How to Choose an E-Liquid Flavour?

By Eina Panayotova

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For those who have recently switched from smoking to vaping there is a consideration on what flavours to start with and how to choose an e-liquid. From device builds and types to customisable components, there’s a lot to consider.

Beyond the hardware, there is also the topic of which vape juice you should use. Vape juice comes in a seemingly endless variety, with many different options around ingredient ratios and nicotine levels. Given all this, choosing an e-liquid flavour can seem like a difficult task. In this guide, we cover the key things you should consider when picking which e-liquid flavour to go with.

Which E-Liquid Should You Use?

Before you select any vape juice, there are a few basics to keep in mind.

PG/VG — What Is It?

PG and VG are the two ingredients that form the base of any vape juice:

Propylene glycol (PG) is a flavour carrier and gives vapour its throat-hit.

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is the ingredient that generates vapour clouds and gives a smoother vape.

Together, PG and VG work to create a satisfying level of vapour and flavour for your vaping experience. VG has a naturally sweet taste and is notably thicker than PG, while PG enhances your chosen flavour. The variations in this ratio can make all the difference to your vaping experience, even within the same flavour profile of juices.

PG/VG Ratios

The 50/50 and 30/70 (PG/VG) ratios are two of the more commonly seen e-liquid ratios. It is possible to find vape juices that are 100% VG or 100% PG. At high levels, vaping PG can be harsh on the throat. For example, a 100% PG e-liquid will deliver an intense “throat hit”. PG’s thin formulation can also lead to over-saturated wicks and vape spit back. Similarly, high levels of VG can make your juice extremely thick. In short, the ratio of PG and VG is not only key to your vaping experience, but also the performance and maintenance of your device.

E-Juice for Different Vape Systems

Choosing an e-liquid flavour or type may be partially dictated by your choice of vape.

Pod mod vapes use pods or cartridges that have been pre-filled with e-juice. Vape pods cover a wide range of flavours, giving plenty of options for people to choose from.

Cigalikes are similar in the sense that flavours are limited to the cartridges that are available. With cigalikes, these are usually tobacco e-liquid or menthol e-liquid flavours to replicate a cigarette.

Box mod vapes and vape pens have a tank that requires manual filling. This means you can select just about any e-liquid variety to add to your device. However, the tank and coil of these types of vapes can also become flooded or clogged up’ and your choice of juice may play a role in both issues.

Choosing a Vape Juice

Tobacco Flavoured

Vape juice doesn’t use real tobacco, but a wide range of tobacco e-liquid options are available. One choice for those who are looking for a smoking alternative is different variations of tobacco flavours. Tobacco vape juice is not usually sweetened so there’s less chance of sugars congealing on your vape coil.

Menthol/Mint Flavoured

The UK banned characterising flavours in cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco in 2016, with a four year phase-out period ending in May 2020, but this ban does not extend to e-liquids. As such, users of menthol cigarettes who are looking for a smoking alternative may find products like menthol e-liquid or mint e-liquid to be suitable. Mint and menthol vape juices can produce a cooling sensation.

‘Alternative’ Flavours

For users looking to experience something new, vape juices come in ‘alternative’ flavours like fruit such as banana, raspberry and apple to name a few. These flavours also feature a range of nicotine levels. It may take some trial and error to find a version you enjoy, as even the same flavour can taste very different between brands, while different VG/PG ratios can also affect taste.

Flavourless E-Liquid

It’s perfectly possible to get flavourless e-liquid. This probably isn’t the most popular option, but for those who aren’t willing to adapt to a new taste, it might be a good choice.

Alternatives to E-Liquids/Vape Juices

Vaping juices allow you to make your vaping experience highly customised. You can choose from different flavours and levels of nicotine, while also dictating how much vapour you want to enjoy with different PG/VG ratios. However, if you are looking for a smoking alternative that doesn’t require vape juice or manually reloading e-liquids, there are heated tobacco products.

IQOS heats real tobacco sticks called HEETS which can be easily inserted into your device and disposed of after. HEETS use real tobacco for a satisfying taste experience and come in nine taste variants including classic and menthol tobacco. Find out more about IQOS, right here.

Important information: IQOS is not risk-free. It delivers nicotine, which is addictive.