BEST TOBACCO VAPE JUICE: TOP PICKS FOR EX SMOKERS

Best Tobacco Vape Juice

Vape juice is available in a range of flavours, but when it comes to finding the best tobacco vape juice, ex-smokers and vape enthusiasts alike seek a blend that closely mimics the rich, familiar taste of traditional cigarettes. Whether you prefer an hassle-free pre-filled vape kit, or filling your own vape device, the best options offer a smooth, authentic tobacco flavour with a well-balanced throat hit, making the transition from smoking to vaping more seamless. Vape juice brands like SMOKO, Black Note, Halo, and Twelve Monkeys are often praised for their high-quality tobacco flavour e-liquid, providing a satisfying experience that captures the essence of real tobacco without the harshness or lingering aftertaste. Whether you prefer a robust, full-bodied flavour or a lighter, milder blend, the best tobacco vape juices cater to various tastes, ensuring a gratifying and personalised vaping experience.

What is Vape Juice?

Vape juice, also known as e-liquid or vape liquid, is the substance used in electronic cigarettes and vape devices to produce vapour. It typically consists of a base made from a combination of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), which are responsible for the vapour production and the throat hit. Added to this base are flavourings, which can range from tobacco and menthol to fruits and desserts, providing the distinct taste when vaped. E-liquid may also contain nicotine in varying strengths, catering to different preferences and helping those transitioning from smoking to manage their cravings. Some vape juices are nicotine-free, offering an option for users who enjoy the sensory experience without the addictive substance.

Why Choose Vape Juice That Tastes Like Cigarettes?

Choosing vape juice that tastes like cigarettes can be a crucial step for those transitioning from smoking to vaping. The familiar flavour of tobacco can help replicate the sensory experience of smoking, making it easier to curb cravings and resist the urge to return to traditional cigarettes. This type of e-liquid provides the comforting flavour profile and aroma that ex-smokers are accustomed to, which can be especially important during the early stages of quitting. By closely mimicking the taste of cigarettes, tobacco e-liquid helps bridge the gap between smoking and vaping, offering a smoother and more satisfying transition.

Who Makes the Best Vape Juice?

The best vape juice is crafted by manufacturers who prioritise quality, flavour accuracy, and safety. Leading brands like SMOKO, Black Note, Halo, and Dinner Lady are renowned for producing top-tier vape juices that cater to a wide range of tastes. At SMOKO, our tobacco vape liquids are made in the UK and held to the high standards set out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (1). Black Note is celebrated for its naturally extracted tobacco flavours in it's tobacco mixes, offering a pure and authentic taste without artificial additives. Halo has a long-standing reputation for consistency and high standards, especially in its tobacco and menthol blends. Dinner Lady, known for its award-winning dessert flavours, also excels in creating rich and satisfying vape juices that deliver a premium vaping experience. These brands are recognised for their meticulous attention to detail, using high-quality ingredients and adhering to rigorous production standards, making them the top choice for vapers seeking the best in the industry.

Do Shortfills Come in Tobacco Flavours?

Yes, shortfills do come in traditional tobacco flavours, offering a convenient option for vapers who enjoy the rich taste of tobacco. A shortfill is a larger bottle of vape juice that typically contains no nicotine, leaving extra space at the top for users to add their own nicotine shots if desired. For example, a 60ml bottle will be filled with 50ml of nicotine-free e-liquid, leaving room for a 10ml nicotine shot. This allows vapers to customise the nicotine strength to their preference. Tobacco shortfills are popular because they provide the deep, earthy taste of tobacco while giving users flexibility in their nicotine intake. Additionally, shortfills are an economical choice for those who vape frequently, as they offer more e-liquid in a single bottle compared to smaller pre-filled options.

Can I Use Tobacco Flavour Vape Juice Without Nicotine?

