The short story here is that US demand for the pouches is so high that production can’t keep up, resulting in a lack of supply until the manufacturer can expand its capacity. For the long story, keep reading this article.

Note: We don’t ship ZYN to the US. Those who are based in the US and want to know how the current situation will affect them can check out this guide to the ZYN shortage.

Why Is There a Shortage?

By most accounts, 2024 has been ZYN’s year. It has been the most popular nicotine pouch brand in the US for a while now, but 2024 took things to new heights.

Parent company Philip Morris International (PMI) sold 80% more cans in Q1 2024 than it managed in Q1 2023, representing an impressive increase.

So impressive in fact, that the demand reached a point where supply couldn’t keep up.

Around May, social media users across the US started to notice that their local shops were running out of ZYN. At first, the shortage only seemed to affect certain states, but it has since become a nationwide phenomenon.

Earlier in the year, Philip Morris had commented that it was experiencing tensions on the supply chain, although the firm declined to comment on the shortage specifically.

This situation only affects the US — we’ll explain why shortly.

When Will Things Return to Normal?

While many US pouch users have been alarmed to see their favorite products suddenly replaced by empty shelves, the good news is that the shortage has a simple solution: increasing production.

PMI has confirmed plans to open up a new US ZYN factory in Aurora, Colorado. This will massively upscale its production.

It’s not an immediate fix, with regular production not set to begin until 2026. But PMI has also upped its manufacturing in Kentucky in the meantime by amending its production processes.

The company has sold far more cans this year than it did in 2023, showing its commitment to try and keep pace with demand.

What About the ZYN Factory Fire?

Somewhat confusingly, the US ZYN shortage hit the US a couple of months after a fire took place at the ZYN factory in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Reportedly, the fire started at around 06:30 am and was extinguished by 8 am. Shortly after, Swedish Match stated there would be no risk of a shortage due to the fire, although it’s unclear exactly what happened or what damage was caused.

Most significantly, the current shortage only affects the US, but the Gothenburg factory only produces pouches for the non-US market.

There’s therefore no connection between the shortage and the factory fire.

Does the Shortage Affect the Rest of the World?

As touched on already, ZYN products for the US market are not made in the same factory as those from the rest of the world.

The factory in Owensboro, Kentucky produces nicotine pouches solely for US customers, while Gothenburg handles production for the rest of the world.

Some might be concerned that the shortage could prompt PMI to switch up their operations and use Gothenburg to produce more pouches for the US. This would then have a knock-on effect on the European supply.

However, this is very unlikely to happen. ZYN nicotine pouches sold outside the US might share a brand name with those available in the states. But they don’t even have the same flavors, and they differ in other crucial elements (such as moisture content and can design).

Therefore, the factories will remain separate, and non-Americans don’t need to worry about the shortage affecting them.

Is it Still Possible to Buy ZYN in the US?

There might be a shortage, but PMI is still producing impressive quantities of ZYN. In fact, it expects to sell 580 million cans in 2024!

However, most people have been forced to change their consumption habits somewhat, whether that means buying from somewhere different, opting for a new flavor, or choosing a different brand entirely.

Many people in the US have found their local shops no longer stock their flavor of choice, and that only the less popular taste profiles are available. In some cases, there are no ZYNs available at all for them. This varies between states.

Some customers are turning to online retailers to get a more consistent supply, and most have imposed temporary purchasing restrictions so they can spread out limited stock between all customers.

Philip Morris has stopped online sales through its own site, but this is for issues unrelated to the shortage.

What is nicotine pouch technology?

Nicotine pouch technology refers to the design, materials, ingredients, or anything that affects the nicotine pouch experience. With such a wide range of characteristics affecting the experience, the possibility for innovation is almost endless. The types of changes and upgrades that occur can affect:

• Ingredients
• Materials
• Shape and Size
• Packaging
• Flavor sensations
• Nicotine and flavor releases

The list goes on. However, those mentioned above will be covered, and examples will be given of each, providing a more detailed review and insight into which brand has innovated what. It may even sway the nicotine pouch you choose next.

