VApril 2025: A Complete Guide to Quitting Smoking - Vaping, Pouches & More

Thinking about quitting smoking? There’s no better time to make a change than VApril.

VApril is the UK’s biggest vaping awareness campaign, created to help smokers find less harmful alternatives to cigarettes. And this year, the conversation is bigger than ever–especially with the government’s upcoming ban on disposable vapes, which is pushing many users to explore longer-term solutions.

Whether you’re a smoker ready to quit or a disposable vape user now searching for a reliable replacement, this guide has you covered. From refillable vape kits to heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and film strips, we’re breaking down all the tools that can help you ditch the smoke for good.

So, if you’ve tried to quit before, or you’re just now starting to think about it, let’s make April the month you finally make the switch–your way.

Contents

• What is VApril?
• Why Quit Smoking This April?
• What Are the Alternatives to Smoking?
• Vaping (E-cigarettes)
• Heated Tobacco Devices
• Nicotine Pouches
• Nicotine Film Strips
• How to Choose the Right Option for You
• Top Tips for a Successful VApril
• Our Recommended Products for VApril 2025
• Final Thoughts

What is VApril?

Now in its seventh year, VApril is a nationwide campaign run by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). It’s designed to educate, support and empower adult smokers to leave cigarettes behind and explore less harmful alternatives.

Backed by public health advocates and grounded in science, VApril is all about harm reduction–not guilt or pressure. Think of it as a 30-day head start on a smoke-free future.

Why Quit Smoking This April?

We know quitting isn’t easy–but the benefits are massive:

• Health: Public Health England (now part of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities) has repeatedly found vaping and other smoke-free products to be significantly less harmful than smoking.
• Money: The average smoker in the UK spends over £4000 a year on cigarettes. Most alternatives cost a fraction of that.
• Freedom: No more smoke breaks in the rain, smelly clothes, or scrambling for a lighter.

And best of all? You don’t have to quit nicotine cold turkey. There are plenty of tools that can help you transition away from cigarettes without the stress.

What Are the Alternatives to Smoking?

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular (and effective) smoking alternatives available in the UK:

Vaping (E-cigarettes)

Vaping remains the most popular stop-smoking aid in Britain–and for good reason. Instead of burning tobacco, vape kits heat e-liquid (containing nicotine, flavourings, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and more) to create vapour, which eliminates the vast majority of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

What types of vapes are available?

• Refillable vapes: Long-term and cost-effective. You fill the tank with your choice of e-liquid.
• Pre-filled pod kits: Uses pre-filled pods. Compact, simple, and beginner-friendly.
• Disposable vapes: Convenient, but set to be banned in the UK soon due to environmental concerns and underage use.
• Cigalikes: Perfect for ex-smokers wanting something familiar and easy to use.

Why choose vaping?

• Closely mimics the sensation of smoking (including the hand-to-mouth habit).
• A huge range of flavours and nicotine strengths are available.
• NHS and public health bodies back it as a far safer alternative to smoking.

Best for: Smokers who enjoy the hand-to-mouth habit and want a similar experience without the harsh smell as well as flexibility in flavour/nicotine levels.

Heated Tobacco Devices

Unlike vaping, heated tobacco brands (like IQOS or Ploom) use real tobacco sticks, which are heated rather than burned to release nicotine-containing aerosol while still offering the taste and feel of tobacco.

How do they work?

• Special tobacco sticks (such as HEETS, TEREA, or EVO) are inserted into the compatible device.
• The kit heats the stick to just below the combustion level, releasing a tobacco-flavour aerosol.
• No ash or smoke, but still the aroma of real tobacco.

Why choose heated tobacco?

• It offers a more authentic smoking experience for those who miss the taste of tobacco.
• It is less harmful than traditional cigarettes due to the lack of combustion, though not risk-free.
• No ash or lingering smoke smell.
• It is often used by smokers who haven’t taken to vaping.

Best for: Heavy smokers who struggle to give up the taste and ritual of tobacco but want to reduce harm.

Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches (eg VELO) are small, tobacco-free portions that you place between your upper lip and gum. Smokeless and discreet, they deliver nicotine through the gum over a sustained period.

How do they work?

• Take a pouch out of the tub and place it between your upper lip and gum.
• Leave it there for the recommended time limit (this varies depending on the brand of pouch) or until you can no longer feel the effects of the nicotine.
• You might feel a tingling sensation at first–that’s totally normal.
• When you’re done, dispose of the used nic pouch in a bin (or in the storage compartment of the tub).

Why choose nicotine pouches?

• No vapour, no smell–completely smoke-free.
• Comes in different strengths and flavours.
• Easy to use at work, on public transport, or anywhere vaping isn’t allowed.

Best for: Smokers or vapers looking for a discreet and low-maintenance alternative.

Nicotine Film Strips

Nicotine film strips are one of the newest and most discreet ways to get a fast hit of nicotine–without smoking or vaping. These ultra-thin, dissolvable strips are placed directly between the top lip and gum, much like nicotine pouches, where they quickly absorb into the bloodstream.

How do they work?

• Once placed under the upper lip, strips begin to dissolve within seconds.
• Effects are typically felt within a few minutes.
• No chewing, puffing, or swallowing is required–the strip disappears once it’s fully dissolved.

Why choose nicotine film strips?

• Discreet and portable–no vapour, smell, or equipment.
• Fast-acting, with effects felt in minutes.
• It is ideal for those trying to manage cravings in places where vaping or smoking isn’t allowed.

Best for: Smokers or vapers who want a simple, smoke-free option to curb cravings on the go–whether at work, travelling, or in social settings.

How to Choose the Right Option for You

Every smoker is different. The key is finding the right fit for you. Ask yourself:

• How many cigarettes do I smoke daily? - Heavier smokers may need higher nicotine strengths or a combination of tools (e.g. vaping + pouches).
• Do I want something that feels like smoking? - Vapes or heated tobacco products suit you best.
• Do I need something discreet and portable? - Nicotine pouches or nicotine strips could work well.
• Am I looking to quit nicotine altogether over time? - Gradually tapering down with lower-nicotine e-liquids can help.

Remember: It’s absolutely okay to try a few options before settling on what works for you. You don’t have to get it perfect from day one.

Top Tips for a Successful VApril

1. Set a quit date – Use the start of VApril as your milestone.
2. Track your progress – Even writing down your wins helps you stay motivated.
3. Don’t be afraid to switch methods – If one approach doesn’t click, try another.
4. Tell friends and family – A little support goes a long way.
5. Reward yourself – Every smoke-free day is a win worth celebrating.

Our Recommended Products for VApril 2025

If you’re ready to get started, here are a few top picks from our team:

• Best beginner vape kit: The OXVA Xlim Pro 2 – easy to use, smooth draw, ideal for new vapers. Has one of the best flavour deliveries in the market as well as a long-lasting battery.
• Top heated tobacco device: IQOS ILUMA – TEREA Sticks offer one of the best flavour ranges. When you pair these sticks with the ILUMA, you get a real tobacco taste with fewer nasties.
• Favourite nicotine pouches: Helwit – Discreet and long-lasting. Offers a more comfortable pouch and has some of the most premium-tasting flavours available.
• Fast-acting nicotine film strips: Lost Mary Airplane Mode film strips – Perfect for on-the-go relief.

All products are available online at The Electric Tobacconist with expert online support if you need help choosing.

Final Thoughts

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health – and VApril 2025 is the perfect time to take that first step. Whether you’re ready to give vaping a go, curious about nicotine pouches, or want to explore your options, there’s something out there that fits your lifestyle. And remember: you don’t have to quit smoking alone. VApril is here to help, and so are we!