Hookah vs. Vape—Comparing Ingredients, Flavors, and Health Risks

Hookahs and vapes are among the most popular alternatives to smoking, each offering a unique nicotine experience. 

With various flavors, strengths, and delivery methods, understanding how these two products compare is essential for choosing the best option. 

Our hookah vs. vape guide explores their differences, focusing on health, usage, and practicality, and recommends a better alternative to try.

Hookah vs. Vape—Differences To Consider

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The sections below provide a detailed hookah vs. vape comparison, covering several vital aspects, including:

1. Nicotine delivery methods
2. Main ingredients
3. Social experience
4. Portability
5. Nicotine levels
6. Selection of flavors
7. Potential health risks

Methods of Nicotine Delivery

Hookahs and vapes deliver nicotine through different methods, resulting in distinct user experiences.

All hookahs operate similarly despite their variations in shapes and sizes. Each hookah has a bowl at the top where shisha tobacco is heated by hot coals, producing smoke that travels down the stem and into the base. In the base, the smoke is filtered through water before passing through the hose and into your lungs.

A vape, or electronic cigarette, is a tobacco-free, smokeless, battery-powered device that uses a liquid solution called e-juice or e-liquid. When the coil inside the vape heats the liquid to a specific temperature, it vaporizes into a fine aerosol containing flavor and nicotine. This mist is then inhaled through the mouthpiece and absorbed into your bloodstream via the lungs.

Hookah vs. Vape—Main Ingredients

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The primary ingredient in hookah is a unique tobacco blend commonly known as shisha. This finely cut tobacco is soaked in a mixture of glycerin, molasses, honey, and various flavorings, enhancing its taste and prolonging the smoking experience as the tobacco slowly cooks over the coals.

Common types of shisha tobacco include:

• Blonde Leaf Shisha—Rinsed during the curing process, this blend has a lower nicotine content, making it ideal for beginners and regular users
• Dark Leaf Shisha—A mix of washed and unwashed tobacco, offering a richer flavor and a more robust nicotine profile, perfect for experienced smokers
• Herbal Shisha—A unique, tobacco-free blend that provides a satisfying hookah experience without nicotine

Although e-liquid ingredients vary between brands, most contain the following key components:

Social Experience Compared

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Hookahs have a long-standing tradition as a social activity in many Eastern cultures, especially in the Middle East and South Asia, where they are often associated with social gatherings and cultural rituals. This practice has since spread globally, making hookahs a common sight in pubs and lounge bars in Western countries.

Vaping is typically a more personal activity, just like smoking, so it’s not associated with socializing. It’s viewed as another way to consume nicotine or replace cigarettes and ease oral fixation. For most, it’s more about personal convenience or habit than a shared experience.

Convenience and Portability

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Hookahs are designed for stationary use and require a stable surface, making them impractical for use on the go. Preparing a hookah is a ritual in itself, which involves assembling multiple parts, filling the base with water, lighting the coals, and adding shisha tobacco. 

Vapes are portable and available in various shapes and sizes, from lightweight vape pens to heavy-duty box mods that allow for a customizable vaping experience. Vapes are typically compact and user-friendly but require maintenance, such as recharging batteries, replacing coils, and refilling e-liquid cartridges. 

For a simpler option, consider disposable vapes, designed to be discarded after a certain number of puffs and replaced when the e-liquid runs out.

Nicotine in Shisha vs. Vapes

Nicotine levels in shisha tobacco typically range from 0.5 mg/g to 2.6 mg/g. While this may seem lower than some cigarette brands, the nicotine absorption is much higher due to the longer smoking sessions and deeper inhalation associated with hookah use.

Because they contain pure nicotine, e-liquids offer a wider range of strengths than cigarettes and shisha, from 0 to 50 mg/ml. E-liquids with up to 18 mg/ml generally use freebase nicotine, while those with 20 mg/ml or more often use nic salts to reduce the harshness and bitterness associated with higher nicotine levels. 

The high nicotine content also makes vapes a more cost-effective option than both smoking and hookah, allowing you to meet your nicotine needs with fewer puffs. Those looking for non-nicotine options can choose CBD e-liquids, offering a vaping experience without the addictive properties of nicotine.

Hookah vs. Vapes—Flavor Variety

Both hookah and vape products offer various flavors to suit every taste, allowing for experimentation with options ranging from refreshing herbal to sweet, fruity, and sweet aromas.

Still, since shisha also includes natural ingredients like molasses, honey, and herbs, its flavors are often richer and more complex.

Hookah vs. Vape—Which Is Worse for Your Health?

Many people believe hookah is a safer alternative to vaping and cigarettes because the smoke is filtered through water. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. According to a World Health Organization study, a single hookah session is roughly equivalent to smoking 100–200 cigarettes.

Several studies show that hookah smoke contains over 82 toxic chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. Some of these harmful substances include:

• Tobacco-specific nitrosamines
• Polyaromatic hydrocarbons
• Carbonyl compounds
• Carbon monoxide
• Volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein

Aside from these toxins from tobacco combustion, the charcoal used to heat shisha releases harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide and heavy metals.

