Whether you're making the switch from cigarettes, curious about what's actually in your vape juice, or looking to find the perfect e-liquid for your device – this comprehensive guide has you covered.
E-liquid is the heart of your vaping experience. It's what creates the flavour you taste, the vapour you see, and – if you choose – delivers the nicotine that helps satisfy cravings. But with thousands of options available, choosing the right e-liquid can feel overwhelming.
What strength should you start with? What's the difference between nic salts and freebase? Does the VG/PG ratio actually matter?
These are questions we hear every day from vapers at all stages of their journey. And they're exactly what this guide is designed to answer.
At Gourmet E-Liquid, we've been helping UK vapers find their perfect e-liquid since 2014. We've seen the industry evolve from basic cigalikes to sophisticated pod systems, and we've helped thousands of smokers make the switch successfully. This guide distils everything we've learned into one comprehensive resource.
Who This Guide Is For
- New vapers: If you're switching from cigarettes and don't know where to start, we'll walk you through everything from nicotine strengths to flavour choices
- Curious vapers: If you've been vaping for a while but want to understand what's actually in your e-liquid and why it matters
- Experienced vapers: If you're looking to try new types of e-liquid or optimise your setup for better flavour and vapour
- Anyone with questions: From "does vape juice expire?" to "can I mix different e-liquids?" – we've got answers
We've included links to authoritative sources throughout – from NHS guidance to official UK regulations – so you can verify everything and explore topics further if you wish.
In This Guide
What is E-Liquid?
E-liquid (also known as vape juice, e-juice, or vape liquid) is the fluid used in electronic cigarettes and vape devices to create the vapour you inhale. When you press the fire button on your device, the coil heats up and vaporises the e-liquid, turning it into the aerosol (commonly called "vapour") that you inhale.
Unlike cigarette smoke, which is produced by burning tobacco and contains thousands of harmful chemicals, e-liquid vapour is produced by heating – not combustion. This fundamental difference is why Public Health England concluded that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.
E-liquid is responsible for three key aspects of your vaping experience:
- Flavour: From tobacco and menthol to fruits, desserts, and drinks – the flavouring in your e-liquid determines what you taste
- Vapour: The visible "cloud" you exhale is primarily produced by the vegetable glycerine (VG) in your e-liquid
- Nicotine delivery: If your e-liquid contains nicotine, it delivers this to your body through the vapour you inhale – helping satisfy cravings without the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke
E-liquid is a simple mixture of just four ingredients: vegetable glycerine (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavourings, and optionally nicotine. All of these ingredients have established safety profiles and are commonly used in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Let's look at each one in detail.
The Four Main Ingredients of E-Liquid
E-liquid is made from just four main ingredients, all of which have established safety profiles and are commonly found in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Unlike cigarette smoke, which contains over 7,000 chemicals including at least 70 known carcinogens, e-liquid contains a simple, regulated formulation.
1. Vegetable Glycerine (VG)
Vegetable glycerine is a thick, slightly sweet, odourless liquid derived from vegetable oils – typically palm, soy, or coconut oil. In e-liquid, VG is the primary ingredient responsible for producing the visible vapour clouds when you exhale.
Key characteristics of VG:
- Vapour production: The higher the VG content, the bigger and denser your clouds will be
- Consistency: VG is thick and viscous, which affects how quickly your coil wicks
- Taste: Adds a subtle natural sweetness to the vape
- Throat hit: Produces a smoother, gentler sensation than PG
VG has been used safely in food and pharmaceutical products for decades. It's classified as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration, and carries the E-number E422 in Europe for food applications. You'll find VG in everyday products including cake icing, ice cream, toothpaste, and pharmaceutical preparations.
2. Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene glycol is a thinner, colourless, and nearly odourless liquid. In e-liquid, PG serves two important functions: it carries flavour more effectively than VG, and it provides the 'throat hit' that many ex-smokers find satisfying – that slight catch at the back of the throat that mimics the sensation of smoking.
