A Complete Guide on E-liquids in 2025: Types, Flavours, and Choosing the Right One

What Are E-Liquids (Vape Juice)?

E-liquids are also called vape juice. It's like a fuel designed specifically for electronic cigarettes and vape kits. Without e-liquid, you cannot vape. Because they are the driving force behind the function that allows vapers to create vapour from that liquid. So that you can inhale it.  

But how does it create a vapour? Well, if the e-liquid is not already inside your vape device, then simply fill it with it. Afterwards, it will start to heat the e-liquid to produce an aerosol, a smoke-like form, not true vapour. There is a whole process that goes on when it starts to do its job. Let’s discuss that.

So whenever you fill your vape with e-liquid, it will be absorbed by the cotton inside the coil. Depending on your device, once you press the button or inhale, the coil starts to heat up. This heat then creates a vapour which then you can breathe in.

It is carefully designed to give you flavour, nicotine (if you choose to add) and a sensation that is very much like smoking.

What Is in Vape Liquid?

A vape juice is made of 4 major components: PG, VG, flavourings, and nicotine (optional). Let’s take a look at them:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): It is a thin and clear liquid. It delivers a strong throat hit and carries the flavour very well. It is also found in foods and medicines.
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): It is more on the thicker liquid side with a slightly sweeter taste. The higher the quantity of the vegetable glycerin, the denser and softer the inhale will feel. Most e-liquids use a balance of both VG and PG.
• Flavourings: Flavouring makes vaping fun and satisfying. You can find flavours from tobacco blends to fruits, methanol, and even chocolate flavour. However, only fruit-based flavourings should be used, and brands must ensure that their products are tested for safety.
• Nicotine (optional): Nicotine is an optional ingredient. Some e-liquids do not have nicotine in them, while others come in different nicotine quantities. In the UK, TPD-compliant e-liquids have a maximum of 20mg/ml nicotine in them and are sold in bottles not bigger than 10ml.

Different Types of Vape Juice & Their Uses

Vape juice comes in different types to offer a customised experience. In other words, each type of vape juice will not have the same number of ingredients. Some may have high vegetable glycerin, while others may have high propylene glycol or nicotine in it, so that you can choose the one that most suits your taste. Let’s take a look at the types of vape liquids:

Freebase E-liquid

What is freebase e liquid? Well, it is a traditional form of nicotine, the original, used in e-liquids. Through it, you can experience a sharper throat hit similar to cigarettes. If you used to smoke a lot, you may find this alternative a good choice. Additionally, freebase e-liquid is best suited for sub-ohm vape kits and devices with lower resistance coils, which can create more vapour.

Lastly, these freebase E-liquids are also called High-VG e-juice or 50/50 e-liquids because they can come in two different VG and PG ratios, depending on what you want.

Nicotine Salts

It is more of a smooth alternative that allows you to vape high nicotine levels without a harsh throat. The main difference between nic salt and e-liquid (freebase) is absorption. The nicotine salt can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Which, as a result, gives a more satisfying experience. Also known as 50/50 e-liquid.

You should get these if you are switching directly from cigarettes to vapers. They can be found in smaller pod vapers and starter kits. Additionally, they can mimic the sensation of smoking.

Shortfills and Nic Shots

They are 50ml to 100ml bottles of e-liquids that do not contain nicotine. In addition, they have a small space at the top that allows you to add a nicotine shot (also known as “nic shot”). These are also called High VG e-juices with a ratio of 70VG/30PG or higher.

Adding the nic shot is pretty easy; simply squeeze the nic shot into the bottle, shake it good, and your vape juice is ready. Now this is a more popular option because it gives you more liquid for less money and allows you to custom-set the nicotine strength. These are also used in sub-ohm devices. If you are into producing larger clouds, get one of these.

High VG Liquids (70%+)

High VG liquids are thick and smooth, and allow you to create big vapour clouds. If you are using a sub-ohm tank or a high-powered mod, these juices are an ideal choice. However, flavour intensity is reduced when compared to high PG blends. This e-liquid is best suited for cloud chasers, direct-to-lung vapers and powerful vape devices.

High PG Liquids

These high PG liquids are thinner as compared to high PG and are best used to intensify the flavour. They give you a sharper throat hit that feels like smoking a cigar. This makes it a good choice for starter kits, pod systems, and smaller coils. These juices soak quickly into the cotton of the coil and reduce burnt hits in low-powered devices.

