Quitting smoking and switching to vaping can be quite a challenge with all the different types of vapes, vape nicotine levels, coils, tanks and pods – all that new terminology to get your head around can be quite intimidating.
Vapes are a form of e-cigarettesand comes with a wide range of flavors - a far cry from the limited flavors of tobacco cigarettes.
Vapes work by vaporizing e-liquids (hence the name!), which usually contain flavorings, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and in some cases nicotine. This releases a vapor that you can inhale instead of the harmful smoke from tobacco products.
Switching to vaping to quit smoking is a method that smokers often use. One study even showed that there wasincrease in successful smoking cessation as smokers increasingly used e-cigarettes- but it's also true that the switch can be scary and confusing for those who have never used vapes before.
In particular, the different levels and strengths of nicotine in vape e-liquids can bother new vape users. Are you a (new) ex-cigarette smoker and would you like to vape as an alternative, but do you find the varying nicotine strengths complicated? Then you have come to the right place.
Here you will find a comprehensive guide to the nicotine strengths of e-liquids and which nicotine levels are best for you.
The basics - what is nicotine?
To start, let's first explain what nicotine is.
Nicotine doesclassified as a stimulantand is commonly found in tobacco products such as cigarettes, although it can also be found in the e-liquids of e-cigarettes.
Nicotine stimulates the release of chemicals in the brain, especially dopamine, which promotes pleasure and ultimately improves people's mood.
As a result, it can become an addictive substance, triggering nicotine cravings.
Is nicotine bad for you?
It's worth noting that nicotine is not without risk. Nicotine and tobacco research has shown thisAddiction to nicotine can be harmfulIt may be a reason why someone doesn't want to quit smoking, but it is undoubtedly a better alternative than the carbon monoxide and tar found in tobacco products.
The harms of smoking tobacco cigarettes far outweigh those of using e-cigarettes - the most harmful substances usually come from tobacco smoke, and while several of the chemicals in e-cigarettes can also be unhealthy, this is on asignificantly lower levelthan the previous one.
The option of different nicotine strengths, including nicotine-free, in e-liquids can help smokers reduce the amount of nicotine gradually, rather than all at once, when they are more likely to experience strong withdrawal symptoms.
It is said that the amount of nicotine ion average 15 puffs of an e-cigarette are 0.5-15.4 mg.
Nicotine strengths explained
There is onewide range of e-liquids with different nicotine levelsavailable on the market, labeled in mg/ml or percentages. These include:
- 0 mg/0 %
- 3 mg/0,3 %
- 5 mg/0/5%
- 6mg/0,6%
- 10mg/1%
- 11mg/1,1%
- 12 mg/1,2 %
- 18mg/1,8%
- 20mg/2%
The nicotine strength you choose should match your smoking habits to get the best possible solution as a former (or current, but in transition) cigarette smoker. It's also important to remember that certain strengths are better for devices that optimize mouth-to-lung vaping (MTL) - less vapor, higher strengths - and others that are optimized for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping - more steam , lower strengths.
The rule of thumb is that:
- 0mg-5mg is for social smokers
- 6mg-11mg is for light smokers
- 12mg-17mg is for average smokers
- 18mg-20mg is for heavy smokers
If you want a bigger nicotine hit, you should go for a higher nicotine concentration.
However, this may change depending on what you think works for you.
If you have recently stopped smoking, it may be worth trying a higher nicotine strength and then slowly reducing it as you feel more comfortable not wanting to smoke.
Nicotinesterkte in mg/ml versus nicotinesterkte in procent
Did you know that a study has shown this?some people, especially adolescents and young adults, have difficulty understanding the different nicotine concentrationslabel on e-liquids?
So it's no surprise if you don't understand it either, as nicotine level measurements in mg/ml and in percentages can be quite confusing if you've never seen them before.
We've simplified it for you here:
Mg/ml indicates how much nicotine is present per milliliter of liquid - so if an e-liquid contains 3 mg/3 ml, it contains 3 mg nicotine per milliliter of liquid.
Nicotine levels can also be displayed as a percentage which represents the percentage of nicotine per volume. For example, 3 mg is 0.3% nicotine, while 10 mg is 1% and 18 mg is 1.8%.
Once you get the hang of it, this means that a 10ml bottle of 3mg nicotine equals 30mg nicotine (ml x mg).
