Do cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products all contain tobacco?
To begin, it helps to understand which products contain real tobacco. Cigarettes contain real tobacco, but the taste of cigarettes is the taste of burnt tobacco. One type of smoke-free alternative that does not utilize real tobacco is e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat up and vaporize an e-liquid containing flavour and nicotine. As a result, the e-liquid itself does not contain real tobacco, though there are many e-liquids that are tobacco flavoured.
On the other hand, heated tobacco products are a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes that do utilize real tobacco. In general, heated tobacco devices heat up specially-made tobacco sticks to a precise temperature.
Do vapes/e-cigarettes taste like cigarettes?
Because vapes or e-cigarettes utilize e-liquid and not real tobacco, the taste one gets from vaping vs cigarettes will differ. E-liquid comes in a variety of tobacco flavours, which can provide a different experience than what is typically associated with cigarettes.
Should I avoid mixing my own e-liquid?
One can find a lot of information online about DIY e-liquid or how to make vape liquid, but following this information is not advised. All aspects of vaping, such as the e-cigarette itself and the e-liquids used, are complex considerations that work best when designed by regulated companies that should be following safety standards when making the e-liquid.
How else are the e-cigarette and heated tobacco experiences different to that of smoking cigarettes?
Beyond taste, there are other changes to expect if you are considering switching from smoking to vaping or heated tobacco. With both vaping and heated tobacco, it is necessary to make an initial investment in purchasing the e-cigarette or heated tobacco device.
Some brands offer a kit that can help you to switch from cigarettes, which generally includes the device, accessories like chargers, and a small range of consumables (like e-liquids or tobacco sticks) to sample. With both of these smoke-free alternatives, a little research is required to find the best-heated tobacco product or the best vape for smokers looking to switch, depending on your personal preferences. Another change to anticipate is routine.
Both vaping and heated tobacco utilize devices that require charging and general maintenance. You may need to take care of it with proper storage, parts replacement, cleaning and overall ensuring the device stays in good working condition.
Moreover, you may not be able to purchase your e-liquid or your tobacco sticks in the same place where you normally purchase your cigarettes. This could also lead to some more changes in routine when determining how to source e liquids or tobacco sticks.
Which smoke-free alternative is for me: vapes or heated tobacco devices?
When it comes to heated tobacco vs vaping, the smoke-free alternative that is better for you will depend on your preferences, as well as your desire to leave cigarettes behind and switch to an alternative. Smoke-free alternatives are not equivalent to quitting tobacco and nicotine use altogether, so they are not cessation aids.
Since these products still contain nicotine, they are addictive. If you are a smoker and have concerns about your health, then the best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. The technologies used in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are ultimately different, making the end experience for the adult user different as well.
E-cigarettes can be an option for adult smokers who are looking for a completely new experience and advanced customization possibilities, while heated tobacco devices may allow for a tobacco experience that can seem familiar to adult smokers, all while being technologically advanced.
Learn the differences between heated tobacco and vapes/e cigarettes.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.
