4 |
Is VELO cheaper than cigarettes?
Yes, VELO is 40% cheaper compared to cigarettes. A discounted VELO 100-Pack is 48% cheaper compared to a cigarette pack. Furthermore, VELO pouches are smoke and tobacco-free, which makes them less risky compared to cigarettes.
You save money on medical bills and direct costs. Medical bills related to cigarette smoking amounted to $170 billion per year in 2010. This amounts to more than $3000 in medical bills per year for each smoker.
FAQs on VELO and Cigarettes
How many cigarettes a day is safe?
No number of cigarettes is safe per day because of their toxin concentration. Smoking even 1 to 2 cigarettes per day runs the risk of heart disease, lung damage, skin diseases, and cancer hazards. Leading authorities unanimously agree that smoking anything that contains tobacco is dangerous, even in small amounts.
How many VELO pouches are equal to a pack of cigarettes?
One can of VELO gives your body the equivalent of a cigarette pack. Your body absorbs 1.5 to 2 mg of nicotine from a 3 to 4 mg VELO pouch, and you absorb 0.8 to 1.3 mg of nicotine from a cigarette. With variable absorption rates, smoking a pack of cigarettes is equal to a VELO can.
Does VELO have chemicals?
Yes, VELO nicotine pouches have chemicals like nicotine, flavorings, acesulfame K, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium alginate, among others. VELO nicotine pouches are considered risky because they contain the addictive chemical nicotine.
Bottom Line on VELO vs Cigarettes
VELOs are oral nicotine pouches that are used as an alternative to cigarettes. Cigarettes and other forms of oral tobacco have far-reaching consequences, including cancer. Unsurprisingly, cigarettes are also harder to use and more expensive.
VELOs and other nicotine pouches are often used as improvised Nicotine Replacement Therapy for nicotine consumers. These pouches are much easier to use, with a greater flavor range and affordable prices. While VELOs are comparatively good, there are multiple side effects of nicotine pouches.
Please use VELO pouches as they are intended. You should avoid excessive recreational use to prevent nicotine addiction. If you're a smoker or snus user looking for an alternative, try out the best nicotine pouches of 2025. Order today and say goodbye to the stench of tobacco.
