Vaping has revolutionized the way people quit smoking, enjoy flavors, and personalize their experience—and at the heart of every puff is one crucial ingredient: e-liquid.
Also known as vape juice or e-juice, e-liquid is what fuels your vape device, delivering flavor and nicotine (if desired) in the form of vapor. But with thousands of options available and new blends hitting the market every day, choosing the right e-liquid can be overwhelming.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about e-liquid—from ingredients and types to nicotine strength, flavors, and top tips to find your perfect vape.
What is E-Liquid?
E-liquid is the fluid used in vape devices that turns into vapor when heated by the coil. It's a blend of ingredients that can contain nicotine, flavorings, and a base made of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG).
Key Ingredients in E-Liquid:
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Propylene Glycol (PG):
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A thin, tasteless liquid.
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Provides a stronger throat hit.
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Enhances flavor delivery.
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Vegetable Glycerin (VG):
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Thicker and sweeter than PG.
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Produces bigger vapor clouds.
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Offers a smoother inhale.
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Flavourings:
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Food-grade ingredients that give your vape its taste.
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Available in everything from fruits and desserts to menthols and tobaccos.
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Nicotine (Optional):
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Can be added in different strengths.
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Available in two types: freebase and nicotine salts.
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Types of E-Liquid
Choosing the right type of e-liquid is essential for your vaping style and device. Here are the most common types:
1. Freebase Nicotine E-Liquid
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The traditional form of nicotine used in most e-liquids.
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Provides a stronger throat hit.
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Best used with sub-ohm devices or vape kits with higher wattage.
Ideal For: Intermediate to advanced users, direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.
2. Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)
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A smoother, more stable form of nicotine.
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Absorbs into the bloodstream more quickly.
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Allows for higher nicotine strengths without the harshness.
Ideal For: New vapers, ex-smokers, and mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices like pod kits.
3. Shortfill E-Liquid
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Bottles that contain zero nicotine but leave room to add a nicotine shot.
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Usually comes in 50ml or 100ml sizes.
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Designed for sub-ohm vapers who want to control nicotine strength.
Example: A 50ml shortfill + 10ml 18mg nic shot = 60ml of 3mg e-liquid.
4. 50/50 E-Liquid
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A balanced mix of PG and VG (50% each).
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Offers a good blend of flavor and vapor.
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Compatible with most beginner vape kits and pod systems.
Choosing the Right VG/PG Ratio
The VG/PG ratio in an e-liquid affects how it tastes, how much vapor it produces, and how smooth it feels on the throat.
| VG/PG Ratio | Best For | Vapor Production | Throat Hit | Flavour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70/30 VG | Sub-ohm vaping | High | Low | Moderate |
| 50/50 | MTL/pod systems | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| 30/70 VG | Strong throat hit | Low | High | Very High |
Always check your device’s compatibility before choosing a VG/PG ratio.
E-Liquid Nicotine Strength Guide
Selecting the right nicotine strength is crucial, especially for those transitioning from smoking.
| Nicotine Strength | Smoking Equivalent | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 20mg (Nic Salts) | 20+ cigarettes per day | Heavy smokers using pod kits |
| 12-18mg | 10–20 cigarettes per day | Moderate smokers |
| 6mg | 5–10 cigarettes per day | Light smokers or sub-ohm kits |
| 3mg | 1–5 cigarettes per day | Occasional smokers |
| 0mg | No nicotine | Hobbyist vapers |
Not sure which to pick? Start high and reduce gradually to avoid cravings.
Popular E-Liquid Flavours
Flavour is arguably the most enjoyable part of vaping. With thousands of options available, here are the most popular categories:
1. Fruit Flavours
Sweet, tangy, and refreshing—fruit flavours are top sellers for a reason.
Best Picks:
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Strawberry Kiwi
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Blue Raspberry
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Watermelon Ice
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Mango Passionfruit
2. Dessert & Bakery Flavours
Craving something sweet? These deliver indulgence without the calories.
Favourites Include:
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Vanilla Custard
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Lemon Tart
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Cinnamon Roll
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Donut Glaze
3. Menthol & Ice Flavours
Cool and crisp, menthol blends offer a refreshing inhale.
