How Many People Vape in the UK in 2024
In earlier times, vaping was classified as a new phenomenon, with people taking it as merely an alternative to traditional smoking. Nevertheless, its popularity has gained incredible traction in the last few years.
As per numerous experts in this field, more technological advancements in e-cigarettes have led to a better vaping experience among the UK masses, offering vapers a range of convenient devices, from basic e-cigarettes to more customized and advanced vaping devices.
In this guide, we will look into the number of people who vape in the UK to form a comprehensive understanding regarding its prevalence and how it is bringing an effectual change into the lives of its people as a smoking cessation alternative.
Contents:
– Top 7 Key UK E-Cigarette Statistics
– How Many People Vape in the UK
– Assessing TEEN vaping in the UK
– Reasons For Vaping Among Youth In UK
– Sales Of The Major E-cigarette Brands In Convenience And Independent Grocery Stores
– Vaping Habit Among UK Citizens
– Number Of e-Cigarette Users In Great Britain
– Rapid Expansion and Economic Impact of the Vaping Industry in the U.K.
– How Many Adults Are Vaping In 2024
Top 7 Key UK E-Cigarette Statistics
– The number of e-cigarette consumers in the UK has seen a staggering increase, reaching about 4.7 million in 2024. This is a significant surge from the 700,000 recorded in 2012.
– There has been a notable shift in the daily use of e-cigarettes among users aged 16 and above in the UK. In 2024, the percentage of daily e-cigarette users rose to 5.2%, significantly from the 3.8% reported in 2020.
– Notably, the popularity of e-cigarettes is higher in men by 6% than women (4.4%)
– The age group between 25-34 years consumes 6.8% of vaping products in the UK.
– Last year, in mid-2023, there was a 50% increment in youth experimenting with vaping. This amounts to 1 in 9 from 1 in 13 in youth e-cigarette consumption.
– About 4.5 million, or 8.7% of adults in Great Britain, responded to an opinion and lifestyle survey (OPN) that they use e-cigarettes occasionally or daily—a significant increase from 2021, when only 7.7 % of respondents reported regarding their consumption rate.
– The number of current smokers declined from 7.6% to 3.7%, leading to more vapers than smokers in the UK.
How Many People Vape in the UK?
The above scenario, signifying the current 4.7 million vapers in the UK, is based on the assumption that more vaping has led to a diminution in smoking-induced diseases, particularly cancer.
It further points to a new shift where about 500,000 (out of 4.7 million vapers) can be prevented from smoking-related diseases with an increase in vaping.
This positive shift reflects how it aligns with broader public health objectives in eradicating the disturbing implications of conventional smoking.
Source: ASH
Rising Popularity and Demographics
The number of e-cigarette users aged 16 and above has seen a significant rise, with regular vaping increasing from 3.8% in 2020 to 5.2% by 2024.
This upward trend is a clear expression of the growing acceptance and dependence on e-cigarette products as a more uncontroversial alternative to traditional smoking.
| Age Group | Daily e-cig user % |
|---|---|
| 16-24 | 5.2% |
| 25-34 | 6.8% |
| 35-49 | 6.5% |
| 50-59 | 6.1% |
| 60-Above | 2.9% |
Notably, men are more likely to use e-cigarettes (6%) than women (4.4%), and the most elevated prevalence is among the 25-34 age group, with 6.8% of frequent users.
This data suggests that young people are leading the shift in smoking behavior.
Youth Vaping Trends
A significant point to keep in mind is the increased experimentation with vaping among young people. In 2023, the number of young people who smoked e-cigarettes grew by 50% every year.
The above trend indicates that e-cigarettes are substantially gaining appeal among younger demographics.
Comparative Statistics and Smoking Decline
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) report, in 2023, 4.5 million adults in GB, or approximately 8.7% of adults, were using electronic cigarettes daily or occasionally, a notable increase of 7.7% from the onset of 2021.
At the same time, the percentage of current smokers reduced to 3.7%. This massive decline points out that a large number of individuals in the UK are abandoning smoking and converting to vaping to evade adverse health implications.
| Statistics | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total e-cigarette consumers in the UK | 4.7 million | 2024 |
| Daily e-cigarette users (age 16+) | 5.2% | 2024 |
| Male e-cigarette users | 6% | 2024 |
| Female e-cigarette users | 4.4% | 2024 |
| E-cigarette users (age 25-34) | 6.8% | 2024 |
| Youth experimenting with vaping (1 in 9) | 11.1% | 2023 |
| E-cigarette users in Great Britian (adults) | 4.5 million (8.7%) | 2023 |
| Current smokers in the UK | 3.7% | 2023 |
| Vapers poterntionally prevented from smoking-related diseases | 500,000 | 2024 estimate |
By providing a less unsafe possibility, e-cigarettes add to the larger goal of harm reduction, making them a vital element in contemporary public health policies.