50/50 E-Liquids

50/50 e-liquids offers you a balanced experience between flavour, vapour, and throat hit. They are a balanced combination of both PG and VG, and this is the reason why they are widely used and are compatible with different devices. If you are unsure whether you want more clouds or throat hit, you should go for a 50/50 blend.

E-liquids with Zero-nicotine options

Not everybody vapes for a taste of nicotine; some vape for the flavour and experience alone. Zero-nicotine e-liquids are an ideal choice if you wish to reduce your nicotine intake. 

• Freebase e-liquid: These are best for advanced kits and sub-ohm tanks if you are looking for a strong throat hit and rich flavour.
• Nicotine salts: These are designed for starter kits and pod systems. Best for new vapers who want a nice and quick nicotine hit.
• Shortfills with nic shots: If you are a cloud chaser who uses high-power devices, you should get this e-liquid. It is less pricey.
• Zero-nicotine e-liquids: They can be used with any device and are a perfect choice if you are looking for flavour without nicotine in it.

Nicotine Strengths, Absorption & Tolerance

Let’s discuss the effects of nicotine strength on satisfaction, how freebase and nicotine salt differ and how device type and inhaling style can change how nicotine feels.

Effect of Nicotine Strength on Satisfaction

If the level of nicotine is too low, you may end up chain-vaping. However, if the level of nicotine is too high, it may feel uncomfortable and too harsh for you. Finding the exact balance is what you need.

Think of nicotine as a catalyst that can help you match your previous smoking habits. When the strength of nicotine in the e-liquid is closer to your smoking habits, it will become easier for you to shift to vaping.

Freebase Nicotine vs Nicotine Salts

Freebase nicotine has been around for a long time and has been in use for years as well. This vape juice gives off a stronger throat hit and should be best used with low nicotine strength. It’s for those who are looking for a good throat hit.

Whereas nicotine salts are a modern option. They give you a rapid hit by quickly absorbing into your bloodstream. They also give you a smoother experience at high nicotine strength. So if you were a heavy smoker, you might like this one.

Device Type and Inhaling Style

The device type and inhaling style also change the way nicotine feels. In other words, pod systems and smaller vapes are designed to accommodate higher-level e-liquids, especially for the nicotine salts. They give you an effective nicotine delivery despite consuming low power.

However, in comparison to them, the sub-ohm kits and mods consume more power and vapour. These ones work best with lower nicotine levels. Because you are inhaling more vapour with each puff, and you are still getting more nicotine even if the liquid strength is lighter.

Additionally, how you inhale also matters. A mouth-to-lung style mimics smoking and best suits high-strength. Vaping directly to the lungs is like breathing deeply, which works best with lower strength.

Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength for You

Your smoking history is the perfect guide for you when it comes to choosing the right nicotine strength:

How PG and VG Ratios Change Flavour, Clouds, and Throat Hit

PG and VG ratio matters when it comes to choosing the e-liquid. It changes how your vape tastes and feels. If you have been thinking why a certain e-liquid creates clouds while the other does not, well, it all comes down to the balance between PG and VG.

If you are into a strong throat hit, then simply get the e-liquid with a higher PG ratio. And if you are looking to have it create a cloud and let the experience be smoother, you should get an e-liquid with a lower VG ratio.

Which PG/VG Ratios Suit Which Devices?

• 50/50 blends: It can create a balance between the flavour and vapour. Best for starter kits and pod systems.
• High PG (60% or more): Good for low-powered devices with low resistance coils.
• High VG (70% or more): Designed for sub-ohm tanks and powerful mods.

Why High-VG Juices Can Clog Coils Faster

Because the ingredient, VG, is thick, it makes it harder for it to absorb into the cotton of the coil. As time passes, it leaves a residue, especially if you are using a sweet or dessert-flavoured vape juice.

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?

The burnt taste is a sign that your coil is not soaking up the vape juice. But why does it happen?

• You’re putting high-VG liquid into a device that is not made for it.
• You’ve been chain-vaping without giving the wick time to re-saturate. In other words, your chain vaping is keeping the wick dry, which is why you are getting a burnt taste.
• Your coil has expired and needs to be replaced.

Try switching the PG/VG ratio on your device to fix the burnt taste. Moreover, if you have a pod system, avoid maxing out on VG juices. If you are into big clouds, stick to sub-ohm kits that are designed to handle that.

How to Make Vape Liquid at Home Safely (DIY)

You’ll need four key ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavour concentrates, and nicotine base (optional).

