The type of nicotine your e-liquid contains can affect a few different factors when vaping, including throat feel and how quicky nicotine is absorbed, so it’s well worth bearing in mind if you’re looking to optimise your vaping experience.
But, how do you tell the difference between bars salts and nic salts? And how can you work out which is right for you? Learn more about the various different types of e-liquids on offer in our handy guide.
Understanding nic salt e-liquids
Nic salts are a type of e-liquid that use the same base ingredients as traditional types (such as VG and PG), but a different kind of nicotine. Nic salts are made using nicotine salts rather than freebase nicotine, to offer a different kind of vaping experience.
Nic salt vape juices are known for offering a smooth inhale, even at high nicotine strengths, and don’t feel as harsh as freebase e-liquids sometimes do. Nicotine salts are also absorbed into the blood stream in a matter of seconds, so nic salt e-liquids tend to satisfy cravings more quickly than freebase options.
What are nicotine salts?
While e-liquids were traditionally made using freebase nicotine, nic salt e-liquids made with nicotine salts emerged as an alternative option, and have proven to be extremely popular.
Nicotine salts offer a more authentic form of nicotine, as they are in the same form as nicotine that naturally occurs within the tobacco leaf. The freebase nicotine used in most e-liquids is extracted from the leaf using an alkaline base and is formulated in a lab, whereas nicotine salts are extracted using an acid base.
Nic salts use benzoic acid to neutralise the alkalinity of the vape juice. Freebase nicotine can become quite harsh on the throat at high nicotine strengths, so will not necessarily feel comfortable for all vapers. A smoother throat hit is one of the reasons nic salts are so popular. For more, be sure to check out our handy guide: What are nic salts?
What are bar salts and how are they different from nic salts?
Bar salts are e-liquids that have been developed to give you that distinctive intense flavour and smooth inhale associated with disposable vapes. They are made in the same way as nic salts, using benzoic acid to neutralise the alkalinity of the vape juice.
Essentially, bar salts are a modified form of nic salts which also use nicotine salts as a base. They aim to enhance some features of nic salts to replicate the disposable vape flavour experience, and are particularly popular with those transitioning from disposable vapes to a reusable vape kit. Nic salts, on the other hand, tend to appeal to a broader range of vapers.
Like standard nic salts, bar salts are absorbed into the blood stream in just a few puffs to satisfy cravings quickly. They also have a smooth feeling inhale with minimal throat hit, even at high nicotine strengths.
Where they differ, is the use of concentrated flavourings and sweeteners to offer an intense flavour experience. For example, Double Brew e-liquids have twice as much flavour concentrate as standard e-liquids. Bar salts also tend to be available in all of the most popular disposable vape flavours.
Some brands, like ELFLIQ by Elf Bar, MARYLIQ by Lost Mary, and SKE Crystal Salts, use the same formula for their bar salt e-liquids as they do for their disposable vapes. So if you’re looking for a way to exactly replicate those big disposable flavours, you’ll find that those brands offer a seamless experience. You can find out more in our complete guide to bar salts.
How to choose between bar salts and nic salts
When it comes to choosing between bar salts and nic salts there are a few things to think about, including device compatibility and personal preference. Have a look at our checklist for more details.
Device compatibility
Nic salts and bar salt e-liquids are best suited for lower wattage mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape kits. They are also compatible with similar coil types and wicking systems, so a vape kit that works with nic salts is likely to also work with bar salts – and vice versa.
Nic salts and bar salts usually have a 50/50 formula (as in, equal amount of PG and VG) which is perfect for starter kits and pod systems, but is too thin for larger devices like advanced vape kits, which work better with a high VG e-liquid
Likewise, be sure not to use either nic or bar salts with sub-ohm devices, which offer a direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping experience. If you’d like to learn more about the differences between the two types of vaping, you’ll find plenty of handy information in our guide to MTL and DTL vaping.
Flavour preferences
Bar salts have been specially formulated to offer enhanced flavours that are similar to the ones found in disposable vapes, so they’re ideal if you’re looking to make a smooth transition. Standard nic salts tend to have a broader flavour profile and feature more options.
For example, while bar salts are available in all of the most popular disposable flavours, you’ll find there are a huge variety of different options when it comes to nic salts. The Ohm Brew 50/50 range is a perfect example of the sheer number of options there are to choose from.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that bar salts lean towards fruity and sweet flavours, so those who prefer tobacco, menthol, or more unique flavours will find more options in nic salts.
Nicotine strength
It’s also worth bearing in mind the fact that bar salts are available in fewer nicotine strengths than nic salts. With bar salts, you’re most likely to see 20 mg/ml or 10 mg/ml options, although some brands, like Double Brew, also offer a 5 mg/ml option.
Nic salts, on the other hand, are available in a wider range of strengths, including as low as 3 mg/ml, which is offered by Ohm Brew 50/50.
When it comes to deciding whether to choose nic salts or bar salts, the biggest things to consider are the flavour experiences you most enjoy and how much variety you’d like in nicotine strength. If you’re looking for a smooth transition from disposable vapes to a reusable kit, then bar salts might give you the familiar flavour profile you’re used to. On the other hand, if you’re interested in discovering a much wider range of flavours and options, then be sure to explore our nic salts range.
