Table of Contents
- Best Tobacco Vape Juice
- What is Vape Juice?
- Why Choose Vape Juice That Tastes Like Cigarettes?
- Who Makes the Best Vape Juice?
- Do Shortfills Come in Tobacco Flavours?
- Can I Use Tobacco Flavour Vape Juice Without Nicotine?
- Does the Type of Nicotine Affect the Vape Juice?
- How does my vape device impact my choice of e-liquid?
- Can I get disposable vapes that taste like tobacco?
- How Long Does Vape Liquid Last?
- Can You Use Any Vape Juice in Any Vape?
- What Strength Vape Juice Should I Choose?
- Best Vape Flavours UK: Top Picks for Tobacco Lovers
- Best Tobacco Vape Juice: Top Picks for Ex Smokers - Conclusion
- REFERENCES
Key Takeaways
- Mimic the Real Thing
Tobacco vape juices are crafted to closely replicate the taste and sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes—making them ideal for ex-smokers seeking a familiar experience. - Nicotine Strength Matters
Choosing the right nicotine level is crucial. Higher strengths (like 18mg) offer a stronger throat hit for heavy ex-smokers, while lower levels suit lighter users easing into vaping. - Flavour Quality and Safety
Top-rated tobacco vape juices come from trusted UK brands that prioritise flavour realism, high-quality ingredients, and compliance with safety standards like TPD certification.
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. The best tobacco e liquid options are often highlighted in rankings and reviews for their authenticity, flavour complexity, and popularity among vapers.
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. For new vapers, options are available that provide familiar and satisfying tobacco profiles.
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. These juices are crafted to satisfy the taste buds with rich, layered tobacco notes that mimic the experience of real tobacco. 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, menthol, caramel, vanilla, to fruits and desserts, providing the distinct taste when vaped.
E-liquid normally contains 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.
Vape juice is available for different vaping styles, from mouth-to-lung to direct-lung, and for use in starter kits designed for beginners.
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.
Options covering sweet tobacco and smooth tobacco flavours offer additional appeal for those seeking a mellow, slightly sweet, or creamy tobacco experience. 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, Dinner Lady, and Vampire Vape 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.
Popular flavour profiles among these brands include caramel tobacco and vanilla blends, which offer a sweeter or more complex tobacco experience for vapers who enjoy dessert-like or creamy undertones. 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.
Caramel and caramel tobacco shortfills are especially popular among those who prefer a sweeter, dessert-inspired tobacco flavour, adding a layer of caramel sweetness and complexity to the vaping experience. 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. Some blends also feature a naturally sweet profile, adding a smooth and enjoyable twist to the classic tobacco taste. 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.
Nicotine salts allow for higher nicotine levels without the harshness often associated with freebase nicotine, making them suitable for those seeking a potent nicotine dose. They also provide a smoother throat hit, which is ideal for vapers who want less irritation. This results in a smoother vape overall, appealing to those looking for comfort and satisfaction similar to traditional smoking. 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 high-VG setups are ideal for those seeking bigger clouds and a smoother vaping experience. 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. They are also a great choice for new vapers seeking simplicity and familiar flavours as they transition from smoking.
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.
Different vaping styles, such as mouth-to-lung or direct-lung, require specific PG/VG ratios for optimal performance, so choosing the right e-liquid for your preferred vaping style is essential. 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.
New vaper guidance is available to help beginners select the most suitable nicotine strength when starting out. 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
SMOKO offers a great range of tobacco-based flavours, including:
- Original Tobacco - Tastes like a straight cigarette with a hint of sweetness
- Virginia Rolling Tobacco - Tastes like your favourite rolling tobacco
- Menthol Tobacco - Tastes like menthol cigarettes or roll-ups with a menthol filter
- Gold Tobacco - Tastes like a straight cigarette
- Havana Cigar - Tastes like a rich cigar tobacco
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. For those seeking a classic, robust option, the traditional tobacco flavour stands out for its rich and intense profile, making it a favourite for those who want an authentic 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.
FAQ: Best Tobacco Vape Juice for Ex-Smokers
1. What is tobacco vape juice?
Tobacco vape juice is an e-liquid designed to mimic the flavour and throat hit of traditional tobacco cigarettes. It’s often used by ex-smokers to ease the transition to vaping while still enjoying a familiar taste.
2. Is tobacco-flavoured e-liquid better for quitting smoking?
Yes, many ex-smokers find tobacco-flavoured vape juice helpful because it replicates the cigarette experience. This familiarity can reduce cravings and make switching to vaping more effective.
3. What nicotine strength should I choose as a former smoker?
That depends on how much you used to smoke:
-
Light smoker (under 10/day): 6–12mg
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Moderate smoker (10–20/day): 12–16mg
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Heavy smoker (20+/day): 18mg or higher
Nicotine salts can also deliver a smoother experience at higher strengths.
4. Are tobacco e-liquids safe?
When purchased from reputable, TPD-compliant UK brands, tobacco e-liquids are considered far safer than smoking. They contain fewer harmful chemicals and no tar or carbon monoxide.
5. Can I mix tobacco with other flavours?
Absolutely. Many ex-smokers enjoy combining tobacco with subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, or menthol for a more personalised flavour without losing that familiar tobacco base.
REFERENCES
(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
(6) NHS: Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Written by Dan Overgage
Last updated 01/08/2025
