JUUL is one of the most well-known vape brands worldwide, but its heyday might be over. As sleek and intuitive as JUUL pod vapes are, they lack one key element: authentic flavors.
Like many vape brands, JUUL uses artificial flavorings. Artificial menthol doesn’t taste anything like the minty, cooling sensation that smokers have come to expect from menthol-flavored cigarettes such as Newport, Salem, and Pall Mall.
Fortunately, there’s a JUUL alternative that solves this problem.
Introduction to JUUL
JUUL Labs was founded in 2015 and soon rose to prominence in the vape community. The prefilled devices combine all the easiest, most intuitive elements of disposables and pod systems.
By 2018, investors valued JUUL Labs at $1.2 billion, which represented 75% of the dollar market share in the four weeks ending October 6th. Year after year, research has shown that JUUL is especially popular among young people. The most recent National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 16.5% of respondents preferred JUUL products.
All JUUL devices are fitted with a click-in pod system, that allows vapers to easily switch between different flavors. They contain nicotine salts, which promise high amounts of nicotine and smooth throat hits.
Why Seek Alternatives to JUUL?
More and more people are seeking JUUL alternatives.
- Non-refillable pods. JUUL pods can’t be refilled. Once the e-liquid is gone, you need to buy a new pod. In other words, JUUL pod systems only support e-liquids that are made by the manufacturer.
- Low powered. If you want a powerful vaping experience, you should avoid JUUL devices. On average, they run between 3.6 and 4.2V. JUUL pod systems have a built-in 200mAh battery, which is barely enough to last most vapers through the day.
- Artificial flavors. Despite JUUL’s continuing popularity in the U.S., some of the flavors leave fans feeling disappointed. JUUL only offers artificial flavors, which just can’t compare to naturally extracted tobacco e-liquid (N.E.T.).
Even with all these things considered, we still have to mention the biggest reason why vapers look for alternatives to JUUL.
Health Impact of JUUL Pods
Despite the brand’s claim that there is no diacetyl in JUUL pods, research tells a different story. In one study from 2021, researchers analyzed emissions from 13 JUUL pod flavors and detected diacetyl, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and methylglyoxal in 100% of the samples.
Vape manufacturers typically use diacetyl to create artificial vanilla, coconut, and butter flavors.
Diacetyl entered the public consciousness in 2020 when a physician reported that eight former microwave popcorn factory workers had developed bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare lung disease characterized by scarring in the lungs. Now, the condition is better known as popcorn lung and has become associated with e-liquids.
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The ill effects of diacetyl are widely known, but the U.S. has yet to ban the use of this chemical in vape products.
JUUL fans don’t just have diacetyl to worry about; there is no end to the number of dangerous chemicals that could be hiding in JUUL pods, especially considering the brand isn’t upfront about its ingredients.
JUUL Alternatives
Given all the downsides of using JUUL pods, it’s no surprise that hundreds of thousands of vapers are switching to other brands.
So, what JUUL alternatives are available to vapers seeking healthier, more flavorful vaping experiences?
Refillable Pod Systems
JUUL devices operate on a closed-pod system. These types of systems are not refillable, meaning they are single-use.
If you want more flexibility, there are plenty of open-pod systems on the market. Vapers can refill open-pod systems as many times as necessary, or until they need to replace the coil.
Are Refillable E-Cigarettes Cheaper?
There is no doubt that JUUL pods are not the cheapest options out there. But are refillable pod systems more cost-effective?
On its own, a JUUL pod system costs $9.99. A JUUL Menthol Starter Kit contains the device and two pods and costs around $12.99, depending on the retailer. A 2-pack of replacement pods costs $13.99 and a 4-pack costs $23.69 on the JUUL website, although you can probably find them cheaper elsewhere.
There are approximately 200 puffs in a JUUL pod. Everyone has different vaping patterns, but if you are accustomed to smoking 20 cigarettes a day, a JUUL pod might only last for one day. That’s $5.90 in e-liquid expenses, and that’s only if you buy 4-packs of pods.
As for alternatives, there are all sorts of options. The Vaporesso Zero S is $13.59, making it one of the cheapest open-pod systems available. Once you have the device, you can use any e-liquid you prefer.
MENTHOL BLEND
Fresh, Crisp & Balanced
Whether you’re a fan of Marlboro Menthol Silver, Newport, Salem Silver, or American Spirits Menthol, our e-liquid provides a similar refreshing and crisp menthol experience.
Benefits of Switching to Black Note
Black Note e-liquid is one of the best JUUL alternatives for health-conscious vapers who want authentic flavors.
Health Benefits
All Black Note e-liquids are N.E.T. e-liquids. Naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids are sourced straight from the tobacco plant, meaning there are no artificial flavors. By switching from JUUL pods to Black Note’s N.E.T. e-liquids, you are eliminating lots of harmful chemicals from your life.
Say goodbye to diacetyl and any number of other artificial, unpredictable chemical compounds. When you take a puff on Black Note’s Menthol e-liquid, you know exactly where the flavors have come from.
Natural Tasting Flavor Options
Besides the health benefits, you also get to enjoy natural-tasting flavors. An artificial alternative can’t match Black Note’s Menthol e-liquid.
We crossbreed tobacco seeds to create the best possible flavors for our customers. Once we harvest the leaves, we hand-select and sun-cure them to evoke the naturally fresh, invigorating taste of menthol. We help the tobacco leaves produce the best flavors, but the products of our labor are all natural.
Interested to learn more? You can read about our 9-step process here.
Tips On Transitioning to Black Note
Plenty of ex-smokers switch straight to JUUL pods, bypassing starter kits entirely. A whole generation of new vapers is unaware of basic facts about e-liquid compositions, nicotine strengths, and freebase nicotine.
