Is ALP as Strong as ZYN? Full Comparison + Testing Notes

So you’re trying to figure out if ALP hits as hard as ZYN? Here’s the short answer: ALP is actually stronger than ZYN (at least if you’re in the US).

While ZYN maxes out at 6mg per pouch, ALP goes up to 9mg.

But strength isn’t just about the numbers on the tin. You also need to consider things like how moist or dry the pouch is (this affects nicotine delivery and flavor longevity), flavors, and how many pouches you get per tin.

Let me break down everything you need to know.

Quick Comparison: ALP vs ZYN Strengths

Brand	Available Strengths (US)	Pouches Per Tin	Format	Nicotine Type
ALP	3mg, 6mg, 9mg	20	Moist, slim	Synthetic nicotine
ZYN	3mg, 6mg	15	Semi-dry, mini	Tobacco-derived nicotine

Right off the bat, you can see ALP has an extra strength option that ZYN doesn’t offer in the US market. That 9mg pouch gives you 50% more nicotine than ZYN’s strongest option.

You also get more pouches per tin (20) with ALP than you do with ZYN (15); ALP is also cheaper per tin too which means you get more for less, something that rarely happens these days.

Understanding Nicotine Pouch Strength

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Before we dive deeper, let’s talk about what these milligram numbers actually mean. When you see “6mg” on a tin, that’s how much nicotine is in each individual pouch. Pretty straightforward.

But here’s where it gets interesting: the strength you feel doesn’t just come down to that number. The moisture level, pH balance, and even the flavor can all affect how intense the nicotine hit feels.

Why Moisture Matters

ALP pouches are notably moister than ZYN’s semi-dry format. This is one of the main reasons I switched to ALP; dry nicotine pouches tend to irritate my gums more. With ALP’s moist pouches, I don’t get any gum irritation even with heavy use.

This isn’t just about comfort though; it also changes how fast the nicotine releases. Moist pouches deliver nicotine more quickly, which can make them feel stronger even at the same milligram level.

Think about it like this: a shot of espresso hits faster than a cup of drip coffee, even if they have the same total caffeine. Same principle here.

Breaking Down Each Brand’s Strength Options

ALP Strength Levels

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ALP keeps it simple with three strength options:

• 3mg (Less Intense): Perfect if you’re new to nicotine pouches or coming from light smoking. The nicotine release is gentle but noticeable.
• 6mg (Regular): This is the sweet spot for most users. Strong enough to satisfy cravings without being overwhelming. Great for all-day use.
• 9mg (Strong): This is where ALP pulls ahead of ZYN. The 9mg option delivers a more pronounced nicotine experience. If you were a heavy smoker or vaper, this might be your go-to.

The moist format means all three strengths deliver nicotine faster than you might expect based on the numbers alone.

ZYN Strength Levels

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ZYN offers just two strengths in the US:

• 3mg: Designed for beginners or those who want a mild experience. The semi-dry format means a slower, more gradual release.
• 6mg: ZYN’s strongest US option. It’s solid for regular use, but if you need something stronger, you’re out of luck—unless you want to import European ZYN, which goes up to 16.5mg.

The drier pouch format gives you a longer-lasting, more controlled release. Some people love this; others find it takes too long to kick in.

Head-to-Head Strength Comparison

What To Expect With 3mg

Both brands offer a 3mg option, but they feel different. ALP’s moist format delivers a quicker initial hit, while ZYN’s semi-dry pouch releases nicotine more gradually over a longer period.

If you like feeling the nicotine right away, go with ALP. If you want something that lasts through a long meeting or car ride, ZYN might be your pick.

What To Expect With 6mg

Again, both brands have this strength, but the experience differs. ALP’s 6mg feels a bit punchier thanks to the moisture, while ZYN’s 6mg is more mellow and consistent.

For reference, 6mg is considered a moderate strength in the nicotine pouch world. It’s enough to satisfy most former smokers without being too intense.

What To Expect With 9mg (ALP Only)

This is where ALP really stands out. The 9mg strength isn’t available from ZYN in the US market at all.

If you need something stronger than 6mg but don’t want to jump to the ultra-strong 15-20mg pouches from brands like VELO or R4VE, ALP’s 9mg hits that sweet spot perfectly.

