Apr 12, 2022

Looking to switch to smoke-free alternatives from cigarettes, but questions about tobacco taste satisfaction holding you back? If you are an adult smoker who is interested in switching to a smoke-free alternative, one of the first things to understand is that the taste from cigarette smoking vs vaping or heated tobacco products will differ from what you are used to.

 

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. While smoke-free alternatives offer benefits in comparison to continued cigarette smoking, not all smoke-free alternatives contain real tobacco, and understanding this helps set expectations for the overall experience when switching.

One type of smoke-free alternative that does not utilise real tobacco is e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat up and vaporise 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 utilise real tobacco. In general, heated tobacco devices heat up specially-made tobacco sticks to a precise temperature, allowing the adult user to enjoy the tobacco without having it burn, as it would with a cigarette. Heated tobacco products are not risk-free, as tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive.

 

Does smoking alternatives give the same tobacco taste satisfaction as cigarettes?

 

Do vapes/e-cigarettes taste like cigarettes?

 

For the reason that vapes or e-cigarettes utilise e-liquid and not real tobacco, the taste you get from vaping vs cigarettes will differ. E-liquid comes in a variety of flavours, which can provide a different experience than what is typically associated with cigarettes.

However, even e-liquids that are tobacco flavoured will not be the same as a cigarette because ultimately, vapes create vapor, not smoke. The flavour that many smokers are used to is that of the tobacco smoke that is created when the cigarette burns. When you vape, a vapor is created from the e-liquid being in contact with the heating element in the e-cigarette, and that is what the adult user tastes. That is a key difference in an e-cigarette vs a real cigarette. Understanding that it will not be entirely the same taste experience is a key factor in a successful switch.

 

Does heated tobacco taste the same as a cigarette?

 

Heated tobacco delivers cigarette-like satisfaction and real tobacco taste, which is not the exact same as a cigarette, as the tobacco is not burnt.

For example, with IQOS, the tobacco never burns – that is the main principle of the device, which allows it to bring benefits in comparison to continued smoking, such as no ash and a less lingering smell on hands or hair than cigarettes. The absence of burning and smoke from heated tobacco results in taste differences in comparison to cigarettes.

 

Should I avoid mixing my own e-liquid?

 

You 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, who should be following safety standards when making the e-liquid.

 

How else is the e-cigarette and heated tobacco experience 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 utilise 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 that 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.

Lastly, but most importantly, one of the biggest changes that you might experience when switching to e-cigarettes or heated tobacco from smoking cigarettes is all the benefits that come with a smoke-free alternative.

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful or potentially harmful chemicals resulting from combustion. The absence of combustion in smoke-free alternatives has the potential to significantly reduce the levels of harmful chemicals generated and inhaled, which should, however, be scientifically demonstrated on a case-by-case basis.

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Discover IQOS heated tobacco devices.