Jessica Tyson
16/06/2025 • 5 min read
Nicotine pouches have seen a surge in popularity across the UK and Europe, offering a smoke-free, spit-free, and tobacco-free way to enjoy nicotine. Whether you're a seasoned pouch user or you're exploring alternatives to smoking or vaping, you've likely come across two of the most prominent names in the game: VELO and Pablo.
While both brands offer a convenient and discreet nicotine experience, they couldn’t be more different when it comes to strength, flavour, and who they’re actually designed for. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between VELO pouches and Pablo pouches - helping you find the right fit for your needs.
When it comes to nicotine pouches, VELO and Pablo sit on opposite ends of the spectrum, offering two very different approaches to strength, design, and user experience. While VELO focuses on accessibility, variety, and subtlety, Pablo is unapologetically intense, delivering maximum impact for seasoned users. Here's how they compare at the foundational level.
As one of the most recognisable names in the nicotine pouch industry, VELO has become synonymous with quality, consistency, and choice. Manufactured by British American Tobacco (BAT), VELO is designed to accommodate a wide range of user needs, from total beginners trying their first pouch to experienced users looking for a smoother, more refined alternative to smoking or vaping.
VELO offers one of the most diverse strength ranges on the market, allowing users to find their ideal level of nicotine satisfaction without overcommitting. Its range is divided into three distinct tiers:
What sets VELO apart is its innovative dot-based strength indicator system. Each can is clearly marked with one to six strength dots, providing a visual reference for users at a glance. This is supported by precise milligram (mg) labelling, giving you full control over your nicotine intake.
VELO pouches are available in two thoughtfully designed formats:
Both formats are soft, breathable, and sit comfortably under the lip for a nearly invisible, no-drip experience.
If VELO is all about options and gradual onboarding, Pablo is built for one purpose only - maximum strength. Produced by NGP Empire, the brand behind the notoriously strong Killa pouches, Pablo is crafted for users with a high nicotine tolerance who want a fast, intense, and focused experience.
Pablo skips the entry-level niceties entirely and offers just one strength: 30mg of nicotine per pouch (50mg/g), one of the strongest nicotine pouches available anywhere.
There are no lighter variants in the Pablo range, no stepping stones - just a single, ultra-potent formula designed for users who already know what they're doing. It’s a brand that doesn’t pretend to be beginner-friendly, and that’s precisely what makes it appealing to experienced pouch fans.
Similarly, there are no smaller pouch options and no experimental sizes, just sleek, low-profile pouches that deliver an uncompromising nicotine punch while staying comfortable under the lip. The design is fuss-free, engineered to prioritise impact and efficiency over anything else.
If you’re sensitive to nicotine or still finding your footing, Pablo isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for maximum intensity in a small, discreet pouch, Pablo delivers, and then some.
With one brand built for versatility and another built for intensity, how do they compare where it counts most - flavour? Let’s take a deeper look at how VELO and Pablo stack up in taste, cooling effects, and creative blends.
Flavour plays a central role in the appeal of nicotine pouches. It’s not just about masking the bitterness of nicotine, it’s about delivering a full sensory experience with every pouch.
When it comes to flavour variety, VELO takes a more experimental approach.
While Pablo excels in bold, single-note flavours like Kiwi, Orange, and Grape Ice, VELO gets creative with adventurous combinations. For example:
These layered flavours provide a different kind of satisfaction, offering transitions in taste as the pouch develops.
Pablo, on the other hand, keeps things bold and straightforward. Most of their pouches hit fast and hard, with strong single-fruit profiles or instantly recognisable combos like Strawberry Cheesecake or Cherry Cola. That directness can be appealing, especially if you want immediate gratification without flavour complexity.
Still, despite these stylistic differences, both brands share similar flavours across categories, making it easy to compare their most popular options side by side. Let’s break it down category by category:
VELO’s Purple Grape is more refined and fruit-forward, while Pablo’s Grape Ice hits harder with menthol and leans darker and deeper in grape tone. Both capture the essence of grape, but Pablo dials it up with intensity and chill.
VELO keeps it simple with a straight-up strawberry, while Pablo branches out with hybridised, bolder flavours. There’s no direct match to VELO’s Ruby Berry, though Strawberry Lychee might be the closest in freshness.
VELO Cherry Ice: Cherry with a zesty citrus twist and cooling effect. Pablo Dark Cherry: Bold, sweet black cherry with tart undertones. Pablo Cherry Cola: A nostalgic, fizzy mix of cola and ripe cherries.
VELO goes fresh and citrusy, while Pablo’s cherry range is richer and more experimental, offering layered blends. VELO feels cleaner and more subtle; Pablo is louder and sweeter.
VELO Orange Ice: Tangy orange with a frosty finish. VELO Orange Spark: A zingy, tingly citrus burst. Pablo Orange: Juicy orange peel with fresh juice notes; vibrant and natural.
VELO wins on variety, offering both sharp and sparkling versions. Pablo’s Orange stands on its own as a solid, well-rounded option, but VELO gives you more ways to enjoy citrus.
VELO offers a full spectrum of mango styles, from fruity to fiery to frozen. Pablo’s single mango flavour is enjoyable but lacks variety. Again, VELO shows its strength in range.
Both offer a citrus hit, but VELO’s is more menthol-led, while Pablo gives you a pure lemonade profile. Different vibes - one fresh and cool, one bright and summery.
Both brands offer strong mint line-ups, but VELO leans toward subtle flavour differences and tiered strength, while Pablo keeps to strong, icy mints. It’s a close category - the choice comes down to whether you want variety (VELO) or intensity (Pablo).
VELO’s triple-berry blend is more traditional. Pablo’s Blue Raspberry brings in a fizzy edge, offering something fun and candy-like. Not quite the same, but comparable in fruity appeal.
So while the flavours may look similar on paper, the way each brand delivers them is quite different. Here's a quick snapshot of how VELO and Pablo compare in overall flavour style:
| Category | VELO | Pablo |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour Balance | Layered (fruit + ice, spice, or cream) | Front-loaded and menthol-heavy |
| Intensity | Medium to high, but more refined | Extremely strong and cooling |
| Cooling Strength | Varies by flavour - from light chill to freezing | Nearly all flavours have strong menthol |
| Sweetness | Moderately sweet, more natural | High sweetness, candy-like tones |
| Complexity | Higher - some flavours have 3+ layered effects | Lower - single-note with cooling twist |
VELO’s flavour range offers subtle complexity that evolves as you use the pouch - ideal for those who enjoy nuanced flavour development over time. Pablo, by contrast, delivers a flavour hit up front, typically followed by an overpowering menthol wash that can mask finer flavour details. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as many users actively seek that extreme cooling rush, but it means you’re getting a more aggressive, less subtle flavour profile.
Choosing between VELO and Pablo ultimately comes down to your experience level, nicotine tolerance, and flavour preferences.
In short, choose VELO for variety, moderation, and flavour finesse, and choose Pablo for power, speed, and icy boldness.
Final Verdict Both VELO and Pablo have carved out distinct spaces in the nicotine pouch market, and that’s what makes this comparison so compelling. Ultimately, the best pouch is the one that fits your lifestyle, and now you’ve got the insight to make that call.
Explore our VELO range here, and our Pablo range here.