Sources: ONS, Global Action to End Smoking, ASH
Assessing TEEN Vaping in the UK
– In 2023, 20.5% of children tried vaping, up from 15.8% in 2022 and 13.9% in 2020.
– The majority had either vaped once or twice (11.6%), while 7.6% were presently vaping (3.9% less than once a week and 3.6% more than once a week).
– In 2023, 53% of youngsters were aware of in-store promotions, while 32% were familiar with online publicity.
– In 2023, 69% of respondents reported using cheap delta 8 disposable, compared to 52% in 2022 and 7.7% in 2021.
– The most dominant flavors among teens are fruit 60 %, and other sweet and soft drink flavors 25%.
| Year | Don't want to say | Ever use of e-cigarette | Never use of e-cigarette |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0.4% | 3.8% | 96% |
| 2014 | 0.2% | 6.9% | 93% |
| 2015 | 0.7% | 11.5% | 88% |
| 2016 | 0.4% | 9.9% | 90% |
| 2017 | 0.7% | 13.3% | 86% |
| 2018 | 0.6% | 13.7% | 86% |
| 2019 | 1.0% | 13.2% | 86% |
| 2020 | 0.8% | 13.9% | 85% |
| 2021 | 0.6% | 11.2% | 88% |
| 2022 | 0.5% | 15.7% | 84% |
| 2023 | 0.8% | 20.5% | 79% |
In 2023, 20.5% endeavored vaping, compared to 15.8% in 2022, 11.3% in 2021, and 13.9% in 2020. This modest development over three years shows growing curiosity and eagerness among young people in the UK to experiment with vaping.
| Year | Occasional use | Regular use | Tried vaping once or twice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0.5% | 0.3% | 3.1% |
| 2014 | 0.8% | 0.6% | 5.6% |
| 2015 | 1.7% | 0.5% | 9.3% |
| 2016 | 1.3% | 0.8% | 7.7% |
| 2017 | 1.7% | 1.1% | 9.0% |
| 2018 | 1.6% | 1.5% | 10.0% |
| 2019 | 2.9% | 1.5% | 8.0% |
| 2020 | 2.4% | 1.7% | 8.1% |
| 2021 | 2.0% | 1.2% | 7.2% |
| 2022 | 3.9% | 3.1% | 7.7% |
| 2023 | 3.9% | 3.7% | 11.6% |
Exploration (trying once or twice) has extended roughly by 50 percent, from 7.7% in 2022 to 11.6% in 2023. The patterns in youth vaping in 2023 show concrete advances in product mobility, brand consistency, and reliability among users.
Awareness and Accessibility
In 2023, well than half of all youngsters (53%) were aware of vape advertisements in stores, with nearly a third (32%) experiencing them online.
Successful advertising plays an essential part in ensuring that items like vapes are glimpsed by those who might gain something from using them as a replacement for traditional smoking.
Rise of Disposable Vapes
Young people are rapidly employing disposable vapes. In 2023, 69% of the participants said their commonly used device was a disposable vape, an increase from 52% in 2022 and 7.7% in 2021.
This trend implies a clear preference for the comfort and ease of usage that disposable vapes enable.
Flavor Preferences
In 2023, teenagers’ most commonly devoured flavors were fruit (60%), immediately followed by sweet or soft drinks (25%). The propensity to have particular vape tastes underscores a necessary aspect of vaping’s enticement.
Sources: Global Action to End Smoking, Office Of National Statistics, ASH
Reasons For Vaping Among Youth In UK
– More than 50% of non-smokers acknowledge they vape ‘just to give it a try‘, in contrast to 1/4 of smokers.
– Around 1 in 5 ever and never smokers admit ‘other people do it, so I join in‘, whereas 21% of ever smokers contend they vape because they enjoy the flavors – 10% in 2022 and 12% in 2023.
