ZYN vs. Nicotine Lozenges—Which Product Is Right for You?

With smokeless nicotine products growing in popularity, many users are comparing ZYN pouches to nicotine lozenges to find the best option for their needs. 

While both deliver nicotine without combustion and inhalation, they differ in ingredients, strengths, flavors, and absorption methods.

ZYN pouches are designed for enjoyment and convenience, whereas nicotine lozenges are typically used as a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). 

In this guide, we’ll compare ZYN vs. nicotine lozenges across key factors to help you make an informed decision and have more enjoyable nicotine sessions.

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ZYN vs. Lozenges—What Makes Them Distinct?

Nicotine lozenges and ZYN pouches are smokeless nicotine products, meaning they do not involve inhalation. They are used orally and deliver nicotine gradually over up to 30 minutes. Still, the two also have significant differences, as their intended uses are entirely different.

To better understand these two products, we’ll compare them across the following key aspects:

1. Usage
2. Ingredients
3. Flavors
4. Nicotine delivery
5. Nicotine content
6. Absorption efficiency

Usage Differences Between ZYN and Nicotine Lozenges

Using ZYN and nicotine lozenges is similar, but there are a few key differences to be aware of.

To use a ZYN nicotine pouch, follow these steps:

1. Place a single nicotine pouch between your upper lip and gum
2. Leave the pouch in for up to 30 minutes. Don’t chew, suck, or swallow the pouch, and don’t move it around once you start using it
3. Once you’re done, remove the used pouch and discard it properly in the trash bin

To use a nicotine lozenge, you should follow a slightly different protocol:

1. Put a single lozenge in your mouth, between your gum and your cheeks
2. Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly over 20–30 minutes, moving it around every so often from one side of your mouth to the other 
3. Don’t chew, suck, or swallow the lozenge

Since lozenges dissolve while they release nicotine, there will be nothing to remove once you use one. 

You’re also supposed to minimize swallowing the spit while using a nicotine lozenge. Doing so in moderate amounts is fine, but you risk experiencing nausea or accidentally swallowing the lozenge. Swallowing spit while using ZYN is safer, but doing so boils down to your preference and stomach tolerance, as overdoing it can also lead to nausea.

How Long Can You Keep a ZYN or Lozenge in?

Due to their different compositions, the duration you can keep ZYN pouches and lozenges in your mouth varies. Lozenges gradually dissolve as they release nicotine, so they should be kept in for up to 30 minutes to break down fully.

ZYN pouches don’t have the same limitations. There is no fixed time for keeping a ZYN in, but it’s recommended to leave it in for at least 10 minutes to experience nicotine’s full effects. Here’s what happens in your body once you put a ZYN in your mouth:

1. 0–5 Minutes: The pouch begins releasing nicotine and flavor, and you start feeling its effects
2. 5–10 Minutes: Nicotine enters your bloodstream, the effects become more noticeable, and your craving starts to subside
3. 10–20 Minutes: Blood nicotine levels continue rising and your craving is fully satisfied
4. 20–30 Minutes: Most of the nicotine has been absorbed, your bloodstream nicotine levels peak, and the buzz is at its strongest

Since ZYN pouches don’t dissolve, you can keep them in your mouth past the 30-minute mark if you enjoy the flavor. After around 60 minutes, the flavor will fade completely, so there’s no need to keep the pouch in longer than that unless you want to manage oral fixation.

ZYN vs. Nicotine Lozenges—Ingredients Compared

Source: SnusBoss

Both ZYNs and nicotine lozenges are tobacco-free. ZYN pouches are made with food-grade ingredients, and their nicotine is derived from the tobacco plant but purified to medical-grade standards.

For a more detailed comparison, here’s a breakdown of the ingredients found in ZYN pouches versus typical nicotine lozenges:

There is significant overlap between these ingredient lists, but a few key differences stand out:

• Both ZYN pouches and nicotine lozenges use nicotine salts derived from tobacco, helping curb cravings without the risks associated with raw tobacco. Still, lozenges use nicotine polacrilex that boosts absorption efficiency
• ZYN pouches use natural flavorings that are common in food products. Nicotine lozenges may use natural or synthetic flavorings, depending on the brand
• Lozenges use potassium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate as pH adjusters, while ZYN uses sodium carbonate and bicarbonate. The key difference is a slight reduction in sodium content in lozenges

What Flavor Options Are Available?

