VELO Nicotine Pouches: A Brutally Honest Review (Updated 2025)

If you’ve been following SnusBoys for a while, you’ll know we were never shy about throwing shade at VELO. Back in 2023, we basically crowned them the “Tesco value meal deal” of the pouch world – convenient, accessible, but a bit bland and never really delivering for experienced users.

But here’s the plot twist: since their 2024 rebrand, VELO have quietly stepped their game up. Not only have they kept their position as the UK’s most mainstream pouch, they’ve actually fixed a lot of the things we slated them for. The pouch quality is genuinely excellent (you’ll rarely get one that bursts), the use of pharmaceutical-grade nicotine means the performance is clean and consistent, and they’ve finally brought flavours into their stronger 6-dot (17mg) range. VELO Max Freeze, now rebranded as Freezing Peppermint, used to be the only 17mg option. For someone like me who used to avoid VELO, I hate to admit it… but these days, I’m actually a regular VELO user myself.

So, if you came here expecting another hatchet job, think again. This is the updated 2025 verdict on VELO nicotine pouches, and for once, it’s mostly good news.

What are “VELO Nicotine Pouches”

VELO is technically a nicotine pouch, but in the UK most people just call it snus. The difference is simple: snus has tobacco, nicotine pouches don’t, but you stick them in the same place and they do the same job. End result: you get nicotine without the tar and all the other ugly bits that come with smoking.

Made by BAT (yep, the huge tobacco company with money to burn), VELO probably has some of the best quality control in the game. They use pharmaceutical-grade nicotine and proper materials, which makes their pouches some of the safest and most consistent out there. Plus, because BAT can pretty much buy the market, VELO is everywhere — petrol stations, supermarkets, airports — you name it. It was one of the first pouches to hit the UK properly and today it’s easily one of the most mainstream brands in the world.

The catch? At £6.99 a pot in Tesco it’s hardly cheap. If you’re like me and go through a load each day, supermarket VELO ends up costing about the same as smoking. That’s exactly why independent shops like ours exist, better prices, bulk deals, and you don’t get rinsed paying retail. Anyway, rant over.

VELO Packaging & First Impressions

The packaging from VELO has improved massively since the rebrand. The old cans were bland and forgettable, but now they’ve got some character and finesse. What I like is that even though the design pops, it still looks clean and minimalist, I don’t feel like onlookers are staring at me thinking I’ve just pulled out a pack of hard drugs, which is more than I can say for some other brands.

On top of the new look, the cans themselves feel a lot more premium to the touch, solid, sleek, and slim enough to slip in your pocket without bulging. The freshness seal does its job, and of course the little trash compartment on top. It’s a standard feature these days, but VELO have put their own twist on it in 2025: instead of the lid popping all the way off, it now just bends back to reveal the bin. Smart move, because you’ll never lose the top of your pot again. The only downside? For you fraggles who use that lid to crack the seal on a fresh can instead of your nails, you’re out of luck.

VELO Flavour Range in 2025

Back in the day, VELO’s biggest weakness was the flavour and strength lineup. You had your standard mint, a dodgy berry, and if you wanted something stronger than the supermarket “starter packs” you were stuck with Max Freeze (now rebranded as Freezing Peppermint), the only 17mg pouch on shelves at the time. That was it, one strong flavour, take it or leave it.

Fast-forward to 2025 and things look very different. The 6-dot range (17mg) now comes in proper flavoured options like Purple Grape, Orange Spark, and Ruby Berry, a massive step up. You no longer have to settle for just mint if you want a stronger pouch. Finally, some actual choice at the top end of the VELO spectrum.

For lighter users, the 10mg pouches are still around and honestly, they’re spot on for beginners. Smooth, easy to use, and not overwhelming. With new flavours like Tropical Ice and Strawberry Ice, VELO have injected a bit of life into the mid-range too, so chances are you’ll find something that hits your taste (and if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve already ranked what we think are the top VELO flavours.

Flavour-wise, VELO keeps things clean. They’re not trying to turn your mouth into a candy shop. If you’re used to syrupy-sweet brands like Killa, you’ll notice VELO leans more salty/savoury. It’s not a bad thing, just different. In fact, some people prefer that lighter, airy taste over the heavy vape-style sweetness, and I’ll give them credit for keeping it consistent across the whole range.