– However, the percentage of never-smokers who assert ‘other people use them so I join in‘ has risen from 11% to 18%.
| Reason | Ever Tobacco smoker | Never Tobacco smoker |
|---|---|---|
| I think they look cool | 2.2% | 3.9% |
| They are easier to get hold of than tobacco cigarettes | 4.4% | 0.0% |
| They are cheaper than smoking | 3.3% | 0.0% |
| I enjoy the experience | 8.8% | 1.4% |
| I am addicted to them | 5.6% | 0.8% |
| I am trying to quit smoking | 1.7% | 1.3% |
| I use them instead of smoking | 6.4% | 0.6% |
| Other people use them so I join in | 21% | 18% |
| I like the flavours | 16% | 12% |
| Just to give it a try | 26% | 54% |
Curiosity (“Just to give it a try”)
The majority (54%) trying vaping out of curiosity implies that most are taking vaping as a kind of social activity rather than a regular habit.
(“Other people use them so I join in”) – Social Influence
Ever Smokers: Around 21% in 2023.
Never Smokers: Enhanced significantly from 11% to 18%.
Though pressure from peers is a characteristic motivator, the increase in those who don’t smoke mirrors social trends and an acceptance of vapers as an enjoyable pastime rather than a fixated habit.
(“I like the flavors”) – Flavor Preference
Ever Smokers: 21% in 2023, ahead of 10% in 2022.
The influx in taste preferences among ever smokers makes vaporizers a more pleasing and less unsafe option for smoking.
Discussion
The data discloses that being curious is the most significant reason for never smoking, even though social influence (21%/18%), enjoyment (8.8%/1.4%), and flavors (16%/12%) are relevant for both groups.
Furthermore, previous tobacco smokers are influenced by aspects such as 1.7% are attracted since it helps them quit smoking, and 3.3% like it due to affordability.
The results suggest that, while Delta 8 Carts has grown more mainstream, it stays essentially experimental among the majority of young people.
Source: ASH
Sales Of The Major E-Cigarette Brands In Convenience And Independent Grocery Stores In The United Kingdom
| Brands | Sales (in million) |
|---|---|
| Elf | 654.4 |
| Elux | 64.7 |
| SKE | 32.2 |
| Vuse | 29.1 |
| Geek | 20.8 |
| Hyppe | 14.9 |
| IVG | 14.7 |
| Edge | 14.6 |
| Blu | 12.4 |
| Logic | 9.6 |
In 2023, Elf was the best-selling e-cigarette brand in convenience and independent Grocery stores in the United Kingdom, with sales of more than 654 million pounds in the same year. Elux was the next most prominent brand in terms of sales, with sales of 64.7 million pounds.
Sources: Statista
Vaping Habit Among UK Citizens
The graphic illustrates the distribution of vapers among various age groups:
25-34 years old: This age bracket accounts for 30% of all vapers and is one of the two largest. This shows that vaping is especially popular among young adults.
Frequency of Vaping: 70% cherish their vaping excursions daily or hourly. This substantial degree of use indicates that vaping is a routine habit for many people.
Duration of Vaping: 50% have Been Vaping for 1-3 Years: A large number of vapers have been vaping long enough to make it a part of their habitual behavior.
Type of Vape Most Commonly Used
Reusable Vapes: 50% of vapers prefer reusable vaping equipment. These gadgets can be replenished with e-liquid and utilized several times, suggesting a preference for cost-effectiveness and durability.
Chargeable Disposable Vapes: 20 percent of vapers use chargeable disposable vapes, which are intended to be used several times.
Disposable Vapes: Approximately 30% of vapers utilize entirely disposable vapes that serve their purpose until they are depleted and dumped.
Reasons for Vaping
25% Vape Today to Quit Smoking: Around a quarter of vapers are now vaping to quit smoking. This shows that a considerable number of people continue to utilize vaping as a smoking cessation method over time.
About 45% of vapers began vaping to quit smoking regular cigarettes.
Source: UKEcigStore
Number Of e-Cigarette Users In Great Britain
The provided table informs about the percentage of the population in Great Britain who vape from 2012-2023, the percentage point change year-over-year (YoY), the rate of growth YoY, and the number of current vapers (in millions) divided by current smokers, ex-smokers, and never smokers.
