Ex-Smoker Vape Brands UK

May 17, 2025

Best Vape Juice Brands for Ex-Smokers in the UK

Switching from smoking to vaping can be life-changing. For many ex-smokers, choosing the right vape juice brand is the key to staying smoke-free. But with countless options available, finding the perfect vape juice that mimics the satisfaction of a cigarette isn’t always easy. That’s why this guide explores the best ex-smoker vape brands in the UK, specially tailored for former smokers seeking flavour, throat hit, and a smoother transition.

Why Vape Juice Choice Matters for Ex-Smokers

Not all vape juices are created equal—especially for those trying to replicate the experience of smoking. Ex-smokers typically crave a certain throat hit, nicotine satisfaction, and flavour profile that reminds them of cigarettes.

Nicotine Hit and Throat Feel

A major factor ex-smokers look for is the throat hit—that familiar sensation at the back of the throat when inhaling smoke. High-quality vape juices designed for ex-smokers offer this sensation using nicotine salts or higher PG (propylene glycol) blends. These formulas provide faster nicotine absorption and mimic smoking more effectively.

Tobacco-Like Flavours and Familiarity

While fruity and dessert flavours are popular among seasoned vapers, ex-smokers often start with tobacco or menthol flavours. These provide a sense of familiarity and make the transition feel less drastic.

High PG vs High VG: What’s Better?

For ex-smokers, high PG (50% or more) e-liquids are generally more suitable. They deliver a sharper throat hit and work better with beginner-friendly devices. In contrast, high VG juices are smoother and designed for cloud-chasing—usually preferred by advanced vapers.

Qualities of the Best Ex-Smoker Vape Brands in the UK

To identify the best ex-smoker vape brands in the UK, we considered several key qualities:

Nicotine salt availability
High PG formulations for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping
Authentic tobacco and menthol flavours
Quality ingredients and trusted manufacturing standards
Wide availability across UK vape stores

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the top vape juice brands that ex-smokers consistently trust.

Top-Rated Vape Brands for Ex-Smokers in the UK

Finding a reliable vape brand can make all the difference. Here are some of the best ex-smoker vape brands UK vapers swear by for helping them stay off cigarettes.

Nasty Juice

A favourite among those who recently quit smoking, Nasty Juice offers a strong selection of nicotine salt juices, especially under their Nasty Salt line. Their Silver Blend tobacco flavour is a go-to for former smokers wanting that authentic cigarette-like taste. Nasty Juice’s commitment to flavour precision and smooth throat hits makes it a top-tier choice.

Vampire Vape

Vampire Vape is a British classic, known especially for its Heisenberg and Pinkman lines. But for ex-smokers, the Tobacco 1961 and Ice Menthol flavours offer that satisfying familiarity. Their liquids are formulated for both MTL and sub-ohm vaping, making them versatile for different devices.

Riot E-Liquid (Riot Squad)

Riot E-Liquid has carved a niche with its Hybrid Nicotine formula—a blend of freebase and nicotine salt. This dual-action formula delivers a smoother yet satisfying hit, ideal for transitioning smokers. Their Classic Tobacco and Menthol Ice options are particularly appealing to ex-smokers in the UK.

Dinner Lady

One of the most recognised names in the UK vape industry, Dinner Lady began with dessert flavours but now offers a premium Tobacco Series. Their Smooth Tobacco and Caramel Tobacco lines offer rich, satisfying notes that help ex-smokers feel less tempted to return to cigarettes.

JUUL (UK-Specific Formulas)

Though somewhat controversial, JUUL remains a popular choice among new vapers due to its simplicity. In the UK, JUUL pods are limited to 20mg/ml nicotine, making them legal under TPD regulation. The Rich Tobacco and Menthol pods are well-designed for newcomers who want plug-and-play ease with reliable performance.

Device Compatibility for Ex-Smokers

Pairing the right vape juice with a compatible device ensures better satisfaction. For high PG or nicotine salt e-liquids, pod systems or MTL starter kits are ideal. Devices like the Uwell Caliburn, Vaporesso XROS, or Innokin Endura T18 provide a cigarette-like draw and consistent throat hit.

Understanding Nicotine Strength: What’s Best for Ex-Smokers?

The right nicotine strength depends on how many cigarettes you used to smoke daily.

Heavy smokers (20+ per day): 18mg–20mg nicotine salts
Moderate smokers (10–20 per day): 10mg–15mg nicotine salts or 12mg freebase
Light smokers (less than 10 per day): 6mg–10mg salts or 6mg freebase

Starting with a higher strength and gradually lowering the dosage can be an effective way to reduce nicotine dependence.

Flavour Profiles That Ease the Transition

Tobacco flavours often help smokers bridge the gap, but some ex-smokers find that menthol, coffee, or dessert flavours distract from cravings more effectively. Experimenting with different profiles can help identify what satisfies both the palate and the craving.

The Importance of UK-Compliant Vape Brands

Trustworthy UK vape brands are TPD-compliant. This means:

Bottles are capped at 10ml if they contain nicotine
Nicotine strength doesn’t exceed 20mg/ml
Packaging includes health warnings
Ingredients are fully disclosed

Choosing UK-based or TPD-compliant brands protects you from poor-quality ingredients and ensures product safety.

Tips for a Smooth Transition to Vaping

The journey from smoking to vaping doesn’t always go smoothly. Here are some tips ex-smokers have found helpful:

Stay consistent. Avoid going back and forth between cigarettes and vape.
Use MTL devices. They replicate cigarette puffing styles.
Don’t expect instant satisfaction. It takes time for your taste buds and habits to adjust.
Stay hydrated. Vaping can dry your mouth more than smoking.

Common Mistakes Ex-Smokers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Choosing low nicotine strength. This leads to unsatisfied cravings.
Picking the wrong device. Sub-ohm kits can feel overwhelming.
Chasing flavours over function. Tobacco or menthol might not sound fun but can be effective during early transition.
Quitting too soon. Give yourself a few weeks to adapt fully.

Choose Smart, Stay Smoke-Free

Switching to vaping is a personal and powerful decision. Choosing one of the best ex-smoker vape brands UK offers can smooth that transition and make quitting cigarettes a lasting change. The brands mentioned here have helped countless smokers find a satisfying alternative, and they might do the same for you.

Ready to take the next step? Visit your local vape store or explore online options today to find the perfect juice for your smoke-free journey.