If you’re into vaping, you probably have a bunch of old vape juices lying around that you haven’t used in a while, as you explore different flavors. But is this OK? Can you go back to a flavor that has been sat on your shelf for a matter of months or even years? Can the flavor go weird? Could it even make you sick?
These are valid concerns. After all, we know that we shouldn’t drink gone off milk or mouldy bread, but what about old vape juice?
In this article we dive into all the essential information you need about how to know when vape juice expires, and what happens when it does. After reading, you can be sure to never smoke expired vape juice again.
What is vape juice?
Vape juice is a liquid that is used in electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers. It typically contains propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine. PG and VG are the base liquids that provide the vapor in electronic cigarettes, and they can be mixed in different ratios to create different flavors and levels of vapor production.
Flavorings are added to vape juice to create the variety of taste experiences that users enjoy, and these can range from simple fruit or candy flavors to more complex blends. Nicotine is also often added to vape juice, although there are also many nicotine-free options available.
Vape juice is available in both bottled and pre-filled cartridge form, and it can also be purchased in bulk to save money. Some people prefer to mix their own vape juice at home using a variety of flavoring concentrates, while others simply purchase their favorite flavors from a reputable retailer. Vape juice can also be used to refill empty cartridges for electronic cigarettes.
Vaping is becoming increasingly popular as a way to consume nicotine, especially among people who are trying to quit smoking cigarettes. Vape juice offers a convenient and enjoyable way to get your nicotine fix, and it comes in a variety of delicious flavors.
Does vape juice expire?
Yes, vape juice can expire. Just like any other type of food or drink, the ingredients in vape juice can go bad over time. This means that the flavor of your juice may change, and it may not be as effective at producing vapor.
The easiest way of checking whether your vape juice is expired is by taking a look at the expiry date. If the current date is after this date, you may want to throw your vape juice away.
How can you tell if your vape juice has expired?
Most vape juices have an expiration date clearly marked on the bottle. You can usually find this near the barcode. If there is no expiration date, it is generally recommended that you throw away the vape juice after one year.
When it comes to taste, expired vape juice may taste harsh, muted, or simply off. If you notice any of these changes in taste, it is probably time to toss the bottle.
As for smell, a sure-fire way to tell if your e-liquid has gone bad is if it smells unpleasant. If your vape juice smells distinctly different to how it did, you do not necessarily have to get rid of it, but it is probably past its best.
Thickness is also a good gauge of juice that is past its best. If your vape juice is significantly thicker or runnier than it was when you bought it, this is also a good indication that it has gone bad.
It is natural for your vape juice to slightly change color over time, particular if it has nicotine in it. However, if your vape juice is much darker, or has changed a color that is not yellow or brown, it has unfortunately gone to the big vape store in the sky.
What is the best way to ensure your vape juice doesn’t expire?
There are a few tips that you can use to make sure your vape juice lasts longer, and doesn’t expire before the date on the bottle:
- Store your vape juice in a cool, dark place. Heat and light can break down the nicotine and other chemicals in vape juice, so it's important to keep it out of direct sunlight or heat exposure.
- While keeping your vape juice in the fridge may extend its life, you should not store vape juice in the freezer. This is because it can cause crystallisation of the vape juice, which may affect its flavor.
- If you're not using a disposable cartridge, be sure to clean your vaping device regularly; dirty coils can cause your vape juice to taste bad and can also shorten its shelf life.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your vape juice for months (or even years) to come.
Is it unhealthy to vape expired juice?
There are plenty of vaping myths and misconceptions out there. One of the most common is that it is unhealthy to smoke expired vape juice. This simply is not true. While it is not recommended to vape expired juice, it is not going to harm you.
The worst thing that might occur is that the flavor is off or the vape might not be as strong due to nicotine degrading. When nicotine degrades, it turns into a chemical called cotinine, which is safe to vape. Studies suggest the cotinine may have a similar effect on the brain as nicotine, albeit while being a little weaker.
The bottom line is that expired vape juice is perfectly safe to consume. There is no need to worry about the health risks associated with expired vape juice.
How do you properly store vape juice?
Vape juice should ideally be stored in a cool, dark place. The best way to store vape juice is in a glass bottle with a child-proof cap. If you are using a plastic bottle to store your vape juice, make sure that it is BPA-free. It is important to keep your vape juice away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat can cause the nicotine in your vape juice to degrade.
If you are not using your vape juice right away, it is best to store it in the fridge. Make sure to tightly seal your bottle so that the vape juice does not leak. When you are ready to use your vape juice, take it out of the fridge and allow it to warm to room temperature before using it.
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