Nicotine Strength: mg per Pouch vs mg per Gram

Nicotine strength is one of the first things an adult customer checks when picking a can. It is also one of the most common sources of confusion at the counter, because brands and countries do not all express it the same way.

This article explains the two main units, how they relate, and how to label your shelf clearly.

Two ways to express strength

mg per pouch

This is the amount of nicotine in one single pouch, in milligrams. For example, VELO Crispy Peppermint is listed at 10 mg per pouch and ZYN Cool Mint Slim S3 at 9 mg per pouch.

For most customers, mg per pouch is the more intuitive number: it describes what is in one pouch.

mg per gram (mg/g)

This is the amount of nicotine per gram of pouch content. Some cans and some markets use this unit instead of, or alongside, mg per pouch.

The catch is that pouches differ in weight. A mini pouch weighs less than a regular one, so the same mg/g figure can mean a different amount per pouch depending on the format.

How to convert between them

The relationship is simple:

mg per pouch = mg per gram × weight of one pouch in grams

And the other way round:

mg per gram = mg per pouch ÷ weight of one pouch in grams

A hypothetical example

These numbers are only for illustration, not taken from a specific product:

• A can is labelled 20 mg/g.
• One pouch weighs 0.5 g.
• 20 × 0.5 = 10 mg per pouch.

Another can is labelled 20 mg/g, but its pouches weigh 0.3 g:

• 20 × 0.3 = 6 mg per pouch.

Same mg/g, different mg per pouch. This is why comparing an mg/g number with an mg per pouch number gives the wrong answer. If the pouch weight is not printed on the can, do not guess. Use the figure the manufacturer gives.

What SnusCore Wholesale shows

On our product pages, strength is shown as mg per pouch, together with a label:

• Light
• Medium
• Strong
• Extra strong

For example, VELO Sour Lime Mini is listed at 4 mg (Light), VELO Green Spearmint at 6 mg (Medium), LOOP Smooth Mint Extra Strong at 12.5 mg (Strong) and SKRUF Intense Blueberry Ice S7 at 17 mg (Extra strong).

The labels help with quick sorting. The mg value is the precise number. You can browse by brand, for example the VELO range or the LOOP range, and compare values directly.

Brand strength systems

Some brands use their own strength scales on top of the mg value:

• ZYN uses S1 to S6. The mg behind each level differs between Slim and Mini, so ZYN Cool Mint Slim S4 is 11 mg while ZYN Cool Mint Mini S4 is 6 mg.
• SKRUF uses S2, S3, S4, S5 and S7 on many products.
• LOOP uses words such as Strong, Extra Strong and Hyper Strong in product names.

These scales are brand-specific. An "S4" from one brand is not automatically the same as an "S4" from another. Teach staff to look at the mg value first.

How to label your shelf

Clear shelf labels save time at the counter and reduce mistakes. Some practical options:

Show mg per pouch on every shelf label

Put the mg per pouch number in a large, readable font next to the product name. If the can uses mg/g, add the mg per pouch figure from the manufacturer where available.

Group by strength band

Arrange products in bands that match the labels customers see: Light, Medium, Strong, Extra strong. Within each band, sort by brand or flavour.

Use a simple colour code

A consistent colour per strength band, used on every shelf label, helps customers and staff find the right level quickly. Keep the colours the same across all brands so the system stays consistent.

Keep brand codes visible

If a customer asks for "ZYN S3" or "SKRUF S4", they should be able to find it. Keep the brand's own code on the label as well as the mg value.

Mark nicotine-free products clearly

Some brands list 0 mg products, for example VELO Bright Peppermint Zero or LOOP Zero Cool Mint. Label them clearly so they are not mixed up with nicotine products.

Check local rules on strength

Some countries limit nicotine content per pouch or require a specific way of stating strength on packaging. These rules differ between countries and change over time. Check the current law where you sell before deciding which strengths to stock and how to label them. Remember that sales are for adults 18+ only.

Train your staff

A short briefing goes a long way:

• mg per pouch and mg/g are different units.
• Brand codes like S3 or Hyper Strong are not universal.
• When in doubt, read the mg value on the can or product page.

Find the right strengths for your shelf

You can filter and compare strengths across 40+ brands once you are logged in. Register for a free trade account to see trade prices and plan your range. For shipping times and payment, see delivery and payment.