| Percentage of popularity who currently vape | Percentage point change (YoY) | Rate of Growth (YoY) | Number of Current Vapers (millions) | ||||
| Current smokers | Ex-smokers | Never smokers | All | ||||
| 2012 | 1.7% | - | - | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.03 | 0.8 |
| 2013 | 2.7% | 1.0% | +62% | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.08 | 1.3 |
| 2014 | 4.2% | 1.6% | +60% | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.04 | 2.1 |
| 2015 | 5.4% | 1.2% | +29% | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.05 | 2.7 |
| 2016 | 5.7% | 0.3% | +7% | 1.5 | 1.4 | 0.05 | 2.9 |
| 2017 | 5.8% | 0.1% | +3% | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.09 | 2.9 |
| 2018 | 6.2% | 0.4% | +7% | 1.4 | 1.6 | 0.13 | 3.2 |
| 2019 | 7.1% | 0.9% | +16% | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.22 | 3.6 |
| 2020 | 6.3% | -0.8% | -11% | 1.2 | 1.9 | 0.09 | 3.3 |
| 2021 | 7.1% | 0.8% | +13% | 1.1 | 2.4 | 0.18 | 3.7 |
| 2022 | 8.3% | 1.2% | +17% | 1.5 | 2.5 | 0.35 | 4.3 |
| 2023 | 9.1% | 0.8% | +10% | 1.7 | 2.7 | 0.32 | 4.7 |
Percentage of the Population Who Currently Vape
| 2021 | 7.1% |
| 2022 | 8.3% |
| 2023 | 9.1% |
Between 2021 and 2023, the proportion of the population who vapes gradually rises. This illustrates a rising trend in e-cigarette use.
Percentage Point Change (YoY)
| 2021 | 0.2% |
| 2022 | 1.2% |
| 2023 | 0.8% |
The greatest amount of growth occurred from 2021 to 2022 (1.2%), followed by a lesser but still noticeable rise from 2022 to 2023 (0.8%).
Rate of Growth (YoY)
| 2021 | +3% |
| 2022 | +17% |
| 2023 | +10% |
In 2022, the growth rate intensified to 17%, showing an enormous spike in e-cigarette uptake. The growth percentage dropped marginally to 10% in 2023 but continues on a healthy rising trajectory.
Number of Current Vapers (Millions)
Current Smokers:
| 2021 | 1.3 million |
| 2022 | 1.5 million |
| 2023 | 1.7 million |
With each passing year, the number of current smokers is increasing, from 1.3 million in 2021 to 1.7 million in 2023, indicating how vaping is becoming prevalent and people are taking it to get past their former smoking habit.
Increasing Adoption Among Ex-Smokers
Ex-Smokers:
| 2021 | 2.4 million |
| 2022 | 2.4 million |
| 2023 | 2.7 million |
Again, each year, ex-smokers are moving towards vaping, with 2.7 million from 2.4 million, which is a substantial number to consider. People who can not forsake nicotine consumption view vaping as a much better alternative to resuming nicotine and smoking habits.
Overall Growth
The total rise in the vaping population, from 4.0 million in 2021 to 4.7 million in 2023, suggests expanding adoption and acceptance of vaping.
| Reasons | Never smoker | Ex-smokers | Smokers |
| To help me reduce he amount of tobacco I smoke, but not stop completely | 3.6% | 2.6% | 19% |
| To help me stop smoking tobacco entirely | 2.2% | 31% | 17% |
| I want an aid to help me keep off tobacco | 1.7% | 22% | 13% |
| To save money compared with smoking tobacco | 3.7% | 12% | 11% |
| Because I enjoy the experience | 39% | 14% | 11% |
| Just to give it a try | 27% | 1.1% | 5.2% |
1. Motivations for Ex-Smokers (Current Consumers of E-cigarettes):
When present consumers of e-cigarettes who are ex-smokers are questioned why they vape, the most often claimed reasons are to help them stop (31%), to keep them off tobacco (22%), to enjoy it (14%), and to save cash (12%).
2. Motivations for Dual Users (Current Smokers Who Also Vape):
The primary reasons existing e-cigarette smokers who also smoke (dual users) use e-cigarettes are to help them reduce the quantity they smoke (19%), to try to help them stop (17%) and to help them stay away from tobacco (13%).
3. Motivations for Nonsmokers:
Nevertheless, non-smokers cite helping them cope with circumstances in which they are unable to smoke (6.5%), as well as not subjecting others around them to secondhand smoke (4.5%) as their primary reasons.
The two most common motivations for vaping among nonsmokers are to enjoy the experience (39%) and to experiment with it a try (27%).
Source: ASH
Rapid Expansion and Economic Impact of the Vaping Industry in the U.K.
– The country now has 3,573 specialist vape stores, 233 more than at the beginning of 2023. This is compared to a spike of 61 stores in 2022.
– According to information provided by NIQ and Trade The Grocer, the profits of vape goods grew by £897.4 million ($1.14 billion) in 2023.
In 2023, the United Kingdom’s vaping sector underwent substantial development, with 233 specialist vape shops added to the total of 3,573. This growth exceeds the previous year’s rise of 61 stores, indicating a stable trend in the industry’s reach across the country.
