There is a ZYN shortage. The available inventory of the best-selling alternative nicotine product manufactured by Philip Morris International (PMI) has hit hard by been surging demand. The
Bloomberg reports some New York smoke shops are out of ZYN, while wholesalers in Florida and New Jersey complained of a scarcity of ZYN products. Their report quoted a worker at a wholesaler that distributes tobacco products in a southern US state, who requested anonymity to not put the company’s distribution license at risk. He said the problem has been ongoing for weeks and it’s just now starting to be seen at the retail level.
ZYN Declines to Comment On Out of Stock Products
Swedish Match, the maker of ZYN refused to comment as did a representative of Phillip Morris International. The issue seems unlikely to resolve itself as the maker of Marlboro cigarettes tries to meet the booming demand created by ZYN's growth.
HS Wholesale and Puff Distribution, distributors that that ship nationwide, showed they were sold out of stock for every ZYN flavor. Stock levels at the brick-and-mortar level are also reportedly depleted.
ZYN and Nicotine Pouches Surge in Popularity
Phillip Morris reported that US volumes of nicotine pouches increased 80% in the first quarter of 2024. Multiple retailers and wholesalers are reporting difficulty obtaining a steady supply of ZYN according to the Tobacco Reporter.
In an earnings call in April, Chief Financial Officer Babeau acknowledged that the supply chain has been strained. In 2023, 385 million cans of ZYN shipped in the U.S. alone. This number is expected to increase to 520 million cans this year.
The enormous growth seen in ZYN can be partially attributed to a regulatory crackdown on the vape industry. Efforts by the tobacco industry to pass laws banning all but a few obsolete cigalikes have provided an opening for nicotine pouches to capitalize as cigarette smoking declines.
ZYNSurrection
Growing criticism of the efforts of Bloomberg and Senate Democrats to push forward a ZYN ban boosted market awareness and customer loyalty to ZYN. Rather than diminishing ZYN's role as a popular cigarette alternative product, it sparked national headlines and the ZYNSurrection.
There is unlikely to be a federal investigation into congressional interference with executive branch regulatory bodies but these efforts to bully the FDA into ignoring science so as to reach a desired special interest outcome do seem to afoul of Pillsbury Co. v. Federal Trade Commission.
With public health policy increasingly dominated by politics rather than science, the efforts of Senators Schumer and Durbin to ban ZYN are raising concern that legal aged adults are about to be denied yet another alternative to cigarettes. Not even the best marketing practices can compete with the specter of prohibition. As a supplier side issue, it may soon be difficult to buy ZYN without paying more than full price.
Big Tobacco's Nicotine Pouch Brands
In a market currently dominated by ZYN, there are other outstanding alternative products not manufactured by the tobacco industry. This said, there are plenty of Big Tobacco entries in the nicotine pouch market. These include British American Tobacco's Velo, Altria's On! , and Swisher's Rogue compete for shelf space.
The key is to look beyond the other Big Tobacco competitors and enjoy the taste the freedom of with Zimo.
What is in Nicotine Pouches and How to Use
Nicotine pouches are made with synthetic nicotine and contain no tobacco. They also contain food grade flavoring, pH adjusters and a soft pouch made of fibrous plant material. Using a nicotine pouch is incredibly easy as convenient, making it a great option in areas you cannot vape while being free of the tobacco ingredients found in Snus.
Despite some inherent similarities in nicotine pouch formulations, anyone who has used them will assure you that there are differences. Nicotine content and levels vary between brands. Flavors also vary. Some brands of nicotine pouch are dryer than others, based on the sweeteners and ingredients used.
Best ZYN Alternatives
If you are an adult who currently consumes nicotine or nicotine pouches, you may be surprised to learn there are outstanding and high-quality nicotine pouch products not manufactured by the tobacco industry.
At the head of the class is Zimo, a product the prioritizes a more refreshing mouthfeel and juiciness while retaining the spit-free properties of ZYN. Zimo is not just free from tobacco ingredients but free from the tobacco industry itself.
Zimo Nicotine Pouches
Juiciness seems to be the most common adjective when comparing Zimo to ZYN. Zimo has fewer flavors than ZYN, but they cover a wider range of flavor profiles. The Zimo brand does not currently offer coffee pouches but almost any personal preference of an adult pouch user is met by their six flavor options.
A quick online search reveals that a common critique of ZYN Nicotine Pouches is their tendency to cause dry mouth. Additionally, the limited availability of higher nicotine strengths is notable. While this makes sense from a business standpoint—preventing the product from entirely overshadowing snus, chewing tobacco, and cigarettes—it's still a point of contention.
