Vape Juice Guide: Types, Flavors and FAQs
Whether you’re new to vaping or an experienced enthusiast, understanding vape juice options can elevate your experience and ensure you’re getting the best out of every puff. From the basics of what vape juice is to the science behind PG and VG ratios, this guide covers everything you need to know to make an informed choice when selecting e-liquids.
What is Vape Juice?
Vape juice, also called e-liquid or e-juice, is a liquid used in electronic vaporizers to produce vapor. Typically made of four main ingredients—propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine (optional)—it comes in a variety of flavors and nicotine levels. Vape juice serves as the fuel for your vape device, allowing it to deliver a flavorful experience and, if desired, a nicotine hit.
At The Smoking Buddha, we’ve found that understanding what’s inside the bottle is the first step to choosing the right e-juice. Vape juice can vary significantly in consistency, nicotine strength, and flavor profile, depending on the PG/VG ratio and other factors. If you’re seeking more customization in your vaping experience, this variety of choices makes it easy to experiment with different styles and flavors.
Understanding PG vs. VG Ratios
One of the biggest factors in vape juice is the balance between propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These two ingredients determine everything from the throat hit and flavor intensity to vapor production.
- Propylene Glycol (PG): PG is a colorless, odorless liquid that’s relatively thin and provides a stronger throat hit, which is similar to the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes. It carries flavors well, so higher PG e-liquids often deliver more intense flavor. However, some users may experience throat irritation with high-PG juices, so it’s essential to consider your sensitivity level when selecting one.
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG): VG is a thicker, naturally sweet liquid that produces large, dense clouds. High-VG vape juice provides a smoother throat hit, making it ideal for users looking for a more comfortable experience. While it can dilute flavors slightly, VG’s vapor production makes it a popular choice for cloud chasers.
How PG & VG eJuices Compare
| Attribute | Propylene Glycol (PG) eJuice | Vegetable Glycerin (VG) eJuice |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Thin, runny; wicks easily | Thick, viscous; may clog smaller coils |
| Throat Hit | Strong, similar to traditional cigarettes | Smooth, softer on the throat |
| Flavor Intensity | Strong; carries flavors well for a more intense experience | Mild; VG’s sweetness can slightly dilute flavors |
| Vapor Production | Low vapor; discrete and ideal for stealth vaping | High vapor; ideal for producing large clouds |
| Coil Life | Less residue, generally extends coil life | More residue, can reduce coil lifespan faster |
VG is thicker than PG and creates a thicker cloud of smoke. PG offers a more intense feeling in your throat that can make it feel like you are smoking plant matter.
It is common for a vape juice to be a blend of the two, with different ratios reflecting different consumer preferences.
—Adam Pallay, Editor at Leafly
Matching Your E-Liquid to Your Vape Setup
Not all vape juices work equally well with every device, so it’s crucial to match your e-liquid to your vape. High-VG juices, for example, are typically thicker and work best in sub-ohm devices, which require high-wattage for efficient vapor production. In contrast, high-PG e-liquids work well in lower-power pod systems, providing a satisfying throat hit without clogging the coils.
Here’s a quick guide to recommended PG/VG ratios for various vape coil resistances, commonly known as “ohm” strengths. This information can help you tailor your eJuice ratio based on your device’s performance, vapor production, and flavor intensity.
| Ohm Strength | PG/VG Ratio | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 ohm or higher (High Ohm) | 50/50 or higher PG | High-ohm coils are often used in low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices. A 50/50 PG/VG ratio or higher PG ratio is ideal for stronger throat hits and intense flavor. |
| 0.6 – 0.9 ohm (Mid-Range) | 60VG/40PG or 70VG/30PG | Mid-range coils work well with balanced or high VG ratios, which provide smoother throat hits and ample vapor production, ideal for a balanced vaping experience. |
| 0.5 ohm or lower (Sub-Ohm) | 70VG/30PG or higher VG | Sub-ohm coils are designed for high-wattage, direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, benefiting from high VG content for large cloud production and a smoother, milder throat hit. |
Device compatibility is essential for getting optimal flavor, vapor production, and longevity out of your equipment .
