XQS New Mint Range 2026 Review: Spearmint, Peppermint & Menthol Ranked

Mint is the most popular flavour segment in European nicotine pouches — by a significant margin. XQS by Scandinavian Tobacco Group has always had mint in its portfolio, but in May 2026, STG went all-in with four dedicated mint SKUs under the name The Mint Range: a Spearmint at 6mg, a Peppermint at 10mg, and a Menthol in both 11mg and 17mg. Four distinct products, four distinct flavour profiles, and a strength ladder that runs from beginner-friendly to seriously strong. Here's our full review of all four — ranked, compared, and matched to the right user.

Why XQS Went Big on Mint in 2026

XQS was originally founded in Denmark before being acquired by Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) — the same company behind Skruf and other major European brands. XQS has always distinguished itself from competitors through three things: smaller pouch sizing for better comfort, prolonged flavour delivery, and a price point roughly £1 below the premium brands like ZYN and VELO in the UK market. The brand entered the UK in May 2024 and has been building its European presence steadily since.

The 2026 mint expansion is a direct strategic play. According to Tobacco Insider's UK nicotine pouch market analysis, mint and menthol variants dominate UK consumption patterns — representing the majority of category volume. XQS already had Arctic Freeze Ultra in its portfolio, but the new Mint Range targets a more structured, flavour-specific approach: different types of mint, not just different strengths. The Spearmint, Peppermint and Menthol distinctions matter — and we'll explain exactly how in each review below.

The launch is backed by STG's 'Get Minted' campaign, giving both consumers and retailers the chance to win cash prizes when purchasing any product from the new mint range. It's a direct activation push designed to accelerate trial across the four new SKUs. Browse all four new variants and the full existing XQS portfolio at The Snus Outlet's XQS collection.

The Four New SKUs: Individual Reviews

1. XQS The Spearmint 6mg — The Flavour Champion

Nicotine: 6mg | Format: Slim | Pouches: 20/can

XQS The Spearmint is positioned at the lower end of the strength range, but according to STG's own description, it is "perhaps the most superior in flavour" across all four new variants. That tracks with what spearmint does as a flavour: it's warmer, rounder and noticeably sweeter than peppermint or menthol — without the aggressive cooling that can feel harsh under the lip.

Spearmint sits in a distinct flavour category from peppermint. According to research on oral nicotine product flavour profiles, spearmint contains higher concentrations of carvone (the compound responsible for its characteristic sweetness) compared to menthol-forward peppermint. The practical result: a pouch that feels approachable, fresh and long-lasting — ideal for all-day wear. STG specifically recommends this as the entry point for new users to the category. At 6mg, it won't overwhelm, and the flavour carries well through a full 30-40 minute session.

Who is it for? Light users, beginners to nicotine pouches, or anyone who finds peppermint or menthol too aggressive. Also excellent for daytime work environments where you want something clean and unobtrusive.

Verdict: 4.5/5 — Outstanding flavour for the strength. The best gateway to the mint category from XQS.

2. XQS The Peppermint 10mg — The All-Rounder

Nicotine: 10mg | Format: Slim | Pouches: 20/can

XQS The Peppermint steps the nicotine up to 10mg and delivers a noticeably different character from the Spearmint: cleaner, cooler, and more assertive. Peppermint is the standard for the category — this is the flavour that most users mean when they say they "use mint." The cooling sensation under the lip is more pronounced than spearmint, with less sweetness and more of the familiar crisp, watery freshness you get from premium mint variants like ZYN Cool Mint or VELO Mighty Peppermint.

At 10mg, this sits in a sweet spot: stronger than beginner options (4-6mg) but not overwhelming for moderate users. It's the pick for anyone who already uses mint pouches and wants XQS's value pricing applied to a serious mid-strength product. STG's smaller pouch sizing works particularly well at this strength — the reduced pouch volume means less salivation and a cleaner nicotine delivery compared to larger pouches at the same mg level.

Who is it for? Intermediate to regular mint pouch users who want consistent, clean cooling at a competitive price. The closest XQS equivalent to the mainstream mint segment leaders.

Verdict: 4/5 — Solid, reliable peppermint at the right price. Exactly what XQS needed in this segment.

3. XQS The Menthol 11mg — The Intensity Option

Nicotine: 11mg | Format: Slim | Pouches: 20/can

XQS The Menthol 11mg is positioned by STG for "mature pouch users" who want that additional kick — and the word choice is deliberate. Menthol, as a flavour, is distinctly different from both spearmint and peppermint: it's deeper, more herbal, and carries a pronounced cool intensity that sits closer to medicinal than sweet. If spearmint is soft and approachable, menthol is bold and uncompromising.

At 11mg, this competes directly with XQS's existing Arctic Freeze Ultra (11.2mg) — but with a purer, more classical menthol profile rather than Arctic Freeze's icy-cool hybrid. For users who've been using high-strength ZYN Menthol or ZEUS mint variants and want a budget-friendly alternative, the Menthol 11mg is a direct competitor. The NHS recognises nicotine products as a harm-reduction tool, and at 11mg, this product targets the higher end of what's appropriate for experienced smokers converting from cigarettes.

Who is it for? Experienced users who want a strong, classic menthol experience at a price below the premium brands. The default pick for former heavy menthol cigarette smokers.

Verdict: 4/5 — Exactly right for the target audience. Well-calibrated intensity without the ultra-strong price premium.

