Guide to DIY Flavoring

[forestgrubs]

Please read this announcement regarding DIY before proceeding: https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/announcements-rules/144783-warning-e-liquid-diy-safety.html

This is mainly a comprehensive collection of others' posts and various peoples' opinions on flavors. The main draw of this thread is to have condensed and important information in one place. Post 3 is a short primer on mixing. Post 2 has information on FlavourArt, Capella, Faerie's Finest, Perfumer's Apprentice, Bickford, Tasty Puff, and Seedman plus an Awards section. For a comparison list of all flavors available from most of these companies, there is an easy to use online chart. Much of the information here is also in Scubabatdan's Excel file, I highly recommend you download it even if you find the calculator part too complex. You can download the first 3 posts of this thread as a PDF file here (Updated March 5).

If this is your first time reading the thread, you may want to look at post 3 first. I have LorAnn's posted first because that's what I started with and it's the oldest one used by vapers, but it has no relevance to quality. With the progress of vaping, more companies have been paying attention to their needs and designing flavors with them in mind, so LorAnn's is not recommended for new DIYers.

Credit goes to Scottes, Scubabatdan, Sun Vaporer, Þornbjörg, DVap, Kurt, AlexTM, SysEx, anyone who contributed in any way, and all forum staff. Shame on you if you use this guide and forum, find out new information and don't share.

LorAnn Flavors - Many thanks to Mistress of Design's color-coded ingredients list (may be easier to read if you're just looking for LorAnn safety)

WARNING: For newer DIYers, avoid buying those that are insoluble in water at first - they are very strong and more difficult to work with. While I have not included ratings for insoluble LorAnn's, many are good. Some people use the oils, but they usually mix them with alcohol first so they mix better with the final solution.
Use food coloring and additives at your discretion - they haven't been fully tested.
A more advanced chart on LorAnn's safety can be found here: http://www.exogenesis.co.uk/Loranne1.htm

You can get them in 1-dram (3.7ml) or 1-oz. (30ml) bottles. It's best to try drams to start with. Good places to buy LorAnn's flavors are:
LorAnn's website (all sizes)
Individual 1-drams LorAnn Oils Gourmet Flavoring .125oz.
Multiple 1-drams eBay Store - chocolate2live4: Animals Bugs, Valentines Day, Easter
Individual 1-oz. LorAnn Oils Gourmet Flavorings
LorAnn's in Australia (mostly 1-dram)

Example Flavor <-- some LorAnn flavors are called Oils, but often don't contain oil.
Contains: Ingredients
Solubility information <-- water soluble is safest, though insoluble ones are sometimes soluble in PG.
Shipping information from LorAnn's website.
Rating: 1 - 5, 1 being disgusting and 5 being absolutely delicious.
Strength: X%, this is the proportion of the final mixture people have enjoyed most when it is the only flavor added.
Notes: This flavor is just an example

Almond Oil
Contains: Artificial flavoring.
Insoluble in water.

Amaretto Flavor
Contains: Artificial flavor,Capryllic triglycerides.
Mostly soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Anise Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Anise Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 10-15%

Apple Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 25-30%

Apricot Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Water, Alcohol,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 1/5
Strength: ?%

Banana Creme Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol,Yellow 5.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Bavarian Creme Flavor (Vanilla)
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Ethyl Alcohol, Water.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 5-10%

Black Walnut Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 5-10%

Blackberry Flavor
Contains: Aritificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 20-25%

Blueberry Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Brandy Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 10-15%

Bubble Gum Flavor
Contains: Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Butter Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 2/5
Strength: ?%

Butter Rum Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 10-15%

Butterscotch Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Water, Propylene Glycol,Caramel Color.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3/5
Strength: 5-10%

Caramel Flavor
Contains: Water, Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 20-25%

Champagne Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3.5/5
Strength: 20-25%

Cheesecake Flavor
Contains: Glycerine, Ethanol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 25-30%

Cherry Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 3/5
Strength: 10-15%

Chocolate Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Water, Propylene Glycol, Ethyl Alcohol,Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 2/5
Strength: 10-15%

Chocolate Hazelnut Flavor
Contains: Natural and Artificial Flavors, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 10-15%

Cinnamon Oil
Contains: Natural and Artificial Flavors.
Insoluble in water.

Cinnamon Roll Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 25-30%

Clove Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Clove Leaf Oil.
Insoluble in water.

Coconut Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3.5/5
Strength: 25-30%

Coffee Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Water, Propylene Glycol, Caramel Color.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 2/5
Strength: 5-10%

Cotton Candy Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Cranberry Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: ?%

Cran-Raspberry Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Ethyl Alcohol, Water,Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol,Tri-ethyl Citrate.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 20-25%

Creme De Menthe Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Ethyl Alcohol, Natural Flavor,Blue 1, Yellow 5.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 5-10%

Eggnog Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Yellow 5 & 6, Red 40, Polysorbate 80.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

English Toffee Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 10-15%

Ginger Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Ginger Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Grape Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 20-25%

Grapefruit Oil, Pink, Natural
Contains: Natural Pink Grapefruit Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Guava Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Honey Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Horchata Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%
Note: Described as creamy cinnamon like Aftershock Cinnamon Liquer.

