Nic Salts vs. Nic Shots: What’s the Difference and Which Suits You?

If you’ve browsed the virtual shelves of My Vapery lately, you’ve likely seen a dizzying array of 10ml bottles, 100ml "shortfills," and little vials of nicotine. For many vapers, the choice often boils down to two main options: Nic Salts and Nic Shots.

But what is the actual difference? Is one "better" than the other? And as we look toward major changes in the UK vaping landscape for 2026, which one will help you get the most out of your vape? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.

What are Nicotine Salts? (Smooth & Satisfying)

Nicotine Salts (or Nic Salts) have revolutionised the way people quit smoking. Unlike traditional "freebase" nicotine, which can feel harsh on the throat at high strengths, Nic Salts are formulated with a slightly lower pH level.

Why Choose Nic Salts?

• The "Instant" Fix: They enter the bloodstream much faster than other types of nicotine—usually in under 10 seconds—mimicking the rapid satisfaction of a traditional cigarette.
• Ultra-Smooth Inhale: You can vape 20mg (the highest legal strength) without the scratchy throat hit associated with high-nicotine freebase liquids.
• Perfect for Pods: They are thin enough to work perfectly in low-wattage devices and refillable pod kits.

What are Nic Shots? (The DIY Powerhouse)

A Nic Shot is a 10ml bottle of concentrated nicotine (usually 15mg or 18mg) that is unflavoured. Unlike Nic Salts, which are usually ready to vape right out of the box, Nic Shots are designed to be added to Shortfills—large bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid.

Why Choose Nic Shots & Shortfills?

• Cost Efficiency: Buying in bulk (50ml or 100ml) is often cheaper per millilitre than buying multiple 10ml bottles.
• Cloud Chasing: Shortfills are typically high in VG (Vegetable Glycerin), making them ideal for sub-ohm devices that produce thick, satisfying clouds.
• Customisation: Using brands like Nic Nic, you can choose your base (50/50, 70/30, or even 100% VG) to match your specific hardware.

The "Maths" Section: Mixing Your 100ml Shortfill

One of the biggest hurdles for vapers moving to larger bottles is working out the ratio. Most 100ml shortfills come in a 120ml bottle, leaving exactly 20ml of "space" for your shots.

Here is a quick cheat sheet for mixing a 100ml shortfill using standard 18mg Nic Nic shots:

Pro Tip: To reach 6mg in a 100ml bottle, you will usually need to pour out some of the flavoured liquid first to make room for the four shots. For most sub-ohm vapers, 3mg (2 shots) is the "sweet spot."

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Vaping Products Duty

It is important to stay informed about upcoming regulations. From October 1st, 2026, the UK government is introducing the Vaping Products Duty (VPD).

This is a flat-rate tax of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid, regardless of whether it contains nicotine or not. This means:

• 10ml bottles (including Nic Salts and Nic Shots) will see a price increase of roughly £2.64 (duty + VAT).
• 100ml shortfills will be hit significantly harder, as the tax applies to every 10ml of liquid in the bottle.

What does this mean for you? While shortfills will remain a great way to buy your favourite flavours, many vapers may shift back toward high-strength Nic Salts in smaller devices to ensure every drop of taxed liquid goes further. Efficiency will be the name of the game in 2026.

Which Suits You?

• Choose Nic Salts if: You are a beginner, an ex-smoker, or you prefer a compact, discreet "pod" device that you can use throughout the day.
• Choose Nic Shots & Nic Nic if: You use a powerful sub-ohm kit, love big clouds, and want the best value-for-money by mixing your own shortfills.

Explore our full range of Nic Salts and Nic Nic Shots at My Vapery today!