Zimo Nicotine Pouch Flavors
- Zimo Wintergreen
- Zimo Mint
- Zimo Cinnamon
- Zimo Mango
- Zimo Blueberry
- Zimo Grape
Zimo Pouches Flavor Review
What sticks out about the Zimo Pouches collection is that they cover the flavors of the traditional tobacco products while reaching out to adult vapers being denied the flavors they prefer. It is a smokeless and vaporless product which is formulated to deliver the distinct impression of freshness.
Zimo is available in the flavors that adult vapers prefer while also delivering the classic taste profiles that smokeless tobacco fans are used to. Zimo is the best ZYN alternative and has the added advantage of not suffering inventory issues or being manufactured by Philip Morris.
GRAPE ZIMO NICOTINE POUCH
In a bold move, Zimo leveraged one of the more popular artificial flavors into a great nicotine pouch experience. The taste is exactly what you expect but it is not overwhelmingly sweet. The initial tingle of the product subsides as the grape smooths out over the course of its 30 minutes of life. This flavor is likely to appeal to adult vapers who gravitate towards fruit flavored e-liquids and disposables.
WINTERGREEN ZIMO NICOTINE POUCH
Now we move on to a more standard nicotine pouch flavor. Almost every brand offers some version of wintergreen, a popular choice among users. Sharper and more invigorating than a classic mint, wintergreen provides a refreshing burst of flavor. This nicotine pouch not only delivers that sharp, crisp taste but also maintains a clean finish, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded and satisfying experience.
MANGO ZIMO POUCH
Another beloved vape flavor, mango, works great in a nicotine pouch. Its sweet and juicy tropical zest pairs perfectly with the initial bite of a packed nicotine pouch, creating a refreshing and invigorating experience. As the flavor gradually dissipates, it remains palatable and engaging, providing a consistent and enjoyable taste profile that lingers without becoming overwhelming. This makes mango a top choice for those who appreciate a balanced and delightful vaping experience.
CINNAMON ZIMO POUCH
The ZIMO lineup is evenly divided between classic oral nicotine flavors, be they tobacco or non-tobacco, and vape juice inspired flavors. This ensures a diverse range of options to cater to different preferences. Cinnamon fits in the first category and is a staple of the industry, known for its distinctive and invigorating taste. It is a flavor that is perfectly suited for nicotine pouches, as the tingling sensation of a fresh pouch is nicely complemented by a sharp, spicy cinnamon flavor.
Moreover, cinnamon is generally refreshing and corresponds well with popular gum and mint flavors, making it a familiar and pleasant choice for many users. This cinnamon offering from ZIMO stands out as an excellent option, with plenty of bite and long-lasting freshness that keeps the experience enjoyable from start to finish. The carefully crafted blend ensures that each pouch delivers consistent quality, making it a go-to choice for cinnamon aficionados.
BLUEBERRY ZIMO POUCHES
The final flavor is more vape oriented, offering a unique and satisfying experience. A rich fruit-infused flavor delivers the unmistakable blueberry notes you expect, bursting with freshness and sweetness. It has just the right amount of berry tartness to keep the palate engaged, providing a delightful balance that enhances the overall taste. This flavor profile is not overwhelming, allowing for an enjoyable and relatively long-lasting experience with each pouch. The nuanced notes of blueberry and the subtle tartness make it a favorite for those seeking a consistent and pleasurable vape session.
More Information on ZYN Nicotine Pouches
ZYN Pouches in the US market come in 3 and 6mg nicotine strength. Zimo goes up to 8. Each tin contains 20 pouches. The typical user will go through a can every two days based on our research, regardless of strength selected. A ZYN pouch is designed to be held in your mouth for 30 minutes, at which point the flavor and nicotine should have been absorbed.
It is ironic that the nicotine strength options of ZYN are questioned when customer testimonials and an Ohio State study suggest that it takes up to 30 minutes for 6mg strength ZYN to relieve cravings. A study published in the journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research also found that ZYN delivers nicotine to a similar extent as other smokeless products. Which debunks the idea nicotine pouches are some hyper-potent product worthy of scorn and deserving to be driven from the market. What they are is a product for adults and intended for individuals who already use nicotine.
ZYN is a global product of Phillip Morris International and has even more flavor options outside the US market. No Black Currant ZYN or Apple Mint ZYN are in stock in the U.S. just yet.
ZYN POUCH FLAVORS (US MARKET)
- ZYN Wintergreen
- ZYN Spearmint
- ZYN Cool Mint
- ZYN Citrus
- ZYN Peppermint
- ZYN Cinnamon
- ZYN Smooth
- ZYN Chill
Our Verdict
We are certainly proud of Zimo and feel it acquits itself quite well when compared head-to-head with ZYN. ZYN sales are of course massive, but the product is usually compared to other brands also sold at gas stations, convenience stores and offline retailers. With our stock levels steady and offering a product not manufactured by Philip Morris International, we think adult nicotine pouch consumers will want to stock up on Zimo.