Because what’s on the bottle matters just as much as what’s in it.
Ever picked up a bottle of e-liquid or a box of coils and thought, “Wait… what does any of this actually mean?”
You’re not alone. Vape labels can be packed with numbers, terms, and codes that look more like chemistry homework than something meant to help you enjoy a nice strawberry ice. But once you know what to look for, reading a vape product label becomes second nature — and can help you choose exactly the right product for your style and kit.
Let’s break it all down.
🔢 1. Nicotine Strength
One of the most important bits to look for — and the one that affects your experience the most.
You’ll usually see:
- 0mg – Nicotine-free
- 3mg / 6mg – Low nicotine, typically used with freebase e-liquid
- 10mg / 20mg – Nic salts, designed for smooth, satisfying hits at lower wattages
Tip: If it says “Nicotine Salt” or “Nic Salt” and is 10mg or 20mg, it’s meant for MTL kits like pods or pens — not big sub-ohm tanks.
🧪 2. PG/VG Ratio
This is where a lot of new vapers start to feel lost — but it’s easier than it looks.
PG = Propylene Glycol
Carries flavour and gives you a stronger throat hit
VG = Vegetable Glycerine
Creates vapour clouds and adds sweetness
Common ratios:
- 50/50 – Balanced for MTL vapes and nic salts
- 70VG/30PG – Thicker, smoother vapour for DTL vaping
- Max VG – For serious cloud chasers (usually 80% VG or higher)
Think: the higher the VG, the bigger the clouds. The more PG, the sharper the throat hit.
📦 3. Bottle Size & Shortfills
You’ll often see:
- 10ml – Standard TPD-compliant bottle for nicotine liquids (legal max in the UK)
- 50ml / 100ml Shortfill – Nicotine-free, with space to add nic shots
Example:
A 50ml shortfill with room for a 10ml nic shot = 60ml of 3mg e-liquid once mixed.
Look for “Shake & Vape” or “Shortfill” on the label if you plan to add your own nic.
🧊 4. Flavour Description
This is the fun part — but don’t be fooled by the names alone.
While something might be called “Frozen Pink Lightning”, the label should also mention:
- Key flavour notes (e.g. raspberry, lemonade, menthol)
- Whether it’s icy (often labelled “ice”, “cool”, “menthol” or “frozen”)
- If it’s a dessert, fruit, soda, or tobacco profile
Some labels even include flavour strength bars — handy for choosing between subtle and in-your-face juices.
🔍 5. Coil Compatibility (For Pods & Tanks)
When you’re buying replacement pods or coils, the label should clearly say:
- Which device or tank they’re for
- The ohm rating of the coil (e.g. 0.6Ω, 1.0Ω)
- The recommended wattage range (e.g. 10–15W)
Lower ohms = more vapour, warmer hit (for DTL).
Higher ohms = cooler, tighter draw (for MTL).
🔒 6. Safety Warnings & Legal Info
Especially on e-liquid bottles, UK regulations require:
- Nicotine warnings (e.g. “This product contains nicotine…”)
- TPD compliance (usually mentioned near the barcode)
- Manufacturer details and expiry dates
If the label looks dodgy, too vague, or lacks warnings? Avoid. Stick to trusted UK vendors who sell regulated, legal products.
📘 Label Examples: What It All Means
Let’s decode a typical nic salt label:
Mejusa Bar Salt V2 – 10mg – Caribbean Crush – 50/50 PG/VG – 10ml
Here’s what that tells us:
- Brand: Mejusa
- Nicotine Strength: 10mg
- Flavour: Tropical fruit blend (likely pineapple, mango, maybe coconut)
- Ratio: 50/50 — perfect for pods
- Size: 10ml — ready to vape, no mixing needed
- Type: Nicotine Salt (smooth hit, fast absorption)
Perfect for someone using a pod kit or looking to cut down on cigarettes with a tropical twist.
🧠 Why It Matters
Reading your vape label properly means you’ll:
- Avoid mismatched juices and coils
- Pick the right nic strength for your needs
- Understand what you’re inhaling
- Save money by buying exactly what fits your kit
We’ve all made the mistake of buying 70/30 juice for a pod system — and wondering why it leaks like mad or tastes burnt.
Final Thoughts from the Counter
Vape labels might look like a code at first, but once you crack it, you’ll shop with more confidence — and get way more enjoyment from your kit. Whether it’s understanding your PG/VG or picking the right coil, a quick label check can save you a world of hassle.
Still unsure? Bring it in — we’ll happily decode any label with you.