Hands-on testing of VELO flavours, strengths and who each pouch suits - so you can pick the right can first time.
TL;DR
I've been using pouches for three years as my go to backup for when I can't vape. I find them especially useful on longhaul flights or when I'm at a concert. I test all the new ones we get and in this review I'm looking at one of the big brands - VELO. They're premium nicotine pouches that come in a broad range of mint and fruit flavours with multiple strengths from 6mg up to 17mg per pouch, so there’s an option for light to very strong needs. I'll be exploring all the top flavours, testing them for accuracy and duration and overall enjoyment.
What is VELO?
VELO are tobacco-free nicotine pouches. You place one under your upper lip; nicotine absorbs through your gum while you get a cooling or fruity taste. There’s no smoke, no vapour and no spitting involved. If you’re addicted to nicotine, pouches offer a discreet way to get your fix and VELO is one of the largest brands in the UK.
Are VELO pouches any good?
VELO nicotine pouches are a reliable option with consistent flavours and multiple strengths suitable for beginners to experienced users. In our hands-on tests, most pouches delivered 30-45 minutes of flavour, with standout picks like Ruby Berry for fruit fans and Freezing Peppermint for a stronger mint hit.
VELO Flavours Comparison Table
| Flavour | Profile | Nicotine Strengths | Alternix Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth spearmint, gentle sweet edge | 6mg, 8mg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | |
| Crisp peppermint with pronounced cooling | 6mg, 10mg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | |
| Cold, intense mint hitter | 11mg, 14mg, 17mg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | |
| Zesty lime with a light tingle | 10mg | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | |
| Juicy orange + light ice | 6mg, 10mg | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | |
| Deeper mint, medium sweetness | 11mg, 14mg, 17mg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | |
| Mixed red berry, slightly tangy | 6mg, 10mg, 14mg, 17mg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Sweet strawberry sorbet vibe | 6mg, 10mg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | |
| Tropical fruit blend + chill | 6mg, 10mg | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | |
| Ripe mango with soft coolness | 6mg, 10mg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
VELO Nicotine Strengths
I’ll be displaying nicotine strength per pouch, as I feel that this is the most accurate way to measure how much nicotine you’ll ingest per portion.
| Level | Per-pouch Nicotine | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | 6mg | New or light users |
| Medium | 10mg | Regular users needing more |
| Strong | 14–17mg | Experienced users only |
Tip: If you’re brand new to pouches or a light smoker/nicotine user, start with a low 6mg strength. If you’re coming from stronger nicotine or you feel under-satisfied, step up one level at a time.
VELO Pouches Review: Each Flavour Tried and Rated
How I test: I ran each flavour multiple times across a workday. I’m looking out for how long the flavour takes to develop, I’ll check for accuracy and balance, if there are multiple flavours, and tell you how potent the ice note is, if any. Duration reflects the point where the flavour and nicotine buzz starts to fade (even though you can still keep the pouches in longer if you want).
Bright Spearmint
“Moreish mint that’s easy on the palate.”
First impressions
I really like VELO’s take on spearmint. It’s soft, sweet and doesn’t overwhelm with herby mint notes. It's one of those mint flavours that's refreshing without the icy blast.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
This one is pretty instant and peaks within the first 2 to 3 minutes.
How long does it last for?
You get a really decent 35 minutes before the flavour begins to taper. I’d say after 45 minutes these pouches are completely done.
Is the flavour accurate?
Yep, this is a classic spearmint gum profile with no medicinal notes whatsoever.
Who would like this?
This is a safe bet for new users, it's familiar and refreshing without extreme menthol.
Comfortable pouchBalanced sweetnessVery little cooling
If you love ice, you may want to try Freezing Peppermint
A good beginner pick and a solid all day flavour that won’t get in the way.Crispy Peppermint
“Proper mint flavour for a fresh menthol hit”
First impressions
This is a clean peppermint flavour with a crisp menthol lift, it’s slightly medicinal but invigorating. A good one to use after lunch as it will certainly wake you up.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
The peppermint note is pretty quick and it peaks with the menthol at about 5 minutes.
How long does it last for?
The flavour lasts for quite a while on this one, still holding up at the 45 minute mark.
Is the flavour accurate?
Spot on, this is a herbal peppermint with an icy edge.
Who would like this?
Mint lovers who want more chill and flavour intensity that spearmint.
Bright top-noteConsistent releaseNot overly icyStrong ice note might be missed by some.A balanced and punchy ice mint experience.Freezing Peppermint
"A cool breath of icy refreshment"
First impressions
This is the coldest mint in the line, coming in with a big ice hit. If you like your pouches to give you brain freeze, then this is the one.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
Starts strong and stays frosty for at least the first 20 minutes.