The downside? Some of these flavours can still leave a nasty salty drip, which has always been VELO’s Achilles heel. But overall, miles better than before.

Nicotine Strength and Hit

VELO’s strength scale is shown with dots on the can, 2 dots being the lightest (around 4mg) and 6 dots the strongest (17mg). Sounds simple, but in reality the perceived strength doesn’t always match the number.

At the lower end (4–6mg), it’s ridiculously mild if you’ve got any tolerance. For complete beginners though, that’s the whole point, smooth, subtle, and unlikely to make you feel sick. The mid-range (8–10mg) is more noticeable but still softer than other brands at the same listed strength. That said, loads of people find this sweet spot perfect for work, commuting, or travel, enough to take the edge off without rendering you immobile.

Step up into VELO’s stronger products and it suddenly goes from “this does nothing” to “ok, that kicked.” The 14–17mg range gives a proper kick, and the 6-dot (17mg) variants in particular feel like they hit harder than some popular options like Killa. If you’re curious which ones in this range stand out, we’ve broken it down in our guide to the strongest Velo pouches. Thanks to the cleaner, pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, the effect is super clean. The hit stays steady, not the chaotic “hang on for dear life” ride you sometimes get with Pablo or Cuba, just respectable, controlled power. You can run them all day without wiping yourself out, which is why they’ve become my daily driver.

Overall, VELO’s strength lineup has its quirks, but that’s also the win: beginners can ease in gently, and experienced users finally have flavoured options at the top end. Smooth, consistent, and controlled.

Here is a table so you can see what strengths VELO is available in and who these strengths are suited for.

How to Use VELO Nicotine Pouches (Beginner Guide)

If you’re new to nicotine pouches or “snus,” stay with me. The left side of my mouth, between the upper lip and gum, probably has a sofa crease from all the pouches I’ve used over the years. Seriously, I’ve done a lot.

For the newcomer, you just place a pouch anywhere between your gum and upper lip and let it do its thing. Some brands need a bit more moisture before you feel a hit, but VELO is no different from the rest, easy to use. Just pop it in, sit back, and see where it takes you.

You can also check out our step-by-step how to use VELO guide if you’re unsure.

Velo Nicotine Pouches Side Effects

For me, side effects with VELO have always been minimal, even at the top end. The 17mg “Max” versions hit with a clean wave of nicotine after a couple of minutes, but they never tip into the nausea, sweats, or gum burn you sometimes get with brands like Pablo or Cuba. That’s part of what makes VELO stand out, the pharmaceutical-grade nicotine keeps the experience steady and predictable.

That said, if you’re a beginner, don’t underestimate it. Even though seasoned users (myself included) call VELO “chilled,” a 17mg pouch can still be overwhelming if you’ve only ever used lighter products or you’re switching straight from smoking. Common side effects for newcomers include lightheadedness, mild nausea, or a salty drip that can be unpleasant if you’re not used to it.

These side effects are rarely severe and usually pass quickly. Start with the 4–10mg range, stay hydrated, and avoid using pouches on an empty stomach, that’s enough to keep things smooth. Once you build tolerance, VELO’s higher strengths become easy to run all day without drama.

Pros of VELO (Updated)

• Pharmaceutical-grade nicotine – clean, consistent hit.
• Excellent pouch quality – they rarely burst, slim and comfortable.
• Flavoured 6-dot (17mg) range – finally, strong options beyond just mint.
• Massively improved design – cans look sharp, feel premium, and the hinged trash compartment is clever.
• Widely available – from supermarkets to petrol stations, you can always grab a pot if you’re caught short.
• Beginner-friendly – smooth low/mid strengths that don’t overwhelm.

Cons of VELO (Updated)

• Salty drip still VELO’s biggest weakness, especially in certain flavours.
• Perceived strength mismatch – low/mid levels (4–10mg) often feel weaker than the number on the tin.
• Supermarket pricing – £6.99 a pot is steep if you’re a regular user (bulk buying online is the way to go)
• Flavour style not for everyone – more mature flavourings that are clean light and saltier rather than sweet, bold and candy like.

