How to Spot Fake ZYN Nicotine Pouches: Full Guide

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Learn how to tell real ZYNs from counterfeits so you stay safe
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ZYN nicotine pouches have exploded in popularity, which has made them the perfect target for stores selling counterfeits and fakes. While it can sometimes be a bit tricky to tell if you bought legit ZYNs, there are some telltale signs of fakes to look out for. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how to tell if ZYNs are counterfeit, if they’re safe to use , and next steps after buying fakes.

Fake ZYNs vs Real: Common Differences

  • Packaging errors: Fake ZYNs have noticeable printing or packaging errors while real ZYNS have crisp, clean manufacturing.
  • Fake or broken QR code: Counterfeit ZYNs have fake QR codes that cause error messages or link to shady sites, but real ZYNs link out to your Rewards page.
  • Odd flavor and/or texture: Fake ZYNs have unpleasant, chemical flavors while real ZYNs have clean, consistent flavors.
  • Inconsistent nicotine levels: Fake ZYNs vary in nicotine levels from pouch to pouch, but real ZYNs have pouches that all have the same dosage and effects.
Section 1 of 6:

How to Tell if ZYNs are Fake

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  1. 1
    Packaging errors or defects Real ZYNs come in cans with clean, evenly applied labels that are well-manufactured and have no spelling errors. When you’re inspecting a container of ZYNs, check for uneven printing, smudges, misspellings, font changes, or off colors on the label. If you notice any of the defects, it’s a good chance they’re fake ZYNs.
    • If you’re at a store, compare 2 packages of ZYNs to one another. Real ZYNs will look the same and you won’t be able to tell them apart, but fake ZYNs may have inconsistencies between individual packages.
  2. 2
    Suspiciously low price Even though ZYN prices fluctuate and vary between stores, a package of real nicotine pouches typically costs around $5-6 USD. If you’re finding cans of ZYNs below $5 and the prices seem too good to be true, you’re probably dealing with fakes. [1]
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  3. 3
    New flavors you haven’t seen before ZYN pouches come in a wide variety of different flavors, so many fake products claim to be newer, unreleased flavors. If you notice ZYN flavors named after branded products, such as ZYN Coca-Cola or ZYN Pumpkin Spice Latte, they’re most likely fakes.
    • As of January 2025, the FDA has allowed 10 ZYN flavors to be legally sold in the United States. The flavors are: [2]
      • ZYN Chill
      • ZYN Cinnamon
      • ZYN Citrus
      • ZYN Coffee
      • ZYN Cool Mint
      • ZYN Menthol
      • ZYN Peppermint
      • ZYN Smooth
      • ZYN Spearmint
      • ZYN Wintergreen
    • Some online marketplaces may sell ZYNs from outside the U.S. Other real flavors you may see online include: [3]
      • ZYN Violet Licorice
      • ZYN Dark Frost
      • ZYN Deep Freeze
      • ZYN Apple Mint
      • ZYN Gentle Mint
      • ZYN Cucumber Lime
      • ZYN Red Fruits
      • ZYN Exotic Mango
      • ZYN Espressino
      • ZYN Bellini
  4. 4
    Broken QR code All legit ZYNs have a QR code underneath the back label that brings you to the official ZYN Rewards page and adds points to your account. If you get an error message or get redirected to a different site after scanning the code, then you’re most likely dealing with a fake. [4]
    • Some users claim that real ZYN QR codes flash a different page before redirecting you to the homepage, while fake products will only take you to the main ZYN site.
  5. 5
    Missing batch number Real ZYNs have a clearly printed batch number right below the QR code on the back label. If the number is smudged, unreadable, or completely missing from the package, then there’s a good chance your ZYNs are counterfeit.
  6. 6
    Unpleasant taste or texture If you’ve already used some of the ZYNs you think are fake, notice how they feel in your mouth. Real ZYNs have smooth, semi-moist pouches with a pleasant, consistent flavor throughout. If the pouches feel dry or scratchy, or if you notice an unpleasant chemical taste when you put them in, then they’re probably fake.
    • If ZYNs don’t taste right or they’re causing irritation or burning, spit them out immediately and avoid using them.
  7. 7
    Inconsistent nicotine effects Real ZYNs come in 3-milligram or 6-milligram pouches and are evenly dosed so the effects are the same each time you use one. If you use fake ZYNs, one pouch may feel ineffective while another from the same container may be really strong.
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Section 2 of 6:

Are fake ZYNs safe to use?

