Choosing the perfect flavour is one of the best ways to ensure that your vaping experience matches with your expectations. However, did you know that to make the most of your flavours you should also be paying attention to your vape juice’s VG/PG ratio?
The VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid can have a big effect on your flavour experience and finding the right ratio for you and your vape kit is key to unlocking the best taste.
Know that you are experiencing flavours to their full capacity with our handy guide to the best VG/PG ratios for flavour.
Understanding your e-liquid: PG vs. VG
VG (Vegetable Glycerine) and PG (Propylene Glycol) are the two principle base ingredients that you will find in e-liquids. They are used to make up the main body of the mixture and to act as diluents for both nicotine and flavourings.
The different ratios of PG and VG that you find in different e-liquids change the composition and affect everything from the type of throat hit, how much vapour is produced and how intense the flavour is.
For more details on exactly how these key ingredients work, be sure to check out our guide on everything you need to know about VG and PG vape juices.
How VG/PG ratios change your flavour
The VG/PG ratio of vape juice directly affects the intensity of your favour experience – find out how, and why, below.
High PG ratios
A high PG ratio in your e-liquid will result in a more pronounced flavour. This is because PG is a very efficient flavour carrier and can also help ensure that those flavours are efficiently mixed throughout the e-liquid. High PG e-liquids also produce a stronger throat hit than other ratios, making them popular with people who prefer an experience that is reminiscent of the throat feel produced when smoking.
PG has a thinner consistency than VG and that means that e-liquids with a high PG ratio are best suited to starter kits that have small coils. The large coils in sub-ohm and advanced vape kits can absorb high PG liquids too quickly, which can cause issues like leaking and spitting.
High ratios of PG are also commonly used in CBD e-liquids, like those from Ohm Brew CBD. These will often have an 80PG/20VG formula which is not often seen in standard e-liquids, but is ideal for ensuring the CBD remains well distributed throughout the e-liquid and offers the best vaping experience.
High VG ratios
E-liquids with a high VG ratio tend to offer a smoother vape and larger vapour clouds, thanks to the thicker consistency of VG. However, it is also a slightly less efficient flavour carrier than PG, which means that flavours may feel muted in comparison. VG also has a very subtle sweet flavour, which may contribute to a small alteration in the overall profile.
This does not mean that high VG e-liquids aren’t flavourful. They can offer great experiences that suit a wide range of vapours, it is just that their flavours are likely to be less intense than e-liquids with a higher PG percentage. High VG vape juices are only suitable for vape devices that have larger coils, such as sub-ohm or advanced vape kits, because they are typically too thick for those with smaller coils to efficiently absorb.
Balanced 50/50 ratio
Vape juices that have a 50/50 ratio of VG/PG offer a great balance of both flavour intensity and vapour production. They also make an excellent starting point for anyone who is seeking a well-rounded flavour experience without sacrificing too much vapour. You will also find that bar salt vape juices with higher flavour concentrations, such as the very popular Double Brew e-liquids, usually have a 50/50 ratio.
50/50 e-liquids are suitable for starter kits and pod kits and are available in a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths. They offer a great baseline to then potentially experiment and find out if other ratios work better for your preferences.
Optimising your flavour experience: choose the right ratio for you
When you are looking to find out which flavour experience hits best for you – and how to achieve it – there are a few handy pieces of advice to bear in mind. Get started on your journey by considering the following.
Consider your preferred flavour intensity
The first and easiest question to ask yourself is how much you prioritise flavour intensity when it comes to your vaping experience. If flavour is the most important factor, then high PG ratios or 50/50 bar salt vape juice with higher flavour concentrations might be the best choice for you.
Matching ratios to flavour profiles
Another important consideration is the fact that some flavour types can shine better in particular VG/PG ratios. For example, bright fruit flavours might be ideal in balanced or higher PG ratios, while creamy desserts might be smoother in higher VG. If there is a particular type of flavour that you prefer, it can be worth trying it out in different ratios to see which ones appeal to you the most.
That said, there are some flavours that are so robust, such as strong menthols, that they will perform brilliantly in all ratios.
Your device matters for flavour
It is also essential to take your device into consideration when you are thinking about optimising your flavours. Making sure you are using the right device to maximise the flavour of a particular ratio is very important. For example, starter kits are ideal for 50/50 ratios and high PG ratios while high VG e-liquids are suited to sub-ohm and advanced vape kits.
If you use a device that is not suited to the type of e-liquid you are sampling, then you can experience a variety of things that negatively impact flavour due to absorption issues. These could range from muted flavours to dry hits or even spitting or gurgling.
Also, if you have a device with adjustable features, you may actually be able to change your flavour experience. For example, tightening or loosening the airflow can change the flavour intensity, as can experimenting with wattage settings
Experimentation is key
When it comes to flavour, your personal preferences are paramount. That means that the perfect setup for one person might not produce the perfect flavour for another. Experimentation is vital when it comes to working out which ratio works best for your setup and tastebuds.
To get the best flavour experience we recommend changing your flavours every so often to keep things fresh. While it can be tempting to keep using the same flavour all the time once you find one you love, you may find that extended use can make it seem bland or muted. Swapping to a new flavour for a little while can keep the flavours exciting, as well as letting you experiment with different flavour profiles and brands.
Consider double concentrate vape juices
If you are looking for really intense flavours, then bar salts could be a great option to consider. These 50/50 vape juices are a type of nic salt that have higher concentrations of flavourings and sweeteners to offer a strong flavour experience. For a closer look at bar salts, check out our guide: everything you need to know about bar salts.
Understanding the different VG/PG ratios and how they can affect flavour makes it much easier for you to customise your vaping experience. Finding the best ratio is completely subjective and will always be personal to you, so experimentation is the perfect way to see what best suits your preferences.
If you are ready get started, be sure to check out our huge range of different vape juices, which include a full range of VG/PG rations from the biggest and best-trusted brands. Explore our e-liquids now.
