What Are Nic Salts?
Nicotine salts, often called nic salts, are a type of e-liquid that uses a different form of nicotine compared to standard freebase nicotine. The result is a smoother vape at higher nicotine strengths, making nic salts ideal for people who want satisfying nicotine delivery without harshness or excessive vapour.
Traditional freebase nicotine has been the standard in vaping for years, but nic salts offer a more refined alternative for specific vaping styles.
Key differences include:
- Smoother throat hit: Nic salts feel gentler even at 20mg, making higher strengths easier to vape.
- Faster nicotine absorption: Nic salts enter the bloodstream more quickly, providing satisfaction sooner.
- Less vapour production: Designed for discreet vaping rather than cloud chasing.
- Better for MTL devices: Nic salts work perfectly with pod systems and low-wattage starter kits.
Available in higher strengths: 10mg and 20mg options provide stronger nicotine delivery without discomfort.
Nic salts have become incredibly popular for several important reasons:
- Perfect for ex-smokers: The quicker nicotine hit closely mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette.
- Ideal for on-the-go vaping: Less vapour means you can vape discreetly in more situations.
- Better battery efficiency: Lower-wattage devices last longer between charges.
- More satisfying at higher strengths: You can vape less frequently while still feeling satisfied.
- Great flavour clarity: The smoother delivery lets flavours shine without being overpowered by throat hit.
If you want efficient nicotine delivery, minimal clouds, and a vaping experience closer to smoking, nic salts are the perfect choice.
Nic Salts vs Freebase Nicotine: Which Is Right for You?
Understanding the difference between nicotine salts and freebase nicotine helps you choose the right e-liquid for your device and vaping style. Below is a detailed comparison to make your decision easier.
Best for:
- Pod systems and starter kits
- Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping
- Ex-smokers looking for quick satisfaction
- Discreet, low-vapour vaping
- Higher nicotine strengths (10mg-20mg)
Advantages:
- Smoother throat hit at higher strengths
- Faster nicotine absorption
- Less e-liquid consumption
- Works at lower wattages
- Minimal vapour production
Ideal devices:
- Pod systems
- MTL tanks
- Low-wattage starter kits
Best for:
- Sub-ohm tanks and high-wattage mods
- Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping
- Cloud chasing
- Lower nicotine strengths (0mg-12mg)
- Vapers who enjoy larger vapour clouds
Advantages:
- Stronger throat hit for those who prefer it
- Available in lower strengths
- Works well with high-VG liquids
- Ideal for sub-ohm coils
Ideal devices:
- Sub-ohm tanks
- High-wattage mods
- RDL and DTL setups
Quick Comparison Chart
|
Feature |
Nic Salts |
Freebase Nicotine |
|
Throat Hit |
Smooth, gentle |
Strong, pronounced |
|
Nicotine Absorption |
Fast |
Moderate |
|
Vapour Production |
Low |
High |
|
Best Strengths |
10mg, 20mg |
3mg, 6mg, 12mg |
|
Device Type |
Pods, MTL kits |
Sub-ohm, DTL mods |
|
Vaping Style |
MTL |
DTL, RDL |
If you want quick satisfaction with minimal vapour, choose nic salts. If you enjoy clouds and lower nicotine levels, stick with freebase nicotine.
Shop Nic Salts by Strength
Choosing the right nicotine strength depends on your smoking history, device type, and how often you vape. Nic salts are available in multiple strengths, with 10mg and 20mg being the most popular in the UK.
5mg Nic Salts
Best for:
- Light smokers (1-5 cigarettes per day)
- Vapers transitioning to lower nicotine
- All-day vaping without a strong nicotine buzz
- Social or occasional vapers
5mg nic salts offer a light nicotine hit, ideal for casual vapers or those reducing their intake.
10mg Nic Salts
Best for:
- Moderate smokers (5-10 cigarettes per day)
- Vapers who find 20mg too strong
- Users seeking a balanced experience
- Pod systems and MTL tanks
10mg is the mid-range option, balancing smoothness with noticeable nicotine satisfaction.
20mg Nic Salts
Best for:
- Heavy smokers (10-20+ cigarettes per day)
- Vapers who need quick, powerful satisfaction
- People transitioning from smoking
- Minimal vaping frequency with maximum effect
20mg is the maximum legal strength in the UK and provides the strongest nicotine delivery available.
