Brand
XQS
XQS is a Swedish nicotine pouch brand founded in 2006, now part of the Scandinavian Tobacco Group. The pouches are tobacco-free and come in slim all-white format with 20 pouches per can. The brand is known for going bolder on flavour than most of its competitors, with a range that leans heavily into fruit-forward and hybrid profiles that other pouch brands tend not to attempt.
At VapeCity we stock XQS in 11 flavours across 8mg and 11.2mg strengths. Prices start at £34.99 for a 10-can pack. 18+ only.
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About XQS nicotine pouches
XQS was founded in Sweden in 2006 by snus enthusiasts looking for a tobacco-free alternative to traditional Scandinavian snus. The brand initially launched without nicotine before expanding into the nicotine pouch range the product line is known for today. It is now owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group, one of the largest tobacco and nicotine product companies in the world, which provides supply reliability and consistent manufacturing quality across the range.
What sets XQS apart within the nicotine pouch market is the approach to flavour. Where brands like Velo and Nordic Spirit focus on clean mint and classic tobacco-adjacent profiles, XQS builds its range around combinations that feel closer to a craft drinks menu: Cola Lime, Watermelon Blizz, Berrynana Twist, and similar hybrids that do not exist elsewhere in the category. The base format is the same across the board: slim all-white pouches, 20 per can, tobacco-free, with nicotine delivered through the gum tissue rather than through inhalation.
Each can contains 20 pouches. The slim format sits comfortably under the upper lip and leaves no visible bulk, which makes XQS practical for use in settings where vaping or smoking would not be appropriate.
How to use XQS nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches are simpler to use than any other nicotine product. There is no device, no flame, no inhalation, and no preparation. Take a pouch from the can, place it between your upper gum and your lip to one side, and leave it there. The pouch releases nicotine and flavour through the gum tissue as it comes into contact with saliva.
Most users keep the pouch in for between 20 and 60 minutes. The initial sensation is a mild tingle in the gum as nicotine absorption begins; this is normal and fades after a few minutes. The flavour is strongest in the first ten minutes and gradually fades as the session progresses. When the flavour has gone and you have had enough, remove the pouch and dispose of it in general waste.
XQS cans have a small catch compartment built into the lid for used pouches if you don't have a bin to hand. Do not swallow pouches.
Using an XQS pouch: the three-step process
The brand describes the experience as pop, tuck, feel. Here is what that means in practice.
- 1
Pop open the can
XQS cans have a small tab closure. Open it and take one pouch. Replace the lid to keep the remaining pouches fresh.
- 2
Tuck under your lip
Place the pouch between your upper gum and lip, towards one side of your mouth. Push it gently into place so it sits comfortably. You should barely notice it once it is positioned correctly.
- 3
Feel the nicotine release
Leave the pouch in for 20 to 60 minutes. A mild tingle at the start indicates the nicotine is absorbing. Remove the pouch when the flavour fades or when you have had enough nicotine. Dispose in general waste or in the catch compartment under the lid.
XQS strengths: which one to choose
XQS produces four nicotine strength tiers, though the range available at VapeCity focuses on the two most popular options for regular nicotine users.
The 8mg option is XQS's core strength, designed for regular daily use. It delivers a noticeable nicotine hit without being overwhelming, and it suits most people who already use nicotine in some form. If you are switching to pouches from vaping at a moderate strength, 8mg is usually the right starting point.
The 11.2mg (extra strong) option is for users who want a more pronounced nicotine effect. It has a stronger and faster onset than the 8mg and tends to suit heavy smokers who are switching, or experienced pouch users who find standard strength insufficient. The 11.2mg Arctic Freeze is the extra-strong option in the VapeCity range.
XQS also produces a 4mg mild option and a nicotine-free 0mg line. These are less commonly stocked by UK retailers but worth knowing exist if you want to step down strength over time.
XQS vs other nicotine pouch brands
OTHER BRANDSVelo, Zyn, Nordic Spirit
Established, familiar profiles
Strong on mint and classic formats
- Heavy focus on mint and menthol variants.
- Clean, familiar nicotine delivery.
- Widely distributed in supermarkets.
- Conservative flavour range by design.
XQSXQS Nicotine Pouches
Bold flavours, Swedish quality
The most adventurous flavour range in pouches
- Cola Lime, Watermelon Blizz, Berrynana Twist.
