VELO and Nordic Spirit are two prominent brands in the US and the UK, respectively. Both brands offer various nicotine strengths, flavors, and formats. New nicotine users are often torn between the two brands because of their differences.
I tried both brands and found what makes each one unique. In this guide, I'll highlight the differences in flavors, costs, usability, formats, and strength. Here's the brief version of what you'll learn:
- Nordic Spirit flavors are few but mellower
- VELO has more overwhelming and lingering flavors
- VELO has a wider nicotine strength range
- VELO is more versatile because of its two formats
- Nordic Spirit is 20% cheaper compared to VELO
Table Of Contents
Overview of VELO vs Nordic Spirit
Here's an overview of VELO and Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches:
| Aspect | VELO Nicotine Pouches | Nordic Spirit Pouches |
| Parent Company | British American Tobacco | Japan Tobacco International |
| Established In | 2015 (Previously Epok) | 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 |
| Flavor Options | 20 to 25 Flavors | 7 Flavors |
| Pouch Formats | Mini and Slim Format | Slim Format |
| Base Price Per Can | $5.19 Per Can | $4.29 Per Can |
| Best For | People with diverse tastes | Classic flavor lovers |
Quick Opinion: VELO offers superior flavor and strength ranges, while Nordic Spirit is a niche product for classic flavor lovers. Both have unique versions of the same mint, berry, melon, and fruity tropical flavors.
History of Nordic Spirit vs VELO
VELO is one of the best nicotine pouch brands in the US. The brand was founded as Epok in 2015 and officially rebranded to VELO in 2022. In 2025, VELO launched its Plus Line, which replaced tobacco-derived nicotine with synthetic lab-grown nicotine.
Nordic Spirit pouches are owned by Japan Tobacco International. The brand was established in 2018 at Vårgårda Kvarn mill, near Gothenburg, Sweden. Currently, Nordic Spirit has a foothold in the UK and a minor market share in the US.
Both Nordic Spirit and VELO are a hedge against cigarettes. These brands were designed to help users quit smoking and other harmful forms of nicotine.
VELO vs Nordic Spirit Ingredients
Both VELO and Nordic Spirit use tobacco-free nicotine. This nicotine is either lab-grown or derived from tobacco. VELO uses tobacco-derived nicotine for their classic pouches and synthetic nicotine for their Plus line.
Nordic Spirit uses tobacco-derived nicotine for its products. There is no difference in the efficacy or value of Synthetic and Tobacco-Derived nicotine. Both of these function in the same way, have the same nicotine buzz, and last just as long.
Here are the best VELO and Nordic Spirit flavors:
Nordic Spirit vs VELO Flavors
Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches offer a natural, herby flavor in all of their products. You can find exotic and refreshing flavors, such as Elderflower, Wildberry, and hints of Bergamot, in most of their products. VELO offers a wider range of flavors, from mint to fruity citrus.
VELO allows you to experiment with more flavors, while Nordic Spirit sticks close to classic flavors. Nordic Spirit nails every flavor to the last note; VELO has more diversity and subjective freedom. I recommend trying both because of their unique allure.
VELO vs Nordic Spirit Strengths
VELO nicotine pouch strengths range between 3 and 15mg per pouch. Their 3 and 6mg pouches are perfect for beginners, while the higher strengths are meant for people with more experience. All in all, VELO is a brand for a wider audience compared to Nordic Spirit.
Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch strengths include 6, 9, and 11mg per pouch. Surprisingly, Nordic Spirit pouches start from 6mg, which cuts off the demographic of new nicotine users from their brand. This strength range is ideal for former snus users, while VELO has a product for both new and experienced nicotine users.
Nordic Spirit vs VELO Formats
Nordic Spirit offers only slim-format pouches after its redesign. In contrast, VELO nicotine pouch formats include:
- Slim: These are thin versions of the standard pouch for extra comfort and discreet doses.
- Mini: These are miniature versions of a pouch, which are barely noticeable under your lip.