What is the need for nicotine pouch innovation?

Like everything that is made, there is always the need for better. It’s how the world works and is why nicotine pouches are continually developed. Each brand tries to outdo the other, grabbing the consumers' attention by doing so and highlighting the importance of product research and development. However, there are other reasons for innovation, including:

• Adhering to the changing regulatory landscape
• Meeting changing consumer preferences
• Enhancing the consumer’s experience
• Improve nicotine pouch safety and its effect

A brand can become stagnant if nothing new is created or released. With the increase in regulation and a spotlight on product safety, nicotine pouches are under constant scrutiny, highlighting a few reasons for their constant development.

The new nicotine pouch technology 2024

There have been many developments over the past 2 to 3 years in what different nicotine pouch brands provide regarding technology. Some of these are discussed below, including the ingredients, materials, pouch sizes, packaging, flavors, and nicotine release.

Synthetic nicotine

A benefit of nicotine pouches is that they are tobacco-free. Nicotine can be sourced in 2 different ways, as detailed in the synthetic nicotine article on the Snusdirect blog. One is deriving it from the tobacco leaf, and the other is creating it by performing specific chemical reactions on a nicotinic acid. There is an argument that synthetic nicotine is purer, but both are rigorously controlled to meet the standards of certain government bodies worldwide.

Synthetic nicotine has only seen the spotlight since the regulatory approval in 2022, but it has been around for much longer than that. Believe it or not, synthetic nicotine was created in 1904. Even with this early breakthrough, big brands like On! and ZYN don’t use synthetic nicotine - very few do.

However, we may see an increase in its use in nicotine pouches with time as the process becomes cheaper and regulations change.

Coconut plant fibers

Cellulose and Maltitol are common nicotine pouch fillers used for almost every brand. These ingredients are highly processed, and more natural alternatives are being used. COCO nicotine pouches believe natural is better and use coconut fibers to bulk their tobacco-free pouches. Yes, this does give a slightly darker tinge to the product, but it doesn’t take away from the experience. The same brand uses natural flavorings and organic palm oil to add to their more “natural” edge.

The maxi pouch size

When it comes to nicotine pouches, many pouch sizes are available, and the more popular are mini, slim, and large. One brand has a much larger range of sachet shapes than usual, providing more options to the user. That brand is Siberia All White nicotine pouches, and its different formats include super slim, ultra slim, long, maxi, as well as mini, slim, and original/large.

Each maxi product weighs 1.5 grams, roughly double a slim pouch!

Whether more brands adopt this format is another question, but this is a demonstration of how different brands can set themselves apart from others.

The PlantCan

Another aspect of the nicotine pouch experience is what is used to transport them. LOOP has created a more eco-friendly can called the PlantCan. What makes it different?

The PlantCan is made of bioplastic engineered from pine oil left over from the foresting industry. In turn, Another Snus Factory, LOOP’s manufacturer, makes use of other businesses' waste. Moreover, each is fully recyclable, reducing the environmental impact of nicotine pouch use.

Warming flavor sensations

Tasting experiences are one of the biggest facets of the nicotine pouch experience, other than format and nicotine strength. Recently, over the past year or two, a new type of flavor has become more prevalent - one with a warming sensation. Traditionally, those with a cooling minty sensation were a part of all users' rotations, but now some brands like VELO nicotine pouches are creating more with the opposite.

VELO Cinnamon Flame and VELO Lime Flame are the more popular products with a fiery finish.

This new advancement is allowing users to enjoy a new experience, bringing a breath of fresh air to their nicotine pouch use.

Pearls technology

VOLT nicotine pouches have developed a technology that affects the nicotine and flavor release, providing an even release and a longer-lasting experience. Pearls technology affects the contents within the sachet and the form they take.

