Shop Nicotine Pouches

Top Snus: Brands, Products, and Differences 

Written by The Snus King 

Published on June 16, 2025

 

There are some staples that exists across global markets in terms of the top snus. Just because they are well known, does not necessarily mean they are the best. As someone that has used snus (or nicotine pouches for the new school) for over ten years, I have developed somewhat of an affinity with these products. I remember as far back as the days of Thunder, a discontinued brand that was once a market leader. In those times, these tobacco-filled pouches would stain your teeth, and your bed sheets when you do the typical fall asleep with one in. I'll dive into snus now and take you on a journey of discovering which is the finest snus.

Firstly, Defining What Snus Actually Is

 

The Oxford dictionary inducts words into the English language due to usage. The difficulty with the word snus, is that it actually means something else to what most know it as today. For purposes of enlightenment: snus is a tobacco-based pouch, nicotine pouches are tobacco-free pouches. In this case, both are colloquially called snus, so there is not much that can be done other than refer to these products as such, and as they are known.

 

I had the pleasure of using the original Swedish snus in the latter 2000’s. As a footballer, smoking became something of an achilles heel for me. Although I needed the nicotine (as I was addicted), I struggled to perform on the pitch with an ever-depleting lung capacity. As much as I blame on my addiction to smoking cigarettes, perhaps the partying and drinking also played a factor (wink). Nonetheless, smoking was a problem. In early 2009, I was handed a snus for the first time. It revolutionised nicotine intake for me. Some may say I fell in love with it from the outset. The tobacco flavour was familiar, and using it helped me to quit smoking. I would like to say that my lung capacity increased….. but I would be lying, I was always unfit.

The Tobacco Based Top Snus (or Real snus)

 

The tobacco based snus, at the time, was something of a miracle for smokers. Having been so heavily reliant on tobacco based nicotine for so long, the transition to traditional snus was seamless for me. Currently there are very few brands of real snus remaining, so this moment is somewhat of an intro to an outro. For anyone not familiar with the market, snus containing tobacco is legally banned in most countries outside of Sweden. The products reportedly started in Sweden, and through the years have been further isolated to the nordic countries. The use of tobacco inside pouches is not seen as safe by most governments, and so a major export for Swedish brands is limited.

 

But, before we go on to speak about snus as we know it today, and speak about the best snus, there needs to be a special mention. This product has been regarded by many as one of the finest snus ever to be made.

 

Enter Siberia snus, a product with incredible potency at 43mg from tobacco-based nicotine. At the time Siberia waltzed into a market with lower strength snus pouches, most capping out at around 12mg. The brand’s success was unparalleled, with much of the global user base scrambling to get hands on the product. The flavour in Siberia is a dark tobacco with light menthol undertones. The pouches themselves are light, fluffy pillows, with a smooth tobacco inside. While you can still get your hands on Siberia in its truest form, there are legal variations now known as chew bags. Still, the urban myth that is Siberia hails from Sweden, and is a culmination of the many years the country has manufactured snus products.

Top Snus: How Things Look Today

 

The market shift toward nicotine pouches (or snus just to confuse you) began in the mid 2010’s. These transitional products use synthetic nicotine, plant based fillers for the pouches, and water. Due to the way they are manufactured at a synthetic level, the products can contain much more nicotine than traditional snus. Manufacturers are also able to be a lot more creative in the variety of flavour, where traditional pouches struggled outside of mint. When these products began flooding the market I knew that it was the beginning of the end for the traditional variants. I did not, however, expect the explosion that is the market today. The aggressive releasing of products from literally hundreds of brands, has been unprecedented.

 

Snus today is a glimpse into the future. The ultra-strong pouches that gained media attention because of the sheer amount of nicotine inside, have all but dissipated. The stabilising global market now favours light to medium pouches, where brand and flavour has become more important. That is not to say that strength is not a factor for consumers, but it does seem that the market has matured enough that strength excitement has receded. The products themselves have come a long way from the mid 2010’s also. The pouch consistency has improved, the flavours have become more accurate, and the strengths more balanced.
 

