Table of Contents
- Best Menthol Vape Juice
- What is Vape Juice?
- What's the Most Popular Vape Flavour?
- Will menthol vape juice help me quit smoking?
- Are menthol disposable vapes a good choice?
- Do Flavoured Vapes Have Nicotine?
- How Does the Type of Nicotine Affect Vape Juice?
- How Does the Type of Vape Device Affect My Choice of Vape Juice?
- Can I use nicotine-free menthol vape juice?
- Can I Make My Own Menthol Vape Juice?
- Why Should I Buy UK Made Vape Juice?
- Is Expired Vape Juice Bad?
- Can I Use Any Vape Juice in Any Vape?
- What strength e-liquid should I choose?
- Best Menthol Vape Juice: The Choice for Menthol Smokers - Conclusion
- REFERENCES
Best Menthol Vape Juice
When searching for the best menthol vape juice, vapers often seek a refreshing and invigorating flavour that replicates the coolness of menthol cigarettes. The best menthol juices stand out for their crisp, minty taste and smooth throat hit, providing a satisfying experience for both new and experienced vapers. Popular e-liquids often blend menthol flavours with other flavours like fruit, tobacco, or mint, offering a range of choices to suit different preferences. Whether you're looking to switch from traditional menthol cigarettes or simply enjoy the chill sensation, the top-rated menthol vape juices provide a perfect balance of flavour and freshness.
What is Vape Juice?
Vape juice, also known as e-liquid or e-juice, is the liquid used in electronic cigarettes and vape devices to create vapour. It typically consists of four main ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and nicotine. PG is a thinner liquid that carries flavour well and produces a stronger throat hit, while VG is thicker and contributes to vapour production, providing a smoother experience. Flavourings in vape juice range from fruits and desserts to menthol and tobacco, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Nicotine content also varies, allowing users to choose the strength that suits their needs, or opt for nicotine-free options. Vape juice is essential in delivering the flavours and sensations that vapers enjoy, making it a core component of the vaping experience.
What's the Most Popular Vape Flavour?
Among the myriad of vape flavours available, fruity flavours and tobacco flavours consistently top the popularity charts. Fruity blends like strawberry, mango, and cherry are favorites due to their sweet, vibrant taste and versatility in mixing with other flavours. Menthol, known for its cool and refreshing sensation, is also a top contender, especially popular among former menthol cigarette smokers. The combination of menthol with fruit flavours creates a refreshing twist that appeals to a broad audience. Dessert flavours like vanilla and caramel are also beloved, offering a rich and indulgent experience. The diversity in flavour preferences highlights the personalised nature of vaping, allowing users to find a flavour profile that perfectly matches their taste.
Will menthol vape juice help me quit smoking?
Menthol vape juice can be a helpful tool for those looking to quit traditional cigarettes, particularly for individuals who previously smoked menthol cigarettes. The cool, minty sensation of menthol vape juice can replicate the familiar taste and throat hit of menthol cigarettes, easing the transition from smoking to vaping. Many ex-smokers find that the ability to gradually reduce nicotine levels in their vape juice helps manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the switch less abrupt. Moreover, the variety of nicotine strengths available in menthol vape juices allows users to tailor their vaping experience to their specific needs, potentially aiding in the journey to quit smoking altogether. While vaping is not without its risks, it is generally considered a less harmful alternative to smoking according to Public Health England (1), and using menthol vape juice can be a comforting step toward quitting nicotine use entirely.
The evidence for vaping as a smoking cessation method is building, with a recent review of evidence from the Cochrane Library finding 'high-certainty evidence that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting than traditional forms of nicotine replacement therapy, like nicotine patches or nicotine gum (2). This means
Are menthol disposable vapes a good choice?
Menthol disposable vapes can be a convenient and effective choice for those who enjoy menthol flavours and prefer a hassle-free vaping experience. Disposable vape devices are pre-filled with e-liquid and come ready to use, eliminating the need for refills or maintenance. They offer a consistent menthol flavour and are portable, making them ideal for on-the-go use. For smokers transitioning to vaping, menthol disposables can provide a familiar taste and sensation, which might ease the shift from cigarettes. However, while disposables are convenient, they may not be as cost-effective in the long run compared to reusable devices with refillable tanks. Additionally, the limited range of nicotine strengths and flavours available in single-use vapes might not cater to all preferences. Overall, menthol disposable vapes are a practical option for those seeking convenience and a menthol flavour but should be weighed against the potential long-term benefits of more customisable vaping setups.
