We all want our vaping experience to be top-notch, and a big part of that is having e-liquid that's fresh and full of flavour. If you've ever wondered about the shelf life of your e-juice, this blog has all the answers you need.

Does vape juice have an expiry date?

Yes, e-liquid does have an expiration date. This is usually two years after an e-liquid is manufactured. However, it is more of a ‘best before date’, much like what you see on food packaging.

E-liquid is known as ‘shelf stable’, which means if it is sealed and stored correctly it lasts a long time. There are four ingredients in e-liquid: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), nicotine and flavouring. PG and VG are known as diluent compounds. Because they are very stable, they last for four to six years. Flavourings have a shorter shelf life of about a year, but they’re mixed with PG which extends their shelf life. E-liquid’s two-year expiry date is because that is the shelf life for nicotine.

How do you store vape juice?

To store e-liquid correctly, make sure the lid is on tight and the bottle is sealed completely and store it in a cool, dark place. Some people like to keep their e-liquids in the fridge, but this is not necessary.

Bottles of e-liquid will not last as long when exposed to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight or oxygen. Remember, even if a bottle has been opened it can last the full two years as long as it is stored correctly.

How to tell if vape juice has gone bad

E-liquid won’t necessarily go bad, but the nicotine will degrade, so you won’t be getting the correct strength or throat hit. Here are some signs your e-liquid is past it’s best:

• The flavour tastes different or fainter than you remember.
• The colour has darkened significantly.
• The smell has changed or become weaker.
• There is sediment at the bottom of the bottle. If this happens, shake the bottle. If it mixes back together, it’s okay to vape. If not, it’s best to throw it out.

Can you vape expired e-liquid?

Yes, it is fine to vape expired e-liquid. Vaping e-liquid that is past its expiry date isn’t bad for you strictly speaking, but it won’t have the same effect as when it was new because of the nicotine degradation.

How do you dispose of e-liquid?

If your e-liquid has expired and you need to get rid of it, don’t pour it directly down the sink. You don’t want to introduce nicotine into the water system. The best way to dispose of it is is to pour the e-liquid onto an absorbent material like cat litter, coffee grounds, or paper towel, then throw it into the garbage. Once they’re empty, e-liquid bottles can be rinsed and recycled in with your plastics.