Since ZYN pouches and lozenges are tobacco-free, they offer a wide range of flavors without the need to mask tobacco’s natural bitterness. 

The flavor selection of nicotine lozenges varies depending on the manufacturer but is typically more limited than ZYN’s. See how they compare in the table below:

With 12 available flavors, ZYN offers a much wider selection than nicotine lozenges. Two of these options, Smooth and Chill, are unflavored variants designed for a more neutral nicotine experience.

Both Smooth and Chill are designed to provide a ‘pure’ nicotine experience, but they have slight differences. Smooth is completely unflavored with mild hints of sweetness, while Chill contains WS-3, a synthetic cooling agent that adds a slight cooling effect.

ZYN vs. Lozenges—Nicotine Delivery Methods Explained

Both ZYN and nicotine lozenges deliver nicotine to your body through the mucous membrane in your mouth. Once you place a pouch or a lozenge in your mouth, your saliva moistens it, causing it to start releasing nicotine that enters your bloodstream.

Still, there are a few notable differences to keep in mind. The first one is the absorption speed— since lozenges dissolve in the mouth, most nicotine is absorbed through the cheek lining, leading to a slower onset. 

In contrast, ZYN pouches are placed directly against the gums, where nicotine absorption occurs more quickly. This delivers effects faster and produces a noticeable buzz sooner.

Source: James Coleman

What Nicotine Strengths Are Available?

When it comes to the variety of available nicotine strengths, ZYN takes the edge over nicotine lozenges.

Nicotine lozenges are designed to help you stop smoking, so most brands offer them in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths, with some also offering 1 mg lozenges.

In contrast, ZYN offers four strengths intended for users of different tolerance levels:

1. Low (1.5 mg): Ideal for beginners, these pouches are milder than most lozenges but still deliver a satisfying nicotine experience
2. Regular (3 mg): Intended for occasional users, this strength is comparable to a cigarette but provides a longer-lasting buzz
3. Strong (6 mg): Best for experienced users with a higher tolerance, offering a more intense nicotine effect
4. Extra strong (9 mg): A highly potent option suitable for long-term nicotine users with a high nicotine tolerance

ZYN pouches are among the mildest on the market, minimizing the risk of nicotine overexposure. This makes them a great option for beginners or those transitioning to oral nicotine products.

Still, strength isn’t the only factor in determining how much nicotine a product delivers. Absorption rates play a crucial role, as they tell you how much of that nicotine is actually entering your bloodstream.

Absorption Efficiency of ZYN and Nicotine Lozenges Explained

Absorption efficiency measures the percentage of total nicotine in a product that is actually absorbed in your bloodstream during use.

For example, a cigarette contains 10–12 mg of nicotine, but only 1.1–1.8 mg is absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in an absorption efficiency of around 10%.

The exact absorption rate of nicotine lozenges is difficult to determine, but one study found that using a lozenge resulted in a 67% absorption rate. Despite this high efficiency, the slow onset and gradual delivery mean that blood nicotine levels rise just enough to curb cravings without producing a noticeable buzz.

Nicotine pouches like ZYN are slightly less effective, with an absorption rate of up to 50%. While not as efficient as lozenges, they deliver nicotine more quickly, raising blood nicotine levels faster, satisfying your craving, and providing a potent buzz.

What Affects Absorption Efficiency?

Absorption efficiency isn’t fixed—it can be influenced by several factors that determine how much nicotine your body absorbs, including:

• Moisture: Higher saliva levels improve nicotine release and absorption from both ZYN pouches and lozenges
• Use duration: The longer the product stays in your mouth, the more nicotine can be released and absorbed
• pH levels: Nicotine is absorbed more efficiently in alkaline environments, so a higher pH level in your mouth will improve absorption
• Individual factors: Oral health, nicotine tolerance, age, height, and weight can influence how effectively your body absorbs nicotine

Although product strength isn’t a direct factor in absorption efficiency, it still plays a role. A 6 mg ZYN pouch will deliver more nicotine than a 3 mg one, resulting in higher overall absorption.