Usually, the fillers are fibrous, but Pearls technology shapes them into small balls where the flavor and nicotine bind. In doing so, a steady release of nicotine and flavor is ensured, enabling the experience to last up to 1 hour.

What will the next nicotine pouch technology advancement be?

With nicotine pouches being so diverse, it is hard to guess what the next advancement in nicotine pouch technology would be. However, we can postulate what they may be and what may come next based on the market and what consumers look for in a nicotine pouch. Some ideas include:

1. More synthetic nicotine pouch brands are released, and those that use tobacco-derived nicotine have to switch due to changes in regulation.
2. A more effective and natural filler material is discovered, providing a smoother and steadier nicotine and flavor release, similar to the experience provided by its tobacco-containing sibling snus.
3. Fewer high-strength nicotine contents may be present due to restrictions, opening the door to the addition of other stimulatory substances to provide a similar sensation.
4. Every can of nicotine pouches may have to be made from eco-friendly materials, like LOOP’s PlantCan.

The ideas above are recreational and shouldn’t be taken for fact. However, each provides a base for your imagination to wonder where nicotine pouch technology may be in the next 5 years.

Distinctive Colors and a Stronger Brand Recognition

Distinctive colors will be used on VELO’s Weirdly Original range, rather than the traditional white color. The V as part of the word ‘VELO’ in the logo is designed to make the brand instantly recognizable, while the designs highlight the different strengths and flavors in each can. A stronger color equals a stronger nicotine content or flavor intensity. The aim is to make VELO nicotine pouches clearer for people to understand as soon as they look at the packaging.

Universal Design across the Globe

Before January 2024, VELO pouches were packaged differently in each country, but with the popularity of these pouches increasing globally, BAT wanted a consistent, uniform design. The aim of this change is so that people can buy VELO anywhere in the world safe in the knowledge that they are getting the real thing.

Some users were concerned that the product they were buying was not authentic VELO because of the different packaging.

Now, with it looking the same whether you live in the USA, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Germany or anywhere else, those doubts should no longer surface.

Name Changes - Full list

VELO has taken the opportunity to rename some of its popular flavors so that it better reflects the ingredients, giving a clearer understanding of what people are buying.

Here is a list of what the new VELO pouches are called:

What are the new flavors and products?

As well as changing the packaging, new flavors have been introduced to cater for a variety of audiences, including these fruit-based pouches:

• Icy Cherry - Cherries and berries combine in this relatively strong VELO flavor
• Tangled Berry - Sweet berries are mixed with creamy blueberries and raspberries
• Mango Flame - This creamy and sweet pouch is designed for those with exotic tastes
• Zest Flame - There is a spicy and citrus effect to this sour, lime taste
• Orange Spark - A fresh and sweet orange flavor that has a strong nicotine content

The new Sensations line-up

VELO has introduced a line-up called ‘Sensations’, which give a heating or cooling effect, and they are designed with a new, darker packaging to reflect this.

The new products include:

• Cooling - The VELO Cool Storm contains menthol which gives your lip a freezing sensation.
• Heating - The VELO Cinnamon Flame combines spicy cinnamon and fiery black pepper to give your lip a warming sensation.
• Tingling - Incorporated into the new Orange Spark nicopod, this sensation provides an exciting element to the experience.

When does this change come into action?

From EPOK to LYFT to Velo, the brand has undergone many changes throughout its history. The latest alteration began in January 2024, where peel-off stickers will feature on the most popular VELO nicotine pouches. When you buy it, you will see the old design, before the new design is unveiled underneath the peel-off sticker.

The changes will initially take place on the six bestsellers before other products follow suit later in 2024, and the overall rollout should be completed by around July.

The name changes on existing products come into effect immediately.

