Looking to switch to smoke-free alternatives from cigarettes, but you still have questions about tobacco taste satisfaction that are 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 smoking cigarettes 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 with, it helps to understand which products contain real tobacco. Cigarettes contain real tobacco, but the taste that they leave you with is that of burnt tobacco. While smoke-free alternatives offer benefits in contrast 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 doesn’t utilize real tobacco is e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat up and vaporize an e-liquid containing flavor and nicotine. As a result, the e-liquid itself doesn’t contain real tobacco, though there are many of them that are tobacco-flavored.
On the other hand, heated tobacco products are a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes that do utilize 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 do with a cigarette.
The IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco devices, for example, are designed to be used with the TEREA tobacco sticks, which are made of high-quality tobacco. TEREA come in numerous flavors, from rich and warm, to balanced and cooling.
Do 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 utilize e-liquid and not real tobacco, the taste one gets from vaping vs cigarettes will differ. E-liquid comes in a variety of flavors, which can provide a different experience than what is typically associated with cigarettes.
Does heated tobacco taste the same as a cigarette?
IQOS 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.
Crucially, 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. The absence of burning and smoke from heated tobacco results in taste differences compared 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 it is generally not advised to follow this information. 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.
Pod-based vaping systems like the IQOS VEEV e-cigarette provide a wide range of flavors to choose from. The pods come prefilled with e-liquid that has been specifically designed to work with the IQOS VEEV vaping device. Especially for those adults who have recently switched from smoking to vaping, it is easier to use ready-made e-liquid by a reputable brand, made to be paired with specific branded devices or vaping kits.
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 the heated tobacco device. Some brands offer a kit that can help you switch, 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 utilize devices that require charging and general maintenance. You may need to take care of them with proper storage, parts replacement, cleaning and overall ensuring your device stays in good working condition.
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.
In the case of IQOS, no combustion means no smoke, no tar (1), no ash and less lingering smell than cigarettes. In fact, science shows that switching completely to IQOS is less harmful than continuing to smoke. IQOS emits on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes*. In general, IQOS is a better choice than continued smoking.
Important information: IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.
“Tar” is the residue from cigarette smoke after a cigarette is burned. Since IQOS does not burn tobacco, it does not produce tar. Τhe absence of tar does not mean that IQOS is risk free.
Which smoke free alternative is for me: vapes or heated tobacco devices?
When it comes to heated tobacco vs vaping, the smoke-free alternative that is better for you will depend on your preferences.
The technologies used in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are ultimately different, making the end experience for the adult user different as well. E-cigarettes can be an option for adult smokers who are looking for a completely new experience and advanced customization possibilities, while heated tobacco devices may allow for a tobacco experience that can seem familiar to adult smokers, all while being technologically advanced.
Smoke-free alternatives are not equivalent to quitting tobacco and nicotine use altogether, so they are not cessation aids. Since these products still contain nicotine, they are addictive. If you are a smoker and have concerns around your health, then the best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit use altogether. However, for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, switching completely to smoke-free alternatives could be a better choice than continuing to smoke cigarettes.
