Both Ice Blast menthol cartons are in stock today, and the call is straightforward: SS-278 Marlboro Ice Blast Mega 8mg (Japan) lists at A$255.00 per carton, while SS-288 ESSE Change Mint Ice Blast 4mg lists at A$195.50 — the ESSE carton runs A$59.50 lower, and the real decision is format and strength: a full-flavour king-size menthol capsule versus a super-slim 4mg menthol capsule. If you are comparing cigarette carton prices Australia 2026, this is the classic cross-brand puzzle: two ice-blast menthol cartons, two builds, one clear price gap.
Both lines belong to the menthol capsule family rather than the straight or light core ranges, and because plain packaging makes variants hard to tell apart at a glance, the SKU is the reliable identifier. One carton is 10 packs, and anyone following marlboro cartons Australia or esse cigarettes Australia knows the carton price is the number that counts. This record was checked live against the Zyqvexo catalogue on 18 August 2026.
2026 Snapshot: SS-278 vs SS-288 at a Glance
The record for both cartons as listed on 18 August 2026. Prices and stock are a live record, subject to change.
| Field | Marlboro Ice Blast Mega 8mg (Japan) | ESSE Change Mint Ice Blast 4mg |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | SS-278 | SS-288 |
| Carton price (AUD) | A$255.00 | A$195.50 |
| Regular list (AUD) | A$300.00 | A$230.00 |
| Format | 1 carton (10 packs) | 1 carton (10 packs) |
| Style | Menthol ice-blast capsule, king-size box | Menthol ice-blast capsule, super-slim |
| Pack label | 8mg | 4mg |
| Stock status | In stock | In stock |
| Catalogue link | Ice Blast Mega (SS-278) | Mint Ice Blast (SS-288) |
For readers new to the format: a carton is the standard bulk unit in Australia — most regular smokers order a full 10-pack carton rather than single packs. Both lines are in stock, the first thing Aussie smokers check when they buy cigarette cartons online; only format, strength and price separate them.
What’s the Difference Between Marlboro Ice Blast Mega and ESSE Mint Ice Blast?
Both cartons carry the same Ice Blast menthol idea, but they are built for different smokers. SS-278 Marlboro Ice Blast Mega is a full-flavour 8mg king-size box from the Japanese-market Marlboro line: a heavier, fuller draw with a menthol capsule that you crush to release the ice-blast hit. SS-288 ESSE Change Mint Ice Blast is a super-slim 4mg cigarette from the ESSE Change family: a lighter, narrower smoke with the same crush-capsule menthol finish.
The practical difference shows up in three places. Format: a king-size box delivers a fuller mouthfeel than a super-slim. Strength: pack-labelled 8mg versus 4mg means the two are not interchangeable if you have settled into a regular strength. Price: at A$255.00 against A$195.50, the Marlboro carton costs A$59.50 more.
For Aussie smokers familiar with menthol cigarettes Australia, this is exactly the near-SKU confusion plain packaging creates: two packs that both say Ice Blast, two very different smokes. The SKU is the only reliable way to tell them apart — check it before you commit to a full carton.
Marlboro Cartons Australia vs ESSE Cigarettes Australia: Price Check at A$255.00 vs A$195.50
Australian tobacco excise is among the highest in the world and prices keep climbing, which is why carton-level pricing is the conversation starter for most local buyers. A 10-pack carton of Marlboro Ice Blast Mega lists at A$255.00, with a regular list of A$300.00; the ESSE Change Mint Ice Blast carton lists at A$195.50, with a regular list of A$230.00. Both figures are the live record on the Zyqvexo catalogue today — a live record, subject to change.
The A$59.50 gap is real money when you are stocking up. If the carton price is the deciding factor, the ESSE side wins outright. If you have always smoked a full-flavour king-size and want the menthol capsule without changing your draw, the Marlboro side matches your habit. Either way, the price is quoted in AUD with the current discount reflected, so there is no guesswork when you compare cartons of cigarettes price across the two brands.
Which to Choose: Marlboro Ice Blast or ESSE Mint Ice Blast?
There is no wrong answer, only the wrong match for your habit. Use the checklist below.
- Choose Marlboro Ice Blast Mega (SS-278) if you want a full-flavour king-size menthol capsule, prefer a heavier draw, or are already comfortable at 8mg strength.
- Choose ESSE Change Mint Ice Blast (SS-288) if you smoke super-slims, want a lighter 4mg menthol, or are watching the carton price — the A$59.50 saving adds up across the year.
- Both are in stock today, so availability is not the tie-breaker; format and budget are.
If you are new to slim cigarettes Australia or curious about fruit capsule cigarettes, the ESSE Change family is a gentler entry point, while the Marlboro Japanese-market line keeps the full-flavour character long-time smokers expect. The brand carton price pages show the full range before you decide.
Return Case File Check: What This Record Covers
This article is a return case file check — a plain-language record of SKU, price, stock, format and the key difference between two near-identical cartons, verified against the product records on the publish date, so you can compare them side by side without opening ten tabs.
See the full record for each carton on its product page: Marlboro Ice Blast Mega 8mg (Japan) (SS-278) and ESSE Change Mint Ice Blast 4mg (SS-288). For the wider family, browse the Marlboro carton range or the ESSE carton range in the Zyqvexo catalogue. For another Marlboro capsule pairing, see our Marlboro Ice Blast vs Vista comparison and our cross-brand Manchester Double Drive vs ESSE Mint Ice comparison.
FAQ: Marlboro Ice Blast vs ESSE Mint Ice Blast
Which carton is cheaper, Marlboro Ice Blast Mega or ESSE Mint Ice Blast?
ESSE Change Mint Ice Blast (SS-288) is cheaper at A$195.50 per carton. Marlboro Ice Blast Mega (SS-278) lists at A$255.00 per carton, A$59.50 more. Both are 1 carton (10 packs) and both are in stock.
What is the difference between SS-278 and SS-288?
Both are menthol ice-blast capsule cartons, but SS-278 Marlboro Ice Blast Mega is a full-flavour 8mg king-size box from the Japanese-market line, while SS-288 ESSE Change Mint Ice Blast is a super-slim 4mg cigarette. Different format, different strength, and an A$59.50 price gap per carton.
Can I buy cigarette cartons online in Australia?
Zyqvexo is an 18+ catalogue and evidence-record directory for Australia. Cartons are listed by SKU with live prices and stock status so you can compare before ordering, Australia-wide. Adults 18+ only. Australia only.
Adults 18+ only. Australia only. Information only — not health advice. No refund outcome is guaranteed.
