How Many Calories Are in a Vape? A Complete Guide
If you’re a vaper or considering vaping, you might have wondered if the flavorful clouds you inhale also come with calories. With all the flavors like strawberry cheesecake, vanilla custard, and chocolate mint, it’s easy to see why this question comes up. After all, calorie-conscious individuals might be curious whether vaping affects their daily calorie count. Let’s explore this topic in detail.
Does Vaping Contain Calories?
Yes, vapes do contain calories—but not in the way that you’d think. The liquid used in vapes, also known as e-liquid or e-juice, typically contains propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and sometimes nicotine. Both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin contain calories, though in very small amounts. The calories in vape come mainly from VG, which is a sweet, syrupy substance commonly used in food production as well.
For every milliliter of e-liquid, the calorie count can vary, but it’s generally estimated to be around 4-5 calories per milliliter. So, if you’re vaping a typical 3-ml tank, you might be looking at approximately 12-15 calories in total. This is a negligible amount compared to your daily caloric intake, which generally ranges from 2000-2500 calories for most adults.
Where Do the Calories Come From?
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG): VG is a sweet, calorie-containing component of e-liquid. It has about 4.32 calories per gram, which contributes to the overall calorie count of the vape juice. VG provides the thicker vapor that vapers enjoy and is used widely in the food industry as a sweetener.
- Flavorings: Some flavorings also contain small amounts of calories, but these are usually minimal. The flavors are typically derived from food-grade substances that might carry a slight caloric content.
- Nicotine: Nicotine itself does not contain calories, and therefore does not contribute to the overall caloric count of the e-liquid.
Calories in Vapor vs. Calories Consumed
When you vape, you’re inhaling the vapor, not actually ingesting the liquid directly as you would with food or drink. This makes a significant difference when considering how the body processes these substances. Most of the liquid is turned into vapor, with some of it being exhaled, meaning that the calories are not being consumed in the same way as eating or drinking. Essentially, the caloric content of vaping does not significantly impact your body’s metabolism or add calories to your diet that would lead to weight gain.
The reality is that most of the calorie content in the e-liquid is vaporized and either expelled when you exhale or lost during the vaporization process. Only a minimal fraction of the calories might be absorbed by the body through the mucous membranes, making the impact negligible.
Comparing Vaping to Food and Drinks
To put things into perspective, even if you vape a lot throughout the day, you’re still only consuming a few calories, equivalent to a bite of an apple or a few sips of soda. For instance:
- One Apple: Roughly 95 calories.
- A Regular Can of Soda: About 150 calories.
- One Full Tank of Vape Juice (3 ml): Approximately 12-15 calories.
It’s clear that vaping doesn’t really compare to the caloric intake of food or beverages. If you’re concerned about your caloric intake, vaping isn’t likely to make a significant impact compared to what you eat or drink in a day.
Does Vaping Affect Weight Gain?
This is a common question among people trying to maintain their weight. Fortunately, the tiny amount of calories in vaping is unlikely to lead to weight gain. The more noticeable factors that may affect weight with vaping are behavioral rather than caloric: for example, nicotine can suppress appetite, which is why some people believe that vaping helps in weight management.
In contrast, quitting smoking or vaping can sometimes lead to weight gain—not because of losing those few calories but because nicotine is no longer working as an appetite suppressant, and some individuals compensate by eating more. If calorie intake is a key concern for you, it’s more effective to focus on what you’re eating and your overall diet rather than worrying about the negligible calories in vape juice.
Conclusion: Should You Worry About Calories in a Vape?
In short, the answer is no. The calories in a vape are minimal, and even the most dedicated vapers will only consume a tiny amount that has no real effect on weight or daily caloric intake. Unlike eating a slice of cake or drinking a sugary beverage, vaping simply doesn’t deliver calories in a meaningful way.
However, it’s still crucial to remember that vaping, while potentially less harmful than smoking, is not risk-free. If you have health or dietary concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
The bottom line is that if you’re trying to watch your calories, vaping isn’t going to tip the scales—but there are plenty of other good reasons to approach it with caution.