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  1. No, fake ZYNs could contain unknown chemicals or contaminants. Real ZYNs go through a lot of testing to ensure that the products are safe to use. Fake ZYNs, on the other hand, skip over these quality control steps, so it’s a bit of a mystery what the pouches actually contain. There’s also a good chance outside contaminants or harmful chemicals were used to make fake products, so they can be dangerous when you use them. [5]
Section 3 of 6:

What to Do if You Have Fake ZYNs[No#]

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  1. 1
    Stop using the fake ZYNs right away. If you have a fake ZYN pouch in your mouth right now, spit it out right away. Seal the container and avoid taking any more of the pouches so you don’t risk developing any side effects. Save the can instead of throwing it out so you can take pictures of it.
    • Keep the fake ZYNs somewhere out of sight so no one else accidentally mistakes them for the real thing.
    • Track how you’re feeling if you have already used some of the pouches. If you start to feel nauseous, dizzy, or have other unusual symptoms, let your doctor know about the symptoms to determine the next steps.
  2. 2
    Fill out the ZYN contact form to report the fake. Log in to your ZYN account on the official website and complete the contact form. Explain where you bought the counterfeit product and how you were able to determine it was fake. ZYN will verify if the seller has an official product and take further action if they sell fakes.
  3. 3
    Contact the seller to ask for a refund. Reach out to the store where you bought the fake ZYNs and let them know that you purchased a counterfeit. If they were also unaware they had a fake product, they may offer you a refund or a store discount.
  4. 4
    Report businesses selling fakes with the FTC fraud form . If the seller refuses to give you a refund or acts suspicious when you mention purchasing a fake from them, they may be running a scam. Completely fill out the form with evidence of the fake ZYNs and submit it when you’re finished. [6]
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Section 4 of 6:

Where to Buy Real ZYNs

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  1. Use the ZYN store locator to find official sellers. Even though you can’t purchase ZYN directly from their website, they provide a database of all the locations that sell their products. Simply type in your city and state or your ZIP code to see a list of verified ZYN sellers in your area. [7]
Section 5 of 6:

Nicotine Pouch Alternatives to ZYNs

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  1. Many other legitimate brands make similar nicotine pouches. There’s a high demand for ZYNs, and it’s even caused shortages at stores. If you can’t find ZYN pouches anywhere near you, some other comparable brands include:
    • VELO
    • On!
    • zone
    • White Fox
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Section 6 of 6:

Fake Zyns: The Bottom Line

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  1. Be cautious when you buy ZYNs to ensure you have the real deal. Because ZYNs are so popular, counterfeit nicotine pouches are on the rise. To make sure you’re getting real ZYNs instead of a low-quality product, keep these tips in mind:
    • Shop from reputable, well-known stores that are listed on the ZYN store locator.
    • Make sure that the packaging has no printing errors or defects.
    • Choose flavors that are FDA-allowed.
    • Double-check for a working QR code and batch number.
    • Be leery of prices that sound too good to be true.
    • Do not use any ZYNs you suspect are fake.

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      Warnings

      • Even though nicotine pouches don’t use tobacco or produce smoke, nicotine is still extremely addictive and ZYN pouches can cause cardiovascular or gum disease. [9]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://tobaccoinsider.com/how-much-are-zyns/
      2. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-20-zyn-nicotine-pouch-products-after-extensive-scientific-review
      3. ↑ https://tobaccoinsider.com/zyn-flavors/
      4. ↑ https://www.psychreg.org/counterfeit-nicotine-pouches-pose-rising-health-risks-warn-experts/
      5. ↑ https://www.psychreg.org/counterfeit-nicotine-pouches-pose-rising-health-risks-warn-experts/
      6. ↑ https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
      7. ↑ https://us.zyn.com/questions/#Q--Why-can-I-no-longer-order-ZYN-on-ZYN-com
      8. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/retail-sales-tobacco-products/tobacco-21
      9. ↑ https://hub.jhu.edu/2024/03/08/zyn-nicotine-pouch-tory-spindle/

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