When handling nicotine, always use gloves and work in a well-ventilated space. Nicotine in high concentrations can be toxic if it makes contact with your skin. Keep all bottles sealed when you are not using them, and never have children or pets around.

Start small. Mix a trial batch rather than a large bottle. This helps you adjust flavours and strengths without wasting ingredients. Steeping (letting your mix rest) improves taste, especially for dessert and tobacco flavours.

Remember: DIY mixing is legal in the UK as long as you follow TPD-compliant e-liquid guidelines. Respect the 20mg/ml nicotine cap, use child-resistant bottles, and label your creations clearly. Read on to learn about the e-liquid calculator to help you balance the ingredients.

Using an E Liquid Calculator for Correct Ratios

Getting the balance right is the hard part when you are doing it yourself. That’s when you require an e-liquid calculator. This calculator helps you add each ingredient in its exact amount. This ensures your mix is safe to vape.

For example, if you want a 70/30 VG/PG blend with 6mg nicotine, the calculator will tell you exactly how many millilitres of each ingredient to use. No maths, no mistakes.

Using this calculator will also prevent overloading flavour or adding too much nicotine. Both can ruin the liquid and, in the case of nicotine, can affect your health. This tool helps you stay safe when you are doing the mixing yourself.

Health, Safety & Regulations

Most TPD-compliant e-liquids in the UK are designed under strict regulations. These rules are made for your health and safety, but only if you choose reputable brands rather than a cheap replica. Because the cheap and fake e-liquids will have harmful additives in them and untested nicotine, such chemical additions can be damaging to your lungs and can even damage your device.

Why TPD-Compliant E-Liquids Matter

The Tobacco Products Directives have set clear standards for e-liquids sold in the EU and UK. Which means:

• 20 mg/ml max nicotine can be added.
• Bottles cannot be bigger than 10ml with nicotine in them.
• All bottles must come with childproof caps.
• Labels must include safety warnings and ingredient lists.

When you choose TPD-compliant e-liquids, you know you can vape in peace and that it won’t harm you like those cheap replicas.

Brand Must Have Evidence of a Lab Test

Most manufacturers get their e-liquids tested. The test reports prove that the e-liquid has only approved ingredients in it. And also the right amount of nicotine. In case the brand is unable to offer evidence of testing, you should not buy from it. Better safe than sorry.

How to Check if Your E-Liquid is Safe

Here is how:

• Look for the TPD compliance mark on the packaging.
• Check if the bottle has a childproof cap and proper labelling.
• Buy only from trusted brands.
• Ask for lab reports of their products.

Does Vape Juice Expire?” / “Can Vape Juice Expire?”

Yes, vape juice can indeed expire. Like any other product, they also have a shelf life. Over time, the main ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavourings can lose their taste and charm. If you are thinking whether they have an expiry date, well, they do have a 1 to 2 years of shelf life, and even the battery can degrade over time.

How Long Does Vape Juice Last Under Normal Conditions?

Under normal conditions, the vape juice lasts for around 12 to 24 months. However, the life-time of an e-liquid depends on how it is stored and how much of a certain or certain other ingredient is used in it.

But How to Make the Vape Juice Last Longer?

Well, cool, dark and tightly sealed places will make it last longer, while the sunlight and leaving it in the open can suck the life out of it. Moreover, you can tell by smelling it if there is still life left in it or if it has gone for good. It will smell bad.

Conclusion

E-liquids are an essential part of your vaping experience. Each and everything matters, from flavours, to PG/VG ratio, nicotine strength and the device itself that utilises the e-liquid to produce vapours. All of these things help to create a favourable experience for you.

Frequently Asked Questions!

1. How to open a vape juice bottle?

Many vape juice bottles in the UK come with childproof caps. In order to open, you need to simply push the cap down and firmly twist it anticlockwise at the same time.

2. How to put a nicotine shot in vape juice

Adding a nicotine shot is simple:

• Remove the cap from your shortfill bottle.
• Unscrew the nib (the plastic nozzle).
• Open your nicotine shot carefully.
• Pour the full nic shot into the shortfill bottle.
• Replace the nib and cap securely.
• Shake the bottle for 1–2 minutes to mix it well.

3. Can you take vape juice on a plane?

Yes, you can, but you must follow their rules. In the UK and many international airports, there are certain rules. Here are those:

• E-liquids must be in bottles of 100ml or less.
• They must fit into a clear, resealable plastic bag (around 20 x 20 cm).
• Larger bottles above 100ml should go in checked luggage.

Always check your airline’s specific rules before flying.