Best Strong Snus 

Pablo Ice Cold - 50mg

$10.00
Quantity

 

Pablo Ice Cold is one of the heavy hitters when it comes to strong pouches. The mint notes are rich, deep, almost classic for want of a better word. This was the original Pablo snus, released first in the lineup we know today as Pablo 50mg. In comparison with the Pablo Exclusive Line which features identical nicotine strengths, Ice Cold takes the top spot.

 

The perceived strength of the Ice Cold mirrors what you would expect from a 75mg+ nicotine pouch. The pouches hit fast, and accurately, with a rich mint as the Segway to mind boggling nicotine hits. Pablo Ice cold should be reserved for the most frequent of users, or at least the heaviest of smokers. A hit of the Ice cold at any time of the day can be likened to that first cigarette in the morning which delivers a satisfying onset of head rush.

 

The divisive packaging can be a deterrent for some people, and understandably so. The Ice Cold turns heads in any environment, which can be a good or a bad thing. It is a quality product, but maybe best left away from the parents, or church. Where the Ice Cold may find some sort of congruity I will have to leave up to your imagination (wink).

Who should use Pablo Ice Cold

I would suggest that the Pablo Ice Cold should only be reserved for people with a propensity to thrill seek. There is so much power in the Ice Cold that a new user could be easily overwhelmed with how hard it hits. The speed of delivery could be through the perceived strength, given the intensity of the mint. Nonetheless, Pablo hit the nail on the head with this product if they were aiming for something ridiculously strong punching above its nicotine weight class.

Best Extreme Snus: CUBA Black Cold Dry 43mg

CUBA Black Cold Dry - 43mg

$10.00
Quantity

 

The Cold Dry in the CUBA Black Line is something of a miracle of manufacturing. The mint is powerful in flavour, and punches like something that is supposed to make your eyes close. But, it is in the strength that Cold Dry surprises beyond belief. As a frequent user of snus, I have used everything between 3mg to 150mg. Other than the discontinued 150mg CUBA Ninja Line, the Cold Dry, for me, is by far the hardest hitting pouch in the world. I have personally experienced being unable to get off from the toilet for a few minutes while my head cleared using Cold Dry.

 

Ironically, it sits in what could be considered the strong category, not in the extreme. The nicotine level of 43mg is somewhat 100mg or so lighter than some competition products. But, for me, there is no comparison whatsoever. Outside of the 150mg CUBA Ninja the Cold Dry is an unparalleled product that takes the strength competition apart.

Who should use CUBA Black Cold Dry

This product should be considered something of an anamoly. How Nicotobacco, the manufacturers of CUBA, have managed to cram so much power into Cold Dry is beyond me. The Black Line is known to be among the top strong nicotine pouches but this takes strength to a new level. 

 

If you are someone that likes super powered mint, and perhaps a snus to make you fall asleep at night, this could be for you. Personally, I would not use one again without already being lying down! There is not a chance in the world I would be able to pop one of these and take the tube, or even move for that matter. Incredible product, great flavour, but dangerously strong for new users.

Top Snus Pick for New Users

Zyn Icy Blackcurrant X-Strong

$12.00
Quantity

 

Zyn Icy Blackcurrant is a product that can be overlooked by some frequent snus users. I have a small theory, that many of us that have been used to independent brands like Killa, Pablo, and CUBA have become a little stuck up! In hindsight, seeing brands like Nordic Spirit and VELO on the shelves was like an insult to us snus purists. I reserved my nicotine intake for brands that came from Europe and were available at popular online stores. The thought of going to a supermarket to pay overinflated prices and underwhelming strengths was an insult.

 

But, things have moved on. And, in my opinion, Zyn Icy Blackcurrant is perhaps one of the best products from a corporate out there right now. Some may not know the backgrounds of snus brands and I am trying not to bore you with it. But, Zyn is from a huge international corporation with massive advertising budget. As such, the race to the top sometimes feels like who can shout the loudest, as opposed to who creates the best products.

 

Icy Blackcurrant has exceptional flavour for a Zyn product. The nuanced undertones of blackcurrant is married with a sharp infusion of mint that pleases. The flavour lasts for an age, which is incongruous with most of the Zyn products I have tried. I have to admit that it is a little lower in strength than I would personally use, but it hits the spot. For new users, I have put Icy Blackcurrant on a pedestal of worthy flavour and strength. A must try.

