The History of Bar Salts: Where Did They Come From?

If you’re into vaping, you’ve probably heard the term bar salts flying around. Maybe you’ve seen them in your local vape shop or spotted your favourite disposable flavours in a tiny 10ml bottle. But where did bar salts come from, and why is everyone talking about them?

To put it simply, bar salts use concentrated flavourings to replicate the intense and authentic taste profiles of disposable vapes.

They have become a significant innovation in the vaping world, transforming the way vapers enjoy their favourite flavours by offering a smoother hit and a familiar taste experience.

Let’s take a quick trip through their history — and find out why they’re becoming a top pick for UK vapers.

So, What Are Bar Salts and Nicotine Salts?

At their core, bar salts are a nic salt e-liquid made for refillable vape devices — especially low-power pod kits and vape pens. They’re designed to give you the smooth, satisfying hit and smooth inhale you’d expect from disposable vapes like Elf Bar or Lost Mary. Now that the UK’s ban on disposables is in place, these e-liquids can be a great option for some vapers.

Bar salts work well with pod systems, vape kits, and starter kits, and are ideal for use in refillable vapes. Using these devices helps achieve a smoother throat hit, even at higher concentrations of nicotine, enhancing comfort and flavour.

But what exactly makes them different from regular e-liquid? It’s all about the nic salts. These allow for faster nicotine delivery and a gentler throat hit, even at higher strengths like 10mg or 20mg — so they may be ideal for those switching from cigarettes or wanting something more discreet.

Where Did Bar Salts Come From?

To understand bar salts, we need to rewind to 2015. That’s when Pax Labs introduced the JUUL in the US, using benzoic acid to create a smoother vaping experience with high-strength nicotine. Bar salts are made in the same way as nicotine salts, using benzoic acid in the production process to ensure a smooth inhalation and rapid nicotine absorption.

The use of benzoic acid also allows nicotine to reach the bloodstream faster, enhancing satisfaction and mimicking the quick effect of smoking. The introduction of nicotine salts and standard nic salts paved the way for the development of bar salts, offering a more efficient and smoother way to deliver nicotine compared to freebase nicotine.

Fast forward a few years and the UK disposable vape boom (think 2020–2022) saw flavours like Blue Razz Lemonade and Peach Ice dominate the scene. But with growing demand for refillable, more eco-conscious options, bar salts were born.

The bottom line: Bar salts are a little different from standard nic salts and other e-liquids because of their use of concentrated flavourings to replicate the flavours of disposable vapes. But to answer your lingering question: They’re still a subset of the nic salts you may be familiar with.

How Do You Use Bar Salts?

It’s super easy. Just grab a low-power MTL device — like a pod kit, a refillable pod system, or a slim vape pen.

• Fill your pod or tank with the bar salt
• Let it sit for a few minutes so the coil absorbs the liquid
• Then vape away — enjoy the flavour and quick nicotine hit.

Important tip: Bar salts are not for sub-ohm or high-wattage vaping. They’re strong and smooth, designed for a more cigarette-style inhale.

Are Bar Salts Actually E-Liquids?

Yes — 100%. Bar salts are a type of e-liquid, just crafted a bit differently. They usually come in a 50/50 VG/PG ratio, making them perfect for compact kits and everyday use.

Bar salts are crafted to deliver the same flavours and intense taste profiles as those found in disposable vapes, using higher concentrations of flavouring agents to replicate the bold, satisfying flavours.

They’re all about flavour and feel — built to mirror the disposable vape experience while complying with UK regulations.

Why UK Vapers Are Loving Bar Salts

Better value – Bar salts are available as 10ml nic salt e liquids, offering more e-liquid for less money compared to daily disposables. Less waste – Switching from single use disposables to bar salts reduces environmental impact, as you refill instead of tossing. TPD compliant – meets UK regulations for safety and quality. Familiar, exciting flavours – like Kiwi Passion Orange, Dragon Fruit & Raspberry, Cherry Cola, and Pink Lemonade Top brands – including Just Juice and Riot Bar EDTN.