What is VELO? Here’s Everything You Should Know Before Trying It

 

Nicotine pouches have been growing aggressively in most global markets since the latter part of the 2020’s. These pouches are known colloquially as snus, derivative of traditional Swedish snus, a product containing tobacco. Nicotine pouches are different in the sense that they do not contain tobacco, and VELO is one of the leading global brands. But, for all of the popularity, all of the international growth, the education level around pouches is still in its infancy. So, I am going to take you through a deep dive into one of the most popular brands in the world. Before you can start using pouches, you need a key question answered - What is VELO?

Key Takeaways: What is VELO?

  • VELO is a tobacco-free nicotine pouch manufactured by British American Tobacco, known for consistent quality and global reach.
  • The brand evolved from EPOK and Lyft, becoming VELO in its final and unified form across international markets in 2024.
  • VELO can assist with smoking cessation by delivering controlled nicotine doses without combustion, vapor or tobacco leaf content.
  • Strengths range from 4mg to 17mg, with smoother flavour profiles and measured release making them suitable for a wide range of users.
  • VELO is not risk-free – side effects like nausea or headaches can occur if misused. Responsible use and gradual strength transition are key.


What is VELO: Who Makes VELO Nicotine Pouches?
 

VELO is manufactured by corporate giants British American Tobacco. The manufacturers are supported in sales by large global exclusive distributors. As part of the acclaimed Big Tobacco, BAT is a global presence, and a contentious company for some. Big Tobacco are know for extensive marketing efforts and obscuring true facts about the effects of smoking. While there has been reportedly underhanded marketing efforts in the group, the promotion of nicotine pouches through VELO seems both counterintuitive and incongruous. Perhaps turning a corner, and offering a product that counterbalances the efforts to promote smoking is a step forward.

 

 

A Short History of the Making of VELO
 

VELO’s history has long been a point of debate within the nicotine industry. Many assume that Lyft was its original name. But those familiar with the early market will remember EPOK, British American Tobacco’s first foray into this space. Back when snus was more prevalent, especially in Scandinavian communities in the UK, EPOK stood out for launching one of the first all white snus products. This was achieved through a bleaching process that removed impurities from the tobacco before pouching. For many, the user experience with EPOK was game changing. One of the most off putting aspects of traditional snus was the throat drip, which EPOK effectively eliminated. This laid the groundwork for what would become the modern nicotine pouch.

 

Toward the end of the 2010s, EPOK was phased out. It reemerged under the name Velo in the UK and Europe, and as Lyft in other parts of the EU. Although the rebrand also removed all tobacco from the pouches, the term VELO snus persisted colloquially. With an already strong snus culture among certain UK niches, particularly among international users, Lyft and VELO gained traction quickly. By the early 2020s, British American Tobacco unified its branding under the VELO name across all markets. The identity confusion and back and forth finally ended in 2024. The original white and grey cans used for EPOK, Lyft, and early VELO were updated. Though these early versions performed well with customers, the branding lacked appeal. British American Tobacco struck the right chord with its refreshed VELO look. This finally matched product performance with design and secured a growing share of the nicotine pouch market.

 

 

How Does VELO Work
 

British American Tobacco is considered one of the powerhouses of the industry and the quality of their pouches speaks for itself. The highest grade of synthetic nicotine is used in the crafting of Velo pouches. While many manufacturers may state that their products are of premium quality, issues can still occur. Nicotine pouches are perishable and can be affected by factors such as temperature and moisture. As a brand, VELO is seen as one of the best available in terms of reliability and consistency. VELO pouches function like all other nicotine pouches by releasing nicotine through the oral membranes. Because of this method of delivery, the nicotine enters the system more slowly compared to vaping or smoking. In contrast, the flavour found in VELO products is often more pronounced than in other forms of nicotine consumption. While each form of use has its own advantages and disadvantages, VELO is widely seen as a leading name in the market. How VELO will suit an individual depends entirely on the user. At its strongest offering, 17 milligrams, the nicotine content in VELO can feel intense for someone new to nicotine.

 

 

What is VELO Nicotine Pouches Used For?
 

There are arguments to say that VELO should be seen as smoking cessation products. The nicotine levels across the range are positioned to reflect traditional cigarette strengths. Despite what some may think, BAT did not dip into the strongest nicotine pouches made. Ridiculous strengths ranging from 25mg to 150mg were becoming common place in the early 2020’s. VELO, through all the branding efforts, maintained its scruples at 17mg max strength.

 

VELO has a range of use cases, but the primary function is to offer a way of consuming nicotine alternative to other methods. Much of the nicotine pouch community are former smokers, and VELO does well in cross-selling its core ownership’s customer base to its pouches. Through physical retail shelves and online stores there is a rife market to buy VELO nicotine pouches

 


Can Velo Help You Quit Smoking?
 

 

With Zyn achieving the an FDA approval as a smoking cessation product much of the nicotine pouch world has raised an eyebrow. The silent whispers over the past decade an a half about using nicotine pouches to quit smoking or vaping, became a clamour in 2025. Without the approval from government organizations the whispers were sectioned to friends and rumours. But, in reality, us enthusiasts have known the power of nicotine pouches to quit smoking for a long time.