Key characteristics of PG:
- Flavour carrier: PG is an excellent solvent that carries and enhances flavour concentrates
- Throat hit: Provides a more noticeable sensation similar to cigarette smoke
- Consistency: Thinner than VG, allowing faster wicking in coils
- Vapour production: Produces less visible vapour than VG
Propylene glycol is also classified as GRAS by the FDA and has the E-number E1520 in Europe. It's used extensively in asthma inhalers (as a carrier for medication), food colourings, soft drinks, and many pharmaceutical products. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, propylene glycol has very low toxicity and is widely used in commercial formulations of foods, drugs, and cosmetics.
Note on PG sensitivity: A small percentage of people may experience mild sensitivity to PG, which can manifest as a dry throat or mild irritation. If you experience this, try switching to a higher VG e-liquid (such as 70VG/30PG or 80VG/20PG).
3. Flavourings
E-liquid flavourings are food-grade concentrates – the same type used by the food and beverage industry to flavour sweets, drinks, and other consumables. These are what give e-liquid its enormous variety, from authentic tobacco and cooling menthol to fruits, desserts, and beverages.
Important facts about e-liquid flavourings:
- All flavourings used in UK-regulated e-liquids must be food-safe
- Flavourings typically make up only 5-15% of an e-liquid's composition
- Certain ingredients are banned under UK regulations, including diacetyl (previously linked to respiratory issues in factory workers), caffeine, taurine, and colourings
- Reputable manufacturers use flavourings specifically tested for inhalation, not just food-safe consumption
At Gourmet E-Liquid, all our products come from trusted, reputable manufacturers who comply with UK regulations and use only high-quality, tested flavouring concentrates.
4. Nicotine (Optional)
Nicotine is an optional ingredient – you can choose e-liquids with varying nicotine strengths or completely nicotine-free options. For those using vaping to quit smoking, nicotine helps satisfy cravings and makes the transition significantly easier.
Key facts about nicotine in e-liquid:
- It's the addictive component of cigarettes – but it's not what causes the major health harms from smoking
- Nicotine itself doesn't cause cancer – according to the NHS, "nicotine does not cause cancer, lung disease, heart disease or stroke"
- It's been used safely in medicines for decades – nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gums, sprays) have been available since the 1980s
- Two types exist: Freebase nicotine (traditional) and nicotine salts (smoother at higher strengths)
In the UK, nicotine-containing e-liquids are strictly regulated. They must not exceed 20mg/ml in strength and can only be sold in bottles of 10ml or less. These regulations are enforced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
| Ingredient | What It Does | Also Found In | Safety Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| VG (Vegetable Glycerine) | Creates vapour clouds, adds subtle sweetness | Food, cosmetics, medicines, toothpaste | FDA GRAS, E422 |
| PG (Propylene Glycol) | Carries flavour, provides throat hit | Asthma inhalers, food products, medicines | FDA GRAS, E1520 |
| Flavourings | Provides taste and aroma | Sweets, drinks, baked goods | Food-grade |
| Nicotine (optional) | Satisfies cravings, aids smoking cessation | NRT patches, gums, sprays | MHRA regulated |
Finding The Right Type of E-Liquid
E-liquids come in several different formats, each designed for different vaping styles, devices, and preferences. Understanding these types will help you choose the right product for your needs and get the most satisfying experience.
Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids
Freebase nicotine is the original and most traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquids. The term 'freebase' refers to the chemical process that converts nicotine into its purest form, which was actually developed by tobacco companies in the 1960s to enhance cigarette delivery.
Characteristics of freebase nicotine:
- Strength range: Typically 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg
- Throat hit: More pronounced, especially at higher strengths (12mg+)
- Absorption: Slower to absorb into the bloodstream compared to nic salts
- Best for: Sub-ohm vaping at lower strengths (3-6mg), or MTL vaping at higher strengths
- Consideration: Can feel harsh at strengths above 12mg, which limits its appeal for heavy smokers
Who should use freebase: Experienced vapers who enjoy sub-ohm vaping and larger clouds, or those who have already reduced their nicotine intake and are using lower strengths.
Nicotine Salt E-Liquids
Nicotine salts represent a significant innovation in vaping. By adding benzoic acid to nicotine, manufacturers create a formulation that's much smoother to inhale at higher strengths, while also allowing faster absorption into the bloodstream – more closely mimicking the nicotine delivery of a cigarette.
