Vaping has come a long way in a short time. With the birth of vape mods, e-liquid became an industry and there are now over 100 brands circulating in the market. For starters, e-liquid, e-juice, and vape juice all refer to the same thing. There are many types of e-liquid and although it is true that most vape juices are made from food grade, not all ingredients are equal. So, it is important for you to know which type of e-liquid is best for you.

What Is E-Liquid?

E-liquids act as the fuel for your electronic cigarette. It is a solution that is made from PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin); flavouring; and nicotine that is heated using an atomizer and converted into vapour which you inhale in your e-cig. 

PG (Propylene Glycol) is the fluid that provides the ‘throat hit’ and creates the sensation that is similar to traditional cigarette smoking. It also carries the flavour more effectively than VG.

VG (Vegetable Glycerin) comes from vegetable oil that gives a thick sensation to the vapour. The throat hit from VG fluid is much more smoother than PG.  

One of the most exciting aspects of vaping is the wide range of flavours available. The PG/VG base is flavourless and therefore food grade flavourings are added to the solution. 

Most e-liquids contain nicotine in varying concentrations ranging from 1% to 5%. It is optional and always the user’s choice. If you want to vape without nicotine, there are also non-nicotine e-liquids available. 

What Type Of Nicotine Is Used In E-Liquid?

There are two fundamental types of nicotine - Freebase Nicotine and Salt Nicotine. 

Freebase Nicotine is the purest form of nicotine that has higher pH value and extremely harsh in high doses. The throat hit from a high dose is severe for most vapers to enjoy or endure and can be absorbed by the lungs and brain more faster. This can lead to new vapers reducing the nicotine content of their e-liquid to lessen the throat hit. Doing this too soon can cause them to rush back to cigarettes as they are not satisfied with the product.

Salt Nicotine is comprised of the same nicotine, extracted from natural tobacco leaf, however, it is being neutralized by a chemical (Benzoic Acid) that lowers the pH level of nicotine. It is smoother than regular pharmaceutical grade nicotine (freebase nicotine) and allows you to vape a much higher nicotine content without experiencing harshness. That’s why recently, Nicotine Salt e-liquid has emerged in the vaping industry and is often preferred by vapers.

Which Nicotine Strength Should I Use?

Nicotine levels can be confusing. Smokers rarely ever know the true nicotine levels in tobacco cigarettes, when it comes to vaping, selecting the nic levels is simple. Too much and you may wind up coughing or experiencing too harsh a throat hit, too weak and and you will be left unsatisfied. 

E-liquids generally follow the industry’s nicotine level standard. Strengths are available from zero nicotine up to 70mg/mL. These values represent the amount of nicotine in each 1mL of e-liquid and are sometimes expressed as a percentage.  

At PodVapes™, we have a variety of top selling flavors that come in different strengths. 

• ZiiP- Replacement Pods contain 1m L e-liquid at 1.8%, 3% and 5% Salt Nicotine
•  Myle - Replacement Pods contain 0.9mL e-liquid at 5% Salt Nicotine
• BO - Each BO pod contains 1.6ml e-liquid at 5% salt Nicotine

There are factors to consider when picking the nicotine strength; your smoking habits and the device you are using. The selection of nicotine strength of your e-liquid is a personal preference, however, the following can be used as a guideline for those new to vaping:

• Low (0.6% and below) – For light smokers who go through half a pack or less per day.
• Medium (0.9% to 1.6%) – For average smokers who consume half a pack to one pack a day.
• High (1.8% to 3.6%) – For heavy chain smokers.

Finding the perfect e-liquid for vapers is often a process of trial and error. The discovery of your favourite flavour and nicotine strength is critical to keeping you on the path away from tobacco smoke and eventually freeing yourself from nicotine altogether. 

How To Choose the Right E-Liquid?

Even if all other aspects like nicotine strengths are perfect, another important thing to consider when buying e-liquid is flavour. Fortunately e-liquids come in fruity, food, cocktails, and tobacco blends. 

Although tobacco blends are currently the most preferred flavour, especially for new vapers, users are starting to venture into other flavours such as wafer, cake, as well as a variety of fruit flavours such as grape, watermelon, or mango. 

Putting It All Together

It may take some time before you find the right e-liquid that works best for you. Part of the fun is trying new things so don’t just settle for what’s immediately available. Check our brands and buy only high-quality liquids.