BEST VAPE JUICE: TOP PICKS FOR FLAVOUR AND QUALITY!

What is the Best Vape Juice?

The best vape juice is a blend that perfectly balances flavour, quality, and nicotine content to meet individual preferences and enhance the overall vaping experience. It is typically made by reputable brands that prioritise the use of high-quality ingredients, including pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, food-grade flavourings, and a precise mix of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG). The best vape juice should deliver consistent, satisfying vapour production and a rich, enjoyable taste, without any harshness or unwanted aftertastes. Additionally, it should come highly rated by users for both its flavour profile and its performance in various vaping devices.

What is Vape liquid Made Of?

Vape liquid, commonly referred to as e-liquid or vape juice, is primarily composed of four key ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. Propylene Glycol (PG) is a colourless and odourless liquid that helps to produce a strong throat hit and carry the flavour effectively. Vegetable Glycerine, a thicker and sweeter substance, is responsible for creating dense vapour clouds. Nicotine, an optional component, is included in varying strengths to satisfy the cravings of former smokers. Flavourings, which are food-grade and come in a wide array of choices, provide the diverse and appealing tastes that make vaping enjoyable. These ingredients are meticulously blended to ensure a smooth, flavourful, and satisfying vaping experience.

Popular Vape Juice Flavours

Popular vape juice flavours span a wide array of tastes to cater to diverse preferences, making the vaping experience both enjoyable and customisable. Fruity flavours, such as strawberry, watermelon, and mango, are perennial favourites for their sweet and refreshing profiles. Dessert flavours, like vanilla, chocolate, and caramel, offer a rich and indulgent experience, mimicking the pleasure of sweet treats. Menthol and mint flavors are highly favoured for their crisp, cooling sensation, providing a refreshing vape. Tobacco flavours remain popular among those who prefer a traditional taste, often chosen by former smokers. Beverage-inspired flavours, including coffee, cola, and lemonade, bring a unique twist, allowing vapers to enjoy their favourite drinks in vapour form. This variety ensures that there is a flavour to suit every palate, enhancing the overall appeal of vaping.

Which Vape Liquid is Best?

Determining which vape liquid is best depends on individual preferences, but some key factors can guide the selection. The best vape liquid combines high-quality ingredients, exceptional flavour, and the right nicotine strength to deliver a satisfying experience. Reputable brands such as Naked 100, Dinner Lady, and Vapetasia are often praised for their consistent quality and extensive flavour ranges. High VG (Vegetable Glycerine) liquids are ideal for cloud chasers who enjoy thick, dense vapour, while a balanced PG/VG ratio suits those seeking strong flavour and a pronounced throat hit. Customer reviews and ratings also play a crucial role in identifying top-rated vape liquids, with popular choices often boasting a harmonious blend of taste and vapour production. Ultimately, the best vape liquid is one that meets personal flavour preferences and performance expectations, offering an enjoyable and fulfilling vaping experience.

What Strength E-liquid Should I Choose?

Choosing the right strength e-liquid depends largely on your nicotine tolerance and vaping habits. For those who are new to vaping or transitioning from smoking, it’s important to match the nicotine strength to your previous cigarette consumption. Light smokers, who smoke less than half a pack per day, might find satisfaction with lower nicotine levels, around 3-6 mg/ml. Moderate smokers, consuming half to one pack daily, may prefer a mid-range strength of 6-12 mg/ml. Heavy smokers, exceeding a pack per day, often require higher nicotine levels, between 12-18 mg/mL or even higher. Additionally, for those using pod systems or seeking a smoother throat hit, nicotine salts in higher strengths (20-50 mg/ml) can be an excellent choice. It's essential to start with a strength that curbs cravings without causing harshness or discomfort, and adjust as needed to find the perfect balance.

Does the Type of Nicotine Matter for My Vape Juice?

Yes, the type of nicotine in your vape juice significantly impacts your vaping experience. There are two primary types of nicotine used in e-liquids: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine, the traditional form found in most e-liquids, provides a stronger throat hit and is commonly available in lower concentrations which are suitable for sub-ohm vaping and those who prefer a more intense sensation. On the other hand, nic salt e-liquids, derived from the natural state of nicotine in tobacco leaves, offer a smoother hit even at higher concentrations, making them ideal for pod systems and for users who need a higher nicotine intake without the harshness.