New nicotine and tobacco-free pouch brands: VELO Zero

If you want to reduce your tobacco and nicotine intake, a nicotine and tobacco-free pouch is a good option if you still want to enjoy the portion experience. British American Tobacco (BAT) released its first nicotine-free pouch this fall in VELO Zero. In this launch, BAT has released two flavor profiles, both being the same as VELO nicotine pouch-tasting experiences, aiding the transition away from nicotine.

VELO Ice Cool - without nicotine

One of the tasting experiences VELO Zero has is the most popular in the VELO nicotine pouch range. VELO Ice Cool Zero. In turn, if you do not use nicotine or want to reduce your intake, you can experience the same product experience without the nicotine.

What are the best newly released products from existing brands?

As well as new brands, existing brands release new nicotine pouches and snus. This is important because brands need to ensure their existing customers remain entertained, and a great way to do this is by releasing new products. These brands include VELO nicotine pouches and ONE Snus. Below, you will find several brands that have released new products this fall that might be of interest.

New Mini VELO pouches

• VELO Punchy Lime - a tart and citrus mini nicotine pouch, that provides a refreshing and subtle kick.

• VELO Nutty Virginia - a nicotine pouch with a tasting experience similar to snus with nutty and earthy tones.

New nicotine pouches from LYFT & LOOP

• LYFT Cucumber Mint - a cooling mint nicotine pouch with notes of cucumber providing a refreshing finish.

• LOOP Red Chili Melon - is a dual flavor profile that combines two distinct tastes, melon and chili, creating an intriguing tasting experience.

New snus

• ONE Grå - a vibrant snus with a subtle and elegant tasting experience. Notes of citrus and juniper elevate the light and spicy tobacco character.

• XR Apple Slim White - is a modern white snus with a fruity twist. Partnering with the tobacco character are notes of crisp apples and oranges.

A new snus brand: Puck Snus

This fall, a new and exciting snus brand has been released for those who admire a potent strength and an intense mint-tasting experience. Puck Snus has made a product based on the grueling sport of ice hockey, if you couldn’t tell by the name, with a robust nicotine content and powerful cooling flavor profiles.

What does Puck Snus offer?

This strong snus is manufactured by the SnusFactory, a company that uses Swedish tradition and craftsmanship with the finest Swiss ingredients, producing a premium snus pouch. Puck includes:

• A potent nicotine content - 14.95 mg to 36 mg per portion.
• Robust mint-tasting experiences - with a fresh cooling sensation.
• White Slim and White Original portion sizes.

The strongest snus pouch in Puck’s range is Puck Icing Large, preferred by the more experienced snuser due to its intense experience.

New nicotine pouches brands: Nico Nicotine Pouches

As well as snus, a new nicotine pouch brand has been released. Nico Nicotine Pouches. This brand is manufactured by the SnusFactory, the same as Puck Snus, and offers two distinct mint-tasting experiences that are bold and fresh. Each pouch is slim and dry, creating a long-lasting and comfortable experience. With a nicotine content of 8 - 12 mg per portion, these pouches can be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced users.

What are the Nico tasting experiences?

Nico Nicotine Pouches have two different flavor profiles. Both are mint-orientated with subtle differences.

• Nico Whip Alpine - has a eucalyptus-tasting experience with dominant notes of menthol, providing a potent cooling sensation.

• Nico Lash Glacier - has more of a balanced mint flavor, with notes of peppermint providing a more natural and herbal freshness.

Where can you buy new snus and nicotine pouches?

New products are rarely stocked in local stores and gas stations. Usually, you find a limited selection of the same widely used snus and nicotine pouches. For some, this is enough, but other users would prefer a diverse selection. That is why buying snus online at Snusdirect is the best when you need to restock your rotation, as you can access all the new products.

