What Makes a Good Vape Juice? Flavour, Throat Hit and More

Personal preference plus quality!

1 May 2025 | Hannah Rubery

When it comes to vaping, your choice of vape juice can make or break your experience. Whether you're a long-time vaper, a smoker looking to switch, or just curious about the buzz, understanding what makes a vape juice 'good' is crucial. After all, vape juice is the heart of every puff, delivering flavour, satisfaction, and those clouds you can't help but admire.

But what separates a "meh" vape juice from one you'd go back to over and over? Let's break it down. From irresistible flavours to the perfect throat hit, this guide will cover everything you need to know.

Flavour Profile

Let's be honest, flavour is what gets most of us into vaping in the first place. Vape juice flavours range from fruity explosions to creamy desserts, and even tobacco blends designed to mimic the smoking experience. But what's behind these flavours?

Categories of Flavours
Here are some of the most common flavour categories you’ll come across:
1. Fruity Flavours
Think mango, strawberry, watermelon, and every combination under the sun. Fruity blends are light, refreshing, and perfect for all-day vaping.
2. Dessert Flavours
Love confectionery? How about vape juices that taste like vanilla custard, chocolate fudge cake, or lemon tart?
3. Menthol and Mint
Perfect for a refreshing kick, these flavours bring a coolness that resets your palate.
4. Tobacco
Ideal for smokers transitioning to vaping. These flavours aim to replicate the familiar taste of traditional cigarettes with a hint of sophistication.
5. Unique Hybrids
Pineapple-mint mojito, coffee or glazed doughnut, anyone? These creative blends offer something entirely new!

How Are Flavours Created?
The magic lies in flavour concentrates, which are food-grade ingredients added to the vape juice blend. The best vape juice uses high-quality concentrates to deliver authentic and satisfying flavours. Cheaper brands may leave an artificial aftertaste or feel overly sweet, so always choose brands with high standards.

Throat Hit

Ever heard someone ask, “What’s the throat hit like?” If you’re scratching your head, here’s the explanation. The throat hit refers to the sensation you feel in the back of your throat when inhaling vape juice. It’s a critical factor in your vaping experience, often resembling the feeling of smoking for ex-smokers.

Factors That Affect Throat Hit
1. Nicotine Strength
Higher nicotine levels generally provide a stronger throat hit, while lower levels offer a smoother experience.
2. PG Content
Higher PG (propylene glycol) levels often result in a sharper throat hit. If you're after a smoother inhale, look for a lower PG ratio (more on this later).
3. Flavouring
Mint and menthol flavours tend to enhance the throat hit, so they’re great for those who miss that bold sensation from cigarettes.
4. Type of Nicotine
The type of nicotine used can also impact the throat hit. Freebase nicotine delivers a stronger and more intense throat hit, which might appeal to those transitioning from traditional cigarettes. On the other hand, nicotine salts provide a smoother, less harsh sensation, making them ideal for those who prefer a milder experience or wish to vape high-strength juice.

Preferences Vary
Some vapers love a strong throat hit for that satisfying kick, while others prefer a silky smooth draw. There’s no right or wrong, but understanding your preference is essential.

Nicotine Strength

Nicotine strength is incredibly personal and varies depending on your habits, especially if you're making the switch from smoking.

Common Nicotine Levels
• 0mg
Great for those who’ve quit nicotine but still enjoy the act of vaping.
• 3mg-6mg
Perfect for casual or light smokers transitioning to vaping.
• 10mg-15mg
Ideal for moderate smokers who need a stronger nicotine hit.
• 20mg (Nicotine salts)
These are designed for heavy smokers seeking a smooth yet potent nicotine rush.

When choosing nicotine levels, it’s a balancing act. Too high, and you might find the vape harsh. Too low, and it might not satisfy your cravings. Experimentation is key!

VG/PG Ratio

You’ve probably seen 'VG' and 'PG' mentioned on vape juice bottles. These two ingredients underpin your vaping experience.

What Are VG and PG?
• VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
Thicker and sweeter, VG is responsible for those dense, fluffy clouds. It also gives a smoother throat hit.
• PG (Propylene Glycol)
Thinner and flavourless, PG carries flavours better and delivers a more intense throat hit.

Common Ratios
• 50/50
A balance of flavour and vapour production, making it a versatile choice.
• 70/30 VG to PG
Ideal for cloud chasers and sub-ohm vapers due to its vapour-focused profile.
• Higher PG Ratios
Perfect for mouth-to-lung devices and those who value a strong throat hit over clouds.

Ingredients

While VG and PG are the base of vape juice, the quality of all ingredients matters.
1. VG and PG
Ensure they’re pharmaceutical-grade for a safer experience.
2. Nicotine
Reputable brands use high-grade, purified nicotine.
3. Flavourings
Food-grade flavour concentrates are a must.

Quality Makes a Difference
Low-quality vape juice can contain impurities or excess sweeteners, leading to coil gunk and muted flavours. Stick to trusted brands with transparent ingredient sourcing to enjoy a superior vaping experience.

Why Quality Matters in Vape Juice

• Coil Longevity
High-quality juices protect your coils from gunk buildup, saving you money and hassle.
• A Smoother Experience
Premium ingredients mean fewer harsh hits or chemical aftertaste.
• Peace of Mind
Trust in brands that put safety and quality first, with clear labelling and third-party testing.

Your Perfect Vape Juice Awaits

Finding the ideal vape juice comes down to knowing your preferences and understanding what goes into the mix. Whether you’re craving bold flavours, the smoothest clouds, or a satisfying nicotine hit, quality always makes the difference.

Not sure what to try next? Experiment with flavours, tweak those VG/PG levels, and discover what suits you best.