glo HILO Plant-Based Stick Guide
rivo Sticks FAQ: Flavors, Capsules and glo HILO Compatibility
A complete guide to rivo sticks: what they are made from, whether they contain tobacco or nicotine, which glo devices they work with, available flavor profiles, capsule use, storage, troubleshooting and the differences between rivo, virto, veo and neo.
Quick answer
rivo sticks are tobacco-free, rooibos-based nicotine sticks created exclusively for glo HILO and glo HILO Plus. They must not be used with glo HYPER, HYPER PRO, IQOS, lil SOLID, Ploom or any other heating system. Although rivo does not contain tobacco, it does contain nicotine and is not risk-free.
What are rivo sticks?
Essential answers about the composition, format and main characteristics of rivo plant-based sticks.
What are rivo sticks?
rivo is a range of heated, plant-based nicotine sticks designed specifically for the glo HILO platform. Instead of processed tobacco leaf, the sticks use a reconstituted substrate made from rooibos.
The substrate is combined with nicotine, glycerol and flavoring ingredients to produce a nicotine-containing aerosol when heated inside a compatible device.
Do rivo sticks contain tobacco?
No. rivo sticks are officially described as tobacco-free. Their heated substrate is based on rooibos rather than tobacco leaf.
Tobacco-free does not mean nicotine-free or harmless. Product classification and legal requirements may also differ between countries.
Do rivo sticks contain nicotine?
Yes. rivo sticks contain nicotine, which is addictive. They are intended only for adults who already use nicotine products and meet the legal age requirement in their country.
How much nicotine is in a rivo stick?
There is no single universal nicotine figure that should be applied to every rivo market or variant. Formulations, labeling rules and disclosed measurements can differ by country.
Check the warning label and product information printed on the specific pack sold in your market. Do not estimate nicotine delivery by comparing stick size with neo, virto, TEREA or conventional cigarettes.
What are rivo sticks made from?
According to the manufacturer, selected rooibos leaves are processed into a reconstituted sheet. Nicotine, non-tobacco flavorings and glycerol are added to create the plant-based substrate rod.
The final stick also includes wrapping materials, a filter and a sealed-end component known as StickSeal.
Are rivo sticks herbal?
They may be described as herbal-based because their substrate is made from rooibos. However, a rivo stick is not simply dried herbal tea. It is a processed heated-stick formulation containing nicotine, glycerol and flavorings.
Do rivo sticks contain caffeine?
Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. Nevertheless, rivo is a manufactured nicotine product rather than a beverage, so the ingredient information on the local pack should be treated as the definitive reference for its formulation.
Are rivo sticks cigarettes or vape pods?
Neither description is fully accurate. rivo is a solid consumable stick heated electronically inside a glo HILO device. It is not burned like a cigarette and does not contain the refillable liquid used by conventional vaping devices.
Why are rivo sticks shorter than neo sticks?
The shorter format is intentional. rivo has a different internal structure and dimensions engineered for the HILO heating chamber and airflow system. Stick length alone does not determine session performance or compatibility.
rivo flavors and capsule profiles
The rivo range is market-specific. The following five variants form the current official Greek reference lineup. Availability and descriptions can change by country.
| rivo variant | Flavor profile | Official rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sour Pink Twist | Sweet and fresh strawberry base with a capsule adding juicy orange and citrus notes | Flavor 4/5 Freshness 2/5 |
| Green Click | Smooth fresh mint intensified by an icy mint capsule | Intensity 2/5 Freshness 3/5 |
| Arctic Click | Strong cooling sensation with a crisp menthol capsule | Intensity 2/5 Freshness 3/5 |
| Scarlet Click | Commonly presented as a red-fruit profile with gentle cooling; published descriptions can differ between regional materials | Intensity 2/5 Freshness 1/5 |
| Violet Click | Bright blueberry base with light freshness and a blueberry capsule | Intensity 2/5 Freshness 1/5 |
Other official regional rivo variants
Additional varieties have appeared in official regional ranges, including Polish and limited-edition collections.
| Regional variant | Published flavor direction |
|---|---|
| Summer Twist | Watermelon and cucumber notes |
| Blossom Twist | Cherry notes complemented by creamy coconut |
| Sunset Click | Sweet tropical profile with a pineapple capsule and light freshness |
| Polar Twist | Cooling, mint-focused profile |
| Polar Sunrise Twist | Mint notes intensified by a peach-flavored capsule |
| Polar Scarlet Twist | Mint notes intensified by a red-fruit capsule |
Choosing a rivo flavor
Which rivo flavor is the coldest?
Arctic Click is the clearest choice for a strongly cooling, menthol-focused profile. Green Click also has a freshness rating of 3/5 but is described as a smoother mint experience.
Regional Polar editions may provide a different or stronger cooling profile, depending on the formulation available in your country.
Which rivo flavor is the fruitiest?
Sour Pink Twist has the highest published flavor rating in the core range and combines strawberry with orange and citrus. Violet Click is more blueberry-led, while Scarlet Click and regional fruit editions provide alternative berry, tropical or mixed-fruit profiles.
What is the best rivo flavor?