- Swedish heritage, Scandinavian Tobacco Group quality.
- 20 pouches per can, slim all-white format.
- Same clean nicotine delivery, more interesting flavour.
For users who want a tobacco-free nicotine hit with more variety than standard mint/menthol options offer, XQS is the natural choice in the pouch category.
XQS flavours at VapeCity
The VapeCity XQS range covers 11 flavour variants, spanning fruit, hybrid, and menthol profiles. All standard options are 8mg; the 11.2mg is available in Arctic Freeze.
The fruit and hybrid range is where XQS distinguishes itself most clearly. Cola Lime tastes like a carbonated cola drink with a sharp lime finish, a profile with no equivalent in the Velo or Nordic Spirit ranges. Watermelon Blizz is a watermelon base with a menthol cooling note that comes through on the exhale. Tropical is a straightforward sun-ripened fruit blend, warmer and sweeter than the other fruit options. Strawberry Kiwi is exactly what it sounds like: the two fruits split roughly evenly with neither dominating. Raspberry Blackcurrant is a deeper, slightly darker berry combination that suits people who find straightforward fruit profiles too light.
The blended options are a step more complex. Citrus Cooling adds a cooling finish to a citrus base without going full menthol. Blueberry Mint splits between fruit and fresh, with the mint arriving on the finish rather than dominating. Berrynana Twist is the most unusual option in the range: mixed berries and banana in combination, which sounds odd but delivers a flavour that is hard to stop thinking about. Black Cherry and Fizzy Peach are the two more traditional single-fruit options, both clean and easy to use all day.
The mint end of the range is covered by Arctic Freeze, which is the most intense option in the whole XQS line: a straight cooling mint with enough strength to clear your sinuses on the first puff. It runs as both 8mg and 11.2mg.
XQS flavours at VapeCity
All products at VapeCity are stocked in 10-can packs of 20 pouches each. Check individual product pages for real-time availability.
| Flavour | Character | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cola Lime | Carbonated cola with sharp lime finish | 8mg | Something completely different |
| Watermelon Blizz | Watermelon with light menthol cooling | 8mg | Fruit with a cooling edge |
| Arctic Freeze | Intense cooling menthol | 8mg / 11.2mg | Strong mint lovers |
| Tropical | Sun-ripened fruit blend, warm and sweet | 8mg | Everyday fruit option |
| Strawberry Kiwi | Balanced strawberry and kiwi | 8mg | Classic fruit pairing |
| Raspberry Blackcurrant | Dark berry combination | 8mg | Richer, deeper fruit profile |
| Citrus Cooling | Citrus base with cooling finish | 8mg | Fresh but not minty |
| Blueberry Mint | Blueberry with mint finish | 8mg | Fruit-to-mint hybrid |
| Black Cherry | Clean dark cherry | 8mg | Traditional fruit, all-day use |
| Berrynana Twist | Mixed berries and banana | 8mg | The unusual one worth trying |
| Fizzy Peach | Sweet fizzy peach | 8mg | Light and sweet |
20 pouches per can. Slim all-white format. Tobacco-free. Nicotine delivered through gum tissue, not inhalation.
New to nicotine pouches? Start here
XQS is a good first pouch for vapers and smokers who want something tobacco-free and discreet. These are the questions most first-time users have.
Are pouches discreet to use?
Smoke-free and visible-free
Yes. A slim pouch sits under your lip with no visible bulge, produces no vapour and no smell. You can use an XQS pouch in any setting where smoking and vaping are not permitted, including offices, public transport and planes.
Shop all Are pouches discreet to use? →Do pouches stain teeth?
No tobacco, no staining
Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free. The staining associated with cigarettes and snus comes from tobacco compounds, not nicotine itself. XQS pouches do not stain teeth.
Shop all Do pouches stain teeth? →Will pouches satisfy cigarette cravings?
Fast onset, easy to use
Nicotine from pouches absorbs through the gum tissue rather than the lungs, so onset is slightly slower than smoking. Most people find 8mg satisfying within a few minutes. Heavy smokers or those coming off 20mg nic salts may prefer 11.2mg.
Shop all Will pouches satisfy cigarette cravings? →How many pouches a day is normal?
Typical: 8 to 15 per day
Experienced pouch users typically go through 8 to 15 pouches per day, each lasting 20 to 60 minutes depending on preference. One can of 20 pouches usually lasts one to two days for a regular user.