The range of nicotine strengths
The question now is: what are the differences between the different nicotine levels and which one should you choose?
- 3 mg or 0.3% is the lowest dose of nicotineyou can get, and extremely popular withsub-ohm vapers- if you are one of them, there are high VG options in 3mg. If not, there are also high PG options for more discrete clouds. This strength is probably best for people who use nicotine, so if you are in the final stages of quitting nicotine or smoking in general, this is probably the best option for you. One of our favorite choices isAmerican mix, which is great for a conventional tobacco-like flavor.
- 5 mg or 0.5% is another low nicotine strength, perfect for those who do not smoke regularly. If you have recently stopped smoking, 5mg is a large nicotine strength if you are only a light and occasional smoker. We adviseBlue Razz ice creamto get a combination of berries and icy freshness.
- 6 mg or 0.6% nicotine contentstill has a low nicotine strength, but is more suitable for those who usually finish half a pack of cigarettes per day. It is probably one of the most popular nicotine concentrations for e-cigarette users. If you are a vape cloud connoisseur, give it a trye-liquids with a high VG contentfor larger vapor clouds, but for subtler vapors, try a high PG or50/50 e-liquid vapors. We lovestrawberry cheesecakeas a taste we can breathe several times a day.
- 10 mg of 1%,11 mg of 1,1%In12 mg of 1,2%are good nicotine concentrations to choose from as they are considered medium strength (suitable for smokers who might eat a pack a day). 12mg in particular can hit the throat harder than its lower counterparts - why not give it a try?Black Jackfor a licorice and anise twist?
- 18 mg of 1,8%In20 mg of 2%are the highest nicotine levels (suitable for heavy smokers of more than one pack per day). These levels provide a similar throat hit as traditional cigarettes. These concentrations may be right for you if you are new to vaping and previously smoked cigarettes frequently.Rhubarb and custardin 18 mg is a delicious nostalgic flavor to try if you are a fan of boiled sweets.
Are there nicotine-free vapes?
Vapes come in all shapes and sizes, but you can choose yourselfbest vape for youIt all depends on your own preferences.
At TABlites we offer a collection of different vapes, includingrechargeable vape kits, which requires you to fill up with your favorite e-liquids, anddisposable fumes, which is filled with fixed nicotine strengths of 10 mg and 20 mg.
Vape-kit
Vape kits are more flexible with nicotine levels, as you only need to purchase the e-liquid you want to use. This is recommended for smokers who are trying to quit because you can decrease the nicotine strength as you progress.
For vaping beginners, especially if you are trying to quit smoking, we recommend purchasingstarter vape-kits.
Beevape kits at TABlites come with a free e-liquid- of which there are a number of options to choose from. We advise:
- Aspire PockeX AIO-kit- A bestseller at TABlites, this comes in 6 different colors and has a sleek design - perfect for those who want a compact vape kit. You can choose from 3 free different e-liquid flavors that come with the vape, including Tobacco, Menthol and Blueberry. These can be 0 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg or 18 mg nicotine concentrations. This vape can easily be used for sub-ohm vaping as well as for casual use and has a simple functionality: a one-button operation. It is ideal for both beginners and more advanced users due to its compatibility with both MTL and DTL coils.
- UWELL Caliburn A2 Pod-sæt- Another bestseller, it is lightweight and an excellent MTL vape starter kit for beginners. It comes in 5 colors including a unique Iris Purple shade. The free e-liquid selections consist of blue sour raspberry, menthol, passion fruit kiwi guava, strawberry ice cream and tobacco – in nicotine levels of 10mg or 20mg. As a pod kit it has more of the conventional vape design, which is ideal for vaping on the go as simply taking a puff can activate it via the auto draw mode. Or you can press the fire button if you prefer.
- UWELL Caliburn AK2 Pod-set- A bit wider than the others, but still slim. This vaporizer fits easily in your pocket or can even be attached to the included lanyard. Like the A2 Pod Kit, you can choose from the same e-liquid flavors and it's easy to use: just inhale through the mouthpiece and the vapor will be released. The feeling of smoking a cigarette is replicated by the 15W power, making it a classic MTL starter vape kit for novice vapers. The cool color options like Neon Orange, Turquoise Blue, and Sakura Pink also make it a stylish vape kit if you like bright and bold colors.
