What Is VG In Vape Liquid?
A clear UK guide to VG in vape liquid, the thick sweet base that produces big clouds and smoother feel.
VG (vegetable glycerine) is the thick sweet base that produces big clouds and smoother vape feel.
VG is plant derived and used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In vapes it produces visible vapour and dilutes throat hit. UK e-liquids mix VG with PG in different ratios. Sub ohm shortfills typically use 70/30 VG/PG. Pod systems and MTL devices work better at 50/50.
VG is what makes vape clouds look impressive. Without VG you get small wispy vapour. With high VG you get the big dense clouds that define DTL vaping. Understanding what VG does helps you pick e-liquid that matches your device and the vape experience you want.
What VG actually does in your vape
Four main effects flow from VG content. The grid below covers each.
Cloud production
VG produces dense visible vapour. The higher the VG ratio the bigger the clouds.
✓ Cloud factorSmoother feel
VG smooths throat hit. High VG e-liquid feels gentler than high PG even at the same nicotine.
✓ Less harshSlight sweetness
VG is naturally sweet which adds subtle background sweetness to e-liquid flavour.
✓ Background noteThicker consistency
VG is much thicker than PG. Affects wicking and which devices can use high VG e-liquid.
⚠ Device matchCommon UK VG ratios and their uses
The table below covers the typical UK VG ratios you will see in vape shops.
| VG ratio | Best for |
|---|---|
| 50% VG (50/50 PG/VG) | MTL pods, balanced throat hit and clouds |
| 60% VG (60/40 VG/PG) | Hybrid devices wanting more vapour than 50/50 |
| 70% VG (70/30 VG/PG) | Sub ohm shortfills, the UK standard for DTL |
| 80% VG (80/20 VG/PG) | High cloud DTL with smoother feel |
| 100% VG (Max VG) | PG sensitive vapers and maximum cloud chasers |
Why high VG needs the right device
Thick high VG e-liquid struggles to wick through small holes in pod systems and MTL devices. The cotton cannot soak it fast enough which causes burnt taste and short coil life. Sub ohm tanks have wider wicking holes designed for thick VG. Using high VG in an MTL pod produces poor results. Match the e-liquid ratio to your device for best performance.
VG is on the UK Food Standards Agency Generally Recognised As Safe list. The same material is used in toothpaste, ice cream and pharmaceutical products. Most VG sold for UK vape liquid is plant derived which makes high VG e-liquids friendly to most dietary preferences. The vaping context introduces inhalation which is the main area of UK research.
How to pick the right VG ratio
The checklist below covers what UK vape shop staff most often recommend.
VG ratio selection checklist
Use four or more of these to pick the right ratio.
- Match VG ratio to device, sub ohm needs high VG
- Pick 50/50 for pod systems and MTL devices
- Try 70/30 for sub ohm tanks as the UK standard
- Use Max VG if you have PG sensitivity
- Higher VG dilutes flavour, plan for slightly stronger flavours
- Adjust nicotine strength when changing VG ratio significantly
When to choose high VG
Most UK sub ohm vapers use 70 percent VG e-liquid by default. Higher ratios up to 100 percent suit cloud chasers and PG sensitive users. Below 70 percent VG suits MTL devices and balanced experiences. The choice depends on what you want from your vape: bigger clouds and smoother feel for high VG, or stronger throat hit and crisper flavour for higher PG.
VG works alongside PG as the e-liquid base partnership, which our our guide on what is PG in vape liquid covers, plus our article on VG vs PG differences explained explores the high VG sub ohm style.
Frequently asked questions
Is VG safe to inhale?
VG has decades of safe use in food and pharmaceuticals. Inhalation research is ongoing but acute toxicity from typical vape exposure is not documented.
Why is high VG vape sweeter?
VG is naturally sweet. Higher ratios add subtle background sweetness.
Can high VG damage pod systems?
It can cause poor wicking and short coil life. Pods are designed for 50/50 ratios.
Are there VG free vapes?
Some pure PG e-liquids exist but most have at least 30 percent VG.
Why does VG produce big clouds?
VG is denser than PG and creates more visible vapour when heated.
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