The combination of 9mg nicotine plus the moist format delivers a noticeably stronger experience than ZYN’s maximum 6mg.

How Do They Actually Feel?

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Real-World Experience with ALP

The moisture content means you taste the flavor and feel the nicotine within the first minute or two. The pouches are also soft and comfortable under the lip.

The flavors are bold too. My go-to flavor, Mountain Wintergreen, packs a serious punch, while Chilled Mint gives you that cooling sensation. The moist format keeps the flavor going strong for 30-45 minutes and, as noted earlier, there’s zero gum irritation too.

Real-World Experience with ZYN

ZYN’s semi-dry pouches take a bit longer to get going; usually 3-5 minutes before you really notice the nicotine.

But once they kick in, they’re steady and reliable. The flavor and nicotine release can last up to an hour.

ZYN’s drier format also means less drip, which some people prefer. The pouches are firmer and slightly smaller than ALP’s. But because of this they can and do irritate my gums when I use them a lot.

Strength Comparison Table: Side by Side

Feature	ALP	ZYN
Maximum US Strength	9mg	6mg
Minimum Strength	3mg	3mg
Number of Strength Options	3 (3mg, 6mg, 9mg)	2 (3mg, 6mg)
Nicotine Release Speed	Fast (moist pouches)	Gradual (semi-dry)
Perceived Intensity	Higher at same mg	Lower at same mg
Duration	30-45 minutes	45-60 minutes
Best For	Quick satisfaction, stronger options	Long-lasting, controlled release

Which Is Actually Stronger?

If we’re talking pure numbers, ALP wins. The 9mg option gives you 50% more nicotine than ZYN’s maximum 6mg.

But even comparing the same strengths (3mg or 6mg), ALP’s moist format makes them feel stronger because the nicotine hits faster.

So technically, an ALP 6mg might feel close to what you’d expect from a ZYN 6mg but it’ll kick in quicker.

If you’re switching from ZYN 6mg to ALP 6mg, expect a similar overall experience but with a faster onset. If you try ALP’s 9mg, you’re definitely stepping up in strength.

Who Should Choose ALP?

Go with ALP if you:

• Need something stronger than 6mg
• Prefer a faster nicotine release
• Like moist pouches
• Want more pouches per tin (20 vs 15)
• Appreciate bold flavors

ALP is particularly good for former heavy smokers or people transitioning from vaping who need that stronger hit.

Who Should Choose ZYN?

Stick with ZYN if you:

• Prefer a gradual, long-lasting release
• Like drier pouches with less drip
• Want a huge variety of flavors (10+ options)
• Are satisfied with 6mg or less
• Appreciate the brand’s established reputation

ZYN’s wide flavor selection and consistent quality make it a solid choice for people who don’t need extra strength.

What About Other Brands?

If you’re looking at strength options beyond ALP and ZYN, here’s what else is out there:

• VELO: Offers strengths up to 7mg in the US, with some international versions going higher. Similar pricing to ZYN.
• On!: Maxes out at 8mg in the US. Smaller mini pouches with various flavor options.
• Rogue: Offers 6mg pouches similar to ZYN but with different flavor profiles.
• R4VE: For extreme nicotine users only; some pouches hit 50mg. Seriously strong stuff.

For most people, the 3-9mg range that ALP covers is plenty.

Going beyond 10mg gets into territory that’s really only necessary for very heavy nicotine users.

The Bottom Line

Yes, ALP is stronger than ZYN but not by a huge margin unless you go for the 9mg option.

• For the shared strengths (3mg and 6mg), ALP feels slightly stronger because of the moist format, but the overall nicotine content is the same. The real difference is in the delivery speed.
• Where ALP really beats ZYN is with that 9mg option. If you need more than 6mg, ALP is your only choice between these two brands (in the US market).

Me? I’m a bit of an ALP Pouch fanboy. I first came across them in early-2024 and they’ve been my daily drivers ever since. I test plenty of brands too, the best are listed inside our Best Nicotine Pouch Guide, although ALP is currently the top-option.

If you’re new to vaping or nicotine pouches, get my super-useful beginner’s handbook — it’s 15+ years of experience in one free PDF: New Vaper’s Guide 2026.