Do Flavoured Vapes Have Nicotine?
Flavoured vapes often come with the option to include nicotine, but not all do. Vape juice, or e-liquid, is available in a variety of nicotine strengths, ranging from nicotine-free (0 mg) to high nicotine levels, such as 50 mg per milliliter outside the UK (the legal max for retail e-liquids in the UK is 20mg/ml). This allows vapers to select a nicotine level that suits their preference, making it easier for those who are trying to reduce or quit nicotine consumption. The presence of nicotine in flavoured vapes depends on the user's choice and the product they select. Many flavoured vape juices, including popular options like fruit, dessert, and menthol, offer a spectrum of nicotine strengths to cater to both those looking for a nicotine fix and those who prefer a purely flavour-focused experience.
How Does the Type of Nicotine Affect Vape Juice?
The type of nicotine used in vape juice significantly affects the vaping experience, particularly in terms of throat hit, absorption rate, and overall satisfaction. There are primarily two types of nicotine used in e-liquids: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine, the more common form, provides a stronger throat hit and is typically found in higher PG e-liquids. It's often preferred by users who enjoy a more intense sensation when vaping. On the other hand, nicotine salts are smoother and deliver nicotine more efficiently to the bloodstream, which can be more satisfying and less harsh on the throat. Nicotine salts are usually used in lower-wattage devices and are available in higher nicotine concentrations, making them popular among those looking to manage nicotine cravings more effectively. Choosing between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts depends on personal preference and the desired vaping experience, however it is notable that one study on nic salt e-liquids found they typically contain 3 to 4 times the amount of flavouring used in freebase nicotine liquids (3), which is likely to increase the volume of volatile compounds made in the vaping process. This could indicate that freebase nicotine e-liquids are less harmful than nic salt vape juice.
How Does the Type of Vape Device Affect My Choice of Vape Juice?
The type of vape device you use significantly influences your choice of vape juice, particularly when it comes to mouth-to-lung vaping (MTL) versus sub-ohm vaping (DL or 'direct lung'). Mouth-to-lung devices, which are designed to mimic the draw of a traditional cigarette, typically perform best with higher nicotine concentrations and higher PG (propylene glycol) vape juices. This is because higher PG content provides a stronger throat hit and better flavour delivery, which complements the MTL style. In contrast, sub-ohm devices, which produce larger vapour clouds and are used for direct lung inhalation, are better suited for vape juices with higher VG (vegetable glycerine) content, offering smoother hits and more vapour production. Understanding the characteristics of your device helps you choose the right vape juice formulation, ensuring an optimal vaping experience tailored to your device's performance and your personal preferences.
Can I use nicotine-free menthol vape juice?
Yes, you can definitely use nicotine-free menthol vape juice if you prefer the refreshing flavour of menthol without the nicotine. Nicotine-free e-liquids provide the same cool, minty sensation as their nicotine-containing counterparts, allowing you to enjoy the menthol flavour without the addictive substance. This option is ideal for those who want to avoid nicotine altogether, whether due to personal choice, health reasons, or because they have already quit nicotine and wish to maintain the menthol taste. Nicotine-free menthol vape juice is available in a variety of formulations and can be used in most vape devices, providing a satisfying vaping experience while focusing solely on flavour.
Can I Make My Own Menthol Vape Juice?
Yes, you can make your own menthol vape juice using a menthol shortfill range, which offers a convenient and customisable option for creating your preferred blend. Menthol shortfill e-liquid bottles come with a gap to add nicotine shots, allowing you to adjust the nicotine strength according to your needs. This means 100ml bottles of shortfills come in a 120ml bottle with 100ml of nicotine-free vape juice, and 50ml shortfill bottles come in a 60ml bottle so you can add a 10ml nicotine shot. To create your own menthol vape juice, you simply add a nic shot to the shortfill bottle, shake well, and let it steep if necessary. This method gives you the flexibility to tailor both the nicotine level and the menthol intensity, ensuring you get a personalised vaping experience. Additionally, by using menthol shortfills for your DIY e-liquid, you can avoid the complexities of mixing your own base liquids and flavourings from scratch, making it an accessible way to a tailored, enjoyable vaping experience.
Why Should I Buy UK Made Vape Juice?
