Vape Concentrates Explained: A Simple DIY E-Liquid Guide

Vape concentrates are becoming more popular with UK vapers who want to understand DIY e-liquid mixing. This guide explains what vape concentrates are, how they work, whether you can vape them directly, and how the upcoming UK vape tax may affect them.

Quick Answer: What Are Vape Concentrates?

Vape concentrates are strong flavour liquids used to make DIY e-liquid. They are not ready-to-vape e-liquids on their own. To make usable vape juice, vape concentrates need to be mixed with VG, PG, and nicotine if required.

In simple words, the concentrate gives the flavour, while the base liquid helps turn it into a usable vape liquid. For example, a strawberry vape concentrate gives the strawberry taste, but it still needs to be diluted properly before it can be used in a vape device.

Are Vape Concentrates the Same as E-Liquid?

No, vape concentrates and e-liquid are not the same.

An e-liquid is ready to vape and usually contains flavouring, VG, PG, and sometimes nicotine. Vape concentrates are only the flavour part. They are much stronger than the usual vape juice and are designed for mixing.

This is why vape liquid concentrates are mainly used by people who understand DIY e-liquids or want more control over their final vape juice.

Can You Vape Concentrates Directly?

No, you should not vape concentrates directly.

Vape flavour concentrates are too strong to be used on their own. They are made to be diluted into a ready-to-vape e-liquid first. Vaping concentrate directly can give a harsh, overpowering taste and is not how the product is intended to be used.

So when people search for “how to vape concentrate”, the correct answer is not to vape the concentrate by itself. The safer and correct question is: how do you use vape concentrates in DIY e-liquid?

Always follow the mixing instructions from the manufacturer and avoid guessing measurements.

How Do Vape Concentrates Work in DIY E-Liquid?

Vape concentrates work by adding flavour to a base mixture.

For example, if someone wants to make a mango e-liquid, the mango concentrate provides the flavour. The VG/PG base creates the main liquid, and nicotine can be added if the user wants nicotine in the final vape juice.

This is why DIY vape concentrate products are popular with people who want more control over flavour strength, nicotine level, and the final feel of their e-liquid.

How to Mix DIY E-Liquid Using Vape Concentrates

Mixing DIY e-liquid with vape concentrates is mainly about adding the right amount of flavour concentrate to a VG/PG base, with nicotine added only if required.

DIY mixing gives more control, but it also needs careful measuring and safe handling, especially when nicotine is involved. Beginners may find shortfills, longfills, or ready-made e-liquids easier to use.

Why Do People Use Vape Concentrates?

People use vape concentrates because they give more flexibility than ready-made e-liquid. They are mainly used by vapers who want more control over flavour, nicotine strength, and how their e-liquid is mixed.

Some of the main reasons include:

• More control over flavour strength

• Ability to create custom flavour blends

• More choice for DIY e-liquid mixing

• Useful for people who enjoy experimenting with flavours

• Easier to create larger batches when done correctly

Vape concentrates can also be more cost-effective for experienced mixers. Some DIY vapers may reduce their cost per ml compared to buying ready-made e-liquids, especially when mixing larger batches. The exact saving depends on the concentrate price, VG/PG base, nicotine shots, bottle size, and how carefully the mix is measured.

However, vape concentrates are not the easiest option for everyone. Beginners may find ready-made e-liquids, shortfills, or longfills simpler because they require less measuring and mixing.

Vape Concentrates vs Longfills vs Shortfills: What Is the Difference?

Vape concentrates, longfills, and shortfills are different products, but they are all connected to e-liquid mixing.

Vape concentrates are strong flavour liquids. They are not ready to vape and need to be mixed with VG/PG base and nicotine if required.

Longfills are bottles that already contain a measured amount of flavour concentrate, with empty space left for VG/PG base and nicotine shots. They are easier than using raw concentrates because the flavour amount is already worked out.

Shortfills are larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid. They usually already contain flavour, VG and PG, with space left to add nicotine shots. Once nicotine is added and the bottle is shaken properly, they are usually ready to vape.

In simple words, vape concentrates give the most control, longfills make DIY mixing easier, and shortfills are the simplest option for users who only want to add nicotine shots.

Are Vape Concentrates Safe?

Yes, vape concentrates can be used safely when they are made for e-liquid mixing and diluted correctly. They should not be vaped directly, swallowed, or mixed carelessly.