Disposable fumes
Disposable vapes are easy to use and you don't have to worry about things like changing pods or other issuesclean your vape. However, keep in mind that the choice of flavors and nicotine strengths is limited with disposable vapes, but this shouldn't put you off using disposable vapes as there are still tempting flavors to choose from.
Because they come in limited strengths, primarily 10mg and 20mg, disposables can satisfy your nicotine cravings while providing a juicy and tasty taste.
If you're more interested in smoking a low-maintenance vape, a disposable vape could be a quick solution for you. They are simple MTL devices that mimic the experience of smoking a cigarette with their auto-draw function, allowing you to puff effortlessly.
Here we've listed a few of our favorite disposable vapes that you can try if you're trying to quit smoking:
- Elf bar 600- A popular brand of disposables, available in 0mg and 20mg strengths, the latter being a better choice for recently quit smokers. They are beginner-friendly, discreet and last up to 500-600 puffs. There are a number of flavors to choose from includingBlueberry sour raspberryevenCola.
- Nasty Air Fix van Nasty Juice- For heavy smokers, these are the ideal disposable vapes to start with 10mg and 20mg of nicotine and approximately 675 puffs. The adjustable airflow allows you to choose from a tighter or looser draw that mimics the sensations of smoking traditional cigarettes. We recommend trying itMenthol flavorif you are not used to different flavors, but are willing to try itWatermelon ice creamInASAP grapeare delicious.
- Pod BM600 van Lost Mary- Designed for novice vapers, these 20mg disposable vapes are one of the best starters. If you can't tell from the name, it can hold up to 600 puffs and delivers subtle vapors. If you have a sweet tooth, taste itCandy Candy Ice CreamInStrawberry icecreamwill definitely satisfy you.
Nicotine-free vapes
If you are not a fan of nicotine and prefer a nicotine-free solution, that is also possiblee-liquids met 0 mg of 0% nicotine. except thatdisposable vapes with 0% nicotine strengthare also available if you prefer not to maintain a vape kit.
There are a few morerisks associated with nicotine-free smokingand it can have negative effects, especially if you are a particularly moderate smoker and suddenly switch to nicotine-free. Some possible effects of smoking nicotine-free liquids include:
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- Toxicity
It's also worth noting that more research still needs to be done to understand the health effects of long-term e-cigarette use.
However, clinical studies have discovered thisE-cigarette users showed greater dependence on products containing nicotinecompared to those who used nicotine-free. With any form of vaping there are potential risks, but the bottom line is that vapingwithoutNicotine appears to be safer than vapingmetof.
If you're looking for nicotine-free vaping options, TABlites recommends the following:
- Tobacco e-liquid- The perfect solution for smokers who have recently quit offering a tobacco flavor without the toxic elements of tobacco smoke.
- Menthol e-liquid- If you prefer a menthol flavor to typical tobacco, this is a good option to try e-liquids.
- E-liquid with blueberries- A classic fruit flavor that is perfect to transition into the different e-liquid flavors.
- Elf Bar 600 in Watermelon- The watermelon flavor is part of the popular Elf Bar 600 series and will definitely surprise your taste buds.
- Elf Bar 600 i Apple Peach- Two (fruit) a day is better than one a day.
- Elf Bar Shisha NC600 i Two Cherries- Elf's NC600 range contains 0 mg nicotine per unit and the Two Cherry flavor is a must for lovers of fruity and sweet.
Vape-nicotineniveaus en nicotinebases
E-liquids are formed from a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) and nicotine - these form the different nicotine bases. There may be variations of this that can mix both PG and VG, creating VPG nicotine bases.
There are mainly two different types of nicotine bases of nicotine e-liquids: freebase (of the PG or VG variety) and nicotine salts.
Free base nicotine
Freebase nicotine is usually a PG/VG blend and is the traditional nicotine base in virtually all e-liquids on the market. Freebases provide a strong throat hit that can be increasingly harsh on the throat as nicotine strength increases. It can provide similar sensations to smoking cigarettes, so it is better suited for those who want to quit smoking.
Freebase nicotine is available in several varieties, including:
- 50/50 e-liquids- composed of 50% PG and 50% VG, used for devices supporting both DTL and MTL inhalation and available in nicotine levels from 0mg-18mg. We adviseDeluxe Tobacco from Simple Essentialsin strengths from 0 mg-12 mg, a combination of tobacco notes and caramel.