How to Choose Your Strength?
If you smoked heavily, start with 20mg and adjust down if needed. If you were a light to moderate smoker, 10mg is usually the sweet spot. If you're reducing nicotine or vaping frequently throughout the day, consider 5mg. Most vapers find their ideal strength within the first week of experimenting.
Shop Nic Salts by Flavour Profile
Nic salt e-liquids come in every flavour imaginable, from refreshing fruits to indulgent desserts. At Vaping 101, we organise our nic salts by flavour profile, making it simple to discover your next favourite liquid.
Fruit Nic Salts
Bright, refreshing, and naturally sweet, fruit nic salts are the most popular choice among vapers.
Popular options:
- Strawberry
- Mango
- Blueberry
- Watermelon
- Mixed berries
- Tropical blends
- Citrus fruits
Fruit nic salts deliver clean, vibrant flavours that work beautifully in pod systems and MTL devices.
Menthol & Ice Nic Salts
Cool, crisp, and refreshing, menthol and ice nic salts provide a cooling finish with every puff.
Popular options:
- Pure menthol
- Iced berries
- Mint
- Frozen mango
- Cool lemonade
- Arctic blends
Perfect for vapers who want a refreshing, palate-cleansing vape throughout the day.
Tobacco Nic Salts
Smooth, familiar, and satisfying, tobacco nic salts replicate the taste of traditional cigarettes.
Popular options:
- Classic tobacco
- Virginia blend
- Rich cigar
- Smooth rolling tobacco
- Sweet tobacco
Tobacco nic salts are ideal for ex-smokers who prefer a familiar flavour profile during their transition to vaping.
Dessert Nic Salts
Rich, creamy, and indulgent, dessert nic salts bring the taste of cakes, custards, and sweet treats into vapour form.
Popular options:
- Vanilla custard
- Caramel
- Cheesecake
- Cookies and cream
- Jam on toast
- Toffee
Dessert nic salts work beautifully as an all-day vape or as a satisfying after-meal treat.
Candy & Sweet Nic Salts
Fun, bold, and nostalgic, candy nic salts replicate the taste of childhood sweets and treats.
Popular options:
- Bubblegum
- Sherbet
- Gummy sweets
- Rainbow candy
- Cola bottles
- Sour candy
Candy flavours add a playful twist to your vaping routine and pair perfectly with the smoothness of nic salts.
Shop Nic Salts by Brand
At Vaping 101, we stock nic salts from the UK's most trusted and popular e-liquid brands. Each brand brings something unique, from award-winning recipes to bold, innovative flavours.
Bar Juice 5000 officially replicates Crystal Bar and other popular disposable brands.
Their range includes both 10ml nic salts and 100ml shortfills with exact flavour matching.
Famous for their dessert-inspired creations, Dinner Lady offers nic salts that replicate classic treats like Lemon Tart and Apple Pie. Their nic salt range is smooth, flavourful, and perfect for MTL devices.
Why vapers love Dinner Lady:
- Premium dessert flavours
- Internationally recognised quality
- Smooth, satisfying nicotine hit
Just Juice nic salts deliver bold fruit blends with a smooth nicotine hit, ranging from clean single fruits to layered tropical mixes.
Nasty Juice brings bold, fruit-forward flavours to the nic salt market, offering intense taste in every puff. Their liquids are designed for vapers who want powerful flavour without compromise.
Why vapers love Nasty Juice:
- Bold, vibrant fruit blends
- Internationally acclaimed
- Strong flavour profiles
Elux Legend-inspired nic salts replicate the bold, vibrant flavours from one of the UK's bestselling disposable brands.
Available in 10ml bottles at 10mg and 20mg strengths.
Riot Squad specialises in punchy, sweet, and fruit-heavy nic salts designed for all-day vaping. Their Black Edition line is particularly popular among MTL users.
Why vapers love Riot Squad:
- Bold, punchy flavours
- Consistent performance
- Great for everyday vaping
Just Jam nic salts capture rich jam style flavours, pairing sweet berries and fruit preserves with a smooth, comforting vape.