Each ratio has its strengths, and finding the right PG/VG mix is key to achieving your desired vaping experience. For example, a 50/50 PG/VG blend is well-suited for balanced flavor and vapor production, while a 70/30 VG/PG mix offers smoothness and high cloud production for sub-ohm vapinging Nicotine Strength
Nicotine levels in vape juice vary widely, from 0mg to 50mg. The ideal strength depends on your previous smoking habits, your vape device, and personal preference. Here’s a quick guide:
- 0mg: Perfect for those who enjoy vaping without nicotine.
- 3mg to 6mg: Low-strength options suitable for light smokers or users with sub-ohm devices.
- 12mg to 18mg: Medium-strength options for moderate smokers or mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapers who prefer a stronger hit.
- 20mg and above: High-strength e-liquids for heavy smokers or users of nicotine salts, which are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and often found in pod systems.
Nicotine salts, commonly used in higher strengths (20mg or more), provide a smooth hit even at high concentrations, making them popular for ex-smokers seeking a strong nicotine experience. Be mindful that higher nicotine levels in sub-ohm devices can be harsh, so it’s often best to experiment with different levels to find your ideal match.
Shopping for eJuice in Parker?
Explore Smoking Buddha’s extensive selection of over 300 sub-ohm e-liquids and 100+ nic-salt flavors, all under $20 a bottle.
eJuice ProductsFlavor Options: Finding the Right Profile
When choosing a flavor, it’s worth exploring different brands to find the perfect balance of flavor strength, smoothness, and aftertaste. Many users like to rotate flavors to keep things interesting and avoid “vaper’s tongue,” a temporary condition where the taste buds become desensitized to specific flavors.
The variety of flavors available in vape juice is extensive, ranging from fruity and dessert flavors to menthol and tobacco. Here are some popular flavor categories:
- Fruits: These often include flavors like mango, watermelon, and blueberry, delivering a refreshing and sweet taste.
- Desserts & Creams: For those with a sweet tooth, flavors like vanilla custard, cappucino, and cheesecake are popular.
- Menthols & Mints: These flavors provide a cooling effect, ideal for a refreshing hit.
- Tobacco: Designed for ex-smokers who miss the traditional tobacco taste.
Proper Storage Tips for Vape Juice
Vape juice is sensitive to light, heat, and air, which can alter its flavor and potency over time. To preserve your e-liquid, follow these storage tips:
- Keep it Cool: Store your e-juice in a cool, dark place, ideally under 70°F.
- Avoid Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause nicotine to degrade and impact flavor.
- Seal it Tightly: Exposure to air can affect the quality of vape juice, so ensure the cap is tightly closed after each use.
Proper storage will not only maintain the quality of your vape juice but also extend its shelf life, giving you more value from each bottle.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Vapers sometimes encounter issues like coil gunk, spitback, and harsh hits. Here’s how to address them:
- Coil Gunk: This happens when thick, sweet vape juices caramelize on the coil. Try switching to a high-PG juice or cleaning your coil regularly.
- Spitback: If you’re getting hot e-liquid in your mouth, it may be due to a flooded coil. Reduce wattage or replace your coil.
- Harsh Hits: High-nicotine or high-PG juices can cause throat irritation. Switching to a lower nicotine or VG-heavy juice can help smooth out the experience.
FAQs on Vape Juice
The best PG/VG ratio depends on your personal preferences and device. A 50/50 ratio offers balanced flavor and vapor, while a 70/30 VG-heavy mix is ideal for smooth, cloud-filled sessions.
To help prevent “vaper’s tongue,” many users switch flavors every few weeks or rotate between a few favorites.
When stored properly, vape juice lasts around two years, though flavor quality may diminish over time.
Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or dive into the specifics, we hope this guide has helped clarify the many elements of vape juice selection. From PG/VG ratios to flavor profiles, nicotine levels, and device compatibility, there’s something for every vaper to explore. Visit us at The Smoking Buddha in Parker, CO, to chat with our team, sample new flavors, and find the perfect vape juice to suit your needs!