XQS vs. Helwit: Comparing Swedish Nic Pouch Brands

Sweden has long been at the forefront of smokeless nicotine innovation, and in recent years, two brands have emerged as top contenders in the tobacco-free nicotine pouch category: XQS and Helwit. Both offer a fresh take on nicotine consumption - without the tobacco, smoke, or stigma often associated with traditional smoking, and even snus. While they share Swedish roots and a commitment to quality, they differ in their approach to style, philosophy, and flavour.

Whether you’re a seasoned pouch user, exploring alternatives to disposable vapes, or transitioning from snus, this guide will help you understand the key differences between these standout brands, and which one might suit your preferences best.

Brand Background & Origins

XQS is a name with deep roots in the world of alternative nicotine. Founded back in 2006 in Jämtland by two snus enthusiasts looking for a tobacco-free alternative, XQS was one of the first brands to launch nicotine pouches without tobacco. Today, it is part of the Scandinavian Tobacco Group, a major player in the broader tobacco and nicotine market, and its products are manufactured by Insurgent Ventures II - the same company behind Ström. While relatively new to the UK market, XQS has established a significant global presence, built on a foundation of innovation and bold flavour.

Helwit, in contrast, represents a more recent and distinct chapter in the Swedish nicotine pouch story. Created by YOIK in 2021, Helwit originates from Gransholmsbruk in Småland, a region often associated both with Sweden's natural beauty and its craftsmanship - after all, it's the birthplace of IKEA! Notably, unlike XQS, Helwit has no ties to the traditional tobacco industry, and its commitment to sustainability is evident in its water-powered manufacturing facility, underscoring its environmentally conscious ethos. Despite its recent inception, Helwit has rapidly gained recognition for its refined and nuanced flavour profiles, coupled with its minimalist and stylish branding.

Philosophy and Brand Identity

While both brands are Swedish at heart, their philosophies differ in subtle but meaningful ways.

XQS's very name hints at its core concept: “excusing” tobacco use while still allowing for nicotine consumption. This positioning suggests an initial focus on providing an alternative for those not necessarily looking to quit nicotine entirely but wanting to move away from tobacco. The brand embraces environmental sustainability through its incorporation of recycled materials in its packaging and its promotion of responsible post-consumption recycling practices. With a heritage that stretches back nearly two decades, XQS carries the attitude of a brand that’s been shaping the category since day one.

Helwit, meanwhile, describes itself as a brand focused on creating pure, flavourful, and long-lasting pouches in partnership with flavour experts across Europe. From its clean packaging to its nature-driven, water-powered manufacturing, Helwit positions itself as a contemporary lifestyle brand with substance.

Nicotine Strength Comparison

Both brands offer a spectrum of strengths, catering to everyone from casual users to those seeking a significant nicotine hit. XQS lists its nicotine content in milligrams per pouch (mg), while Helwit uses milligrams per gram of pouch content (mg/g). To provide a clearer comparison, the approximate milligrams per pouch for Helwit's strengths are also provided below.

Here's a breakdown of their offerings:

XQS Nicotine Strengths

• ◉◉◎◎◎ (Normal) – 4 mg per pouch
• ◉◉◉◉◎ (Strong) – 8 mg per pouch
• ◉◉◉◉◉◎ (Extra Strong) – 9.6 mg per pouch
• ◉◉◉◉◉◉ (Extra Strong+) – 11.2 mg per pouch

Helwit Nicotine Strengths

• 2/4 – 7 mg/g (approximately 3.5 mg per pouch)
• 3/4 – 9 mg/g (approximately 4.5 mg per pouch)
• 4/4 – 12 mg/g (approximately 6 mg per pouch)
• Extra Strong – 15 mg/g (approximately 7.5 mg per pouch, available in select flavours)

If you're looking for comparable offerings in terms of nicotine strength, XQS's "Normal" at 4 mg per pouch is similar to Helwit's "2/4," which delivers approximately 3.5 mg per pouch. Moving up the scale, XQS's "Strong" at 8 mg per pouch sits between Helwit's "3/4" (around 4.5 mg) and "4/4" (approximately 6 mg) options.

The key difference lies in the upper end of the spectrum. Helwit's "4/4" at approximately 6 mg per pouch and "Extra Strong" at roughly 7.5 mg per pouch offer a different range compared to XQS's "Extra Strong" (9.6 mg) and "Extra Strong+" (11.2 mg). Users seeking the highest nicotine impact might find XQS's top-tier options more potent, while Helwit's strengths still cater to a significant portion of the market.