Who should try Zyn Icy Blackcurrant 

Zyn has done well as the brand has moved out of the United States into other global markets. Some of the flavours have resonated well with some geolocations, and not so well in others. For me, the Icy Blackcurrant is a product that can be enjoyed by all, from low strength users, even to higher strengths. The mint is sharp enough to impact on perceived strength but low enough that new users would not find themselves overcommitted. 

 

 

Top Snus Pick for Smokers: Pablo Frosted Mint 50mg

Pablo Frosted Mint - 50mg

$10.00
Quantity

 

Many smokers have pondered the viability of quitting using nicotine pouches. Throughout time, there has always been a demand for alternative smoking products. For many online stores, we have been quietly careful about assuming responsibility for promoting pouches as cessation products. The longevity of business was at the core of most store owners minds as we were pushed to err on the side of caution. But, for me, I am someone that believes what I believe, and not a fan of being told what to do. Nicotine pouches made me quit smoking. So, when it comes to divulging what I consider the truth, I am happy to shout it from the rooftops, regardless of what I am told.

 

Pablo Frosted Mint perfectly mimics the menthol output of traditional menthol cigarettes. There is a sharpness to the flavour that is so familiar to those that smoke menthol cigarettes (myself included). If flavour is part of consideration for smokers, they can look no further than the Pablo Ice as one of the best snus for smokers.

 

The strength, at 50mg, is brilliantly matched to a strong cigarette. The perceived strength, due to the mint tones, hits harder than a cigarette in the morning. Frosted Mint is one of those products that the initial morning blast can lay you back down on your pillow for five minutes. Yes, it is very strong, but also a pretty smooth and enjoyable ride in comparison to some other mints. The nicotine aggression can be overbearing at times, especially during dehydrated phases of the day. So, I advise caution, especially for new or infrequent users.

 

Who should try Pablo Frosted Ice 

Pablo's 50mg range is a diverse portfolio of products which, for a new user, should be approached with caution. The Frosted Ice product is one of the hardest hitting in the line. Brilliant mint tones are married with incongruous strength reaching, what I would consider, a higher state of nicotine uptake time. New users may find Frosted Ice overbearing, and so I can advise frequent users, or heavier smokers, to find Frosted Ice as plausible product.

 

 

Top Snus for Vapers: Killa Exclusive Cherry Cola

Killa Cherry Cola - 13mg

$10.00
Quantity

 

Vaping is probably the closest nicotine vertical to pouches, given the variety of flavours. Because vaping generally caps out around the 20mg mark as a max, I have chosen Killa Cherry Cola as the best. The Killa Exclusive Line is a little more adventurous than the original line, with flavours bursting with punch. Flavour can be subjective but the Cherry Cola is one of the most accurate in the Exclusive edition portfolio. The Cherry Cola is as expressive as it is creative, and the burst of flavour of initial load is a delight. Sometimes, it can be a little overbearing for new users as the flavour is insanely intense. But, for vapers, that love creative flavouring and longevity in their flavour, the Cherry Cola is exceptional.

 

At 13mg, there is enough nicotine to feel a pretty nice hit, but obviously without being an intense ride. Typically Killa is a smooth line of nicotine pouches, the strength is not incredible, and some products do fail to match the quoted 13mg of nicotine. But, the Cherry Cola is as accurate as they come, perfectly balancing strength and flavour. For someone that vapes, I would consider this one of the top snus for transitioning to nicotine pouches.

 

Who should try Killa Cherry Cola 

Cherry Cola is definitely a product that current vapers would love. The intense flavour is really well balanced for both intensity and longevity for those long loads. New users would find the Cherry Cola a nice snus to start with too. Without being too high on the strength chart, Killa is a nice opening brand for many. Transitional vapers would enjoy the richness in flavour, complimenting anyone that likes drinks flavoured vapes.