Yes, you can use tobacco flavour vape juice without nicotine, which is an excellent option for those who enjoy the taste of tobacco but want to avoid nicotine. Nicotine-free vape juices still deliver the rich, robust flavours of tobacco, providing a satisfying experience without the addictive substance. This is particularly beneficial for ex-smokers who have successfully weaned off nicotine but still crave the familiar taste of tobacco. Nicotine-free options are also ideal for those who vape purely for the enjoyment of flavours or as a means to reduce their nicotine dependence gradually. With tobacco flavour vape juice available in both nicotine and nicotine-free varieties, vapers can easily find a blend that suits their preferences and goals.

Does the Type of Nicotine Affect the Vape Juice?

Yes, the type of nicotine used in vape juice significantly affects both the vaping experience and the characteristics of the vape juice itself. There are two main types of nicotine found in e-liquids: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine, the most common type, provides a stronger throat hit and is typically used in higher-powered devices. It offers a more intense experience, which many ex-smokers find satisfying. On the other hand, nic salts, which are derived from natural nicotine found in tobacco leaves, are smoother on the throat and absorb more quickly into the bloodstream. This makes nic salt e-liquid ideal for those who prefer a milder throat hit and use lower-wattage devices. The choice between these types can influence the overall satisfaction, flavour intensity, and the type of device best suited for the vape juice, making it an important factor for vapers to consider. Another important factor is that nic salt e-liquids typically contain 3 to 4 times the amount of flavouring used in freebase nicotine liquids (2), and as flavourings contribute to the small amount of volatile compounds produced in the vaping process, this would indicate that freebase nicotine e-liquids are less harmful than those containing nic salt.

How does my vape device impact my choice of e-liquid?

Your vape device significantly impacts your choice of e-liquid, as different devices are designed to work optimally with specific types of vape juice. For instance, sub-ohm tanks and high-wattage mods require e-liquids with a higher vegetable glycerine (VG) content, typically 70% or more, to accommodate their thicker consistency and produce large vapour clouds. These devices are built for high vapour production and can handle the denser e-liquids without clogging. Conversely, pod systems and mouth-to-lung devices generally perform better with e-liquids that have a higher propylene glycol (PG) content, such as 50% PG or more, as these juices are thinner and provide a stronger throat hit, which suits the lower power settings and smaller coils of these devices. Choosing the right e-liquid ensures optimal performance, flavour delivery, and vapour production, enhancing your overall vaping experience. Keep in mind that high PG and/or high freebase nicotine liquids may cause a coughing fit if used in a device that favours vapour production.

Can I get disposable vapes that taste like tobacco?

Yes, you can get tobacco disposable vapes, making them a convenient option for those who prefer the classic taste of cigarettes without the hassle of refilling or charging a device. These disposable vapes are pre-filled with e-liquid and come ready to use, providing a satisfying tobacco flavour that closely mimics the taste of traditional cigarettes. Brands like Elf Bar, Vuse, and Nasty Fix offer popular tobacco flavoured disposable vapes that deliver a smooth and familiar experience, ideal for ex-smokers or anyone who enjoys the rich, earthy notes of tobacco. With various nicotine strengths available, these disposables cater to different preferences, offering the authentic taste of tobacco in a simple, portable format. However, disposable vapes are not the most environmentally friendly way to vape - one study found disposable vapes are actually capable of being recharged a huge number of times but instead end up in landfill due to them being sealed units which makes them hard to recycle (3). In addition to the increase in youth vaping, these factors have led to the decision from the UK Government to ban disposable vapes in 2025. (4)

How Long Does Vape Liquid Last?

The longevity of vape liquid, or e-liquid, depends on several factors, including how often you vape, the type of device you use, and the size of the bottle. On average, a 10ml bottle of vape juice can last anywhere from a few days to a week for a moderate vaper. Larger bottles, such as 50ml or 100ml shortfills, can last much longer, potentially several weeks or even a month, depending on usage. Additionally, vape liquid has a shelf life of about one to two years if stored properly in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Over time, the flavour and nicotine strength may degrade and there is some evidence indicating an increase in heavy metals depending on storage conditions (5), so it’s best to use the e-liquid within its recommended period for the best experience. If the liquid changes colour, thickens, or has a strange taste, it’s a sign that it might have expired.

Can You Use Any Vape Juice in Any Vape?

