Jessica Tyson
22/05/2025 • 5 min read
The landscape of nicotine consumption is changing rapidly, and nicotine pouches have emerged as a frontrunner for those seeking a smoke-free, discreet, and clean alternative. Whether you’re switching from smoking, moving away from vaping, or just want to try something new, nicotine pouches have become a popular go-to.
Among the top players in this space is VELO - a brand that’s built a reputation for its wide flavour range, flexible nicotine strengths, and comfort-focused design. In this review, we’re diving into the full VELO experience, from how the pouches feel under the lip to how they hit when it comes to nicotine delivery. Whether you’re brand new to pouches or an experienced user looking for something stronger, this review will help you figure out if VELO nicotine pouches are the right pick for your needs.
VELO has clearly leaned into a modern, lifestyle-focused aesthetic, but not in an over-the-top way. The branding walks a fine line between minimalist and bold, depending on the flavour you pick up. Some cans keep things clean and stripped-back, with subtle white designs accented by hints of colour. Others go all-in with vibrant colours and eye-catching finishes. It’s not a fully unified look across the board, which can make the range feel a little eclectic, but it also gives each flavour its own identity.
Interestingly, this mix of styles is intentional, and part of VELO’s 2024 global rebrand. The brand has refreshed its packaging to better reflect its evolution from a functional nicotine alternative into a more lifestyle-driven product. This makeover includes new names, sleeker visuals, and a refined logo that stands out more prominently across all cans. While the rebrand brings a more premium feel to the newer lines, it’s worth noting that not every can in circulation reflects the update just yet, some older versions are still in the mix.
This variation is even more noticeable if you’ve picked up VELO in different countries. VELO's packaging varies by region, with noticeable differences between UK, Swedish, and wider European releases.
The good news is, VELO’s presentation still feels premium and well-thought-out, even with the design variety. The canisters themselves are sleek, modern, and perfectly sized for slipping into a pocket or bag. You’ll find two main types across the range:
Everything from the labelling to the tactile feel of the lid gives off a premium quality. Plus, with a clear dot system on the label indicating strength, it’s easy to tell what you’re buying at a glance, removing any guesswork.
VELO breaks its pouch offerings into three main categories based on nicotine strength and user experience. Each range is clearly marked with a dot system, ranging from 1 to 6 dots, to indicate how strong the pouch is. The higher the dots, the more intense the nicotine hit.
If you’re new to nicotine pouches or prefer a gentler nicotine delivery, VELO Mellow is the perfect starting point. The mini pouch format is discreet and ultra-comfortable, ideal for first-timers or those switching from lower-strength e-liquid or disposables.
Original pouches are a solid middle ground - strong enough to satisfy without being overpowering. Perfect for those who already have a bit of pouch experience or are coming from moderate nicotine use via vaping or smoking, they're still discreet, but with a bit more surface area for flavour and nicotine release.
For those who want something with serious kick, VELO Intense is the high-strength range designed to satisfy. These pouches pack a serious punch and are best suited for users with a higher nicotine tolerance or those transitioning from strong tobacco or high-nicotine vapes.
In addition to the handy dot system, the actual milligram amount is also printed clearly on the can, so you always know the nicotine level you’re consuming. This dual system is handy for both new and experienced users.
To illustrate how the dot system corresponds to the nicotine strength and pouch format across the VELO lineup, refer to the table below.
Comfort is a major part of the VELO experience. Both formats are white, tobacco-free, and soft on the gums, making them ideal for all-day use.
The MINI format is especially great for beginners or those who value subtlety, while SLIM is ideal for a more intense and longer-lasting experience.
If there’s one area where VELO really flexes its dominance, it’s flavour. With one of the most diverse and finely tuned flavour ranges on the market, VELO caters to just about every palate.
But in honesty, navigating the VELO flavour world can be a little confusing at first. Over the past few years, flavours from LYFT (VELO’s predecessor brand) have been rebranded and absorbed into VELO’s lineup. On top of that, the rebrand we previously mentioned brought further changes, including updated can designs and flavour names that vary depending on where you are.
This consolidation, while initially potentially confusing, ultimately benefits the consumer. By bringing together the best of both LYFT and the new VELO offerings under one banner, VELO can now boast an incredibly wide spread of options, many of which come with cooling, tingling, or even warming effects. From traditional minty profiles to bold, experimental blends, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a view into some of the flavours available, organised by profile:
One of VELO’s strengths lies not just in its number of flavours, but in how consistent and recognisable each one is. Whether it’s the frosty chill of Ice Cool or the refreshing temptation of Ruby Berry, you’ll know what to expect. Nothing feels artificial or off-base; the flavour descriptions on the can match the real-life experience.
Combined with the wide range of strength options available, VELO’s diverse flavour range gives users a rare level of customisability and control. And if you’re wondering where to begin, don’t miss our deep-dive into the Best VELO Flavours, in which we break down the fan favourites and lesser-known hits, so you don’t have to go in blind.
Popping in a VELO pouch for the first time, the first thing that’s noticeable is how comfortably it sits under the lip, especially the Mini format. It’s discreet, lightweight, and doesn’t feel bulky or intrusive, even if you’re chatting, sipping a drink, or out and about. There’s no mess, no spitting, and none of the harsh burn you sometimes get with stronger tobacco-based options.
The nicotine delivery kicks in fairly quickly. Within a few minutes, there’s a noticeable but smooth lift. It’s not a jarring rush, more of a steady rise that feels clean and controlled. What’s great is the consistency. The sensation doesn’t spike or fade out too quickly. It holds its ground for a solid 30-45 minutes, sometimes longer depending on the pouch strength and how much you move it around. There’s a subtle tingling or warming sensation with some varieties (especially the more intense ones) but it’s never overwhelming unless you’re pushing into the 5-6 dot territory and are unaccustomed to stronger pouches.
The bottom line is that VELO is just so easy to use. It’s the kind of product that fades into your routine without demanding too much from you, and that's a big part of why it works so well.
VELO has set a high bar in the nicotine pouch space, and for good reason. Few brands offer this kind of range, whether we're talking about nicotine strength, flavour variety, or even pouch format, making it one of the most accessible options for users at every stage.
That said, the 2024 rebrand, while clearly designed to elevate VELO’s lifestyle aesthetic, has introduced some inconsistency that might make it a bit harder to immediately recognise or identify flavours. But to be clear, this is purely a cosmetic challenge, not a reflection on the quality of the pouches themselves.
Overall, VELO remains the standout choice for anyone interested in nicotine pouches. Whether you're switching from smoking, easing off vaping, or just looking for a cleaner alternative, VELO offers the flexibility, comfort, and customisation to meet you exactly where you are. It’s a brand that doesn’t just keep up with the market - it helps shape it.
