How does VG affect the vaping experience?

The higher the VG content, the more visible vapour is produced and the gentler the draw feels in the throat and lungs. At the same time, the flavour becomes slightly milder and slightly sweeter, as glycerine itself has a mild sweetness. Typical VG/PG ratios 50/50: Balanced standard blend. Suitable for pod systems, MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapes and nicotine salt e-liquids. A good compromise between flavour, throat hit and moderate vapour production. 70/30 (VG/PG): Plenty of vapour, smooth draw, slightly muted flavour. Standard for sub-ohm vapes from approx. 40 watts. 80/20 or High-VG (Max VG): Very large clouds, very smooth. Ideal for cloud chasers with high-power coils under 0.3 ohms. Impact on hardware Glycerine e-liquid is viscous. Narrow coils and tight windings in pods or MTL vapes can struggle to draw properly at 80% VG, leading to a dry hit. Wide airflows and large-surface-area windings in sub-ohm tanks, on the other hand, cope very well with a high VG content.

Liquids & Aromen

VG in e-liquid - vegetable glycerine explained simply

VG (Vegetable Glycerin) in e-liquid: function, VG/PG ratio, vapour quantity and suitable selection. Tips for beginners and sub-ohm vapers in Switzerland.

VG is one of the most important base ingredients in any e-liquid and directly determines how much vapour your e-cigarette produces. The term stands for vegetable glycerine and, together with PG (propylene glycol), forms the basis of almost all e-liquids. Whether you use a discreet pod system or a powerful sub-ohm atomiser depends largely on the VG content in the e-liquid. In the following guide, you’ll find out exactly what VG is, how it affects flavour and vapour production, and which VG/PG ratio suits your setup.

VG stands for Vegetable Glycerine. Chemically, it is a trihydric alcohol (glycerol, C₃H₈O₃) derived from vegetable oils such as rapeseed, coconut or palm. In food-grade form, glycerine is approved as food additive E422 and is found in toothpaste, baked goods and cosmetics.

In e-liquid, VG acts as a carrier fluid: it absorbs flavours and, optionally, nicotine, and vaporises when heated by the coil. The liquid is clear, odourless, has a slightly sweet taste and is significantly thicker than water. It is precisely this viscosity that is the key difference from the second base ingredient, PG, which is thinner and delivers flavours more sharply.

In short: VG provides the vapour cloud and a smooth texture in the mouth, whilst PG delivers flavour intensity and the noticeable throat hit. The blend of both components – the VG/PG ratio – significantly shapes the character of a VG liquid.

The higher the VG content, the more visible vapour is produced and the gentler the draw feels in the throat and lungs. At the same time, the flavour becomes slightly milder and slightly sweeter, as glycerine itself has a mild sweetness.

Typical VG/PG ratios

50/50: Balanced standard blend. Suitable for pod systems, MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapes and nicotine salt e-liquids. A good compromise between flavour, throat hit and moderate vapour production.
70/30 (VG/PG): Plenty of vapour, smooth draw, slightly muted flavour. Standard for sub-ohm vapes from approx. 40 watts.
80/20 or High-VG (Max VG): Very large clouds, very smooth. Ideal for cloud chasers with high-power coils under 0.3 ohms.

Impact on hardware

Glycerine e-liquid is viscous. Narrow coils and tight windings in pods or MTL vapes can struggle to draw properly at 80% VG, leading to a dry hit. Wide airflows and large-surface-area windings in sub-ohm tanks, on the other hand, cope very well with a high VG content.

Finding the right liquid is primarily about matching the VG content to your hardware. These points will help you decide:

Check the atomiser type: 50/50 or 60/40 is suitable for pods and tight MTL coils. For sub-ohm tanks, go for 70/30 or higher. Shortfills almost always have a high VG content.
Consider the nicotine form: Nicotine salt generally works best with 50/50 bases. Freebase nicotine is also compatible with high-VG e-liquids.
Quality of the base: Look for food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade (USP/EP) quality. Reputable manufacturers declare the origin of the vegetable glycerine.
Flavour profile: Fruit and menthol flavours come through more clearly in blends with a higher PG content. Dessert and cream notes harmonise well with a high VG content.
Tolerance: Some vapers are sensitive to PG (sore throat, dry mouth). In this case, it is worth switching to 70/30 or high-VG.
Shelf life and storage: VG is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture. Store e-liquids in a cool, dark place and keep them tightly sealed; this will ensure that the flavour and consistency remain stable for a long time.

Is VG harmful to health?

Food-grade vegetable glycerine is considered safe for consumption and is used in many products. The long-term effects of vaping are the subject of ongoing research. E-cigarettes are intended exclusively for adults aged 18 and over.

Can I vape pure VG?

100% VG is possible, but it delivers little flavour and hardly any throat hit. Furthermore, thin coils clog up quickly. A small PG content of at least 10 to 20% makes more sense for most setups.

Why does my high-VG e-liquid taste burnt?

This is usually due to too little liquid in the coil. Wait a few minutes after filling, start at a lower wattage and choose an atomiser with large air intake holes that draws thick VG e-liquid cleanly.

Is VG or PG sweeter?

VG tastes slightly sweet and smooth, whilst PG is almost neutral but has a sharper finish. This is why e-liquids with a high VG content often have a rounder and fuller flavour.

VG is far more than just a filler: vegetable glycerine determines the vapour volume, smoothness and viscosity of your e-liquid. If you use a pod system, 50/50 blends work best; sub-ohm enthusiasts should opt for 70/30 or higher. Ultimately, what matters is that the hardware, VG/PG ratio and flavour complement each other. Browse our selection of e-liquids and compare different mix ratios, or take a look at matching short fills for high-VG setups.