There is no universally best variant. Choose Arctic Click for pronounced cooling, Green Click for smoother mint, Sour Pink Twist for strawberry and citrus, or Violet Click for blueberry with relatively low freshness.
What is the difference between Click and Twist?
Both names can appear on capsule variants. They mainly help distinguish individual flavor concepts and ranges; they should not be treated as a universal technical rule.
Check the pack description to confirm the base flavor, capsule flavor and activation instructions for a particular product.
Are all rivo sticks flavored?
The current rivo range is positioned around flavored, capsule-enhanced experiences rather than traditional tobacco taste. Adults looking for tobacco-based HILO sticks should compare the virto range instead.
Why can the same rivo flavor have different descriptions online?
Flavor formulations, naming and promotional descriptions can vary by market and release period. Retail listings may also remain online after a product has been reformulated or discontinued.
For the most reliable identification, compare the full product name, pack design, country of sale and description printed on the pack.
rivo device compatibility
Stick families are not interchangeable simply because they are produced for devices carrying the glo name.
| Device | rivo compatibility | Correct consumable family |
|---|---|---|
| glo HILO | Yes | rivo or virto |
| glo HILO Plus | Yes | rivo or virto |
| glo HYPER / HYPER PRO / PRO+ | No | Market-specific neo, veo or other approved HYPER sticks |
| IQOS ILUMA and ILUMA i | No | TEREA, DELIA, LEVIA or another locally approved ILUMA format |
| Older blade-based IQOS | No | Compatible blade-system sticks for that model |
| lil SOLID | No | Fiit or another officially supported format |
| Ploom, Pulze and other systems | No | Device-specific consumables only |
Common rivo compatibility questions
Which devices are compatible with rivo sticks?
rivo sticks are designed exclusively for glo HILO and glo HILO Plus. These two devices use the same rivo and virto stick platform.
Can I use rivo sticks in glo HYPER PRO?
No. HILO and HYPER use different stick dimensions, heating chambers and consumable families. Attempting to insert rivo into a HYPER device may cause poor performance, blockage or damage.
Can I use veo sticks in glo HILO?
No. Although both rivo and veo are tobacco-free plant-based ranges, they are made for different devices. rivo is for HILO and HILO Plus, while veo belongs to the glo HYPER platform.
Can rivo and virto be used in the same HILO device?
Yes. Both stick families are officially designed for glo HILO and HILO Plus. You do not need a separate device for each family.
Can I use TEREA in glo HILO?
No. TEREA is made for the IQOS ILUMA induction-heating platform. Its internal construction is not designed for glo HILO and the two formats are not interchangeable.
Can I modify a rivo stick to fit another device?
No. Do not cut, compress, unwrap or otherwise modify the stick. Altering its structure can obstruct airflow, damage the heating chamber and create unpredictable heating conditions.
rivo vs virto, veo and neo
| Stick family | Heated material | Tobacco | Nicotine | Device family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rivo | Rooibos-based plant substrate | No | Yes | glo HILO / HILO Plus |
| virto | Processed tobacco blend | Yes | Yes | glo HILO / HILO Plus |
| veo | Plant-based substrate | No | Yes | glo HYPER family |
| neo | Processed tobacco blend | Yes | Yes | glo HYPER family |
What is the difference between rivo and virto?
The principal difference is the heated material. virto contains a tobacco blend and focuses mainly on tobacco-style profiles. rivo replaces tobacco with a rooibos-based substrate and focuses on mint, fruit and capsule flavors.
Both are compatible with glo HILO and HILO Plus and both contain nicotine.
What is the difference between rivo and veo?
Both ranges are tobacco-free plant-based nicotine sticks, but their physical formats are different. rivo is engineered for HILO, whereas veo is made for compatible glo HYPER devices. They must not be exchanged between platforms.
What is the difference between rivo and neo?
rivo is tobacco-free and intended for the HILO platform. neo contains tobacco and is intended for compatible devices from the HYPER platform. The sticks differ in both composition and dimensions.
Is rivo the tobacco-free version of virto?
That is a useful simplified comparison because both work with HILO. However, rivo is not merely virto without tobacco: it has its own rooibos substrate, internal construction and flavor-focused range.
How to use rivo sticks and activate the capsule
How do I use a rivo stick with glo HILO?
- Open the heating-chamber door.
- Insert the correct end of the stick gently up to the printed line.
- Keep the filter and printed graphic outside the chamber.
- Select Standard or Boost mode on the device.
- Start heating and wait for the device’s ready vibration.
- After the session, remove the stick with a gentle twisting motion.
Button behavior and on-screen prompts can differ slightly between HILO and HILO Plus, so follow the manual supplied with the device.
Which end of a rivo stick goes into the device?
Insert the substrate end into the chamber. The filter end, printed graphic and capsule area must remain outside. Stop at the insertion line and never push the stick deeper by force.
How do I click the capsule in a rivo stick?
Locate the capsule mark on the filter and press it firmly between your fingers until you feel or hear a click. This releases the additional flavor into the filter.
Press only the filter area while it remains accessible. Do not squeeze the heated section or press the stick against the device.
Should I click a rivo capsule before or during the session?
