As vaping becomes more and more popular, more menthol and mint e-liquids are coming out by our favorite brands.  Nowadays, users can choose between literally thousands of minty and menthol-infused vape juices in order to satisfy their cravings.  However, one mistake that even the most experienced vapers continue to make is believing that mint and menthol are the same thing.

If you’re surprised, know that you’re not alone.  It’s just a fact that mint and menthol are very different on a molecular level, and these differences greatly affect the way in which they alter your vaping experience.

What is Menthol?

Menthol is a chemical compound that is found in plants belonging to the mint family.  When you eat a mint leaf, do you notice that your tongue actually experiences a cooling and slight numbing effect?  That’s because of menthol, one of the many chemical compounds found in mint. 

When menthol is used in a product, its first extracted from the mint plant.  It’s isolated, meaning that it doesn’t contain any of the other compounds found in the plant.  Therefore, menthol has no flavor.  It’s similar to ice in that it doesn’t taste like anything, but it just provides a sensation. 

Menthol is a popular e-liquid additive mainly because it’s been used in cigarettes for so long.  Those who once smoked menthol cigarettes know that the compound doesn’t actually alter the taste of the tobacco.  Now, former menthol cigarette users can satisfy their cravings by vaping a menthol-infused e-juice. 

Menthol is found in lots of other products as well.  It’s often found in topical pain relievers because of its unique, natural way to numb pain. 

What is Mint?

Now, it’s time to talk about mint.  When we say “mint” in this article, we’re primarily talking about the flavor of mint.  Mint is a family of plants that includes spearmint, peppermint and wintergreen.  Known for its crisp taste that’s often used to flavor culinary dishes. 

When mint is added to an e-liquid, it’s in the form of a flavor extract.  In other words, the flavor molecules are extracted from the mint plant, leaving behind the other chemical compounds, including menthol.

Therefore, when you vape a mint-flavored juice, you’re not actually getting menthol.  In fact, you’re not getting anything except the flavor molecules that give mint its unique taste.

How Does Each Component Affect My Vapes?

When you vape a menthol-infused e-liquid, you’re enjoying a cooling sensation that washes across the mouth and down the throat.  It’s known for being extremely refreshing and invigorating, which is why so many users enjoy it.  Because menthol is not a flavor, it can be added to any e-liquid without altering its taste.  That’s why menthol can be found in so many e-liquids that would not be compatible with mint flavor-wise.

When you vape a minty e-liquid, you’re enjoying the flavor of mint that’s contributing to the vape juice’s flavor profile.  But, you’re not getting any icy sensation.  Because of mint’s strong and distinctive flavor, it doesn’t complement every type of e-liquid out there.  For instance, sour candies and mint don’t really make a nice pair.

Personal Preference

Whether you crave mint, menthol, both or neither is completely based on your personal preferences.  What matters is knowing how these two ingredients are different.  Now that you have this information, you can make more informed choices when you shop for vape juices.