Not all vape juices are compatible with every vape device, so it's important to match the right e-liquid with your vaping setup. Vape juice comes in different ratios of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), which affect the viscosity and vapour production. Devices like sub-ohm tanks require high-VG liquids for optimal performance, as these juices are thicker and produce larger vapour clouds. Conversely, high-PG e-liquids are better suited for pod systems and mouth-to-lung devices, as they are thinner and provide a stronger throat hit. Additionally, the nicotine strength should align with your device’s capabilities, especially in devices that use high wattages or low resistance coils. Using vape juice with the appropriate PG/VG ratio and nicotine strength ensures a better vaping experience and helps avoid potential issues with your device.

What Strength Vape Juice Should I Choose?

With a huge variety of nicotine strengths available, choosing the right strength of vape juice can be challenging but is crucial for achieving a satisfying vaping experience and managing nicotine cravings effectively. The appropriate nicotine strength depends on your smoking history and personal preferences. For heavy smokers who used to smoke a pack or more per day, a higher nicotine strength, such as 18-24 mg/ml, may be necessary to replicate the nicotine hit of cigarettes. Light smokers or those who smoked less frequently might find 6-12 mg/ml sufficient. For those looking to reduce their nicotine intake, lower strengths like 3 mg/ml or even 0 mg/ml (nicotine-free) are suitable options. It's often a good idea to start with a strength that aligns with your previous smoking habits and adjust as needed based on your satisfaction and comfort level.

Best Vape Flavours UK: Top Picks for Tobacco Lovers

For tobacco lovers in the UK seeking the best vape flavours, several top picks stand out for their exceptional quality and authenticity. Renowned brands like SMOKO, Black Note and Dinner Lady offer highly praised tobacco flavoured e-liquid that capture the essence of traditional smoking with a refined vaping experience. At SMOKO, our premium tobacco e-liquids are made in the UK, just like our other e-liquids, and covers classic tobacco flavours with the Original Tobacco and Gold Tobacco flavours mimicking traditional cigarettes, Virginia Rolling Tobacco captures the taste of high-quality rolling tobacco, and Menthol Tobacco for those used to menthol cigarettes or filters or who like a mint flavour with notes of tobacco. Black Note’s naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids provide a rich, robust flavour that closely mimics real tobacco, making it a favourite among purists. Dinner Lady’s tobacco offerings, known for their smooth and well-balanced profiles, deliver a satisfying taste without being overpowering. Additionally, UK-based brands such as Doozy Vape Co. and Riot Squad have also gained popularity for their innovative takes on classic tobacco flavours, combining traditional tastes with a modern twist. These options ensure that tobacco enthusiasts can find a vape juice that perfectly matches their taste preferences while enjoying a high-quality vaping experience.

Best Tobacco Vape Juice: Top Picks for Ex Smokers - Conclusion

For smokers, tobacco flavour e-liquids offer a satisfying alternative to smoking that, according to Public Health England, is 95% less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes (6). And, starting your vaping journey doesn't need to be that hard - while there are plenty of vapers that choose the more complex devices that require maintenance, spare parts and refilling - at SMOKO we believe in providing a hassle-free vaping experience with our rechargeable vape kits. Smokers have an easy time making the switch with the SMOKO E-Cigarette; a cigalike style vape that looks and feels like a cigarette, aiding smokers in their transition to vaping. Alternatively, the SMOKO VAPE POD uses a more modern style, but is still small and discreet.

Our devices use refills pre-filled with our UK-made e-liquids so you don't have to worry about messy filling, and each refill comes with a new coil so the only spares you need are batteries and refills! With so much lithium going to waste with millions of disposable vapes thrown away each week, vaping with SMOKO offers a more eco-friendly option. You can even recycle your empty refills with us for free! However, many of our tobacco flavoured e-liquids are available in our E-liquid bottle collection.

REFERENCES

(1) MHRA E-Cigarette database

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

(4) The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024 draft SI

(5) The Impact of the Storage Conditions and Type of Clearomizers on the Increase of Heavy Metal Levels in Electronic Cigarette Liquids Retailed in Romania

(6) NHS: Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Written by Dan Overgage