Shop all How many pouches a day is normal? →Nicotine is addictive
XQS pouches contain nicotine, which is addictive. They are not a smoking cessation product. Nicotine pouches are for adult nicotine users only. 18+ age verification is required at checkout. If you are trying to quit nicotine entirely, speak to your GP or contact the NHS Stop Smoking service. Do not swallow pouches. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Running cost: XQS vs vaping and cigarettes
A 10-can pack of XQS at £34.99 contains 200 pouches. At 10 pouches a day, a pack lasts 20 days, giving a daily cost of around £1.75. At 15 pouches a day it lasts 13 days, at a daily cost of around £2.70. This is significantly less than cigarettes, where a 20-a-day habit at £12 per pack costs around £12 per day.
Against vaping, the comparison is closer. A daily vaper going through a 10ml nic salt bottle at £4 per bottle, lasting about two to three days, has a daily liquid cost of roughly £1.50 to £2. XQS pouches come in at a similar range per day, with the difference depending on how many pouches you use and how long each session lasts.
Pouches have no device cost and no coil cost, which simplifies the calculation significantly. Vaping has a higher initial hardware investment but lower per-unit liquid cost over time, especially if you use shortfill e-liquids with nic shots.
Prefer to vape rather than use pouches?
Nicotine pouches work without inhalation. If you prefer vaping, nic salts and pod kits are the closest comparison in terms of nicotine strength and ease of use.
Frequently asked questions
What are XQS nicotine pouches?+
XQS are Swedish tobacco-free nicotine pouches made by Scandinavian Tobacco Group, founded in 2006. Each slim all-white pouch is placed between the upper gum and lip, where it releases nicotine and flavour through the gum tissue without any inhalation. Each can contains 20 pouches. They are not tobacco products and produce no smoke or vapour.
How long do you leave an XQS pouch in?+
XQS recommends 20 to 60 minutes per pouch. The nicotine and flavour release is strongest in the first ten minutes, then continues at a lower level until you remove the pouch. Most users leave each pouch in for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove and discard when the flavour fades or you have had enough nicotine.
What strength XQS should I start with?+
The 8mg option is the recommended starting point for most adult nicotine users switching from vaping or cigarettes. It is the most popular strength in the XQS range. If you are a heavy smoker or use high-strength nic salts (18-20mg) and find 8mg insufficient, the 11.2mg Arctic Freeze is the stronger option. If you are very light in your nicotine use, the 4mg range exists but is not always stocked at UK retailers.
Are XQS pouches tobacco-free?+
Yes. XQS nicotine pouches contain no tobacco. The pouches are made from plant-based cellulose fibre, nicotine, water, and food-grade flavourings. There is no tobacco leaf or tobacco-derived component. This means no tobacco staining and no tobacco smell, and the products are not classified as tobacco products under UK law.
How do XQS pouches compare to Velo or Zyn?+
All three are slim tobacco-free nicotine pouches in a similar format: 20 pouches per can, placed under the upper lip. The main difference is flavour range. Velo (JTI) and Zyn (PMI) focus heavily on mint, menthol and tobacco-influenced profiles. XQS takes a more adventurous approach with fruit hybrids like Cola Lime, Watermelon Blizz and Berrynana Twist that are not available elsewhere. Nicotine delivery is comparable at equivalent mg levels.
Can I use XQS pouches on a plane or in public spaces?+
Yes. Nicotine pouches produce no smoke, vapour or smell. They are not classified as smoking products and are not subject to smoke-free legislation in public buildings, transport, or workplaces. Most airlines permit them as they fall outside the category of e-cigarettes and smoking products. Always check airline-specific policies to be certain.
How many XQS pouches are in a can?+
Each XQS can contains 20 slim pouches. At VapeCity, XQS is sold in 10-can packs containing 200 pouches total. Individual can pricing works out at approximately £3.50 per can.
Do XQS pouches cause a tingle in the mouth?+
Yes. A mild tingling sensation in the gum is normal and expected when using any nicotine pouch, including XQS. It indicates the nicotine and flavour are releasing through the gum tissue. The sensation is usually strongest for the first five to ten minutes and reduces as the session continues. It is not a sign of irritation and typically reduces with regular use as the gum tissue adjusts.