Tobacco Taste Satisfaction: Do Vapes/heated Tobacco Taste Like Cigarettes?

Looking to switch to smoke-free alternatives from cigarettes, but questions about tobacco taste satisfaction 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 of cigarette smoking 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, it helps to understand which products contain real tobacco. Cigarettes contain real tobacco, but the taste of cigarettes is the taste of burnt tobacco. While smoke-free alternatives offer benefits in comparison 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 does not 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 does not contain real tobacco, though there are many e-liquids 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 with a cigarette. 

IQOS heated tobacco technology, for example, is designed to be used with unique tobacco sticks, which are made of high-quality tobacco. They come in numerous flavors that can deliver a variety of tobacco flavors, from rich and warm, to balanced and roasted, to refreshing and cooling. 

Learn more about heated tobacco. 

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. 

However, even e liquids that are tobacco flavored will not be the same as a cigarette because ultimately, vapes create vapor, not smoke. The flavor that many smokers are used to is that of the tobacco smoke that is created when the cigarette burns. When someone vapes, a vapor is created from the e-liquid being in contact with the heating element in the e-cigarette, and that is what the adult user tastes. That is a key difference between an e-cigarette vs real cigarette. Understanding that it will not be entirely the same taste experience is a key factor in a successful switch. 

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. IQOS has a range of tobacco blends, from balanced and crisp, to fresh and vibrant. 

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 in comparison to cigarettes. 

How else are the e-cigarette and heated tobacco experiences different from 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 heated tobacco device. Some brands offer a kit that can help you to switch from cigarettes, which generally includes the device, accessories like chargers, and a small range of consumables 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 it with proper storage, parts replacement, cleaning, and overall ensuring the device stays in good working condition. Moreover, you may not be able to purchase your e-liquid or your tobacco sticks in the same place that you normally purchase your cigarettes. This could also lead to some more changes in routine when determining how to source e liquids or tobacco sticks. 

Lastly but most importantly, one of the biggest changes that one 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.* IQOS is a better choice than continued smoking.**

*Average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk.

**  Based on the totality of evidence available for IQOS in comparison with continuing to smoke. See Important information.

(1) “Tar” is the residue from cigarette smoke after a cigarette is burned. Since IQOS does not burn tobacco, it does not produce tar. Its aerosol residue is fundamentally different from cigarette “tar”. 

* Reductions in levels of the 9 harmful chemicals the World Health Organization recommends to reduce in cigarette smoke, which do not include nicotine.
**  Based on the totality of evidence available for IQOS in comparison with continuing to smoke. See Important information.

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, as well as your desire to leave cigarettes behind and switch to an alternative. 

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 about your health, then the best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit tobacco and nicotine 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. 

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. 

At the end of the day, thanks to rapid advances in science and technology, better alternatives now exist for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke. Smoke-free products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, can be a better choice than cigarettes. 

Learn the differences between heated tobacco and vapes/e cigarettes. 

If you’re ready to leave cigarettes behind and take a step towards a smoke-free product and try a new taste experience, we recommend researching alternatives to smoking further to determine which suits you best. 

Discover IQOS heated tobacco devices. 

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.