VELO is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch that is used as a substitute for cigarettes, vapes, and other smoke producing products. These pouches contain all-white synthetic nicotine that is free from the toxins of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
VELO is now the third-most sold nicotine pouch product in the US and maintains demand across the world. However, most people don't know about the benefits, risks, and history of this product. We'll help you understand all of these intricacies to alleviate any confusion.
Who Owns VELO Nicotine Pouches?
British American Tobacco (BAT) is the owner of VELO nicotine pouches. BAT launched VELO as their flagship tobacco-free nicotine product under Reynolds American Inc. on July 8, 2019. Initially, RJRVC rolled out VELO pouches in 2 and 4 mg strengths across the states.
The products were available in 70,000 outlets and were poised as a tobacco and spit-free alternative to traditional tobacco products. The Senior Vice President, Shay Mustafa explained the motive and ideals of VELO in the following words:
“The current expansion of VELO, and the expansion of our dissolvable nicotine lozenge product REVEL earlier this year, are both evidence that we are serious about accelerating transformation in the modern oral space.”
What Is The Purpose of VELO?
VELO was introduced as an alternative to classic nicotine products like snus, cigarettes, hookahs, and vapes. These pouches offer different nicotine strength options, which makes quitting cigarettes much easier.
One of the biggest advantages of VELO is that it's smoke, spit, and stain free. You can use a VELO nicotine pouch anywhere without inconveniencing the people around you. The lack of smoke means lower toxins and much better health.
What Does VELO Contain?
VELO contains nicotine, flavorings, pH stabilizers, and fillers. These are all food-grade materials that serve different purposes. The main ingredient in every nicotine pouch is tobacco-free nicotine synthesized in labs or derived from tobacco plants.
The ingredients change according to the different flavors. However, the main ingredients remain the same throughout every pouch. Let's look at the purpose of each VELO ingredient.
All VELO Ingredients Explained
Here's a complete list of all the different ingredients in VELO nicotine pouches:
| VELO Ingredients | Purpose |
| Nicotine Powder | Creates the buzz and addictive effects |
| Cellulose | Fiber that gives the pouches volume and houses nicotine |
| Water | Adds moisture and spreads the nicotine |
| Glycerin | Stabilizes pH and adds flavor |
| Sodium Chloride | For pH stability, flavor, and preservation |
| Flavorings | Different food-grade flavors |
| Sodium Alginate | Thickening agent and stabilizer |
| Benzoic Acid | Reduces pH and smoothens the salt |
| Sodium Carbonate | Standard pH regulator |
| Potassium Sorbate | Prevents mold and bacteria |
| Sucralose and Acesulfame K | Calorie-free sweetener used to flavor pouches |
| Maltodextrin | Increases volume of nicotine pouches |
Is VELO FDA Recognized?
No, VELO is not completely FDA recognized to date. RJRVC submitted the PTMAs for VELO products on 1st of September, 2020. However, the FDA has yet to pass a decisive verdict on VELO and other nicotine pouch brands. For now, the product is categorized in the smokeless tobacco category because the nicotine in these pouches is synthesized from tobacco plants.
VELO is allowed for use and sale across most states, with the exception of some districts. The FDA has withheld a decision for so long because the research and impacts of new products like nicotine pouches have yet to be conducted. However, with increasing pressure from both sides of the lobbies, the FDA might pass a final verdict soon.
How Many Flavors of VELO Are There?
VELO has eight main flavors, with additional regional varieties that are limited to specific countries. Initially, VELO only launched mint flavored nicotine pouches like Polar Mint, Freeze, etc. After LYFT became VELO in 2022, the flavor lines were expanded to include other products based on popular demand.
Here's a list of the most popular VELO flavors worldwide:
| Product Name | Primary Flavor | Secondary Flavor |
| VELO Breezy Mango | Mango | |
| VELO Peppermint Storm | Peppermint | Spearmint |
| VELO Mighty Peppermint | Peppermint | Mint |
| VELO Groovy Grape | Grape | |
| VELO Icy Cherry | Cherry | |
| VELO Orange Spark | Orange | Citrus |
| VELO Lime Flame | Lime | Jalapeno |
| VELO Zest Flame | Citrus | Lime, Jalapeno |
Regional Flavors of VELO
VELO also has some regional flavors that were introduced according to the demands of specific locations. Here's a list of some exclusive VELO flavors that have been introduced over the years. Here are some flavors that VELO has introduced in different regions:
| Region | Flavors |
| Asia | Exotic Black, Elaichi Blast, Paan Rush, Polar Mint, Urban Vibe |
| EU | Wildgreen, Ruby Berry |
| US | Royal Purple, Spicy Pineapple |
VELO introduces and tests new flavors in specific regions occasionally. If the flavor is well received, they add it to the flavor list, otherwise ise it gets discontinued. Some of these regional flavors have been discontinued.
Overall Shift In VELO Flavors
For the longest period of time, the brand was focused on the VELO Mint. The plan seemed to work because most snus and nicotine brands at the time were producing mint flavored pouches at that point. However, the market was stagnating and the people wanting something different.
