This review dives into Elf Bar's latest offering, the Zero Nicotine BC5000s, and examines how they compare to Elf Bar's 5% (50mg) Nicotine versions.
Elf Bar Nicotine-Free Vapes
The zero nicotine Elf Bars are virtually identical in appearance to their BC5000 5% Nic counterparts. Sporting attractive two-tone pastel colors that blend halfway up the device, these vapes are compact, about the size of a business card, measuring 3 ½" x 1 ½" and ¾" thick. Their small size allows for easy handling and portability, fitting comfortably in your hand or pocket.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Capacity: 13ml of Vape Juice
- Nicotine Strength: 0% (Nicotine Free)
- 5000 Puffs
- Battery Capacity: 650mAh
- Rechargeable (Cable not included)
- Flavors: 8 Nicotine-Free Options
Elf Bar 5% Nic Vs. Zero Nic Flavors
To provide a thorough comparison, I sampled the eight Zero Nic Elf Bar vape flavors and compared them to their 5% Nicotine counterparts. The Zero Nic flavors generally offer a sweeter and more flavorful experience than their nicotine-loaded counterparts. Elf Bar has done an impressive job with the Zero Nic flavors.
When crafting a flavor, Elf Bar must consider the nicotine flavor, whether included or omitted from the recipe. This addition or omission significantly alters the flavor profile of the two disposables. Nicotine has a distinct flavor, masked by MM&K (Menthol, Mint, or Koolada) sweeteners or flavorings. When compared side by side, the nicotine (and masking flavors) in the 5% Nic versions become more apparent compared to the Zero Nic versions.
In the absence of added nicotine flavor, the need for masking flavors is eliminated, significantly impacting the flavor. Elf Bar has successfully replicated the taste of their 5% Nic juice in the Zero Nic recipe. Nicotine strength/flavor plays a vital role in the overall taste, so achieving such accurate flavors without using any nicotine must have presented a challenge. I commend Elf Bar for coming remarkably close to the original flavors with these Zero Nic versions.
Flavor Test
If vape juice were salsa, nicotine would be the chili powder adding the heat. Salsa without heat is still enjoyable, allowing tomatoes, spices, and lemon flavors to shine. However, for those who prefer spicy salsa, they might always feel like something is missing, regardless of how good it tastes. As I conducted this review, I had to overcome my personal bias. I typically enjoy hot salsa and vapes with nicotine. Today, I'm writing not for the hot salsa lovers but for vapers exploring Zero Nic options and wondering about the taste and comparison to the 5% Nic versions.
Strawberry Mango Elf Bar – This sweet strawberry mango-flavored vape offers an authentic candied fruit taste. Both strawberry and mango flavors are discernible, and the lack of heavy ice works better for the Zero version, allowing the sweet, candied strawberry flavors to shine. Without nicotine, the sweet fruit flavors truly stand out.
Compared to the Nic Version: I found the 5% Nic version could benefit from a bit more ice to better mask the nicotine flavor. After experiencing the fruit flavors of the Zero Nic, I could taste the nicotine flavors in the 5% version and wished I couldn't (compared to the Zero).
Rainbow Candy Elf Bar – This flavor is exceptionally sweet without nicotine to balance it. It perfectly complements the Nic version's nicotine, but I would prefer less sweetness for the Zero.
Compared to the Nic Version: Although the Zero version is sweeter and fruitier, the overall flavor lacks the kick provided by nicotine. Based solely on taste, I prefer the Nic version with the added complexity of nicotine flavor.
Strawberry Kiwi Elf Bar – I equally enjoyed the flavor of both the Zero and Nic versions. The candied fruit flavors of strawberry and kiwi are prominent and enjoyable in both variations.
Compared to the 5% Nic Version: While the nicotine adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, the sweet strawberry and fruity kiwi flavors stand out on their own in the Zero version.
Cranberry Grape Elf Bar – This flavor shines with or without nicotine. It offers fruity sweetness with a medium-ice finish, highlighting grape-flavored fruit and cranberry with a touch of ice in the Zero Nic version.
Compared to the 5% Nic Version: The nicotine version provides the expected Nic hit and increased ice on the inhale and exhale. The fruit flavors remain consistent, and the extra ice effectively masks the nicotine. The taste is equally satisfying in both versions.
Blue Razz Ice Elf Bar – As someone who usually doesn't enjoy Blue Razz Ice flavors, I was pleasantly surprised by the Zero Blue Razz Ice. It delivers a fruity and tasty experience without the need for extra ice to mask the nicotine flavor. The Zero version gave me insight into what the Nic versions aimed to achieve.
Compared to the 5% Nic Version: The Nic version required additional ice to mask the nicotine flavoring. With less ice and no nicotine, the Zero version allows the sweet fruit flavors to shine.
Peach Mango Watermelon Elf Bar – This rich, sweet, and fruity flavor combines strawberry and watermelon upfront, with mango appearing towards the end of each puff. The addition of ice enhances the flavors and provides a cool sensation on the exhale. I found the Zero version more enjoyable in terms of taste.
Compared to the 5% Nic Version: The 5% Nic version has less ice compared to the Zero, which is unfortunate. While the nicotine flavor slightly mutes the fruit flavors, the lack of sufficient ice to compensate makes the Nic version less tasty. As with some of the other fruity flavors in this collection, the Zero versions are rich and fruity, while the Nic versions fall slightly flat in terms of taste.
Watermelon Ice Elf Bar – This vape delivers a fantastic fruity flavor. The combination of three fruits results in an extremely sweet taste that leaves a pleasant aftertaste on the tongue between puffs.
Compared to the 5% Nic Version: Once again, the Nic version allows the nicotine to slightly overpower the flavor, diminishing the sweetness. However, without the necessary extra ice to compensate, it tastes weaker compared to the Zero version.
Conclusion
In general, Elf Bar flavors offer sweet, candied fruit profiles with moderate ice on the exhale. They have successfully recreated several of their popular flavors in a zero-nicotine disposable vape.
A large vaping population appreciates the Elf Bar BC5000 5% nicotine-strength flavors. Elf Bar fans who prefer nicotine-free vapes will appreciate how accurately Elf Bar has replicated their best-selling flavors in Zero nicotine versions that taste just as good or even better than the originals.
These Zero Nic vapes are richer, more flavorful, and icier compared to their 5% Nic BC5000 counterparts. The intensity of flavor, sweetness, or ice may be a matter of personal preference, but for those seeking Zero Nic vapes, these flavors are among the best on the market.