Buying UK-made vape juice offers several advantages, particularly in terms of quality and safety. UK regulations for vape juice production are stringent, ensuring that e-liquids adhere to high standards for high-quality ingredients and manufacturing practices (4). This means that UK-made vape juice is typically subject to rigorous testing for harmful substances and is produced in facilities that comply with strict hygiene and quality control protocols. Additionally, the labeling on UK-made products is clear and regulated, providing accurate information about nicotine content, flavourings, and ingredients. By choosing vape juice made in the UK, consumers can have greater confidence in the safety and consistency of the products they are using, which is crucial for a reliable and enjoyable vaping experience.
Is Expired Vape Juice Bad?
Expired e-liquids can potentially be harmful and less effective, though it's not always dangerous. Over time, the ingredients in vape juice, such as nicotine, flavourings, and base liquids (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine), can degrade. This degradation may result in a change in flavour, a reduction in nicotine potency, and potentially unpleasant odours or tastes. In some cases, expired e-liquid might not vaporise properly or could cause an off-putting vaping experience. While it’s unlikely to cause serious health issues if used shortly after expiration, it’s best to avoid using old vape juice to ensure the best flavour and performance. Proper storage in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources can help extend the shelf life of vape juice and maintain its quality for a longer period (5).
Can I Use Any Vape Juice in Any Vape?
Not all vape juices are suitable for every type of vape device, so understanding compatibility is crucial for a smooth vaping experience. Vape juice comes in various formulations, including different ratios of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), which can affect how well it performs in different devices. For instance, 50/50 e-liquids or high-VG e-liquids are ideal for sub-ohm vape kits as the increased power output is needed for these thicker e-liquids to produce large vapour clouds, while high-PG e-liquids are better suited for pod systems and mouth-to-lung devices, offering a stronger throat hit and better flavour concentration. Additionally, the nicotine concentration and type (freebase or nicotine salts) should match the device's capabilities and the user's preference. Using the wrong vape juice can lead to issues like poor performance, leaking, or an unsatisfactory vaping experience, so it's essential to choose e-liquids that align with your device's specifications!
What strength e-liquid should I choose?
With a huge range of nicotine strengths available, choosing the right strength of vape juice may be challenging but is crucial for a satisfying vaping experience and depends largely on your nicotine preferences and smoking history. For those new to vaping or trying to quit smoking, starting with a nicotine strength that matches or is slightly lower than what you were accustomed to with cigarettes is often recommended. For instance, if you smoked heavily, you might opt for a higher nicotine concentration, such as 18-24 mg/ml for mouth-to-lung devices, whereas lighter smokers might start with 6-12 mg/ml. Nicotine salts are available in higher strengths (up to 50mg/ml) and are ideal for those who need a stronger nicotine hit in lower-wattage devices, however UK residents would need to make e-liquids stronger than 20mg/ml themselves. If you’re looking to gradually reduce your nicotine intake, choosing lower strengths and progressively decreasing them over time can help ease the transition. Ultimately, the perfect nicotine strength balances satisfying your cravings while providing a comfortable vaping experience.
Best Menthol Vape Juice: The Choice for Menthol Smokers - Conclusion
Making the switch to vaping can be helped by choosing a familiar flavour, which is why so many smokers quit smoking by vaping with a tobacco flavour e-liquid. This is exemplified by the actions of the FDA in the United States that only allows tobacco flavour e-liquid to be sold in the U.S; with so many issues regarding vaping in the US, mainly due to the lack of regulation, it is little wonder that led to the strict policies for E-Cigarettes.
Vape flavours are there to help you want to vape instead of wanting to smoke, but there is a great argument for using tobacco flavour liquids to swap out the cigs in order to trick your brain into thinking it is smoking. That means menthol smokers should have an easy time making the switch to menthol vaping. Despite the high levels of regulation here in the UK, a survey from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that 40% of UK smokers incorrectly believe that vaping is as harmful or worse than smoking! (6)
If you are looking for an easy, hassle-free vape experience then pick up a SMOKO starter kit today! For those who prefer a sleek, modern design, there is the SMOKO VAPE POD! The SMOKO E-Cigarette, however, looks and feels like a cigarette to help smokers transition to vaping with minimal change. Our devices use pre-filled pods, containing our great-tasting UK-made e-liquids to provide a high-quality vaping experience without the need for messy filling and device maintenance. Just pop a refill on your SMOKO rechargeable battery and away you go!
Make the switch with SMOKO today!
REFERENCES
(1) E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review
(4) E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products
(6) Four in ten smokers wrongly believe that vaping is as or more harmful as smoking
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Written by Dan Overgage