Available in 10ml nic salt bottles with 10mg and 20mg options, ideal for pod kits and MTL setups.
Wick Liquor nic salts are known for punchy, flavour forward mixes with a signature sweetness and crisp finish.
Available in 10ml nic salt bottles with 10mg and 20mg options across a wide range of profiles.
Best Devices for Nic Salts
Nic salts perform best in specific devices designed for lower wattage and tighter airflow. Here's a guide to the types of devices that work perfectly with nicotine salt e-liquids.
Pod Systems
Pod systems are purpose-built for nic salts, offering simplicity, portability, and excellent flavour.
Why pod systems are perfect for nic salts:
- Low wattage (10W-15W) prevents nicotine overload
- Tight MTL airflow enhances satisfaction
- Refillable or pre-filled options available
- Compact and discreet
Popular pod systems for nic salts:
- Geekvape Aegis Boost
- Voopoo Drag Nano
- Uwell Caliburn series
- SMOK Nord series
MTL Starter Kits
MTL starter kits offer a cigarette-like draw and are ideal for new vapers using nic salts.
Why MTL kits work well with nic salts:
- Simple operation for beginners
- Adjustable airflow for personal preference
- Long battery life at low wattages
- Consistent performance
Popular MTL kits for nic salts:
- Aspire PockeX
- Innokin Endura series
- Vaporesso XROS series
MTL Tanks
For vapers who prefer a mod and tank setup, MTL tanks offer excellent performance with nic salts.
Why MTL tanks are a great choice:
- Refillable and easy to maintain
- Replaceable coils for a longer lifespan
- Adjustable airflow
- Compatible with a wide range of mods
Popular MTL tanks for nic salts:
- Aspire Nautilus series
- Geekvape Z Nano
- Innokin Zlide
Disposable Vapes
(Pre-Filled with Nic Salts)
Many disposable vapes come pre-filled with nic salts, offering ultimate convenience.
Why disposables are popular:
- No refilling or maintenance
- Pre-charged and ready to use
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Available in countless flavours
While disposables are convenient, refillable pod systems offer better long-term value and are more environmentally friendly.
How to Get the Best Performance from Nic Salts?
To enjoy smooth flavour, consistent nicotine delivery, and longer coil life, follow these simple tips when using nic salt e-liquids.
Always use nic salts in low-wattage devices designed for MTL vaping. Avoid using nic salts in sub-ohm tanks or high-wattage mods, as this can deliver too much nicotine and cause discomfort.
Before using a new coil, add a few drops of nic salt e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton. Let the filled pod or tank sit for 5 minutes before vaping to ensure full saturation. This prevents dry hits and extends coil lifespan.
Keep your nic salt bottles in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed. Exposure to heat, light, or air degrades nicotine and flavour over time.
Coils gradually wear out, leading to muted flavour or burnt taste. Replace coils every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on usage, to maintain optimal performance.
Nic salt ingredients can settle over time, especially in bottles that have been stored for a while. Give your bottle a quick shake before refilling to ensure even flavour distribution.
Nic salts perform best at wattages between 10W and 15W. Higher wattages can produce a harsh throat hit and waste e-liquid. Stick to the wattage range recommended by your device manufacturer.
Nic Salts Buying Guide
Choosing the right nic salt e-liquid depends on your device, nicotine preference, and flavour taste. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect nic salt for your needs.
Start by deciding how much nicotine you need based on your smoking history or current vaping habits.
- If you smoked 10+ cigarettes per day: Start with 20mg
- If you smoked 5-10 cigarettes per day: Start with 10mg
- If you're reducing nicotine or vaping frequently: Try 5mg
Think about the flavours you enjoy most:
- Love fruit? Choose fruit nic salts for a fresh, vibrant taste.
- Prefer coolness? Choose menthol or ice blends.
- Want familiar taste? Choose tobacco nic salts.
- Enjoy indulgence? Choose dessert or candy nic salts.
Before using a new coil, add a few drops of nic salt e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton. Let the filled pod or tank sit for 5 minutes before vaping to ensure full saturation. This prevents dry hits and extends coil lifespan.
Stick with reputable brands like Pod Salt, Dinner Lady, Vampire Vape, IVG, and Nasty Juice for consistent quality and authentic flavours.