4. XQS The Menthol 17mg — The Strongest Mint in Europe

Nicotine: 17mg | Format: Slim | Pouches: 20/can

This one is genuinely notable. XQS The Menthol 17mg is one of the highest-strength mint options available from a mainstream brand in the European market. For context: ZYN's European ceiling is 11mg for most markets (16.5mg only recently launched in the UK). VELO's strongest mints sit at 10–15mg. XQS hitting 17mg in a Menthol puts it in the same territory as strong-segment brands like ZEUS and niche ultra-strong players — but in a traditional slim pouch format from an STG-backed brand.

The 17mg variant is not a gradual step up from the 11mg. It's a significant jump in both nicotine intensity and delivery speed. The menthol character remains consistent with the 11mg, but the nicotine kick is considerably more immediate. This is a product for experienced users who know exactly what 17mg means — and are looking specifically for a mint option at that level without paying ultra-premium prices. Note that Denmark has already capped nicotine pouches at 9mg (April 2026), and if EU TPD3 flavour or strength restrictions follow, this product would be among the first category of SKUs affected.

Who is it for? High-tolerance users who've plateaued on 11mg and want more from a mint product. The most extreme option in the XQS portfolio — and one of the strongest mints currently available in Europe.

Verdict: 4/5 — Remarkable product for the niche it targets. Docking a point only because the audience for 17mg mint is a specific subset. If you're in that subset, this is outstanding value.

XQS New Mint Range 2026: Quick Comparison

Variant	Nicotine	Flavour Type	Target User	Cooling Intensity	Rating
The Spearmint	6mg	Sweet, warm spearmint	Beginners / Light users	Mild	4.5/5
The Peppermint	10mg	Clean, cooling peppermint	Intermediate users	Medium	4/5
The Menthol 11mg	11mg	Deep, herbal menthol	Experienced users	High	4/5
The Menthol 17mg	17mg	Deep, herbal menthol (intense)	High-tolerance users only	Very High	4/5

How XQS Mint Compares to ZYN, VELO and LOOP

XQS's new range directly challenges the established mint leaders. Here's how it positions:

• vs ZYN Cool Mint / Spearmint (3mg / 6mg): ZYN's FDA authorization in 2026 makes it the most credentialed mint pouch in the world — but in Europe, its strength ceiling sits at 11mg (16.5mg UK-only). XQS The Menthol 17mg goes higher, and at a lower price per can. For users beyond 11mg, XQS is now the value-forward choice.
• vs VELO Mighty Peppermint / Freeze: VELO offers a wide flavour and strength range, but at a premium price. XQS undercuts on price while offering comparable flavour quality and a more complete strength ladder in the mint-specific segment.
• vs LOOP Mint variants: LOOP's mint options go up to 12mg in the mint-fresh segment and focus on creative combinations. XQS The Mint Range is more classic and direct by comparison — better for purists, less interesting for flavour adventurers.
• vs KUMA: KUMA has no mint option (Wintergreen only). No head-to-head here.
• vs C.R.E.A.M: C.R.E.A.M is not a mint-forward brand — its smooth profile targets a different occasion entirely.

Who Should Buy Which XQS Mint?

• New to nicotine pouches: Start with The Spearmint 6mg. It's the most forgiving entry point — good flavour, low intensity, no risk of nicotine sickness.
• Regular mint user: The Peppermint 10mg is your default. Mid-strength, clean, versatile.
• Ex-menthol cigarette smoker: The Menthol 11mg. Close to the full-bodied intensity menthol smokers expect, in a tobacco-free format.
• High-tolerance pouch user already on 11mg+: The Menthol 17mg. This is the ceiling of the XQS range and one of the strongest mint products on the European market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strongest XQS mint nicotine pouch in 2026?

XQS The Menthol 17mg is the strongest product in the new mint range — and one of the highest-strength mint pouches available from a mainstream brand in Europe. It delivers deep menthol character with significant nicotine intensity, aimed at experienced users only.

How does XQS Spearmint compare to ZYN Spearmint?

Both deliver a classic spearmint flavour at 6mg. The main differences are format (XQS has smaller pouches for greater comfort) and price (XQS is typically £1 cheaper per can in the UK). ZYN's Spearmint carries FDA modified-risk authorisation in the US — a credibility point that doesn't affect European availability but reflects its quality benchmark.

Are the new XQS mint pouches available across Europe?

The new range launched initially in the UK in May 2026 and is expanding across Europe. All four variants are available through online retailers including The Snus Outlet, which ships to most EU countries with free delivery on orders over €99.

What is the difference between XQS Spearmint, Peppermint and Menthol?

Spearmint is the sweetest and mildest — warmer, rounder, with less cooling intensity. Peppermint is sharper and crisper with a pronounced cool sensation. Menthol is the most intense of the three — deeper, more herbal, and the coldest under the lip. Think of it as a cooling scale: Spearmint < Peppermint < Menthol, with nicotine following a similar ladder (6mg < 10mg < 11mg < 17mg).

Is XQS a good brand?

Yes. XQS by Scandinavian Tobacco Group is well-regarded for flavour quality, discreet pouch sizing, and competitive pricing. The brand consistently delivers a longer-lasting flavour experience than many competitors at the same price point, which is why it has built a strong following across Europe since entering the market. The new 2026 mint range represents the most complete mint portfolio XQS has offered to date.

Final Thoughts

XQS's 2026 Mint Range is a well-executed strategic move. The four variants are genuinely differentiated — not just different strengths of the same product, but distinct flavour profiles with distinct target audiences. The Spearmint 6mg is the star of the range on pure flavour. The Menthol 17mg is the headline product in terms of market positioning. The Peppermint 10mg is the volume seller. And the Menthol 11mg is the solid middle ground.

Ready to try the range? Browse all four new XQS mint variants plus the full existing catalogue at The Snus Outlet's XQS collection. Stack with your other brands to hit the €99 free EU shipping threshold and try the whole mint range in one order.