Horehound Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: ?%

Keoke Coffee Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor,Caramel Color.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 10-15%

Key Lime Flavor
Contains: Natural Flavors.
Insoluble in water.

Lemon Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Lemon Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Lemonade Flavor
Contains: Natural and Artificial Flavors.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Licorice Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 1-10%

Lime Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Lime Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Mango Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Ethyl Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Maple Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Water, Maple Sugar, Glycerine.
Soluble in water.

Marshmallow Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Menthol Eucalyptus Flavor
Contains: Natural Flavoring, Capric/Caprillic Triglycerides.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Mint Chocolate Chip Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Nutmeg Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Nutmeg Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Orange Cream Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water,Polysorbate 80.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 20-25%

Orange Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Orange Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Peach Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Yellow 5, Red 40.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 20-25%

Peanut Butter Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Caramel Color.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Pecan Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: ?%

Peppermint Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Peppermint Oil.
Insoluble in water.

Pina Colada Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3/5 - Highly varied reviews
Strength: 15-20%

Pineapple Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3/5 - Highly varied reviews
Strength: 1-10%

Pistachio Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Ethanol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 1/5
Strength: ?%

Plum Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Mostly soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Pomegranate Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: ?%

Praline Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Pralines And Cream Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Water.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Pumpkin Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavoring, Triglycerides.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Raspberry Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Red Licorice Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 1/5
Strength: ?%

Root Beer Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water, Caramel Color, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Sorbate.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 1/5
Strength: 15-20%

Salt Water Taffy Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Water, Polysorbate 80.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 15-20%

Sassafras Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavors.
Insoluble in water.
Strength: <5%

Spearmint Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Spearmint Oils.
Insoluble in water.

Strawberry Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Ethyl Alcohol,Red 40.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 10-15%

Strawberry Kiwi Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 20-25%

Tangerine Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Tangerine Oil (Aso known as Mandarin Oil).
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Teaberry Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor.
Slightly soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: ?%

Tropical Punch Flavor (Passion Fruit)
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Tutti-Frutti Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol,Red 40, Blue 1
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 15-20%

Vanilla Butternut Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Water, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Watermelon Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor,Red 3, Red 40.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Wintergreen Oil, Artificial
Contains: Methyl Sal.
Slightly soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: ~5%

Wintergreen Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Wintergreen Oil.
Insoluble in water.

See next post for other suppliers.

Thanks alot for the info.. I'm starting out on DIY juices and i just wanna know what if I want to make a nicotine free juice? how would i make up for the VG. Because most of the calculators sites i have used seem to show me different ratios. Unless im using them wrong. Advise if you would?

Thank you.

 

[tenchi_kioto]

If you have android there are apps that you can use. I have e juice labs installed right now and it let's you do zero nic. I'm sure there may he others as well that's is just one I installed quickly.

Sent from my SM-T900 using Tapatalk

 

[AngiBe]

Just starting to look into DIY and never heard of a fume cabinet?? What is it?

Warning - E-Liquid DIY Safety

 

[EllifIknow]

AngiBe, they are also known as a fume hood or flume closet. Typically used in laboratories for hazardous or toxic fumes and vapors. Definitely over the top for any e-liquid DIYer who is only looking to make small batches.

It's good you're checking up on all the safety for this. The one thing you really need to be careful with is the Nicotine. In concentrated form it is highly poisonous, and must be handled with proper gloves, eye protection and care. You don't want that getting on your skin or body parts at all. Relatively easy to do once you are aware of how to handle it.

Don't let that scare you though, there are many manufacturers who offer more diluted strengths so you don't need to get the 100mg or other high-concentrations to work with.

Personally, I have a large container that I pre-mix the VG, PG, and nicotine in so that I'm only dealing with the concentrated nicotine once every two months or so. Then I just use that base and add flavors as desired to make the ejuice. Shake and enjoy (for a ....-load less $$)

 

[Pamawoman]

What part of ejuice contains dialytec or whatever it's called. Is it the flavoring, the nicotine or the pg/VG? I am curious because I try to stay away from those but now that I need to DYI I would like to know which one I need to investigate.

 

[BoostAddict]

It's some of the flavoring that contains it. Just avoid the ones that contain it.

 

[EllifIknow]

Yep, just as bootaddict says, it's in flavorings of some types and manufacturers. There are some manufacturing companies that offer two types of the same flavor (like caramel); one with the diaci-stuff and one without. The one with it will pretty much always taste better, but can potentially be far worse for you.

 

[Telmos]

Is there a similar list anywhere for liquidbarn flavors and ingredients?