Certain behaviors can also negatively impact absorption rates. Sucking on a nicotine lozenge may cause it to dissolve more quickly, reducing the amount of nicotine your body can absorb. Similarly, chewing on a ZYN pouch or a lozenge can cause nicotine to be released too quickly, making absorption less efficient and increasing the risk of adverse effects like nausea.

Source: Andrea Piacquadio

When Should You Choose ZYN vs. Nicotine Lozenges?

Using ZYNs and nicotine lozenges is very similar, but the intent behind the products is different.

Nicotine lozenges are intended as a form of NRT, which is why they will only increase your blood nicotine levels to the point where your nicotine cravings will subside without producing a buzz.

ZYN pouches, although a safe option, are not recognized as NRT by the FDA. Because of their higher nicotine content and the buzz they provide, you’re more likely to develop a dependency.

However, ZYN pouches are a better option if you’re looking to transition from inhalable products like cigarettes and vapes to lower the associated health risks. When you switch to nicotine pouches, remember to purchase them from a reputable vendor to ensure top quality and freshness for the best possible experience.

Source: Towfiqu Barbhuiya

Get Fresh Nicotine Pouches From SnusBoss

SnusBoss is a reputable online shop that sells fresh, top-notch pouches from premium brands.

Founded and led by industry experts, SnusBoss imports its pouches from the EU. The products on the website are of the highest quality, offering rich flavors and a long-lasting buzz with each use.

Ordering from SnusBoss is a simple, three-step process:

1. Visit the online store
2. Choose your favorite ZYN flavor and strength
3. Fill out your shipping and payment information

Select express shipping at check out to receive your pouches within 2–3 business days. Buying from SnusBoss also comes with the following benefits:

• Free shipping on all orders above $249
• Competitive prices and bulk discounts
• Regular discounts and promotions

If you’d like to explore other brands or experiment with more flavors, SnusBoss has you covered. Its store stocks premium pouches from the following popular brands:

Potential Side Effects of Using ZYN 

The absence of tobacco in ZYNs makes them safer than other smokeless products like snus, but they still contain nicotine, which can affect your health in certain cases.

ZYN pouches are a relatively new product, so no conclusive research exists on their long-term health effects. Misuse or use by individuals with underlying health conditions can lead to the following health issues:

• Burning gums: The tingling sensation when you place a ZYN pouch in your mouth is normal and a sign that nicotine is being absorbed. Still, overusing or placing pouches in the same spot repeatedly can lead to increased sensitivity and cause a burning sensation in your gums
• Nausea: When absorbed, nicotine stimulates the production of stomach acid and pepsin—an enzyme used in digestion. Increased levels of stomach acid can irritate the stomach lining, leading to stomach pain or nausea
• Acid reflux: Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels back into the esophagus due to excessive acid production, which can be caused by nicopods. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, commonly known as heartburn
• Blood pressure changes: As a stimulant, nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. In high doses, nicotine can also act as a depressant, leading to lowered blood pressure

Precautions You Can Take To Stay Safe

Using ZYN pouches is generally safe and straightforward, but if you want to take extra precautions, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay hydrated: Nicotine has diuretic properties, making dehydration more likely when using ZYN pouches. Drinking enough water helps prevent this, and the increased moisture makes nicotine delivery more efficient
• Switch-up placement sites: Although gum irritation while using ZYNs is rare and mild, it can build up over time. Changing the placement of the pouch occasionally allows your gums to recover between pouches and reduces their sensitivity
• Wait between pouches: Waiting between pouches gives your blood nicotine levels time to decrease, reducing the risk of overexposure. There is no strict time to wait between ZYNs, but a 1–2 hour gap is the most commonly recommended interval
• Use fresh pouches: While ZYN pouches don’t expire like food, they can lose potency over time. Once the packaging has been opened, the nicotine in ZYNs gradually breaks down, weakening the buzz you get. Storing pouches in a cool place, such as the fridge, can help extend their shelf life, but fresh pouches always provide the best experience

Featured image source: SnusBoss