Either approach may be used. Clicking before heating provides the enhanced profile from the beginning. Clicking during the session allows you to start with the base flavor and change the profile later.
Can I use rivo without clicking the capsule?
Yes. A capsule variant can normally be used without activation, in which case the base flavor remains more prominent. The capsule is single-use and cannot be reset after being clicked.
What is the difference between Standard and Boost mode?
Standard mode generally emphasizes a smoother, longer session. Boost mode heats more intensively and is intended for a faster, stronger flavor delivery. Exact timing and behavior should be checked in the manual for your HILO model.
Can a rivo stick be used twice?
No. rivo sticks are designed for one heating session. Reheating a used stick will usually produce weak flavor and inconsistent aerosol and may increase residue inside the chamber.
Can I light a rivo stick like a cigarette?
No. Never ignite, burn or use a lighter on a rivo stick. It is engineered only for controlled electronic heating inside a compatible glo HILO device.
rivo troubleshooting, storage and disposal
Why does my rivo stick have weak flavor or little aerosol?
Common causes include:
- An incorrect or incomplete insertion
- A discharged or cold device
- A stick exposed to heat, air or moisture
- Residue obstructing the heating chamber or airflow
- Using the wrong stick family for the device
- Trying to reuse an already heated stick
Allow the device to reach a suitable temperature, check its charge, use a fresh stick and inspect the chamber only after the device has cooled.
Why can I not feel the flavor after clicking the capsule?
The capsule may not have broken fully, the stick may have been stored poorly, or the difference between the base and capsule profiles may be subtle.
Do not repeatedly crush the entire filter. If a fresh stick from the same pack has the same issue, inspect the pack for damage, moisture or an expired quality date where one is provided.
Why will a rivo stick not fit into my device?
First confirm that the device is glo HILO or HILO Plus. Check that the correct end is being inserted and that the chamber is clear and fully open.
Never force the stick. If it remains blocked after the device has cooled, follow the official cleaning or support procedure for your model.
What should I do if a rivo stick breaks inside glo HILO?
Stop the session and allow the device to cool completely. Use only the removal method or approved tool described in the HILO manual. Do not insert needles, blades, metal tools or liquids into the chamber.
If the fragment cannot be removed safely, contact official glo support for the country in which the device is supported.
Is brown discoloration after using rivo normal?
A small amount of brown condensate or discoloration can appear after heating and does not necessarily mean the stick burned. Remove visible residue only after the device has cooled and follow the cleaning instructions.
Stop using the device if you notice melting, flames, persistent smoke, severe deformation, an unusually strong burning smell or repeated error messages.
What is StickSeal in rivo sticks?
StickSeal is the sealed component at the substrate end of the stick. It is designed to keep material contained and support cleaner insertion and removal. It does not make the stick reusable.
How should rivo sticks be stored?
Keep them in their original closed pack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, freezing conditions and moisture. Keep all nicotine products out of reach of children and pets.
Do not store loose sticks in a humid bathroom, hot car or unsealed pocket for extended periods, as this can affect the filter, capsule, flavor and airflow.
How should used rivo sticks be disposed of?
Let the stick cool, then place it in an appropriate waste container according to local rules. Do not flush sticks, capsules or packaging down a toilet and do not leave used sticks where children or animals can reach them.
rivo safety and health questions
Are rivo sticks safe because they contain no tobacco?
No. Tobacco-free does not mean risk-free. rivo produces an inhaled aerosol and contains addictive nicotine. Avoid interpreting plant-based or rooibos-based descriptions as health or safety claims.
Is the aerosol from rivo just water vapor?
No. It is an aerosol produced by heating a substrate containing nicotine, glycerol and flavoring ingredients. It should not be described as harmless steam or clean air.
Can non-smokers use rivo?
People who do not already use tobacco or nicotine products should not start using rivo. Nicotine can cause dependence, and the product is intended only for adults who meet applicable age restrictions.
Can rivo be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Nicotine products should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Anyone seeking help with nicotine dependence should consult an appropriate healthcare professional.
Can rivo help me quit smoking?
rivo should not be treated as a smoking-cessation medicine. If your goal is to stop smoking or using nicotine, seek evidence-based cessation support from a healthcare professional or an official public-health service.
Are rivo sticks allowed everywhere?
No single rule applies worldwide. Tobacco-free nicotine sticks may be regulated differently from tobacco sticks, cigarettes or vaping products.
Availability, age limits, public-use rules, advertising restrictions, import rules and travel requirements depend on the jurisdiction. Check current government and carrier guidance before traveling.
Sources and update notes
- glo Greece — official rivo collection, composition and current reference range
- glo Greece — official HILO stick compatibility
- glo Greece — rivo Sour Pink Twist profile
- glo Greece — rivo Green Click profile
- glo Greece — rivo Arctic Click profile
- glo Greece — rivo Violet Click profile
- glo Poland — regional rivo Summer Twist listing
- glo Poland — regional rivo Blossom Twist listing
- CDC — general health information about heated products and nicotine
Product ranges, descriptions and compatibility information may change after publication. Local packaging and current manufacturer instructions take precedence.
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026