VELO expanded its categories to include more delicious flavors like exotic fruits. Most of the flavors still retain a fresh addition of mint. Naturally, we can expect the same minty combo trend for upcoming flavors.
VELO Nicotine Strengths
Initially, VELO only offered 2 and 4 mg of nicotine per pouch. However, after the products were rolled out VELO began creating stronger nicotine pouches. As of 2024, VELO products range in nicotine concentrations from 2 mg to 14 mg.
The 2 mg nicotine pouches are perfect for novice nicotine users. The 14 mg pouches (Rebranded as Ultra) are too strong for most beginners and only truly experienced users should even consider using them.
What Are VELO Mighty Max Pouches?
VELO introduced Ultra Max Pouches recently, which have a nicotine concentration of 17 mg. These were introduced to compete with their competitor, ZYN nicotine pouches. The Ultra Max Nicotine Strength is only available in limited flavors, like Peppermint.
These pouches are too strong for average users and we recommend avoiding them. Considering the popularity, VELO might roll out other flavors in the mighty format.
What Are VELO Nicotine Free Pouches?
VELO nicotine free pouches are products with zero nicotine. They are the equivalent of an energy pouch and are used to quit nicotine. The full-bodied flavor and experience is a great way to quit your oral fixation, without relying on nicotine.
The pouches were introduced to compete with the every evolving pouch market. Brands like CUBA have already introduced nicotine pouches, and VELO refined the process to give you something better, while staying true to their mission of better consumer health.
VELO Strength Indicator
VELO uses a dot scale to categorize their nicotine pouches based on strength. The standard VELO pouches have 4 dots on their cans. The more the number of filled dots on a can, the stronger that specific nicotine pouch is.
VELO mini nicotine pouches are usually 2 dot, while the standard pouches are 3 or 4 dots. The extra strong pouches are 5 dots. These 5 dot nicotine pouches usually have up to 14 mgs of nicotine, which is a bit too strong for most users.
Which VELO Strength Should You Use?
Beginners should stick to nicotine pouches with 4 or 6 mg of nicotine pouches. Moderately experienced nicotine users should use upto 10 mg of nicotine per pouch. Experienced users who have significant nicotine tolerance should use nicotine strength options above 10 to 14 mg.
The different nicotine strengths are enticing but always stick to pouches that are appropriate to your tolerance levels. Most smokers can easily quit their cravings with nicopods that have only 4 mg of nicotine.
VELO Nicotine Pouch Formats
VELO only offers two nicotine pouch formats now, instead of the original three. These two formats are:
- Slim Pouches: These pouches are thin and fit more comfortably under your lip. They are also much harder to notice under your lips, which makes them great for a quick nicotine fix.
- Mini Pouches: These pouches are smaller and more compact. They are much more versatile and easier to carry around because of their small cans.
How Do You Use VELO Nicotine Pouches?
Using VELO the right way can help you avoid nicotine poisoning and other bad experiences. Here's how you can use VELO properly:
- Buy VELO Nicotine Pouches online from Snusdaddy.
- Remember to get the discount by ordering in packs.
- Always choose nicotine pouches that are adequate for your tolerance levels.
- When you get the pouches inspect the quality.
- Remove the seal from the can.
- Put it under your upper lip.
- Wait for the riveting flavor and nicotine release.
- Enjoy it for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pouch after 30 minutes.
The one thing that you have to pay special attention to is selecting the right nicotine pouch. Picking a pouch that is too strong will only ruin your nicotine experience.
Facts and Myths of VELO
Since VELO is a relatively new brand with almost no research, countless myths have surfaced around it. This guide to VELO would be incomplete without going down that rabbit hole, so here are some myths and facts of VELO:
1. VELO Cans Often Have Torn Pouches
This myth was actually a fact in the past because the old VELO pouches were very fragile. They'd easily tear inside the can and spew white powder everywhere. It made the pouches that weren't torn harder and riskier to use.
Fortunately, VELO changed their packaging and the newer pouches are much more secure. They don't tear easily and ensure a comfortable experience.
2. VELO Pouches Stain Teeth
VELO nicotine pouches do not stain teeth, because they only contain all-white nicotine powder. This white powder is packaged in plant-fiber pouches, which don't stain teeth. The soft plant-fiber pouches also make VELO pouches very comfortable to use.
3. VELO Nicotine Pouches Cause Cancer
Contrary to popular belief, VELO nicotine pouches do not cause cancer. These nicotine pouches do not contain any carcinogenic toxins. It doesn't mean that VELO nicotine pouches are completely risk-free.
VELO nicotine pouches can cause various dental problems, like gum recession and tooth decay. Nicotine is also very addictive and can create long-term nicotine dependence.
4. VELO Can Cause Nicotine Poisoning
Yes, this is, in fact, true, VELO nicotine pouches can cause nicotine poisoning. However, this only happens when you use nicotine pouches that are too strong for you. Most pouches with 4mg of nicotine won't cause nicotine poisoning.
The easiest way to avoid a nicotine overdose is to use pouches according to your tolerance level. Apart from that, you should only use the right number of nicotine pouches per day to avoid an overdose.