VELO has been competing with ZYN in the US market, which forced them to adapt their formats. Nordic Spirit hasn't been a direct competitor since its inception, which is why it has limited formats.
Price of Nordic Spirit vs VELO
A can of VELO pouches costs $5.19 per can, while Nordic Spirit cans cost $4.29 per can. Both pouches contain the same 20 pouches per can. Here's an overview of how much you pay and save per pouch:
| Price Points | VELO | Nordic Spirit |
| Price Per Can | $5.19 | $4.29 |
| Pouches Per Can | 20 | 20 |
| Price Per Pouch | $0.2595 | $0.2145 |
| Discounted 10 Pack Price | $4.67 Per Can ($46.7) | $3.86 Per Can ($38.6) |
User Experience of VELO & Nordic Spirit
VELO and Nordic Spirit have similar moisture levels and pouch size. You won't even notice a difference if you pick up one in your left hand and the other in your right hand. VELO pouches last just as long as Nordic Spirit pouches and produce the same amount of drip.
I prefer some Nordic Spirit experiences over VELO, because the former doesn't leave a saccharine sweet aftertaste. In contrast, VELO pouches have a stronger nicotine burn or tingle, perhaps because of their pH level or flavor.
Usability of Nordic Spirit vs VELO
VELO has higher usability and versatility compared to Nordic Spirit. This brand only offers slim-format nicotine pouches, while VELO offers slim and mini pouches. The mini format pouches are more discreet and are barely noticeable under your upper lip.
You can use a mini nicotine pouch on a cruise, plane, or anywhere else. Nordic Spirit's slim formats are also versatile, but they're missing out by ignoring a whole category of products.
Which Nordic Spirit or VELO Should You Choose?
There is no universally wrong or right nicotine pouch. Choosing one or the other depends entirely on your needs and scenario. Here's a quick guide to help you get started:
| Use Cases | Best Nordic Spirit Pouch | Best VELO Product |
| Occasional Smokers | Nordic Spirit Melon Mini | VELO Spearmint Mini |
| Heavy Smokers | Nordic Spirit Raspberry | VELO Purple Grape |
| Smokeless Tobacco Users | Nordic Spirit Forsty Berry X-Strong | VELO Freezing Peppermint |
| Dip Users | Nordic Spirit Frosty Berry or Frost Mint | VELO Freezing Peppermint Ultra or Max |
| Menthol Users | Nordic Spirit Sweet Mint | VELO Salty Liquorice or Crispy Peppermint |
| Fruity Flavors | Nordic Spirit Tropical Mix | VELO Icy Cherry or Tropical Mango |
FAQs on VELO vs Nordic Spirit
Is a 3mg nicotine pouch strong?
A 3mg nicotine pouch is often the weakest strength most brands offer. Your body absorbs 40 to 60% of nicotine from these pouches, meaning it's as strong as a cigarette. These pouches are meant for new nicotine users or occasional smokers.
Is Nordic Spirit stronger than VELO?
No, Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches are weaker than VELO, with a strength range of 6, 9, and 11 mg. VELO nicotine pouches have nicotine strengths ranging between 3 and 17 mg.
How does Nordic Spirit make you feel?
Nordic Spirit gives you a tingling sensation in the first 2 minutes. You'll feel a pleasant light-headed feeling when the nicotine hit activates your neurotransmitters. This feeling is stronger when you're new to nicotine pouches.
Bottom Line on Nordic Spirit & VELO Nicotine Pouches
Both VELO and Nordic Spirit are great nicotine alternatives to stop smoking. Choosing between the two is a matter of subjective taste and experience. For example, experienced users who have been chain-smoking for a year or more should use VELO Freezing Peppermint Max.
Former smokeless tobacco users can use Nordic Spirit Frost Berry X or Raspberry. Ideally, I recommend trying out different products from both brands to find the right one for your taste. If you need some leads, start with the best VELO nicotine pouches.