Who Should Use VELO?

If you’re completely new to snus or nicotine pouches, VELO is about as beginner-friendly as it gets. The lighter 2–4 dot options (4–10mg) are smooth and subtle, you couldn’t ask for a better pouch to start with. VELO gives you a consistent small nicotine hit for 10–15 minutes. They’re not abrasive on the gum, so you avoid the burning sensations some snus is known for, and the flavour holds up fine for a short period. My brother actually swears by VELO and uses them all day at work. They’re perfectly suited to an office environment where you can pop one in discreetly and still have your wits about you. Some of the stronger snus out there can wipe you out for an hour, VELO won’t do that.

For office and professional users, VELO ticks a lot of boxes. The cans look clean and grown-up, the pouches are discreet, and the buzz is controlled enough that you can use them throughout the day without zoning out mid-email.

That said, VELO isn’t built for the hardcore. Paradoxically, if you’re a glutton for powerhouse snus, these won’t be for you. You’d stand more chance of getting a hit from a green tea, sorry guys!

If you live off Pablo or Cuba Black, you’ll probably find most of the range too tame. But ex-vapers or smokers looking for something steady will likely find comfort in the stronger 5–6 dot range (14–17mg). Those actually deliver a kick while keeping things steady and manageable.

👉 We’ve actually gone deeper into this in our full Who Should Use VELO? guide, where we break down which strengths suit beginners, office users, and heavier hitters.

Where to Buy VELO Cheaper Online

One of the biggest downsides to VELO is still the price in supermarkets. At £6.99 a pot in Tesco, regular use quickly adds up to “smoking money.”

The smarter move is buying online. Not only do you get access to bulk packs and discounts, but with next-day delivery you’ll never get caught pouch-less again. And unlike the high street, you can actually browse the full flavour and strength lineup, including the newer rebranded products and even some overseas exotics.

✅ You’ll find your favourites and even discover some new flavours cheaper right here at Snus Boys.

Best Alternatives to Velo

We’ve actually written a full article on this, check out our Best VELO Alternatives guide for the deep dive, but here are the quick highlights:

• For more strength: If VELO’s 10mg range feels too light, move up to their 14mg or 17mg pouches. If you want to switch brands, try Killa or Cuba White Line. Killa hits harder than you’d expect for the number on the tin, while Cuba delivers a similar strength but with more punch. And if even VELO’s 17mg doesn’t cut it anymore? The next stop is Pablo.
• For more flavour: If your main gripe with VELO is that it leans salty/savoury, check out Iceberg or 77. Both brands go big on flavour, with bold, punchy, sometimes downright wild combos that make VELO feel tame by comparison.
• For better value: Buying VELO in Tesco at £6.99 a pot adds up fast. Online at SnusBoys you’re looking at £3–£3.99 a can, with stronger options and more flavour variety on top.

Bottom line: VELO is great for consistency, but if you want more kick, sweeter flavour, or better value, there are plenty of solid alternatives waiting for you.

Final Verdict: Is VELO Worth It in 2025?

Back in 2023 we happily slated VELO as the “Tesco meal deal” of the pouch world easy to grab, but bland and underwhelming. Fast-forward to 2025 and, credit where it’s due, VELO has levelled up. The rebrand brought sharper cans, better flavours, and finally some strong 6-dot options that prove they can hang with more serious brands.

For beginners, VELO is still one of the safest, easiest ways to start your pouch journey. The low and mid-range strengths are smooth, discreet, and won’t knock you sideways. For office users or anyone who needs a reliable daily pouch, it ticks all the boxes: clean design, consistent hit, and no chaos.

Where VELO still falls short is with the heavy hitters. If you’re a strength chaser, you’ll probably find the hit a bit tame and the salty drip a deal-breaker. But that’s not really who VELO is for, they’ve doubled down on consistency and accessibility, and in that lane, they’re hard to beat.

Bottom line: VELO is no longer just the “boring supermarket option.” It’s a genuinely solid choice for anyone who values reliability over raw chaos.