- Shortfill e-liquids- contains a higher ratio of VG to PG for larger clouds and is available in 50ml, 100ml and 200ml sizes. These larger 0mg nicotine bottles are not filled to the brim, allowing you to add a nicotine shot (or two).Hazelnootkoekje Shortfill van Sugar Pie Vapesis our favorite at the moment, more suitable for sub-ohm vaping.
nicotinezout
Nicotine salts or nic salts, take free base nicotine and add an acid that balances the pH. This provides a softer and gentler throat hit and as a result, higher nicotine strengths can be used.
Nic salts are absorbed into the bloodstream faster, helping you overcome cravings faster, so it's perfect for smokers who have trouble quitting and/or new vapers.
This is also suitable for those who want to satisfy their nicotine cravings but do not smoke often.
At TABlites we offerNic salts from 5 mg to 20 mg. Here are some of our top picks to get you started:
- Chewing gum from IVG- Available in 10 mg or 20 mg, for those who like chewing gum candies with a hint of strawberry and banana.
- Frozen berries from Doozy Vape Co.- available in 10mg and 20mg, this is a perfect blend of berries and crushed ice for a cool and refreshing taste.
- Menthol van TABlites- a classic flavor if you want to keep it simple with strengths of 12mg and 18mg for a smoother experience.
Nic salts are also present in high strength disposable vapors such as:
- Nerdbars- 20 mg nic salt designed for a life of 20 cigarettes.
- Elux Legend Mini- provides 20 mg of nic salts in a variety of fruity flavors, with a lifespan of approximately 600 puffs.
- Mary BM600's lost- a variety of fruity flavors in a strength of 20 mg.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nicotine strengths for vaping
If you're new to vaping, you might find the sheer amount of choices a little overwhelming.Good, overwhelming. Here are some common questions we are often asked that will hopefully help you sort things out.
What nicotine strengths are available in e-liquids?
The nicotine strength can vary from 0 mg to 20 mg. The higher the number, the higher the nicotine content.
- 0mg - nicotinevrij
- 3mg-5mg - low concentration
- 6 mg-11 mg - low to medium concentration
- 12-17 mg - medium to high concentration
- 18-20 mg - high concentration
Is 2% Vape a lot of nicotine?
An e-liquid of 2% or 2%/20 mg nicotine in an e-liquid is considered high strength.
A nicotine concentration of 2% can be harder on the throat and is recommended for heavy smokers who smoke more than one pack of cigarettes per day.
How much nicotine is in a cigarette?
The nicotine content of a cigarette is approximately 1.1 mg-1.8 mg, which is equivalent to 22 mg-36 mg in a pack.
The nicotine content in e-cigarettes averages 0.5 mg-15.4 mg per 15 puffs.
Is 20mg the same as 2% vape?
In terms of nicotine content, 20mg is the same as 2% vapor - that means there is 20mg of nicotine per vape. milliliters or 2% by volume.
A 10 ml bottle of 20 mg contains 200 mg nicotine (ml x mg).
What nicotine level should I vape?
The nicotine level you vape depends on your own preferences, including your smoking habits and the device you choose. A lower nicotine level is better for those who smoke infrequently but still want a nicotine kick. It is also good for sub-ohm vaping. Higher levels of nicotine are better for people who smoke frequently and require greater nicotine intake.
- 0 mg - no nicotine, suitable for those who have given up their higher strengths
- 3 mg - low strength nicotine, ideal for those who are about to quit and do not smoke often
- 6 mg – low strength, best for light smokers
- 12 mg - medium strength, for moderate smokers who smoke a pack a day
- 18mg-20mg - high strength, suitable for heavy smokers
Shop our selection of e-liquid nicotine strengths today
So there you have it: a guide to what you need to know about e-liquid nicotine strengths. We hope this has helped you understand the different nicotine strengths, how they differ from each other and which one is best for you.
TABlites is a leading online vape store in the UK, offering an extensive range of products from the biggest brands in the e-cigarette market, with free delivery on orders over £20.
If you're still unsure about vaping, why not?check out our other guidesto see what else you need to know about switching to vaping. You are welcomePlease contact us if you have any questions or comments- we are always ready to help you during your quit smoking journey.