Most studies on the health risks of hookah show that it carries similar dangers to cigarette smoking, including:

• Oral, esophageal, lung, gastric, and bladder cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Impaired pulmonary function
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Periodontal disease
• Osteoporosis

Being tobacco and combustion-free, vapes eliminate most of these health risks but are far from risk-free.

Certain flavorings used in e-liquids have been found to contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to respiratory conditions such as obliterative bronchiolitis, also known as “popcorn lung” disease. 

Another study examining major vape brands detected elevated concentrations of metals in the aerosol mist, including aluminum, arsenic, chromium, copper, iron, lead, tin, and zinc.

Nicotine Pouches—A Safer Way To Consume Nicotine

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Nicotine pouches (or nicopods) are a modern, tobacco-free oral nicotine product that doesn’t require combustion or heat. 

These pouches contain only food-grade ingredients and pharmaceutical nicotine, similar to that used in nicotine replacement therapy aids like nicotine gum. They provide an authentic nicotine experience without most of the risks associated with tobacco, smoking, and vaping. Unlike chewing tobacco, they also won’t stain your teeth, allowing you to maintain a bright smile and fresh breath, even with regular use.

Here is the complete list of ingredients typically found in a nicotine pouch:

1. Pharmaceutical nicotine (either synthesized or derived from tobacco leaves)
2. Plant-based cellulose
3. Flavorings
4. Natural or artificial sweeteners
5. Stabilizers
6. pH balancers

How To Use Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches offer one of the easiest ways to enjoy nicotine. Here’s how to use one:

1. Place a single pouch between your gums and the upper lip
2. Let the pouch sit for 5–45 minutes, depending on your preference and nicotine tolerance. Don’t suck, chew, or swallow the pouch
3. When you’re satisfied, remove the used pouch and dispose of it responsibly in the trash, away from children and pets

How Do Nicotine Pouches Work?

When you place a nicotine pouch in your mouth, your saliva moistens the contents, allowing the pouch to release flavor and nicotine gradually. The nicotine is then absorbed into your bloodstream through the tiny blood vessels in the inner lining of your mouth. 

Once in the bloodstream, nicotine quickly reaches the brain, reducing cravings and providing a pleasant buzz that can last for several hours.

Can Nicotine Pouches Cause Side Effects?

Unlike hookahs and vapes, the side effects of nicotine pouches are typically mild and easily avoidable with responsible use. Common side effects include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Acid reflux 
• Hiccups
• Sore throat
• Gum irritation and soreness

If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist.

Here are some tips to make your experience with nicotine pouches pleasant and risk-free:

1. If you’re a beginner, start with lower-strength pouches and gradually increase the strength until you find what works best
2. Never use nicotine pouches back-to-back. Allow at least an hour between uses to give your body time to process the nicotine
3. Don’t use more than one pouch at a time. If your pouches are too weak, switch to stronger ones instead
4. Don’t reuse nicotine pouches. They’re designed for single-use only
5. Alternate placement spots each time to reduce the risk of soreness and irritation

Certain people should avoid all nicotine products due to increased sensitivity to its effects. This includes minors under 21, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with a history of cardiovascular issues or type 2 diabetes.

Nicotine Pouches Strength Guide

Nicotine pouches come in a variety of strengths, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your nicotine tolerance. In comparison, traditional options like chewing tobacco and dip don’t offer this level of flexibility.

If you’re unsure which strength is right for you, use the table below to compare nicopod strengths based on your previous nicotine habits:

Get Premium Nicotine Pouches From SnusBoss

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Led by a team of industry experts, SnusBoss is a trusted online shop offering a wide selection of premium EU-made pouches from top brands. These nicopods are superior to American products, delivering richer flavors, more moisture, and a stronger nicotine kick.

The FDA’s 2016 decision to classify nicotine pouches as tobacco products introduced complicated pre-evaluation procedures for U.S. manufacturers, discouraging further nicotine pouch development in the States. European manufacturers consequently have a competitive edge in producing superior nicotine pouches. 

Check out the table below to see the full range of premium nicopod brands available at SnusBoss:

To order nicotine pouches from SnusBoss, follow these steps:

1. Visit the online store
2. Pick your desired brand, strength, and flavor
3. Provide your shipping and payment details

Choose express delivery at checkout to receive the shipment in 2–3 business days. Shipping is free on orders over $249.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vaping Better Than Hookah?

Vaping is safer than hookah because it doesn’t involve burning tobacco, which produces over 7,000 harmful chemicals. Still, both contain nicotine, which is addictive and inhaling either vapor or smoke increases the risk of various lung diseases. Vaping may be a safer option, but it is far from risk-free.

Is Hookah the Healthiest Way To Smoke?

No, hookah is not the healthiest way to smoke. Hookah smoke contains toxic chemicals, including carbon monoxide, tar, and heavy metals, which can harm the lungs and other organs. There is no healthy or safe way to smoke as inhalation of tobacco smoke from any source increases the risk of cancer and other diseases. 

Is Hookah Bad if You Don’t Inhale?

Yes, hookah is still harmful even if you don’t inhale. The smoke can irritate your mouth and throat, leading to numerous health issues, and toxic compounds can enter your bloodstream through the oral mucosa. Avoiding inhalation reduces the risk of lung diseases but doesn’t eliminate exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Featured image source: Viktor Forgacs