How long does it last for?
The overall peppermint flavour lasts for a good 35 minutes.
Is the flavour accurate?
Yes, this does what it says on the tin, delivering a spicy peppermint flavour with a strong amount of ice located around the gums.
Who would like this?
I think you really need to be a fan of ice flavours to enjoy this one.
Bold and invigorating flavoursClean and refreshingIce intensity could be too much for someLovers of intense icy flavoursLime Flame
"Lively combo of hot and sour flavour"
First impressions
A lively fruity chili with a warm tingling sensation. A good amount of sweet citrus tang and heat that makes for an exciting break from all the mint.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
The sweet lime flavour is almost instant and the heat from the chili builds quite quickly afterwards, peaking at around the 5 minute mark.
How long does it last for?
The lime tapers off at about the 30 minute mark with the chili warmth fading just before that.
Is the flavour accurate?
The lime is fresh and fruity, the chili is more heat than any kind of discernable flavour.
Who would like this?
If you’re a fan of fruit flavours and want to spice things up a bit (literally!)
Zingy and refreshingNice change from mints Still a single fruit flavourThe heat may not be to everyone’s likingAnyone looking for an exciting ‘something different’.Orange Ice
"Sweet citrus tang with an icy cold edge"
First impressions
This one reminds me of an orange ice lolly on a warm summer day. The orange flavour is sweet with a gentle cool finish that elevates it.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
It's a smooth ramp up within the first 5 minutes.
How long does it last for?
After about 25 minutes, the orange fades to a sweet coolness that carries you through the final 10 minutes.
Is the flavour accurate?
This isn’t a fresh orange juice flavour, it tastes like a sweet almost candy like orange juice. The ice cuts through the sweetness and leaves your mouth feeling refreshed.
Who would like this?
If you’re tired of the wall of mint and berry options, Orange Ice offers a familiar citrusy note with a light amount of ice that balances out the sweetness quite nicely.
Easy flavour to enjoy all dayNot tangy or bitterSlightly simple, may become samey after a whileSome may want more coolingCitrus fruit fans who don’t mind a bit of ice Peppermint Storm
"Made for lovers of strong tinned mints"
First impressions
This is a lovely mint taste with a good amount of menthol and a touch of ice that doesn’t overpower.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
1 - 2 minutes to bloom into a fully rounded mouth-feel that packs in a good amount of balanced flavour.
How long does it last for?
As with most of these Velo pouches, the flavour lasts for about 35 to 40 minutes. But you can keep it there longer if you’d like.
Is the flavour accurate?
If you like Polos or other strong tinned mints, then you’ll enjoy this flavour.
Who would like this?
It's got a deeper mint body with mid-level chill that I think anyone could enjoy.
Balanced profileGood for all day sessionsGreat beginner flavour Can taste a bit medicinal after a whileStrong mint and ice loversRuby Berry
"An all-day real fruit flavour"
First impressions
This is a delicious strawberry flavour that is probably going to be my favourite pouch of this review.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
There is an immediate burst of flavour that settles into a mild strawberry sweetness that makes these easily enjoyable all day.
How long does it last for?
There is good flavour for about 30 minutes, fading into a mellow sweetness.
Is the flavour accurate?
It's a natural flavour that tastes like a punnet of fresh summer strawberries, which is really impressive.
Who would like this?
Fruit lovers and anyone looking for a ‘mint break’ will find Ruby Berry an easy flavour to enjoy all day.
Natural-leaning berry flavourNot overly sweet No ice Some may prefer a touch of coolnessStrawberry fans looking for a real fruit flavour Strawberry Ice
"Sweet candy strawbs laced with a chill"
First impressions
This is more of a strawberry candy flavour, but it’s really good as well. The ice is welcome and brings out more of the flavour in my opinion.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
You can expect full flavour at around the 5 minute mark.
How long does it last for?
I experienced consistent flavour for at least 25-30 minutes.
Is the flavour accurate?
Think strawberry laces with ice, need I say more?
Who would like this?
Honestly, I defy you not to like this flavour. If you’re tired of mints but don’t want to commit to a fruit flavour Strawberry Ice is a great place to start.
Easy flavour to enjoy all dayBalanced amount of ice Would be nice if the flavour was a bit strongerAnyone looking for an easy to enjoy fruit flavour Tropical Ice
"Mellow fruit with arctic level chill"
First impressions
I tasted a blend of pineapple and mango notes with a very noticeable level of cool. There is a balanced amount of sweet and tangy flavour.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
Quick developing flavour that is swamped a bit by the ice note.
