Before Purchasing An eJuice
Posted by Courtney McElligott on Nov 29th 2016
Choosing an eJuice That's Right for You
So you just got your vape kit set up. What now? Most ecig starter kits come packed with everything you need to start vaping right out of the box, so the one thing left to decide is which eJuice to run in it. E-liquid gives you a wide range of choices in flavor, nicotine strength, and PG/VG ratio, and a little planning up front goes a long way.
Here are a few things worth thinking about before you buy eJuice for your device.
eJuice Flavors
Flavor is the big one. If you don't enjoy the taste of your e-liquid, you probably won't reach for it much. A lot of first-time buyers default to a tobacco flavored eLiquid because anything else feels too unfamiliar. Keep in mind that tobacco e-liquid is its own flavor profile and tastes like itself, not like leaf tobacco, since eJuice isn't tobacco.
If you like a cool, sharp profile, menthol flavored vape liquids are a solid place to start and tend to land well with people new to vaping. Don't be shy about the more unconventional options either. A lot of vapers are surprised by how much they enjoy flavors they never expected to like.
Fruit flavored eJuice is the most popular category for a reason, so a juice that tastes like your favorite fruit is an easy first pick. Feeling adventurous? There are plenty of others worth trying, from vanilla and chocolate to hazelnut coffee or a mango blend that makes your mouth water. Whatever you grab, aim for at least one flavor you can picture yourself vaping all day.
Nicotine Strength
E-liquid is sold in a range of nicotine strengths, measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Common levels run from 0mg up through 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg, with nicotine salt e-liquids often offered at higher numbers like 25mg or 50mg. Lower strengths tend to pair well with higher-VG juice in sub-ohm tanks, while higher strengths are typically matched with 50/50 blends in smaller pod devices.
PG/VG Ratio
Every bottle lists a PG/VG ratio, and it shapes how the juice performs. PG (propylene glycol) is the thinner base that carries flavor and gives more of a throat hit. VG (vegetable glycerin) is thicker, slightly sweet, and produces bigger clouds. A 50/50 blend is the most forgiving starting point and works in most simple pod kits. If you want denser vapor, step up to a higher-VG mix like 70/30 in a sub-ohm setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What PG/VG ratio should a first-time buyer pick?
A 50/50 PG/VG blend is the easiest place to start. It balances flavor, throat hit, and vapor, and it runs well in the simple pod kits most new vapers use. Move to a higher-VG mix like 70/30 later if you want bigger clouds in a sub-ohm device.
Does tobacco eJuice taste like a cigarette?
Not exactly. Tobacco e-liquid is its own flavor profile, built to evoke a tobacco-style taste, but since eJuice isn't tobacco it tastes like itself. Many people who try it end up exploring fruit, menthol, or dessert flavors instead.
What nicotine strengths does eJuice come in?
Freebase e-liquid is commonly sold from 0mg up to about 18mg/mL, with 3mg, 6mg, and 12mg being popular. Nicotine salt e-liquids are often offered at higher numbers such as 25mg or 50mg. Pick the strength that fits your preference and the device you're using.
What is the difference between PG and VG?
PG is the thinner base that carries flavor and adds throat hit. VG is thicker and slightly sweet and produces more vapor. Most e-liquids blend the two, and the ratio printed on the bottle tells you which way it leans.
How do I find a flavor I'll actually like?
Start with a category you already enjoy in food or drink, like a favorite fruit, and branch out from there. It helps to keep at least one all-day flavor on hand plus one or two to experiment with, so you're not stuck with a single bottle you don't love.
Is propylene glycol safe to ingest?
Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are both recognized by the FDA as generally safe (GRAS) for use as food additives. That status applies to food use and is not a claim about vapor products. These items are for adults 21+.
These products are intended only for adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. This article is general product information and is not a smoking-cessation claim.