To use vape concentrates more safely:

• Buy from reputable UK vape suppliers that provide clear product information, ingredient details, and usage guidance.

• Follow the product’s mixing guidance so the concentrate is diluted at the correct percentage before use.

• Measure carefully instead of guessing, as too much concentrate can make the liquid harsh, overpowering, or unpleasant to vape.

• Keep bottles away from children and pets.

• Store them away from heat and direct sunlight.

• Be careful when handling nicotine shots.

• Do not mix unknown ingredients.

The main safety point is simple: vape concentrates are flavour ingredients for mixing, not finished vape juice.

What Are the Best Vape Flavour Concentrates?

The best vape flavour concentrates depend on the flavours you enjoy.

Popular flavour categories include:

• Fruit vape concentrates

• Menthol and ice concentrates

• Dessert flavour concentrates

• Candy-style concentrates

• Drink-inspired concentrates

• Tobacco-style concentrates

For many UK vapers, the best vape flavour concentrates are the ones that mix well, taste clean, and come from trusted brands. If you are new to DIY e-liquid concentrates UK, it is better to start with simple flavours before trying complex mixes.

Fruit and menthol flavours are often easier for beginners, while dessert and creamy flavours may need more care because they can be richer and more complex.

What Is a 100ml Vape Concentrate?

A 100ml vape concentrate usually means a larger DIY flavouring product that needs to be mixed with VG/PG base before vaping, but always check the label because the term can also be used for longfills or shortfills.

A 100ml vape concentrate can mean different things depending on the product.

Some bottles may be pure flavour concentrate. Others may be longfills, shortfills, or larger DIY mixing products. This is why customers should always check the label before using them.

A 100ml bottle is not automatically ready to vape. If it says concentrate, it usually needs dilution. If it is a longfill, it may need VG/PG base and nicotine shots added. If it is a shortfill, it may already contain VG/PG and flavour but leave space for nicotine shots.

Always check:

• Is it a pure concentrate?

• Is it a longfill?

• Is it a shortfill?

• Does it need nicotine shots?

• Does it need VG/PG base?

• Is it ready to vape or not?

This is especially important for anyone new to concentrate vaping or DIY e-liquid mixing.

Will UK Vape Tax Affect Vape Concentrates?

Yes, it may affect vape concentrates.

From 1 October 2026, the UK will introduce Vaping Products Duty. The tax is £2.20 per 10ml and applies to vape liquids, including nicotine-free liquids. You can read our full guide on the UK vape duty for a more detailed breakdown. 

One possible result is that some vapers may start looking at DIY e-liquid mixing, longfills, shortfills, and vape concentrates as prices rise.

However, this does not mean DIY mixing is the best option for everyone. Making your own vape liquid can involve risks, especially around ingredient quality, nicotine handling, correct measurements, and consistency.

Experienced users may understand how to manage this properly. For beginners, it can be less straightforward.

Vape concentrates should also not be seen as a guaranteed way to avoid vape tax. If they are sold for vaping or for making vape liquid, they may still be affected by UK vape duty rules.

So, the vape tax may increase interest in DIY vape juice, but users should be careful, follow UK rules, and avoid unsafe mixing.

UK Rules to Keep in Mind

UK vaping products must follow strict rules, especially when nicotine is involved.

Nicotine-containing e-liquid refill containers are restricted to a maximum size of 10ml, and e-liquids are restricted to a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml.

This matters for DIY e-liquid because nicotine shots and final mixed products still need to be handled carefully and used correctly.

Are Vape Concentrates Good for Beginners?

 No, they are not always the best starting point for complete beginners.

They are better for users who:

• Understand basic mixing

• Know the difference between concentrate and e-liquid

• Can follow measurements properly

• Want to create DIY e-liquids

• Want more control over flavour strength

For beginners, longfills or shortfills may be easier because they require less work. Vape concentrates are better for people who are willing to learn the mixing process properly.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Vape Concentrates?

Vape concentrates are a good option for UK vapers who want to explore DIY e-liquid mixing. They give more control over flavour, allow custom blends, and can be useful for people who want more flexibility than ready-made vape juice.

However, they must be used correctly. Vape concentrates are not ready to vape directly. They need to be diluted with the right base liquid and nicotine if required.

With the UK vape tax coming from 1 October 2026, more people may start researching vape concentrates, longfills, and DIY e-liquids.