 

 

Top Snus for Comfort: CUBA Ninja Line 30mg

CUBA Ninja Energy - 30mg

$10.00
Quantity

 

CUBA is a fantastic brand, heralding from Poland with the brains at Nicotobacco manufacturing the products. The Ninja line, in my opinion, is exceptional. The comfortability of the pouches is coupled with the intensity of flavour in each pouch. All of the flavours are deep, rich, and intensely satisfying. But, it is perhaps in the pouch composition where Ninja really shines. Most snus users overlook comfort as part of the enjoyment process, yet it is one of the most important. Ninja excels in providing slim line pouches that align nicely in the gum. The pouch composition is smooth, and the density is well balanced to moistness and dry. The Ninja line could be considered a little on the strong side for some, but at 15.6mg per pouch, the ride is smooth. I would best compare the Ninja line to the strongest VELO pouches in the market. They kick, without being overbearing, and the flavour is rich enough to make anyone smile.

 

Who should try CUBA Ninja 

I would say that anyone new to pouches could try the Ninja despite the stated 30mg. It is one of the weaker 30mg pouches that you will come across. The flavour is always consistent, strong, and the composition is one of the most perfect I have used. CUBA knocked it out of the park with this one, and should be proud.

 

Top Snus for Women: VELO Orange Spark 11mg

VELO Orange Spark - 11mg

$12.00
Quantity

 

VELO has improved significantly in recent years, and now is one of the top selling nicotine pouches in the world. Consistent performance and a new, vibrant colour scheme in the brand identity has catapulted VELO back to the top. Orange spark is one of the best flavours in the VELO line. You are greeted with an incredible richness of orange, coupled with a sharp, but relaxing, nicotine hit. Orange Spark sales are among the highest on our site with female buyers and rightly so. We have tested Orange Spark around our team, and there are consistent applause for what we would consider one of the best VELO pouches on the market to date!

 

Who should try VELO Orange Spark 

Absolutely everyone, regardless of sex. But, if you are a female then this one is for you. The packaging, and everything about the brand, represents you. The richness in flavour, coupled with the 11mg of nicotine, Orange Spark is a product that is smoothly intoxicating the female market. The packaging is such that a can should feel right at home being pulled from a handbag, without disrupting attention, or style.

Top Snus for Flavour: Pablo Gold White Mint 17mg

Pablo Gold White Mint - 17mg

$10.00
Quantity

 

Pablo Gold White Mint is absolutely one of the best tasting snus I have used. The mint flavour is exceptionally well presented. The richness and depth is matched in derivative undertones throughout the load that pleases. At 17mg, the strength is somewhat of an afterthought for us heavy users, but throughout the day, this pouch consistently performs. I absolutely love the White Mint representation, and find myself having to take a can out on a daily basis. For strength, I look elsewhere, but when I want something that is great tasting, it has to be the Pablo. NGP created a monster with this product, although I still see it being overlooked by so many. For mint fans, this is the pinnacle of modern day nicotine pouches.

 

Who should try Pablo Gold White Mint 

Anyone that likes mint flavour should check out this product. It is by far one of the best mint snus on the market today and should be revered by nicotine pouch mint fans. It narrowly misses my overall best, but is one that everyone should try at least once.

Top Snus for Nicotine Hit: Iceberg Cherry 50mg

Iceberg Cherry - 50mg

$10.00
Quantity

 

Iceberg have been in and out of the nicotine pouch scene for quite a white. Once heralded as the strongest nicotine pouch, Iceberg have struggled with identity in recent times. For me, the Iceberg rebrand to conformative colours and packaging damaged the brand's reputation. It has always been an edgy brand, teetering dangerously close to the cliff hanger vape brands like Elf Bar in demographic. But, the products have always been inconsistent, except for one. The Iceberg Cherry is one of the best nicotine pouches for fast acting nicotine. Think Stealth at Thorpe Park, in its snus form. The ride is extremely quick on the uptake, moving you from zero to one hundred effortlessly. At 50mg, the Iceberg brand has conformed somewhat to governmental market recommendations, against the so-thought nature of the brand. But, the Iceberg Cherry has remained consistently strong in perceived strength and power.

 

Who should try Iceberg Cherry 

Absolutely anyone that likes having a strong and fast acting nicotine pouch should give Iceberg a go. The pouches move very quickly in delivering nicotine, so is perfect for those with limited time to receive their hits. However, for new users, the uptake time is such that it could become overbearing very quickly, so be warned!