Flavour Range & Profiles

Where both brands truly shine is in flavour innovation, but in different ways.

XQS offers a wildly diverse and creative lineup, boasting over 20 distinct options that span icy mint sensations, sweets-inspired treats, exotic fruit fusions, and even intriguing spicy or floral undertones. Whether you crave a classic mint or something more adventurous, XQS pushes boundaries and embraces novelty.

XQS Flavour Lineup:

• Wintergreen: Crisp wintergreen meets refreshing mint for an invigorating experience.
• Spearmint: A cool and bold spearmint with a balanced sweetness.
• Cool Ice: A straightforward and crisp mint flavour.
• Arctic Freeze: An intensely cool peppermint with frosty, icy notes.
• Blueberry Mint: Sweet blueberry perfectly blended with a refreshing mint coolness.
• Black Cherry: A rich and nuanced cherry flavour with a subtle sharp note.
• Citrus Cooling: Vibrant lemon and lime with a refreshing icy finish.
• Tropical: A juicy fusion of sweet pineapple, ripe mango, and tangy passion fruit.
• Twin Apple: The balanced taste of both sweet red and slightly tart green apples.
• Orange Apple: Zesty orange notes combined with crisp apple and a hint of refreshing coolness.
• Elderflower: Delicate botanical elderflower complemented by bright citrus tones.
• Cactus Sour: A uniquely tart and succulent sour cactus flavour.
• Fizzy Cola: The classic taste of refreshing cola with sweet vanilla undertones.
• Soft Toffee: A smooth and comforting blend of sweet caramel and creamy vanilla.
• Green Mint: A clean and refreshing green mint that's not overly sweet and leaves no lingering aftertaste.
• Epic Freeze: An intensely icy and fresh peppermint sensation.
• Hallon Soda: The sweet and refreshing flavour of fruity raspberry soda.
• Chili Mango: A sweet and exotic mango with a surprising and warm chili kick.
• Berrynana Twist: Creamy banana swirled with a delightful mix of sweet berries.
• Strawberry Kiwi: The sweet taste of ripe strawberries paired with the tropical tang of kiwi.

Helwit, in contrast, takes a more curated, flavour-first approach, often focusing on the pure essence of individual flavours. While its range is smaller than XQS's, each flavour is developed in collaboration with experts to create complex, well-balanced profiles that offer a more refined experience. Expect nuanced fruit notes, comforting indulgences, and unique twists on familiar tastes.

Helwit Flavour Lineup:

• Violet: A sweet and aromatic flavour, capturing the essence of violet flowers.
• Mocha: A comforting and indulgent blend of chocolate, coffee, and caramel.
• Banana: The sweet, tropical, and creamy essence of ripe bananas.
• Cola: The familiar and fizzy sweetness of classic cola, bottled in a pouch.
• Blueberry: A burst of juicy and sweet summer blueberry flavour.
• Pear: A sweet, juicy, and subtly floral taste capturing the essence of ripe pears with a hint of refreshing acidity.
• Mint: A perfectly balanced minty sweetness with just the right level of peppermint.
• Orange: A zesty and bright orange flavour with a refreshing splash of mint.
• Cherry: A cheerful blend of tart and tangy sweet cherry.
• Menthol: An intensely ice-cold and pure mint sensation, the powerful sibling of their classic Mint.
• Salmiak: A bold and salty liquorice adventure for adventurous palates.
• Acai: A rich, fruity flavour with a slightly tart undertone.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, both XQS and Helwit exemplify the innovation and quality synonymous with Swedish nicotine pouches. They each offer a distinct experience tailored to different preferences, delivering their diverse ranges of tobacco-free nicotine in convenient slim-format pouches, with 20 portions per can.

• Choose XQS if you're drawn to bold and adventurous flavours that offer an immediate and expressive taste, coupled with their wide and diverse range of exciting flavour options.
• If you appreciate subtlety and nuanced flavour profiles that unfold gradually, often with a focus on single, high-quality ingredients. Helwit might be the brand for you. Their commitment to sustainability and refined brand aesthetic may also appeal to users seeking a premium feel.

No matter which you choose, you're embracing a flavourful and tobacco-free alternative that represents a modern approach to nicotine consumption.