DO VAPES HAVE CALORIES? THE SURPRISING TRUTH REVEALED!

Do Vapes Have Calories?

Yes, vapes can contain a small caloric content, but the amount is negligible compared to food or drinks. The primary ingredients in vape juice—propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and nicotine—don't significantly contribute to caloric intake when inhaled. While VG is technically a carbohydrate and could provide calories if consumed orally, the way vape ingredients are absorbed through the lungs doesn’t contribute to calorie intake in the same way as eating or drinking. Overall, the calorie content in vape juice would not impact your diet or weight.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling vapour produced by an electronic device, commonly known as a vape or electronic cigarette (E-Cigarette), which heats a liquid (known as e-liquid or vape juice) into an aerosol. Unlike traditional smoking, vaping doesn’t use combustible tobacco but instead vaporises a solution that typically contains nicotine, flavourings, and other substances like propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). Vaping has become popular as an alternative to smoking, often marketed as a less harmful option due to the absence of many toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke. This is why Public Health England's evidence reviews on vaping continue to conclude that E-Cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than smoking (1). However, it is not entirely risk-free, especially for younger users.

What is a Calorie?

A calorie is a unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of energy that food and beverages provide to the body. Specifically, one calorie is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius (2). In dietary terms, caloric intake refers to the energy we gain from consuming macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which the body uses for essential functions like breathing, digestion, and physical activity. When we consume more calories than the body needs, the excess is stored as fat, which can lead to weight gain. Understanding calories is crucial for managing energy balance and maintaining a healthy diet.

Does Vape Juice Have Calories?

Yes, vape juice can contain a small number of calories, though it’s typically insignificant for most users. The primary ingredients of vape juice—vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG)—are the most likely sources of calories, with VG being a carbohydrate that can provide around 4 calories per gram if consumed. However, when vaped, these ingredients are inhaled, not digested, meaning the body doesn’t metabolise them in the same way as food. As a result, the calorie content of vape liquids has little to no impact on your daily caloric intake, so it’s highly unlikely to contribute to weight gain.

Is There Calories in Disposable Vapes?

Yes, disposable vapes, like regular vape devices, may contain a minimal amount of calories, but the impact is negligible. The small amount of calories comes from the vegetable glycerin (VG) and flavourings present in the e-liquid. However, just like in other vape products, these ingredients are inhaled rather than ingested, meaning they don’t significantly contribute to caloric intake. Since the body doesn’t process the vapour in the same way as food, the calorie content in disposable vapes has virtually no effect on your overall calorie intake. Therefore, the minimal calories in the vape juice found in disposable vapes won’t add meaningful calories to your daily intake.

Do Vapes Contain Sugar?

Many vape kits do not contain actual sugar, but they often include artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose and neotame, and flavourings that mimic the taste of sweet substances. Most e-liquids are formulated with a variety of flavourings that can create sweet profiles without the use of sugar, as sugar can produce undesirable results when heated and vaporised. Instead, manufacturers often use sweeteners like sucralose or ethyl maltol to enhance flavour while keeping calorie content low. It’s important to check the ingredients in vape juices to understand what sweeteners are used, as some may have implications for those monitoring their sugar intake or overall health.

Do Vapes Contain Sweeteners?

Yes, many vape juices contain sweeteners, which are often used to enhance flavour and create a more enjoyable vaping experience. Common sweeteners include artificial options like sucralose, neotame, ethyl maltol, and aspartame, which are designed to provide sweetness without adding significant calories (3). These sweeteners are preferred over sugar because they can withstand the heating process used in vaping without caramelising or creating undesirable flavours. While sweeteners can make vape products more appealing, it’s essential for users to be aware of their presence for health reasons or have sensitivities to certain additives.

Are Vapes Gluten-Free?