A Good Way To Try Some of the Best Nicotine Pouch Brands on the Market

It's almost Christmas, so you know SnusDirect will supply some of the best nicotine pouch brands for you in this festive period. The reason for using some of the best brands is to ensure you experience the highest quality products available, some of which are detailed below:

• VELO - The #1 nicotine pouch in Scandinavia, one of the biggest brands in the world, is manufactured by British American Tobacco, which speaks for itself.
• Swave - Expect a high-quality product made with raw materials and excellent craftsmanship, resulting in a great-tasting summery product.
• Thunder - An extra strong product with an intense taste to match, offering such flavors in slim format, this brand is perfect for those looking for a discreet experience that packs a punch.

The brands shown above are among the biggest names in the market. They are there not by chance but because of their individuality and great-tasting products, some being bestsellers like VELO Ice Cool Mint and Thunder Dark Frost.

Does the Calendar Come With Snus?

Unfortunately, for all of you keen snusers, this calendar only contains nicotine pouches, providing an opportunity to try a wide variety of all-white portions. Moreover, this opportunity grants a chance for the “cleaner” option to appeal to you, you never know, you might like them. However, if you know nicotine pouches don't quite make the mark for you, plenty of Swedish Snus products are available for you to purchase.

How Many Nicotine Pouches Do You Get?

This calendar contains 24 parcels meaning 24 different nicotine products will be inside. Therefore each day, you will be greeted with either a new flavor, brand, or strengthened portion to excite your day. On the last day, you will receive a little extra too, but who knows what the other items will be? There is only one way to find out.

Is It Appropriate for Newbies?

The nicotine pouches included in this calendar are of medium strength, with a couple of the products being strong. So, if you are a new user, this may not be appropriate for you to purchase, as the nicotine levels might be too high, and you may feel a few nicotine pouch side effects, like nausea, because you will not be used to that amount of nicotine.

Therefore, if you are looking for a newbie nicotine product, then keep your eye out for a milder regular-strengthed portion with around 3-4 mg of nicotine in each pouch, as this will ensure your first experience will not get tainted by such problems. A good newbie product to start with would be VELO Easy Mint Mini, as it is small in size and low in strength, so see what you think.

Who is the SnusDirect Christmas calendar for?

This calendar is perfect for intermediate to experienced users. It offers something new to excite your current nicotine pouch rotation because each product is a surprise and something that you may never have picked for yourself. So, if you are bored with your current rotation, give it a go and get the SnusDirect Christmas Calendar.

A Shared Vision for a Smoke-Free Future

In the recent offer announcement webcast, PMI's CEO, Jacek Olczak, stated that the offer aims "to join two leading smoke-free players to create a global champion."

"We are tremendously excited by the prospect of Swedish Match becoming a member of the PMI group and a future together as one organization driving towards an aligned smoke-free goal," Olzack added.

PMI's Strong Interest in ZYN and the U.S. Market

Mutual interests, aligned visions, and shared goals aside, a key reason for PMI's desire to take over Swedish Match is access to its ZYN nicotine pouches brand. PMI recognizes ZYN's high performance, number one status, and "substantial operation platform" in the U.S. and seeks to support its growth and development.

Fast-Paced Deal-Making

The deal has been moving fast. On the 9th of May, Swedish Match addressed the speculation and confirmed discussions of a possible PMI takeover, stating that they were "ongoing," but there was "no certainty" of an offer from PMI. Just two days later, on the 11th of May, Swedish Match put out another press release detailing the Board of Directors' evaluation of the offer, which concluded that Swedish Match's shareholders should accept it. The acceptance period of the offer is expected to begin on or near the 23rd of June 2022. So, providing things go well, the PMI-Swedish Match takeover could be imminent.

What Does This Mean for Swedish Match and Its Snus?

Many snusers are concerned about what will happen to the 107-year-old company and its legendary products, some of which are as old or even older than Swedish Match itself, such as Göteborgs Rapé and Ettan. The good news is that PMI does not plan to make any material changes to the company's operations. So, in theory, consumers should notice no difference in quality, taste, or feel in the Swedish Match products that they enjoy.