 

[GrouchyOldGuy]

@Telmos I just checked their site and if you click on a flavor and then the Flavor data sheet you can see if it contains Diacetyl, Acetoin, or Acetyl Propionyl. Hope that helps

 

[Telmos]

@Telmos I just checked their site and if you click on a flavor and then the Flavor data sheet you can see if it contains Diacetyl, Acetoin, or Acetyl Propionyl. Hope that helps

Yes, I did check that area and found the data sheet. However, besides those three side components, isn't there other things to look out for like different food colorings, alcohols, and other components?

 

[psyc63]

@AngiBe close the blinds. Just let me know what you need in the other place or pm me.

 

[GrouchyOldGuy]

@Telmos I'm rather new at this also, so take this FWIW. If it contains food coloring, I stay away from it. Also if it is alcohol based I think it just requires that you let it breathe after mixing. (Cap off to allow alcohol to evaporate. I assume this is safe as some people even using PGA to thin out the VG). I could be totally wrong on that but that's what my understanding is from quite a bit of reading. Good luck

 

[Mactavish]

Just getting into DIY here. I want to keep it real simple at first so I can learn.

Wondering what flavor ADDITIVE the more experienced mixers here use to get that creamy buttery flavor? The one that makes the commercial ones taste creamy and buttery?

I know about the bad BUTTER type ones, (popcorn lung etc.). From what I've read online by some of the "expert" mixers there is no direct replacement in some recipes for those BAD ones, but they are still available. In my case I'm not too concerned to use those in small amounts if that is really true.

 

[EllifIknow]

Just getting into DIY here. I want to keep it real simple at first so I can learn.

Wondering what flavor ADDITIVE the more experienced mixers here use to get that creamy buttery flavor? The one that makes the commercial ones taste creamy and buttery?

I know about the bad BUTTER type ones, (popcorn lung etc.). From what I've read online by some of the "expert" mixers there is no direct replacement in some recipes for those BAD ones, but they are still available. In my case I'm not too concerned to use those in small amounts if that is really true.

Hiya Mactavish,
First things first, Diacetyl is the chemical additive you want to avoid. That was the root cause of the 'popcorn lung' in the artificial butter, and also many other flavors (check caramel, and others). You'll want to find flavor companies that disclose all of the ingredients for their products. For this reason I have solely been using the Flavor Apprentice. Best juice flavors I've found, but others have mix matched to suit their taste, so experiment around as you please.

The smoothest additive I've found is Bavarian Creme. Two others I frequently use are: sweetener, and sweet cream. The last two add effect to somewhat dull sharp flavors and smooth them, but do not have the creaminess like bavarian creme/cream/whatever it is.

I have seen some using whipping creme and similar things for that effect as well.

That's all for now. I'm sure you know what you like taste-wise, so read up on the companies and get some in the mail!

Top three flavor producers around here that I've seen are:
-The Flavor Apprentice
-Capellas
-Flavor Art

There are plenty more, but I will adamantly say stay the heck away from Loranns junk...

Happy vapin'!

 

[Mactavish]

Hiya Mactavish,
First things first, Diacetyl is the chemical additive you want to avoid. That was the root cause of the 'popcorn lung' in the artificial butter, and also many other flavors (check caramel, and others). You'll want to find flavor companies that disclose all of the ingredients for their products. For this reason I have solely been using the Flavor Apprentice. Best juice flavors I've found, but others have mix matched to suit their taste, so experiment around as you please.

The smoothest additive I've found is Bavarian Creme. Two others I frequently use are: sweetener, and sweet cream. The last two add effect to somewhat dull sharp flavors and smooth them, but do not have the creaminess like bavarian creme/cream/whatever it is.

I have seen some using whipping creme and similar things for that effect as well.

That's all for now. I'm sure you know what you like taste-wise, so read up on the companies and get some in the mail!

Top three flavor producers around here that I've seen are:
-The Flavor Apprentice
-Capellas
-Flavor Art

There are plenty more, but I will adamantly say stay the heck away from Loranns junk...

Happy vapin'!

Thanks!

 

[jenbot]

oh my gurrrrd I spent hours looking for this thread. I had never seen it before, but I knew it just HAD to exist... and here it was the whole time. Thank you for this

 

[Debbie Lee]

haha yay so cool. I am so glad I am here thanks to sugar and spice for leading the way. whoooo

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

haha yay so cool. I am so glad I am here thanks to sugar and spice for leading the way. whoooo

I found you. Really need your own thread so that more members can join in. Not that there is anything wrong with this thread but it is dediciated to flavors not specific nic instruction.

 

[Debbie Lee]

Lol it has been a long time since I have been in here and I looked to start a thread and swear I couldn't find it. still cant

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Lol it has been a long time since I have been in here and I looked to start a thread and swear I couldn't find it. still cant

pmed you. Look in your inbox.