Heated tobacco is gaining popularity up and down the country, especially among smokers looking to quit. But what exactly is it? Is it a safer alternative to smoking?
In this article, we’ll explain what heated tobacco and heat-not-burn products are. Hopefully, you will learn more about the product and industry by the end and feel more confident about switching and putting down cigarettes for good.
So, what is heated tobacco?
Heated tobacco, like IQOS, heats real tobacco rather than burning it. This means you get a nicotine hit, just without all the harmful smoke and ash. It works with special tobacco sticks like HEETS or TEREA, which slot nicely into the device and heat up.
The sticks release fewer harmful chemicals than regular cigarettes. Each stick contains 0.5 mg of nicotine, giving you that familiar experience with less risk.
You can pick from all kinds of flavours, too. Popular options include menthol or classic tobacco. Plus, IQOS devices use smart tech to evenly heat the tobacco. This means the vapour disappears within seconds and doesn’t leave a lingering smell.
Whilst we can’t say it’s completely risk-free, as you’re still using real tobacco, it is a much cleaner option for smokers who are looking for a health-conscious alternative.
Is heated tobacco safer than smoking?
The burning question? Is heated tobacco safer than smoking? Yes. It’s generally considered safer than smoking. This is because it heats tobacco rather than burning it.
IQOS devices like the ILUMA One use Smartcore Induction Technology to heat the tobacco, creating vapour instead of smoke. This process cuts down on harmful chemicals by 95% compared to cigarettes. But there are always going to be minimal risks as it still contains tobacco and nicotine, which is addictive.
Another alluring factor of heated tobacco is there is no second-hand smoke to worry about. This means it’s less likely to affect those around you. The vapour dissolves quicker and leaves much less odour than cigarette smoke does.
Heated tobacco doesn’t leave behind ash either, so there’s no mess to worry about, and it’s less likely to stain your teeth or fingers.
For smokers who aren’t ready to give up the taste of tobacco completely, we sell a variety of IQOS heat-not-burn devices. They’re also the industry leader in heated tobacco products, so we promise you’re in safe hands.
What’s the difference between vaping and heated tobacco?
The main difference between vaping and heated tobacco is the materials used. Vaping relies on e-liquids, while heated tobacco uses real tobacco that’s heated (but not burned).
Let’s break down the main differences:
What’s Used?
Vaping uses e-liquids made from ingredients like vegetable glycerine (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavourings, and often nicotine. Simply put, there’s no tobacco involved. However, heated tobacco uses real tobacco sticks like IQOS HEETS. These are heated to release a nicotine-containing vapour.
Flavour Options
With vapes, the number of flavours available is truly never-ending. From blue razz lemonade to strawberry raspberry cherry, you’re spoilt for choice. The key difference with heated tobacco is that it provides a more authentic experience, with flavours focused on tobacco and menthol variants.
Nicotine Delivery
In a vape kit, nicotine is delivered through the vape juice. Levels can also be changed to your liking up to 20mg. With heated tobacco, the nicotine comes from the tobacco sticks themselves. They offer a similar hit to smoking, with around 14 puffs per stick and 0.5 mg of nicotine.
Smoke and Ash
Vape and heated tobacco devices share a major similarity – there’s no smoke or ash. The former only produces vapour, while the latter heats the tobacco rather than burns it.
Smell
While some vape liquids produce an intense smell, it normally disappears within seconds. With heated tobacco, there’s less smell than a cigarette, and the vapour dissipates quicker, making it more discreet.
Whichever option you go for, both are cleaner alternatives to smoking and a step in the right direction to cutting down or giving up the habit altogether.
Ready to try heated tobacco?
If we’ve swayed you into trying out heated tobacco, why not take a look at the options we have available? We’ve got nicotine pouches for those looking for something discreet and easy. Check out our blog on the best nicotine pouches for more information. We’ve got plenty of other blogs and guides, too.
If you need any help, we’re only a message away. Reach out; one of our experts will guide you or answer any questions.