Best Snus in America 🇺🇸 - Siberia 43mg

Siberia Snus - 43mg

$15.00
Quantity

Snus purists will know all about Siberia Red. The Siberia brand, manufactured by GN Tobacco, is one of the finest products ever made. The menthol tones are married in spectacular fashion to punchy nicotine strength. This product was once known as the strongest snus, because of the extreme nicotine hit that had users relaxed to the max. Superior strength product releases pinned Siberia back to among, what could be considered, a strong snus, but not the strongest. Irrespective of the, once claim to fame, the tobacco flavour maintains Siberia in the OG category, as one of the best to ever do it. If snus had a hall of fame, Siberia would already be listed. A true classic, and a must try for anyone buying snus.

Who should try Siberia

Siberia is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best snus in the US. Despite the need for personal importation, Siberia snus is one of the highest sought pouches in America. Sales of Siberia fly out of the door, as users engage on a more punchy and rich experience than domestic brands can offer. Europe is the home base of snus, and Siberia stands at the pinnacle of America's snus usage.

Best Snus in Australia 🇦🇺 - 77 Cola & Vanilla

77 Cola & Vanilla - 20mg

$10.00
Quantity

77 Cola & Vanilla is one of the absolute best flavours of nicotine pouches in the world, but by far one of the most sought in Australia. Australians love the 77 brand, as the strength level is heavy enough to give you a solid kick, without being overbearing. Marry that with the incredible flavour and you will understand why Australia orders more 77 nicotine pouches than any other country. The manufacturers of 77 were first to the punch with flavour combinations, and were one of the most adept at recreating life-like flavour profiles in combination. The brand is backed by much of Europe, even amongst the white noise of hundreds of brands competing for market share. But, in Australia, 77 is growing, and quickly. Cola & Vanilla is the most popular flavour of 77 at the moment, particularly in Brisbane!

Who should try 77 Cola & Vanilla

Anyone that enjoys vanilla as a flavour will enjoy this nicotine pouch. The vanilla tempers the acidity of cola expertly, making a smooth nicotine pouch that is rich in vanilla, nuanced with cola as a secondary flavour. We love this nicotine pouch at The Snus King, not least because we have to buy so much to fulfill demand in Australia!

The Top Snus Overall: Pablo Mocca 50mg

Pablo Mocca - 50mg

$10.00
Quantity

 

Pablo Mocca is a stellar snus, despite some of the people around me mocking me for loving this product so much. The flavour is balanced, rich on the onset, then well presented in nuanced undertones throughout the load. The strength is enough to hit home, without being overbearing at any juncture, despite the 50mg nicotine level.

 

I find it difficult to explain quite how good this snus is, as most would think I have become so technical speaking about pouches! But, with nicotine pouches, oftentimes, the longevity lacks both during a load, and due to frequency of use. But, Pablo Mocca maintains its performance throughout the whole day, regardless of how many pouches you have used. This is a pretty neat trick as most times pouches lack punch in flavour the more they are used. Not with Pablo Mocca, however.

 

At 50mg, it could be surmised that Pablo is strong, and it is. But, there is something about the Mocca that negates the perceived strength against the flavour. You are left with an incredible flavour, time and again, with enough nicotine to feel the kick, throughout the whole load. For me, it is my number one snus, and one that is often overlooked. 

 

Who should try Pablo Mocca 

Anyone that likes hot chocolate or coffee would love this pouch, for sure. At 50mg, there is a lot of nicotine, but it is nuanced in its approach. You will feel more relaxed than anything else, and the nicotine does not contain the surge you find in mints. Everyone should try the Pablo Mocca, and for sure, there will be a lot of keepers.

A Quick Recap About Choosing Your Top Pouches

 

The top pouches for you may well be different to mine; the use of nicotine pouches is subjective to the user. There are some enjoyable aspects of most snus you will come across. There are universal truths about some, and falsehoods (like Nordic Spirit being remotely good). But, ultimately, everyone using pouches should find the brand, or product, that works for them. At The Snus King, we love pouches so you can reach out to us any time for advise, or help choosing something that works for you.

 

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and share if you find this useful.