Characteristics of nic salts:
- Strength range: Typically 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg (the UK legal maximum)
- Throat hit: Much smoother than freebase at equivalent strengths
- Absorption: Faster absorption means quicker satisfaction of cravings
- Best for: Mouth-to-lung devices, pod systems, and starter kits
- Consideration: Higher nicotine delivery means you may vape less frequently
Who should use nic salts: Recent ex-smokers who need strong, satisfying nicotine; those using pod systems or low-power devices; anyone who found freebase too harsh at higher strengths.
Browse our nic salts collection →
Learn more in our detailed guide: Freebase Nicotine or Nicotine Salts: Which Should You Choose?
50/50 E-Liquids
50/50 refers to the VG/PG ratio – equal parts of each ingredient. This balanced blend has become incredibly popular because it works well in almost any device and offers a middle ground between all the key vaping characteristics.
Characteristics of 50/50 e-liquids:
- Versatility: Compatible with most starter kits, pod systems, and MTL tanks
- Balance: Good flavour delivery, moderate vapour production, noticeable but not harsh throat hit
- Wicking: Thin enough to wick efficiently in smaller coils
- Availability: Available with both freebase and nic salt nicotine
Who should use 50/50: Beginners who aren't sure what they prefer; anyone using a starter kit or pod system; vapers who want a versatile all-rounder.
High VG E-Liquids (70VG/30PG or Higher)
High VG e-liquids contain 70% or more vegetable glycerine, making them significantly thicker than 50/50 blends. They're designed specifically for sub-ohm vaping – using powerful devices with low-resistance coils that operate at higher wattages.
Characteristics of high VG e-liquids:
- Cloud production: Produces large, dense, impressive vapour clouds
- Smoothness: Very smooth vape with minimal throat hit
- Flavour: Slightly muted compared to higher PG liquids, but still flavourful
- Nicotine range: Usually 0mg, 3mg, or 6mg (higher strengths would be too intense with the large vapour volume)
- Device requirement: Requires a sub-ohm tank or RDA with adequate wicking
Who should use high VG: Experienced vapers with sub-ohm devices; cloud enthusiasts; those who prefer a very smooth vape with minimal throat sensation.
Shortfill E-Liquids
Shortfills are a clever solution to UK regulations that restrict nicotine-containing e-liquids to 10ml bottles. A shortfill is a larger bottle (typically 50ml or 100ml) that contains nicotine-free e-liquid, with empty space left in the bottle to add nicotine shots yourself.
How shortfills work:
- 50ml shortfill: Contains 50ml of 0mg e-liquid in a 60ml bottle – space for one 10ml nic shot
- 100ml shortfill: Contains 100ml of 0mg e-liquid in a 120ml bottle – space for two 10ml nic shots
- Adding nicotine: Simply add your nic shot(s), replace the cap, and shake thoroughly
Shortfill nicotine strength guide:
| Shortfill Size | Nic Shots (18mg) | Final Strength | Total Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50ml | 1 | 3mg | 60ml |
| 50ml | 2 | 6mg | 70ml |
| 100ml | 2 | 3mg | 120ml |
| 100ml | 4 | 6mg | 140ml |
Who should use shortfills: Regular vapers looking for better value; sub-ohm vapers who go through lots of e-liquid; anyone wanting access to a wider range of flavours (many premium brands only offer shortfills).
Browse shortfills → | Shop nicotine shots →
Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength
Selecting the correct nicotine strength is crucial for a satisfying vaping experience. Too low and you'll struggle with cravings and may be tempted to smoke; too high and it may feel unpleasant or cause dizziness.
| Smoking Habit | Freebase Nicotine | Nic Salts |
|---|---|---|
| Non-smoker/social | 0mg | 0mg |
| Light (1-5 cigs/day) | 3-6mg | 5-10mg |
| Moderate (5-15 cigs/day) | 6-12mg | 10-20mg |
| Heavy (15-25 cigs/day) | 12-18mg | 20mg |
| Very heavy (25+ cigs/day) | 18mg | 20mg |
It's better to start slightly higher and reduce over time than to start too low and struggle with cravings. Many successful ex-smokers gradually decrease their nicotine strength over months or years. The NHS recommends choosing an e-liquid with enough nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke.