In addition, the economic impact of vaping was essential, with vape product sales soaring by £897.4 million ($1.14 billion) in 2023. This significant growth reflects escalating consumer fascination and trust in vaping as an attractive choice.
Profit From The e-cigarette Industry In The United Kingdom From 2018 To 2028 (In Billion US dollars)
| Years | Revenue (in millions) |
| 2018 | 2498.07 |
| 2019 | 2849.29 |
| 2020 | 3012.85 |
| 2021 | 3360.12 |
| 2022 | 3643.27 |
| 2023 | 3877.68 |
| 2024 | 4056.45 |
| 2025 | 4187.61 |
| 2026 | 4215.66 |
| 2027 | 4269.75 |
| 2028 | 4379.59 |
The revenue in the ‘E-Cigarettes’ section of the tobacco products market in the United Kingdom was expected to increase by $323.1 million between 2024 and 2028 (+7.97 percent).
After a tenth straight year of growth, the indicator is foreseen to reach 4.4 billion US dollars, marking a new high in 2028. In particular, the revenue of the ‘E-Cigarettes’ segment of the tobacco products industry has steadily risen.
Sources: Tobacco Operator, The Standard, ASH, Statista
How Many Adults Are Vaping In 2024
Adult vaping in the UK peaked at 11% in 2024, with 53% of vapers being ex-smokers.
| Years | Never smoker | Ex-smoker | Smoker |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5.8% | 28% | 67% |
| 2014 | 1.9% | 33% | 65% |
| 2015 | 1.8% | 38% | 60% |
| 2016 | 1.8% | 47% | 51% |
| 2017 | 3.0% | 45% | 52% |
| 2018 | 4.2% | 44% | 52% |
| 2019 | 6.1% | 40% | 54% |
| 2020 | 2.9% | 38% | 59% |
| 2021 | 4.9% | 31% | 65% |
| 2022 | 8.1% | 35% | 57% |
| 2023 | 6.7% | 37% | 56% |
| 2024 | 8.0% | 39% | 53% |
By 2014, vaping had reached 4.2% and was rapidly increasing year after year.
Over just 11 years, from 2013 to 2024, the usage of vapes has skyrocketed, with the percentage of users surging from a mere 2.7% to a substantial 11%.
Most Adults Who Vape Are Ex-Smokers
| Years | Never smoker | Ex-smoker | Smoker |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5.8% | 28% | 67% |
| 2014 | 1.9% | 33% | 65% |
| 2015 | 1.8% | 38% | 60% |
| 2016 | 1.8% | 47% | 51% |
| 2017 | 3.0% | 45% | 52% |
| 2018 | 4.2% | 44% | 52% |
| 2019 | 6.1% | 40% | 54% |
| 2020 | 2.9% | 38% | 59% |
| 2021 | 4.9% | 31% | 65% |
| 2022 | 8.1% | 35% | 57% |
| 2023 | 6.7% | 37% | 56% |
| 2024 | 8.0% | 39% | 53% |
Over 53% of current vapers (approximately 3 million) are former smokers. Less than 2 in 100 non-smokers vape, with 8.0% of vapers having never smoked.
From 2013 to 2024, the percentage of vapers climbed fourfold, while cigarette consumption declined by approximately 5 percentage points in the same year:
| Years | Current use of Cigarettes (%) | Current use of vaoes (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 18% | 2.7% |
| 2014 | 16% | 4.2% |
| 2015 | 18% | 5.4% |
| 2016 | 15% | 5.7% |
| 2017 | 14% | 5.8% |
| 2018 | 14% | 6.2% |
| 2019 | 15% | 7.1% |
| 2020 | 14% | 6.3% |
| 2021 | 13% | 7.1% |
| 2022 | 13% | 8.3% |
| 2023 | 13% | 9.1% |
| 2024 | 13% | 11% |
Comparative Analysis
Cigarette Use: Decreased from 18% in 2013 to 13% in 2024.
Vape Use: Increased from 2.7% in 2013 to 11% in 2024.
This suggests that the rate of smoking is decreasing in line with the increasing number of vape users by 2024.
Source: ASH
The Bottom Line
Since 2012, the vaping landscape in the United Kingdom has undergone a significant transformation, with 4.7 million people moving towards this trend.
This transitional shift hints at pivotal changes in smoking habits among UK citizens.
Many studies also shed light on how vaping has played a critical part in helping smokers stop, with two-thirds of those who switched to vaping successfully giving up smoking.
To explore more statistics articles, consider the number of vape and e-cigarette brands, teen vaping statistics, and the percentage of Americans who vape.