Top Choices:
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Menthol Blast
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Grape Ice
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Cherry Menthol
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Arctic Berry
4. Tobacco Flavours
For smokers switching to vaping, tobacco blends offer a familiar taste.
Best-Selling Options:
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Smooth Tobacco
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RY4 (tobacco + caramel + vanilla)
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American Blend
5. Drink-Inspired Flavours
Think of your favourite beverages—now in vape form.
Unique Blends:
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Cola Ice
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Pink Lemonade
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Coffee Hazelnut
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Mojito Mint
How to Store E-Liquid Properly
Proper storage keeps your e-liquid fresh and flavorful.
Tips:
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Store in a cool, dark place (avoid direct sunlight).
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Keep bottles tightly sealed to prevent air exposure.
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Use e-liquid within 12–18 months of opening.
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Signs Your E-Liquid Has Gone Bad
E-liquid doesn’t “expire” the way food does, but it can degrade.
Watch for:
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Change in colour (very dark or cloudy)
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Off smell
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Thicker consistency
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Strange or muted flavour
If in doubt, don’t vape it.
E-Liquid Safety and Regulations (UK)
In the UK, all e-liquids containing nicotine must comply with TPD (Tobacco Products Directive) regulations, ensuring product safety and consistency.
Key Regulations:
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Nicotine strength capped at 20mg/ml
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Bottles no larger than 10ml for nicotine-containing e-liquid
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Child-resistant caps
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Labelling with ingredient list and warnings
Buying from reputable UK retailers like U Vape Wholesale ensures you're getting compliant, tested e-liquid.
Best E-Liquid Brands in the UK
Here are some of the most trusted and popular e-liquid brands available in 2025:
???? IVG (I Vape Great)
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Massive flavour range
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Award-winning blends
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Nic salts, 50/50, and shortfills available
???? Nasty Juice
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Malaysian-made
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Bold, fruity, and menthol flavours
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Strong throat hit
???? ElfLiq
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Created by Elf Bar
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Designed for MTL vaping and pod kits
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Smooth, satisfying salts
???? Dinner Lady
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UK-based
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Famous for dessert and lemon tart flavours
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TPD compliant
???? Bar Juice 5000
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Inspired by disposable vape flavours
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Nic salts tailored for refillable pod kits
E-Liquid vs Disposable Vape Juice
Wondering if you should refill a kit or just grab a disposable? Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | E-Liquid | Disposable Vape Juice |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Use | Much cheaper | More expensive |
| Flavour Variety | Extensive | Limited to pre-filled |
| Device Longevity | Reusable | Single-use |
| Environmental Impact | Lower (refillable bottles) | Higher (plastic waste) |
| Customization | High (choose strength/flavour) | None |
For long-term vaping, bottled e-liquid with a refillable kit is more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and satisfying.
How to Use E-Liquid in Your Device
Step-by-Step:
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Shake the bottle before use.
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Open your tank or pod.
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Fill e-liquid up to the max line (avoid overfilling).
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Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soak the coil.
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Start at a low wattage and increase if needed.
Never vape a dry coil—it will burn and taste awful.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re brand new to vaping or a seasoned enthusiast, e-liquid is what defines your vaping experience. From smooth nicotine salts to cloud-chasing shortfills, there’s an option for every taste and device.
The key is understanding your needs—flavour preference, nicotine strength, and VG/PG ratio—then choosing a quality product from a trusted supplier.
At U Vape Wholesale, we offer a curated selection of top-rated e-liquids from leading UK and international brands. With fast delivery, great prices, and an ever-growing flavour library, finding your perfect vape has never been easier.
FAQs About E-Liquid
Q: How long does a 10ml e-liquid bottle last?
A: It depends on your usage, but generally 1–3 days for regular vapers using pod kits.
Q: Can I mix different e-liquid flavours?
A: Yes, but make sure they have the same VG/PG ratio and nicotine strength for consistency.
Q: What’s the best e-liquid for quitting smoking?
A: Start with nicotine salts in a strength of 10–20mg and a tobacco or menthol flavour.
Q: Can e-liquid go bad?
A: Yes. Use within 12–18 months and store it in a cool, dark place.
Ready to explore the world of flavour?
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