What is inside a ZYN nicotine pouch?

Date published 27/08/2025

Wondering what’s inside a nicotine pouch? Inside every ZYN nicotine pouch, you’ll find a carefully balanced mix of ingredients, including nicotine, plant-based fibres, flavourings, and pH adjusters. These work together to deliver a consistent, satisfying, and tobacco-leaf-free nicotine experience.

ZYN nicotine pouches are smoke-free, device-free, and made without tobacco leaf. Whether you’re new to ZYN or simply curious about what’s in a nicotine pouch, this guide explains exactly what’s inside and what each ingredient does.

What are ZYN nicotine pouches made from?

ZYN nicotine pouch products are composed of a carefully selected blend of ingredients to provide an optimal experience. The pouch itself is made from cellulose, a plant-derived fibre, while different blends of flavourings are used in each flavour variant, and, of course, nicotine - the primary active ingredient.

What are the ingredients in ZYN nicotine pouches?

Inside a nicotine pouch you will find the following ingredients:

Nicotine – The active ingredient in nicotine pouches. ZYN pouches are available in different nicotine strengths.

Flavourings – Made with food-grade sweeteners and no sugar to give ZYN products their unique taste.

Cellulose - Made from plant-derived fibre, it acts as a taste carrier and filler, keeping the ZYN pouch from being too small.

pH Adjusters - Adjusts the pH of the nicotine pouch.

Sweeteners – ZYN uses Acesulfame K, which gives the product a balanced sweetness.

Water – Maintains the moisture of the nicotine pouches. (Water is not an ingredient for ZYN Mini, just for ZYN Regular).

What does ZYN not contain?

Nicotine pouches, like ZYN, do not contain the following ingredients:

Tobacco – Nicotine pouches (including ZYN) do not contain tobacco, unlike Snus. ZYNs are tobacco-leaf-free, which makes them a suitable alternative if you’re looking to switch to smoke-free and tobacco-leaf-free nicotine experience.

Caffeine – ZYN, and most nicotine pouches, do not contain caffeine. This also applies to ZYN Coffee pouches, which use high-quality flavourings to replicate authentic coffee flavours without real coffee beans.

Sugar – ZYN, and nicotine pouches generally, do not contain sugar. ZYN uses sweeteners which enhance the flavour without adding any sugar content.

For detailed information on the ingredients of each ZYN product, please refer to the packaging. ZYN packaging provides a comprehensive list of all the ingredients in it.

Do ZYN nicotine pouches contain tobacco?

No, ZYN does not contain tobacco*, unlike traditional oral smokeless products such as Snus. Sale and distribution of Snus is not legal within the UK. Selling Snus is widely prohibited outside of its country of origin and banned in all EU countries except from Sweden.

ZYN vs vaping: assessing tobacco-free* options

A number of smoke-free and tobacco-free* nicotine products have risen in popularity over the last 5 -10 years - including vapes and nicotine pouches. Depending on the product, these can both also be alternatives for adult smokers to consider switching to over continuing to smoke.

There are many different vapes available on the market for those wanting to enjoy tobacco-free nicotine.* What’s more, there’s also now a range of tobacco-free* nicotine pouches to discover.

In this article, we’ll explore the tobacco-free* options available and the ways in which you can experience nicotine without smoke or vapour. Along with examining the pros and cons of nicotine pouches, we’ll also explore answers to questions like ‘is ZYN better than vaping?’ and how these two smoke-free, tobacco-free* products compare.

*The nicotine in ZYN is derived from tobacco but ZYN does not contain tobacco leaf.

ZYN vs vapes: is ZYN better than vaping?

ZYN and vapes are both tobacco-free* alternatives for adult nicotine users and offer unique experiences. Deciding on which one is better depends mostly on what matters most to you. Take a look at our table below to compare the two smoke-free options.

What are the differences between ZYN nicotine pouches and vaping?

Feature	ZYN (Nicotine Pouches)	Vapes/E-Cigarettes
Nicotine Delivery	ZYN pouches deliver nicotine through oral absorption when placed under the lip. No tar, smoke, or harmful combustion byproducts are inhaled into the lungs when using ZYN.	Vapes deliver nicotine using e-liquid through the inhalation of vapour, with no combustion.
Ingredients	ZYN pouches are made up of: Nicotine, fillers, sweeteners and are fully tobacco-leaf-free.	Vapes are typically made up of nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and are also tobacco-free.
Maintenance	ZYN pouches are device free and single-use only, which means they require no maintenance. You simply place a pouch under your lip to experience the nicotine and flavour release.	Vapes require ongoing maintenance. When the e-liquid runs out, refilling or replacing of the pods will be needed. The device will also need to be recharged. Vape device tanks might also require regular cleaning to prevent residue build-up.
Convenience	ZYN pouches are convenient due to their compact, pocket-sized cans, which are ideal for travel and on-the-go use. You can use ZYN in public places, at work and on public transport since ZYN pouches are smoke-free and do not produce vapour.	Vapes require a charged battery, which can be inconvenient for on the go use. Using vapes is restricted indoors and in most public spaces, requiring you to find a designated area.
Costs	As ZYN pouches are single use, you only need to pay the upfront cost of your ZYN can, and then you’re good to go.	With vapes, once you’ve purchased the initial device itself, you will need to buy more e-liquid or vape pods over time. Depending on your device type, mod vapes for example may also require battery and coil replacements.
Flavour variety	ZYN pouches come in a wide range of flavours in different nicotine strengths. From refreshing mint flavours such as Cool Mint and S pearmint, to coffee and fruit varieties.	Vapes are available in a wide range of flavours such as tobacco, mint and fruit varieties. The flavours available will vary by brand.