If you're trying a new flavour, start with a single 10ml bottle before committing to larger quantities. Most vapers try 3 to 5 flavours before finding their go-to options.
After a few days of use, assess your experience:
- If you're not satisfied: Try a higher nicotine strength
- If you feel lightheaded: Drop to a lower strength
- If the flavour isn't strong enough: Try a different brand or profile
Nic salts are highly customisable, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect match.
Why Buy Nic Salts at Vaping 101
When you shop at Vaping 101, you're choosing one of the UK's most trusted retailers for nic salt e-liquids. Here's what makes us the best choice for your nicotine salt needs.
Trusted by the UK Vape Community
With thousands of 5-star reviews and a reputation built on authenticity and reliability, Vaping 101 is a go-to destination for vapers across the country. When you shop with us, you're getting genuine products, fast delivery, and support you can trust.
100% Authentic Nic Salts
Every nic salt product we stock is sourced directly from manufacturers or authorised UK distributors. No counterfeits. No grey imports. Just genuine, TPD-compliant e-liquids that deliver the performance they're designed for.
Huge Range of Flavours and Strengths
From fruit and menthol to dessert and tobacco, we stock nic salts in every flavour profile imaginable. Available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths, you'll always find the perfect option for your device and preference.
Top Brands All in One Place
We stock nic salts from Pod Salt, Dinner Lady, Vampire Vape, IVG, Nasty Juice, Riot Squad, and many more. Whether you want award-winning flavours or bold new blends, our collection has it all.
Fast UK Delivery
We dispatch orders quickly to ensure your nic salts arrive as soon as possible. Spend over £50 and enjoy free UK delivery on your entire order.
Competitive Prices & Regular Offers
We work hard to keep our prices among the lowest in the UK without compromising on quality. Check back regularly for bundle deals and special offers on your favourite nic salts.
Expert Advice from Real Vapers
Not sure which strength or flavour to choose? Our team knows nic salts inside out and can help you pick the perfect option based on your device, smoking history, and taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nic Salts
Nic salts are a type of e-liquid that uses nicotine in its natural salt form, providing a smoother throat hit and faster absorption compared to traditional freebase nicotine. They're designed specifically for pod systems and MTL devices, delivering satisfying nicotine at higher strengths without harshness.
Nic salts are available in higher nicotine strengths (10mg and 20mg in the UK), but the throat hit is actually smoother than freebase nicotine at the same level. The nicotine is absorbed faster, making them feel more satisfying despite being gentler on the throat.
No, nic salts should not be used in sub-ohm tanks or high-wattage devices. The large vapour production and high power output can deliver too much nicotine at once, causing dizziness or discomfort. Nic salts are designed exclusively for low-wattage pod systems and MTL devices.
If you smoked heavily (10+ cigarettes per day), start with 20mg. If you were a moderate smoker (5-10 per day), try 10mg. If you're reducing nicotine or vaping frequently throughout the day, consider 5mg. Most vapers find their ideal strength within a few days of experimenting.
No, nic salts are designed for low-wattage devices that produce minimal vapour. This makes them ideal for discreet vaping and situations where large clouds aren't practical or desired.
Many ex-smokers find nic salts easier to transition to because the faster nicotine absorption and smoother throat hit closely replicate the sensation of smoking a cigarette. Combined with an MTL device, nic salts offer one of the most effective vaping experiences for people quitting smoking.
While technically possible, it's not recommended. Mixing the two types can result in unpredictable nicotine delivery and throat hit. It's best to use each type separately in devices designed for them.
New to vaping or your not sure where to start ?
Don’t worry vaping might seem a bit confusing at first, but it really doesn’t need to be. If you’re unsure where to start or just want things explained clearly, we’ve put together a set of simple guides to help you understand the basics. From choosing the right vape kit to looking after your vape and learning the different ways to vape, everything’s covered in plain language.
We also have helpful videos from our reviewer, Andrew, who walks you through each topic and products shows you exactly how it all works.
If you need any extra help, our friendly support team is here 7 days a week via live chat or give us a call on 01224 032542 and we’ll be happy to assist. You can also reach us through Contact Us.