Signs Your Nicotine Strength is Wrong
Too High:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Headaches after vaping
- Nausea or hiccups
- Racing heart
Too Low:
- Strong cigarette cravings
- Constantly reaching for your vape
- Not feeling satisfied after vaping
- Tempted to buy cigarettes
Understanding VG/PG Ratios
The VG/PG ratio is one of the most important specifications to understand when choosing e-liquid. This ratio determines everything from how your e-liquid tastes and feels, to how well it works with your device, to the size of clouds you'll produce.
What the Numbers Mean
When you see a ratio like "70/30" or "70VG/30PG", the first number always refers to the VG (Vegetable Glycerine) content, and the second to PG (Propylene Glycol). So a 70/30 e-liquid contains 70% VG and 30% PG (plus a small percentage of flavourings and optional nicotine).
VG (Vegetable Glycerine) – The Cloud Maker
- Consistency: Thick, viscous, syrup-like liquid
- Vapour: Produces large, dense, billowing clouds
- Throat feel: Smooth with minimal throat hit
- Flavour: Slightly sweet, can mute some flavour notes
- Wicking: Slower to absorb – needs larger wicking ports
PG (Propylene Glycol) – The Flavour Carrier
- Consistency: Thin, water-like liquid
- Vapour: Produces less visible vapour
- Throat feel: Provides stronger "throat hit" similar to smoking
- Flavour: Excellent flavour carrier – crisp and clean taste
- Wicking: Fast absorption – works in any coil
Common Ratios Explained
| Ratio | Best Devices | Vaping Style | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | Starter kits, pod systems, MTL tanks, vape pens | Mouth-to-lung (MTL) | Balanced – moderate clouds, good flavour, noticeable throat hit. Most versatile choice. |
| 60/40 | Pod systems, MTL tanks, some sub-ohm | MTL or restricted DTL | Slightly more vapour than 50/50, still good throat hit. Good middle ground. |
| 70/30 | Sub-ohm tanks, RDAs, box mods | Direct-to-lung (DTL) | Big clouds, smooth vape, reduced throat hit. The most popular sub-ohm ratio. |
| 80/20 | Sub-ohm tanks, RDAs, high-power devices | Direct-to-lung (DTL) | Maximum clouds, very smooth, minimal throat hit. For cloud enthusiasts. |
| Max VG | RDAs, drippers, competition setups | Direct-to-lung (DTL) | Extreme cloud production, very thick vapour. Requires excellent wicking. |
How to Choose the Right Ratio
Consider your device:
- Pod systems and starter kits: Use 50/50 or 60/40. Thicker liquids won't wick properly in smaller coils.
- MTL (mouth-to-lung) tanks: Use 50/50 to 60/40 for best performance.
- Sub-ohm tanks: Use 70/30 or higher for optimal performance.
- RDAs and drippers: Can handle any ratio, including max VG.
Consider your preferences:
- Want bigger clouds? Go higher VG (70/30 or more)
- Want stronger throat hit? Stay with 50/50 or go higher PG
- Want maximum flavour? 50/50 to 60/40 typically delivers best flavour
- Have PG sensitivity? Use 70/30 or higher VG
Using the wrong ratio can cause problems:
- Too thick (high VG) in a starter kit or pod = poor wicking, dry hits, burnt taste, potential coil damage
- Too thin (high PG) in a sub-ohm tank = flooding, spitback (hot liquid in your mouth), muted flavour
Always check your device's recommended VG/PG ratio in the user manual or product description.
E-Liquid Flavours - Finding Your Perfect Vape
One of the greatest advantages of vaping over smoking is the incredible variety of flavours available. While cigarettes offer only tobacco (and occasionally menthol), e-liquids can taste like almost anything you can imagine. This variety isn't just about enjoyment – research suggests that flavour variety helps ex-smokers stay off cigarettes by providing a distinct sensory experience from smoking.
Tobacco Flavours
Tobacco e-liquids are ideal for ex-smokers who want something familiar during their transition to vaping. However, it's important to note that even the best tobacco e-liquid won't taste exactly like a cigarette – there's no combustion, tar, or burnt tobacco, so the flavour is cleaner and often slightly sweeter.