It is largely touted that nicotine salts are absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, apparently providing a faster and more satisfying nicotine fix, however the science doesn't necessarily support this. Nic salt particles are larger than freebase nicotine particles, so they don't get absorbed in the throat (which explains the lack of throat hit) but instead more particles make it to the lungs, creating a steep gradient between the amount of nicotine in the lungs compared to the blood. In addition, nic salt particles carry a charge which actually hinders movement across the lung/blood barrier (1). Therefore, the choice between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts should be based on your personal preference for throat hit, nicotine strength, and the type of vaping device you use.

Typically, disposable vapes contain nic salt vape juice, so users may be used to the intense flavour and strong nicotine hit these liquids provide. Vapers coming from a background of disposable vapes may find a huge difference between the inhale experience with disposable vapes and some of this is due to the amount of flavouring used with nic salt e-liquid. One study found that nic salt liquids contained 3 to 4 times the amount of flavouring used in freebase nicotine liquids (2). This explains the strong flavour associated with nic salt vape juice, which some may see as a positive, however it is worth knowing that flavourings are responsible for many of the volatile compounds produced by the vaporisation process, so less flavouring could mean less harm. Keep in mind that E-Cigarettes are considered to be 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes according to Public Health England (3).

Does the style of vape device matter for my vape juice?

Yes, the style of vape device you use can significantly impact your experience with vape juice. Different types of vape devices, such as pod systems, vape pens, box mods, and mechanical mods, vary in their power output, coil resistance compatibility, and airflow settings, all of which influence how vape juice is vaporised and tasted. For instance, pod systems and vape pens are typically designed for higher nicotine strengths and nicotine salts due to their lower power output and smaller coils, which provide a more discreet and smooth vaping experience. On the other hand, box mods and mechanical mods offer greater customisation options with adjustable wattage and temperature controls, allowing for a more tailored vaping experience, especially with high VG (Vegetable Glycerine) vape juices that produce larger vapour clouds and intense flavours. Therefore, selecting the right vape device for your vape juice preferences ensures optimal performance, flavour delivery, and overall satisfaction with your vaping sessions.

Can I make my own vape juice?

Yes, it is possible to make your own vape juice, but it requires careful attention to safety and ingredients. DIY vape juice recipes typically involve mixing Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), nicotine (if desired), and flavour concentrates. It's essential to use high-quality, food-grade ingredients and precise measurements to achieve desired flavour profiles and nicotine strengths. DIY vape juice allows for customisation of flavour combinations not readily available commercially, catering to personal preferences and potentially saving money over store-bought options. However, it's crucial to follow reliable recipes, practice good hygiene, and accurately label homemade e-liquids to ensure safety and consistency. Additionally, understanding basic chemistry and the principles of mixing e-liquids is advisable to avoid risks associated with improper mixing or handling of ingredients.

A common way that vapers are designing their own e-liquid is through a product called shortfill e-liquid, which are essentially nicotine-free e-liquid. Shortfill e-liquids contain everything used in vape juice except the nicotine, allowing vapers to add nicotine via a product called 'nicotine shots' - these can be freebase nicotine or nic salt, so the user can choose their preferred nicotine type with a shortfill of their favourite vape flavour to create an e-liquid with the perfect nicotine strength in their favourite flavour. Typically, shortfill varieties come in 50ml and 100ml shortfill bottles that contain 50ml or 100ml of liquid, but are actually 60ml and 120ml bottles to allow the user to add their nicotine shot to the shortfill bottle, shake up and then it's ready for vaping.

Should I Use a Vape Juice That Tastes Like Cigarettes?

Whether or not to use a vape juice that tastes like cigarettes depends largely on personal preference and your vaping goals. For smokers transitioning to vaping, cigarette-flavoured vape juice can provide familiar flavours which helps ease the switch from traditional cigarettes. These flavours often mimic the tobacco taste closely, offering a sense of familiarity without the harmful combustion byproducts of smoking. However, for vapers seeking variety and exploring new flavours, cigarette-flavored vape juices may not provide the diverse taste experiences available with other flavour profiles like fruits, desserts, or beverages. Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual taste preferences and the desire for a familiar or alternative vaping experience.

What type of e-liquid do disposable vapes contain?

Disposable vapes typically contain e-liquids formulated with nicotine salts, which provide a smoother throat hit even at higher nicotine concentrations. This type of e-liquid is ideal for the compact and low-power design of single-use vapes, ensuring a consistent and efficient delivery of nicotine. The nicotine salt formulation is absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, offering a faster and more intense nicotine satisfaction that closely mimics the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. Additionally, disposable vapes often feature a variety of popular flavours, ranging from classic tobacco and menthol to a wide array of fruit and dessert options, providing convenience and simplicity for users without the need to refill or maintain the device.