Yes, most vapes and vape juices are considered gluten-free, as the primary ingredients—propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), nicotine, and flavourings—do not contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye, and is not typically used in the production of vaping products. However, some flavourings or additives could potentially be derived from gluten-containing sources, so it’s always a good idea for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to check the product labels or consult with manufacturers to ensure that their chosen vape products are safe for their dietary needs (4). Overall, the majority of commercially available vape juices are formulated without gluten.

Can Vegans Vape?

Yes, vegans can vape, but they should be cautious about the ingredients in the vape juices they choose. Most base ingredients, such as propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), are plant-derived and generally considered vegan-friendly. However, some flavourings and additives may contain animal-derived components, such as certain natural flavours or colourings. Additionally, nicotine can be extracted from tobacco plants, making it suitable for vegans, but it’s essential to verify that the specific vape juice does not contain any animal products or by-products. To ensure that the vape products align with their dietary preferences, vegans should carefully read labels or consult manufacturers for clarification on the ingredients used.

Is There Caffeine in Vapes?

While most standard vape juices do not contain caffeine, some specialty e-liquids outside the UK are formulated to include it as an added stimulant. These products cater to users who enjoy the effects of both nicotine and caffeine, providing a combined experience similar to that of coffee or energy drinks. However, it's essential for consumers to read the ingredient labels carefully, as caffeine is not a common ingredient in traditional vape juices. When E-Cigarettes first became available in the UK, caffeine was allowed as an ingredient, however the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR) made it illegal to include caffeine as an ingredient in e-liquids (5).

Will vaping with nicotine help me lose weight?

Nicotine intake via vaping may lead to temporary weight loss for some individuals due to nicotine's ability as an appetite suppressant and its ability to boost metabolism slightly. Nicotine can increase the release of certain neurotransmitters that may reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness. However, relying on the appetite suppression of nicotine vaping as a weight loss tool is not advisable, as it is not without any health risks, including nicotine addiction. Additionally, any weight loss associated with nicotine use is often short-lived and can lead to unhealthy behaviors and even lead to unwanted weight gain, as is common when people give up smoking (6). For effective and sustainable body weight management, it’s better to focus on a balanced diet, calorie counting and regular physical activity rather than resorting to nicotine or vaping.

Best Cigalike UK?

When looking for the best cigalike electronic cigarette in the UK, several options stand out for their quality, performance, and user satisfaction. Cigalikes are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes, making them an appealing choice for smokers transitioning to vaping. They typically mimic the same inhale technique used for cigarette smoking, making them a successful substitute for smoking. Popular options include brands like SMOKO, which offers a range of flavours and nicotine strengths in a sleek, easy-to-use design, and NJOY, known for its flavourful disposable cigalikes (though eco-freindly vapers should consider the large amounts of waste from disposable vapes) (7). For those seeking a more customised experience, Blu provides a solid selection of refillable cigalikes that allow users to choose their own e-liquids. 

Do Vapes Have Calories? The Surprising Truth Revealed - Conclusion

Yes, there are calories in vape liquids, however they contain negligible calories that won't have an impact on weight loss (for those calorie counters among you). It is true that nicotine acts as an appetite suppressor, so may aid in weight loss to some degree, however leading a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy snacks and being active will do far more to aid weight loss than vaping with nicotine.

If you are a smoker, making the switch to E-Cigarettes is a big step in the right direction! The cigalike style vapes can be a handy vape for making the switch due to the size and shape mimicking that of a cigarette, however those seeking a more modern device should check out the SMOKO VAPE POD - discreet and sleek, utilising prefilled pods to avoid messy filling and other maintenance like changing coils and cleaning vape tanks, perfect for on-the-go vaping!

Make the switch with SMOKO today!

REFERENCES

(1) E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review

(2) Britannica: calorie - unit of measurement

(3) The impact of sucralose and neotame on the safety of metal precipitation in electronic cigarettes

(4) Gluten Intolerance

(5) E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products

(6) Oxfordshire County Council - Stop smoking without putting on weight

(7) Study finds that vast amounts of waste are caused by single-use e-cigarette batteries

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage – is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.