If you are a long-time snus user or a football player there is a meager chance that you have not encountered this product. NGP Empire brought Killa Cold Mint to the market years ago and it was one of the first tobacco-free nicotine pouches to emerge on the scene. It offered something completely new to consumers who were previously using tobacco snus. Completely tobacco-free, well-priced, quality pouches with a moist consistency. It took the market by storm and quickly became a staple product in the football changing rooms. Since then, the love for Killa has spread to the masses and NGP has introduced a massive range of fruity flavours that continue to be loved, with Killa Grape Ice arguably becoming the most popular. I have decided to see what the hype is about and review it here.
Packaging 6/10
As a long-time snus user myself I think it is nostalgia or familiarity that makes me happy when I look at a can of Killa. However, if I separate my opinion from these feelings and take a closer look at the can I begin to question the design for the first time. Although very fitting to the name “Killa” with imagery of skulls, daggers and what looks like a vulture, if I put myself in the shoes of a new snus user who was unaware of the rich history of this pouch I don’t think this is something that would appeal to me or something I would want to whip out in the office!
Despite this, I have to say the can itself is of great quality. The packaging is tight, well wrapped and the slightly glistening sticker gives the can a more premium feel than many other nicotine pouch products. The lid features a deep disposal compartment with NGP branding pressed to the inside. This is a nice touch and the depth makes discarding the pouches easy and I was able to fit 5 pouches in here comfortably. I wasn’t fiddling with the lid trying to get the compartment closed as I often find myself doing with other brands.
Smell Test 9/10
I believe it is an unwritten ritual amongst snus users when opening a new can to smell it first. I have to admit I am not usually a fan of the few grape-flavoured products that exist but there is something about Killa Grape Ice that is extremely pleasant and sweet. Of course, there are white grapes and red grapes, but NGP was aiming for the red grape flavour with Killa Grape Ice. It smells very full-bodied and intense, something closer to Welch’s grape juice or a grape soda rather than the fruit itself. I like it.
Pouch Composition 20/20
NGP products are known for their moist pouch consistency, many love it, and some hate it. Many find that the moist pouch allows for a more comfortable experience and it sits on the gum more smoothly. Moist pouches often deliver a stronger nicotine hit due to the differences in acidity between moist and dry pouches.
Killa Grape surprised me, I expected the usual super moist pouch however this flavour in particular has a unique composition. Rather than being extremely moist it sits somewhere between and is a little drier than the mint flavours of Killa. It makes sense why this has become one of the hottest flavours, regardless if you are team dry pouches or team moist pouches you should enjoy this product, it sits comfortably between both ends of the spectrum.
The pouch shape is great, the contents are evenly distributed to create the perfect lip pillow. I didn’t find myself needing to flick the pouch like a bag of you know what to evenly distribute the filling, it was perfect from straight out of the can. The pouch is nice and slim, not too bulky in height or width so you can place it discreetly in the upper deck without looking like a camel trying to chew. If you have ever tried to hide a large pouch under your upper lip you know exactly what I’m talking about!
Last of all the pouch is slightly brown due to the flavouring, with Killa, I usually avoid the brown pouches as I find the white ones hit slightly better. However, although it didn’t hit the same as some of the white pouches I wasn’t disappointed with Killa Grape Ice at all.
Flavour 16/20
Of course, flavour is subjective and we all have different tastebuds, but popular things are often popular for a reason. Killa Grape Ice seems to be no different. The flavour is full-bodied and intense, unlike other grape products that seem to be watered down.
The flavour does not dissipate quickly, when I took the pouch out 20 minutes later the taste was still going on strong. I know some people like to keep pouches in for over 30 minutes, I don’t see the point of keeping one in any longer than 10-15 minutes so I can’t comment on taking it that far. However, I would guess it holds up well.
If you know snus then you know that certain flavours invoke extreme saliva also known as “drip.” When the flavour mixes with this it can be extremely unpleasant particularly if you swallow it. I didn’t have much issue with the Killa Grape Ice in this department.
Strength 14/20
Killa is marketed as 16mg per gram which is 12.8mg per pouch. Now in comparison to other products around 16mg/g, I can say you should expect a slightly stronger kick from Killa something about these pouches just hit harder than your strongest Velo for example.
With that being said compared to other products from Killa such as Cold Mint, Watermelon or Blueberry I have to say there is something about Killa Grape Ice that doesn’t hit as hard. To be honest, I find this with all the brown-tinted pouches from Killa, the white ones just seem to hit harder.
Longevity 15/20
By all means, these pouches stand the test of quality and last long enough for most users to be more than satisfied before discarding them. The grape flavour maintains its intensity for at least 20 mins. The nicotine hit is delivered at a consistent pace and it is a nice mild release. It is not too quick but does not take ages to feel something. That is something I admire about Killa products, the nicotine release is almost perfect.
The strength seems to be consistent throughout the most important times which is from the initial nicotine hit around 5 minutes into when it has been fully delivered at around 20 minutes in. Within this period it is a comfortable and calming ride. After this point, you are not going to get much from any pouch so it would not be fair to judge the strength past this time frame.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Full-bodied, enjoyable grape flavour.
Slowly released nicotine hit, which makes it enjoyable.
Great pouch composition, not too moist not too dry.
Cons
Packaging is a little aggressive
Doesn’t hit as hard as other flavours of Killa
Verdict & Score 80
Killa Grape Ice is a great product and I can see why it is one of their best-selling flavours. It is one of the first products to get the grape flavour correct while maintaining a consistent and bold flavour throughout the experience. It doesn’t hit as hard as other flavours such as Cold Mint but maybe this is why it’s loved.
Who is it for?
Because it doesn’t hit as hard as the mint flavours of Killa which may be too intense for some, Killa Grape Ice is perfect for those who have been using products like Velo and are seeking something that is a step up but still not completely overpowering.
Due to the aggressive packaging, I know this is not something I’d like to whip out in the office in front of the boss or nosey colleagues! So I would say this product is more suitable for the younger audience, those who don’t have someone to answer to, or those who simply don’t give a s***. Cheers, guys! If you fancy checking out the Killa range at Snusboys you can see our Killa Snus here.
If you want to read any other reviews you can check out the rest of our snus reviews here.