Popular tobacco styles:
- Virginia: Light, slightly sweet, similar to American cigarettes
- RY4: Tobacco blended with caramel and vanilla – a popular all-day vape
- Cuban: Rich, full-bodied cigar-like flavour
- Burley: Earthy, nutty tobacco notes
- Turkish: Aromatic, slightly spicy oriental tobacco
Menthol & Mint Flavours
Cool, refreshing flavours that remain extremely popular, especially with ex-menthol cigarette smokers. Since menthol cigarettes were banned in the UK in May 2020, many former menthol smokers have successfully switched to menthol e-liquids.
Popular menthol styles:
- Pure menthol: Clean, intense cooling sensation
- Spearmint: Sweeter, chewing gum-like mint
- Peppermint: Sharp, candy cane-like freshness
- Ice/Frost: Menthol combined with fruit flavours for a cool fruit experience
- Menthol tobacco: Traditional menthol cigarette-style blend
Fruit Flavours
The most popular category overall, fruit e-liquids range from simple single-fruit flavours to complex tropical cocktails. They're often bright, refreshing, and perfect for all-day vaping.
Popular fruit flavours:
- Single fruits: Strawberry, apple, mango, watermelon, grape, cherry, blueberry, raspberry
- Mixed berries: Combinations of various berry fruits
- Tropical blends: Mango, pineapple, passion fruit, lychee combinations
- Citrus: Orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit
- Fruit + ice: Any fruit combined with menthol cooling
Dessert & Bakery Flavours
Rich, indulgent flavours inspired by your favourite sweet treats. Dessert e-liquids tend to be fuller-bodied and work particularly well with higher VG ratios in sub-ohm setups.
Popular dessert flavours:
- Custards: Vanilla custard, egg custard, crème brûlée
- Baked goods: Doughnuts, cookies, cinnamon rolls, apple pie
- Cakes: Cheesecake, birthday cake, victoria sponge
- Ice cream: Vanilla, strawberry, various sundae flavours
- Cereals: Breakfast cereal-inspired flavours with milk notes
Drinks & Beverage Flavours
From fizzy drinks to coffee shop favourites, beverage-inspired e-liquids offer something different from typical fruit or dessert options.
Popular beverage flavours:
- Soft drinks: Cola, lemonade, orangeade, cream soda
- Energy drinks: Popular energy drink-inspired flavours
- Coffee: Espresso, latte, mocha, cappuccino
- Cocktails: Piña colada, mojito, margarita (non-alcoholic, of course)
- Milkshakes: Chocolate, strawberry, banana
Candy & Sweets Flavours
Nostalgic flavours inspired by your favourite childhood sweets. These tend to be sweeter than other categories and are popular with those who have a sweet tooth.
Popular candy flavours:
- Gummy sweets: Gummy bears, cola bottles, jelly babies
- Hard candy: Sherbet, lemon drops, fruit drops
- Bubblegum: Classic pink bubblegum flavour
- Sour sweets: Sour apple, sour cherry, fizzy varieties
- Liquorice: Traditional and aniseed flavours
- If you're switching from cigarettes: Many ex-smokers start with tobacco or menthol, but don't be afraid to try fruits or desserts – the different flavour helps mentally separate vaping from smoking
- Be open-minded: Many vapers end up preferring completely different flavours to what they expected
- Rotate your flavours: Using the same flavour constantly can cause 'vaper's tongue' – where you become temporarily desensitised to that flavour. Having 2-3 options helps prevent this
- Try before you commit: Our multi-buy deals are perfect for trying several flavours affordably
- Consider the time of day: Many vapers prefer lighter fruit flavours during the day and richer desserts in the evening
E-Liquid Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage helps maintain the quality, flavour, and effectiveness of your e-liquid. While e-liquid is quite stable, it's not immune to degradation over time, especially if stored incorrectly.
How to Store E-Liquid Correctly
The ideal storage conditions:
- Temperature: Cool room temperature (15-25°C) is ideal. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
- Light: Keep bottles away from direct sunlight and bright artificial light. UV light accelerates nicotine oxidation.