Before you switch to this JUUL alternative, you should brush up on your knowledge.
Understand VG & PG
All e-liquids contain a base of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). They form the base of the e-liquid, and then nicotine strengths and flavorings follow.
Typically, VG acts as a sweetener, but it also has another main purpose. It thickens the consistency of the e-liquid and produces dense, immense clouds. If you want to use Black Note’s Menthol e-liquid in a sub-ohm device, you need to choose an e-liquid with a high VG concentration.
The amount of PG determines the severity of the throat hit and the intensity of the flavor. A 50VG/50PG ratio is the standard amount. Unlike VG, PG typically doesn’t constitute the bulk of an e-liquid. That being said, you can find high PG mixtures. Beware, these e-liquids are likely to have a harsh throat hit!
50VG/50PG and higher PG e-liquids are not suitable for sub-ohm devices. Instead, these e-liquids work best in starter kits and pod systems.
Like all our e-liquids, Menthol Tobacco is available in 50VG/50PG and 70VG/30PG, and Salt Nicotine blends.
Black Note Menthol is a tobacco menthol blend that combines a sun-cured Oriental tobacco natural extract with a cool menthol extract derived from genuine peppermint leaves. Black Note Menthol is a must-buy for fans of mentholated tobacco e-liquids and those who want a blend that gets as close as possible to the real thing.
Choose Between Freebase & Nic Salts
Black Note is not just one of the best JUUL alternatives due to its natural flavorings. It also offers both freebase nicotine and salt nicotine options, appealing to every tastebud.
Freebase nicotine is a combination of pure nicotine and ammonia. Ammonia makes it easier for humans to absorb nicotine. This type of nicotine promises a potent throat hit and satisfying flavors.
Typically, freebase nicotine is the standard for e-liquids. Unless a product is specifically labeled as a salt nicotine, you can assume it contains freebase nicotine.
To create nicotine salts, manufacturers extract nicotine from tobacco plants. In its purest form, nicotine is a crystalline salt. When manufacturers add benzoic acid to the salt, the pH level reduces. This makes the salt much smoother on the inhale, allowing vapers to consume higher nicotine concentrations without adverse effects.
JUUL pods contain salt nics. If you want something that is directly comparable to your JUUL Menthol pod (but without artificial flavors), switch straight to Black Note’s Salt Nicotine.
Read Nicotine Salts vs. Freebase Nicotine: Understanding the Differences to learn more.
Choose a Nicotine Strength
Last but not least, the nicotine strength.
Here is what you need to know.
- Black Note’s freebase nicotine options are available with 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg of nicotine.
- Black Note Salt Nicotine liquid is available with 20mg, 30mg, and 50mg of nicotine.
Remember, nicotine salts contain much higher doses of nicotine. Unlike freebase nicotine, salt nicotine liquids offer smooth throat hits, which makes them ideal for people who need large concentrations of nicotine.
You can read more about Nicotine Withdrawal Timeline on our blog.
FAQ’s
What makes Black Note a better alternative to JUUL pods?
Black Note offers naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids (N.E.T.) that provide authentic flavors without artificial additives. This ensures a richer, more genuine vaping experience compared to JUUL’s artificial flavorings. Additionally, Black Note’s commitment to quality and natural ingredients means you avoid harmful chemicals like diacetyl found in some JUUL pods.
Can I refill my JUUL device with Black Note e-liquids?
JUUL devices use a closed-pod system that is not designed to be refilled. However, Black Note e-liquids can be used with a wide range of refillable pod systems and vape devices, offering more flexibility and flavor options for your vaping experience.
Are Black Note e-liquids available in both freebase nicotine and nicotine salts?
Yes, Black Note provides both freebase nicotine and nicotine salt e-liquids. This variety caters to different preferences, whether you’re looking for a strong throat hit with freebase nicotine or smoother inhalation with higher nicotine concentrations found in nicotine salts.
How do I choose the right nicotine strength when switching to Black Note from JUUL?
Consider your current JUUL pod’s nicotine strength and how often you vape. Black Note offers a range of nicotine strengths, from 0mg up to 50mg in salt nicotine. If you’re used to high-nicotine JUUL pods, you might start with a higher concentration in nicotine salts. For a more moderate experience, freebase nicotine options are available in lower strengths.
What are the health benefits of switching from JUUL to Black Note?
Switching to Black Note from JUUL means you’ll be vaping e-liquids free from artificial flavors and harmful chemicals like diacetyl. This not only provides a safer vaping experience but also reduces your exposure to substances that could potentially harm your health in the long term.
How does Black Note ensure the natural taste of its e-liquids?
Black Note uses a meticulous 9-step process to naturally extract flavors from tobacco leaves. This process includes hand-selection, sun-curing, and a careful blending of leaves, ensuring that the final product delivers the authentic taste of tobacco without artificial additives.
Embrace Black Note
There you have it, all the reasons why Black Note is one of the best JUUL alternatives on the market, especially for menthol e-liquids.
At Black Note, we respect the richness of tobacco and know that no artificial flavors can compare to the real thing. If you want to try more authentic alternatives to popular JUUL flavors, try Virginia Tobacco and American Blend e-liquid.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company, including Black Note and its affiliates. The author, who is not a medical professional, writes this blog post without intending to offer medical advice or replace advice or treatment from a personal physician.
This blog post discusses tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and related substances, intended solely for adult use and potentially harmful to health. We advise all readers/users of this content to quit smoking and/or vaping, or to consult a doctor before starting or continuing to smoke and/or vape.
The author, the blog, Black Note, and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any actions or inaction a reader takes based on the information presented in this blog. We do not intend this content to promote smoking or vaping, and readers should interpret it accordingly.