 

Addressing the elephant in the room - yes, VELO can assist in quitting smoking. Whether supported by FDA or rhetorical practitioners, you have to look at the facts. Smokers are addicted to nicotine, ultimately. There are factors like the muscle memory of hand movement, socialisation, and smoke that are also minimally addicted. But, smokers are addicted the very substance they look to extract from the cigarette; nicotine. Nicotine pouches are able to provide a smoker with a source of nicotine. VELO has enough nicotine in some of the brands portfolio to mirror the amount of nicotine consumed while using a cigarette. There are variables to consider, but, much of the VELO lineup could be enough to rewire even the most hardcore of smokers.

 

 


How to Transition from Cigarettes to VELO
 

Nicotine pouches, in general, are a lot cheaper than the cost of buying cigarettes frequently. There is the consideration of ones’ reasoning behind quitting smoking to factor. The statistics of people successfully quitting smoking without a cessation product are astronomically bad. Failure is far more likely than succeeding in quitting smoking. This mammoth task should be accompanied by a bulletproof plan and a ton of sticking power.

 

VELO is a phenomenal brand, albeit a little more expensive than some other brands. Regardless of the products being slightly more expensive than some other products, they represent considerable savings against traditional smoking.

 

 

What is VELO: Are VELO Pouches Bad For You

 

Nicotine has been demonised through the years, mostly because of the primary form of consumption being smoking. In actuality, there is little proof to suggest that nicotine has any real negative effects on the human system. Nicotine has been proven to increase focus, and alternatively, reduce stress. The results for use cases for using nicotine are dependent on physiological factors at the time of use. The media circus that has focused on nicotine pouches hanker on the colloquial name, snus. Snus has been linked to various health complications, but this is because of tobacco being the key source of nicotine delivery. Nicotine pouches, paradoxically, do not contain tobacco. Governments have kept eyes on nicotine pouches due to the exponential growth in sales in recent years. The only advisory that has been released by most is manufacturers reducing some of the strengths that can be overbearing on human systems. VELO has always maintained its grip in the light to mid-strength market and has shown no signs of venturing out of it.

 

 

 


Is VELO Addictive?

 

The short answer is yes!

 

Nicotine is an addictive substance. The method of delivery can impact the intensity of nicotine addiction, but as a substance, nicotine is addictive. Much of our customer base has transitioned from smoking cigarettes to VELO. So, against the carcinogenic cigarettes, VELO is a breath of fresh air for some (no pun intended). But, for new users that have not used nicotine before - you should question whether or not starting to use nicotine is wise.

 

 


VELO Side Effects

 

There are side effects associated with all nicotine pouches, not just VELO. But, the negative side effects are typically linked to the strength of nicotine overbearing the subject’s tolerance level. Choosing the right strength is critically important to enjoying VELO. We have written a super detailed article on understanding the VELO dot strength system.

 

Nausea can be associated with overuse of VELO, or using a strength beyond one’s tolerance level. As an enthusiast for many years, I have seen many people sick from using a strength that was too much for a user. Nausea is an unfortunate by product of overuse, or over-strength, which is why we promote transitioning between strengths gradually. For new users, sold by brand, images, or peers, buying nicotine pouches can be a minefield. As with any products, they are shelved in a way to make them desirable. But, the strengths of these pouches should be understood so as to ensure the best experience for you.

 

Headaches can occur for the same reasons. Usually, headaches are associated with frequency of use. Nicotine pouches, despite the growth, still has a lack of education around them. We promote using nicotine pouches for periods of up to 40 minutes. By using them as they were meant to be used, you can reduce the number of pouches you use daily. As such, the initial load, which dries the mouth, is less intense. Ensuring you are correctly hydrated throughout the day is important to mitigating the opportunity for pouches giving you headaches.

 

 

 

 

Why Should I VELO

 

There are literally tens of brands on shelves these days. There are more brands being released almost bi-weekly in the mid 2020’s. VELO stands out as a brand from a reputable manufacturer with a background in manufacturing products. Quality assurance is one of the key factors to consider with products that enter substance into your system. As crude as it may sound, that is a reality. These products disperse nicotine into your system, and so should be taken very seriously. Using cheap, or discounted brands due to price, or promotion can be done; but only from reputable retailers like The Snus King. You can trust, therefore, that internal checks have been performed on brands that are promoted.

 

There have been a lot of sales of counterfeit VELO and Zyn. The movement from China to replicate these products was inevitable, but it is something to bare in mind. So, if you see wildly cheap VELO on shelves, check the back of the can and ensure you are familiar with the seals of approved products.

 

 

 

Conclusion: Is VELO Right for You?
 

Understanding what VELO is means looking beyond the surface. It is not just a nicotine pouch, it represents a shift in how people approach nicotine use today. With its tobacco-free formula, consistent quality, and sleek design, VELO offers a modern option for those who want an alternative to smoking or vaping.

 

Backed by British American Tobacco, VELO brings the assurance of experience and manufacturing standards that few others can match. Its strengths are designed to suit a wide range of users, from newcomers to long-time smokers making the switch. While it delivers nicotine in a cleaner and more discreet way, it is important to remember that nicotine is still an addictive substance. Responsible use is key.

 

VELO has earned its place as a trusted product in a growing market. Whether you are looking to move away from cigarettes or simply want a different way to consume nicotine, VELO offers an option that blends reliability, taste, and ease of use. As with any product that affects your body, take the time to understand your choices and always buy from reputable sources.

 

Making the switch to VELO might not just be a change in habit, it could be a step toward a smarter and more considered nicotine experience.