- Air exposure: Always keep the cap tightly closed. Oxygen causes oxidation of nicotine and can alter flavours.
- Position: Store bottles upright to prevent leakage and reduce air contact with the liquid surface.
Where NOT to store e-liquid:
- In your car: Temperatures in a parked car can exceed 50°C in summer, rapidly degrading your e-liquid
- On a windowsill: Direct sunlight will break down nicotine and can alter flavours
- In the bathroom: Humidity and temperature fluctuations aren't ideal
- Near heat sources: Radiators, ovens, or electronic equipment that generates heat
Safety storage:
- Always keep e-liquid out of reach of children and pets
- Store in a locked cabinet if there are young children in the house
- Never decant e-liquid into unmarked containers
Does E-Liquid Expire?
Yes, e-liquid does have a shelf life, typically 1-2 years from the date of manufacture. Most bottles will have a best-before or expiry date printed on them, as required by UK regulations.
What happens as e-liquid ages:
| Component | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine | Oxidises, loses potency, may develop peppery taste | Gradual over 1-2 years |
| Flavourings | Can fade, become muted, or change character | Varies by flavour (6 months - 2 years) |
| VG/PG | Very stable, last longest | 2+ years |
| Colour | Darkens (especially nicotine-containing liquids) | Noticeable within weeks-months |
Is using expired e-liquid dangerous? No – using e-liquid past its best-before date isn't dangerous, but it may taste unpleasant and deliver less nicotine than expected. The VG and PG base remains stable, but nicotine degrades and flavours can become stale or "off".
Signs Your E-Liquid Has Gone Bad
Check for these warning signs before using old e-liquid:
- Significant colour change: Some darkening is normal (especially with nicotine), but if a light-coloured liquid has turned dark brown or black, it's past its best
- Separation: If the liquid has separated into layers and won't mix back together even after vigorous shaking, it's degraded
- Changed consistency: If it's become noticeably thicker or thinner than when new
- Off smell: Any unpleasant, chemical, or 'off' odour when you open the bottle
- Bad taste: Harsh, peppery, or just unpleasant flavour when you vape it
Why Does E-Liquid Change Colour?
It's completely normal for e-liquid to darken over time, and this doesn't necessarily mean it's gone bad. The main causes are:
- Nicotine oxidation: When nicotine is exposed to oxygen and light, it oxidises and turns from clear to yellow/brown. Higher nicotine strengths darken faster.
- Steeping: Some flavour compounds develop and darken over time, similar to how wine ages. Many vapers deliberately "steep" certain flavours for better taste.
- Heat exposure: Heat accelerates both oxidation and steeping, causing faster colour change.
- Sweeteners: E-liquids with sweeteners can darken when heated repeatedly in your tank.
A slightly darker e-liquid is usually fine to use. Only avoid it if the other warning signs above are present.
UK E-Liquid Regulations
E-liquids and vaping products sold in the UK are among the most strictly regulated in the world. This robust regulatory framework exists to protect consumers and ensure product safety and quality.
E-liquids in the UK are regulated primarily by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR), which implements the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) into UK law. Following Brexit, these regulations have been retained and continue to apply across Great Britain, with oversight from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Key Regulations for E-Liquids
| Regulation | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle size limit | Maximum 10ml for nicotine-containing e-liquids | Limits accidental nicotine exposure; led to creation of "shortfills" |
| Nicotine strength limit | Maximum 20mg/ml (2%) | Prevents excessively strong products; nic salts make this strength smooth |
| Tank/pod capacity | Maximum 2ml | Limits the amount of nicotine available at any time |
| MHRA notification | All products must be notified and approved before sale | Ensures regulatory oversight and traceability |
| Child-resistant packaging | All nicotine products must have child-resistant caps | Protects children from accidental ingestion |
| Tamper-evident packaging | Packaging must show if it's been opened | Prevents tampering and ensures product integrity |
| Health warnings | Must display: "This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance" | Informs consumers of nicotine content |
| Ingredient labelling | All ingredients must be listed on packaging | Allows consumers to make informed choices |
Banned Ingredients
Under UK regulations, the following ingredients are prohibited in nicotine-containing e-liquids:
- Colourings: No additives that colour the emissions (vapour)
- Caffeine and taurine: No stimulants associated with energy or vitality
- Vitamins: No additives that create an impression of health benefit
- Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione: Flavouring chemicals previously linked to respiratory issues
- CMR substances: No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances
Why do these regulations matter?