How long does it last for?
Good level of complexity from the two dominant fruits for at least 25 minutes.
Is the flavour accurate?
It is an accurate tropical fruit juice flavour, but does get buried a bit by a heavy ice note.
Who would like this?
If you like things icy and don’t want too much sweetness, Tropical Ice will hit the spot.
Good balance of pineapple and mango Familiar tropical juice flavour More fruit flavour less ice Ice and mint lovers who want to dabble with a fruit flavour that won’t overpower with sweetness. Tropical Mango
"Temptingly smooth mango juice thrill"
First impressions
I really like the pungent mango flavour that doesn’t shy away from enveloping your senses in richness. It may be a single note, but it holds its own.
How long does the flavour take to develop?
The flavour starts out smooth and builds to a rounded and juicy crecendo.
How long does it last for?
There is a consistent blend of exotic fruit flavour that lasts for 30 minutes.
Is the flavour accurate?
The smell and taste of this nicotine pouch is pure ripe mango throughout, it’s transportive.
Who would like this?
If you want a bold fruit flavour that tastes like the real thing, this is it.
Strong and accurate fruit flavour Consistent throughout No ice Can feel quite rich for back-to-back sessions If you like tropical flavours and want a familiar flavour that will do the job. How long do VELO pouches last?
Most VELO Slim pouches give about 30 to 45 minutes of enjoyable flavour; stronger or cooler options can extend toward an hour depending on sensitivity and hydration.
How our products help
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You can match your needs without jumping brands. VELO’s UK range spans 4-17mg per pouch, so newcomers can start low and step up gradually, and experienced users will find strengths to match their needs.
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Clear flavour families. From Bright Spearmint to Ruby Berry and Tropical Mango, it’s easy to find a favourite.
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Discreet and travel-friendly. No batteries or bottles-just a slim can in your pocket that can be used in a variety of indoor situations.
Shopping tip: Start with one mint and one fruit in two low strengths (e.g. 6mg and 8-10mg). That gives you a day flavour, an evening flavour, and a built-in strength test without over-buying.
Final Verdict: Is VELO worth it?
Based on my testing, I think VELO are one of the top UK nicotine pouch brands. The quality of their pouch design, the richness of the flavours and the smoothness of the nicotine delivery are the main highlights for me. If you want clean, discreet nicotine with flavours you can rely on, Velo’s worth it. The strengths actually line up with what they say, the cans slip in a pocket, and the mint range is excellent, from light spearmint to freezer-cold peppermint. Fruit holds its own too, with Ruby Berry and Tropical Mango as easy favourites.
Pros:
✅ Wide range of flavours and strengths (4-17 mg)
✅ Discreet, tobacco-free, easy to use
✅ Simple to step strength up or down gradually
✅ Comfortable Slim and Mini pouch formats
Cons:
❌ If you dislike menthol, several flavours will be “too cool”
❌ Nicotine strength options not consistent throughout the range
Best VELO flavours for beginners
- Bright Spearmint (4-6mg): gentle mint, minimal ice
- Strawberry Ice (4-6mg): easy candy-strawberry with light chill
- Ruby Berry (6-8mg): natural-leaning strawberry, no ice
(Choose 6mg first, then step up gradually if under-satisfied.)
FAQs
Is VELO legal in the UK?
Yes, VELO nicotine pouches are tobacco-free and, unlike snus, can be purchased and used in the UK by anyone aged 18 years or older.
Can VELO help me quit smoking?
Nicotine pouches deliver nicotine gradually over a longer period than smoking or vaping. They can also be used indoors which makes them useful alternatives which can complement a healthier living lifestyle.
What strength VELO should I choose?
If this is your first time using pouches, start with a low strength an then match strength to your nicotine needs by stepping up gradually. Many start at 4-6 mg, then move to 8-10 mg if under-satisfied. Only consider 14-17 mg if you’re experienced and still craving.
How do you use VELO pouches?
Place one pouch under your upper lip. Let it sit and don’t chew. Most people keep a pouch in for 30-45 minutes. When the taste fades, remove and bin responsibly with the general waste.
Conclusion
If you want a clean, discreet way to get nicotine with reliable flavour and a strength that fits, I highly recommend VELO. Start with Bright Spearmint 6mg plus a fruit pick (Ruby Berry or Tropical Mango) and see how you go over a week. If you still feel under-satisfied, move up one step, but don’t jump straight to extra-strong.
Ready to switch to simple. Explore our wide range of nicotine pouches and find your perfect strength and flavour now at Alternix. Add a couple of mints plus one fruit to compare, or grab a 5 for £30 multipack to save and test what sticks.
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