What should I avoid in e-liquids?

When selecting e-liquids, it's important to avoid certain harmful ingredients to ensure a safer vaping experience. Steer clear of e-liquids containing diacetyl, acetoin, or acetyl propionyl, as these chemicals have been linked to respiratory issues like "popcorn lung." Additionally, avoid e-liquids with overly high nicotine concentrations if you're not accustomed to it, as this can lead to nicotine poisoning and adverse effects. Be wary of e-liquids from unverified sources or those with vague ingredient lists, as they may contain impurities or contaminants. It's also best to avoid artificial colours and sweeteners that don't add to the quality or safety of the vape juice. Always choose e-liquids from reputable brands that adhere to stringent safety standards and provide transparent ingredient information.

The reason vaping still gets some bad press is largely due to the inclusion of illegal substances in e-liquids found in America. A phenomenon named EVALI, which means 'E-Cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Injury', has occurred in a few instances in the United States where the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis called THC has been mixed into e-liquids using an agent known as vitamin E acetate. All the instances of EVALI assessed were found to have vitamin E acetate in the lung fluid samples (4).

How should I store my vape juices?

Proper storage of vape juices is essential to maintain their flavour, potency, and safety. Store your e-liquids in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as exposure to light and high temperatures can degrade the nicotine and flavourings. Keep them in airtight containers to prevent oxidation and contamination. It's also important to store vape juices out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion, ideally in a locked drawer or cabinet. Make sure the bottles are tightly sealed to prevent leaks and spills. Additionally, check the expiration dates and label your bottles if you mix your own e-liquids, ensuring you use them within their optimal shelf life for the best vaping experience.

Are UK Made E-Liquids the Best?

UK-made e-liquids are highly regarded in the vaping community for their stringent quality standards and adherence to regulatory requirements set by bodies like the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Trading Standards (5). These regulations ensure that UK-made e-liquids undergo rigorous testing for purity, consistency, and safety, providing vapers with confidence in the product's quality and reliability. Additionally, UK manufacturers often prioritise using high-quality ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers, further enhancing the overall vaping experience. While individual preferences vary, many vapers appreciate UK-made e-liquids for their transparency in labeling, traceability of ingredients, and commitment to meeting industry standards, making them a trusted choice among discerning users.

What about SMOKO E-liquids?

When it comes to the best vape juice, there is little doubt that the countries with high levels of regulation are the safest places to buy your e-liquid. In the UK, our vaping products are regulated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, ensuring only high-quality ingredients and food grade flavourings are used. These standards make UK-made premium vape juices the safest around.

At SMOKO, our vape juices are made here in the UK to the high standards set out by the MHRA and TRPR. With great flavours for tobacco users such as our Original Tobacco, Virginia Rolling Tobacco, and some more interesting flavours including Absinthe, Crisp Apple and Coffee, SMOKO has you covered.

Best Vape Juice: Top Picks for Flavour and Quality - Conclusion

When it comes to the best vape juice, there is little doubt that the countries with high levels of regulation are the safest places to buy your e-liquid. In the UK, our vaping products are regulated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, ensuring only high-quality ingredients and food grade flavourings are used. These standards make UK-made premium vape juices the safest around.

At SMOKO, our SMOKO VAPE POD and SMOKO E-Cigarette vape starter kits provide a hassle-free vaping experience for vapers who don't want to mess around with filling and mixing e-liquids and carrying out regular maintenance like cleaning and checking/replacing coils that is essential for an enjoyable and safe vaping experience. Our rechargeable batteries provide a more eco-friendly option than disposable vape devices and customers can even recycle their empty refills with us for free!

If you are are smoker looking to quit then you may be interested to know that a recent Cochrane study found 'high-certainty' evidence that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting than traditional forms of nicotine replacement therapy (6), such as nicotine patches and nicotine gum! Make the switch and quit smoking with SMOKO today!

REFERENCES

(1) Absorption (pharmacology)

(2) Comprehensive Dutch market data analysis shows that e-liquids with nicotine salts have both higher nicotine and flavour concentrations than those with free-base nicotine

(3) PHE publishes independent expert e-cigarettes evidence review

(4) E-cigarette, or Vaping Product, Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)

(5) E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products

(6) Latest Cochrane Review finds high certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) in helping people quit smoking

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.