The UK's strict regulations have contributed to one of the safest vaping markets in the world. According to Public Health England (now part of the UK Health Security Agency), these regulations have helped protect UK vapers from issues seen in other markets:
- EVALI outbreak: The 2019 outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries in the USA was linked primarily to illicit THC vaping products containing vitamin E acetate – a substance banned in UK-regulated products. No cases were linked to UK-regulated nicotine e-liquids.
- Quality assurance: MHRA notification requirements mean all products are tested and documented before reaching consumers.
- Consistent standards: Whether you buy from us or another reputable UK retailer, you're getting products that meet the same strict standards.
Why Buy from Reputable UK Retailers?
Purchasing from established UK vape shops like Gourmet E-Liquid ensures you receive:
- Fully compliant products: Everything we sell is MHRA-notified and TPD-compliant
- Genuine products: We buy directly from official UK distributors and manufacturers
- Proper storage: E-liquids are stored correctly to maintain quality
- Accurate labelling: All required safety information and warnings are present
- Expert advice: Our team can help you choose the right products
- Consumer protection: You're covered by UK consumer law and can return products if needed
Be cautious of e-liquids sold:
- On social media marketplaces
- At car boot sales or markets
- From overseas websites shipping directly to the UK
- With nicotine strengths above 20mg/ml
- In nicotine-containing bottles larger than 10ml
These products may not comply with UK safety regulations and could contain harmful or undisclosed ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaping safer than smoking?
According to Public Health England, vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. The NHS states that "cigarettes release thousands of different chemicals when they burn – many are poisonous and up to 70 cause cancer. Most of the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide, are not contained in vape aerosol." However, vaping is not completely risk-free and is only recommended for adult smokers looking to quit.
Can I mix different e-liquids together?
Yes, you can mix e-liquids of similar VG/PG ratios. This is a great way to create custom flavours – many vapers enjoy mixing fruits together or adding menthol to other flavours. Just be mindful of the combined nicotine strength.
Why does my e-liquid taste burnt?
A burnt taste usually indicates one of these issues:
- Your coil needs replacing (coils typically last 1-3 weeks)
- Your e-liquid isn't wicking properly (try priming your coil before use)
- You're chain vaping too quickly (let the wick re-saturate between puffs)
- Your wattage is too high for the coil
- Your tank is running low on e-liquid
How long does a bottle of e-liquid last?
This varies greatly depending on how much you vape. As a rough guide:
- Light vaper: A 10ml bottle might last 1-2 weeks
- Moderate vaper: A 10ml bottle might last 4-7 days
- Heavy vaper: A 10ml bottle might last 1-3 days
Sub-ohm vaping uses significantly more e-liquid than mouth-to-lung vaping.
Can I take e-liquid on a plane?
Yes, but it must comply with airport liquid restrictions. Keep e-liquids in containers of 100ml or less, place them in a clear plastic bag, and carry them in your hand luggage. The bottle size limit means 10ml nicotine e-liquids are already compliant. Always check specific airline rules before travelling.
What's the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?
Mouth-to-lung (MTL): You draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale into your lungs – like smoking a cigarette. This style suits higher nicotine, higher PG liquids, and lower-power devices.
Direct-to-lung (DTL): You inhale vapour directly into your lungs in one motion – like taking a deep breath. This style suits lower nicotine, higher VG liquids, and sub-ohm devices.
Is there sugar in e-liquid?
No, e-liquids don't contain sugar. The sweetness comes from VG (which is naturally slightly sweet) and sweet flavouring concentrates. E-liquids are virtually calorie-free. Some e-liquids do contain sweeteners like sucralose, which can reduce coil life if used excessively.
Ready to Find Your Perfect E-Liquid?
We stock over 3,400 premium e-liquids from trusted brands around the world. Whether you're looking for nic salts, shortfills, 50/50, or high VG juices, we have something for every taste and device.