If you have ever looked at 100ml bottles of vape juice, you might have noticed they are usually labelled as shortfills and sold without nicotine. This often leads to the question: do you actually need nic shots with 100ml vape juice? The answer depends on how you like to vape. Nic shots are optional, but if you want nicotine in your juice, then yes, you will need them. If you prefer vaping without nicotine, you can use the shortfill as it is.
Why 100ml bottles come without nicotine
The reason 100ml bottles are nicotine-free comes down to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). UK regulations state that any e liquid containing nicotine must not be sold in bottles larger than 10ml. To get around this, manufacturers created shortfills. These are larger bottles of nicotine-free e liquid that leave space for nic shots to be added.
A typical 100ml shortfill comes in a 120ml bottle, leaving enough room for two 10ml nic shots. This allows you to add nicotine yourself while still staying within the law.
What are nic shots?
Nicotine shots, often called nic shots, are small 10ml bottles of flavourless nicotine. They are usually available in 18mg or 20mg strengths and are designed to be mixed with shortfills. Because they are unflavoured, they do not change the taste of your juice, but they allow you to adjust the nicotine strength to your preference.
How many nic shots do you need?
The number of nic shots you need depends on the strength you want. For a 100ml shortfill:
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Adding one 18mg nic shot gives a final strength of around 1.5mg.
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Adding two 18mg nic shots gives a final strength of around 3mg.
Most sub ohm vapers prefer 1.5mg to 3mg strengths because they already inhale more vapour per puff. If you are used to higher strengths, nic salts in smaller bottles may be a better choice, but for larger bottles shortfills with added nic shots are the standard option.
Can you vape 100ml shortfills without nic shots?
Yes, you can. If you prefer vaping nicotine-free, you do not need to add nic shots at all. Many people enjoy shortfills purely for the flavour and cloud production, without any nicotine. This makes shortfills a good option for vapers who are reducing their nicotine intake or who simply want a smoother, cleaner vaping experience.
If you want to try nicotine-free flavours in larger bottles, our 100ml vape juice collection has a wide variety of options.
Why nic shots are useful
Even if you are reducing nicotine, nic shots give you flexibility. You can choose to add one for a lighter strength or two for a stronger one. You are not locked into a fixed nicotine level like with pre-mixed 10ml bottles. This is one of the reasons shortfills are so popular. They let you tailor your vape exactly how you want it.
Nic shots are also easy to use. You simply open your shortfill, pour in the nic shot, replace the nozzle and cap, then shake the bottle for at least a minute to mix thoroughly. For more detail on this process, our 100ml shortfill guide provides step-by-step instructions.
Common mistakes when using nic shots
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Not shaking the bottle enough, which can leave the nicotine unevenly distributed.
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Adding too many nic shots, which can dilute flavour and make the strength harsher than intended.
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Forgetting to replace the cap and nozzle securely, leading to leaks.
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Using flavoured nic shots, which can alter the taste of your juice.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your shortfill delivers consistent flavour and the nicotine strength you expect.
Final thoughts
Do you need nic shots with 100ml vape juice? The answer is no if you are happy to vape nicotine-free, but yes if you want nicotine in your juice. Shortfills are sold without nicotine because of UK regulations, and nic shots are the simple way to customise your bottle to the strength that suits you.
This system gives you flexibility, better value, and far more choice than buying small bottles. Whether you use nic shots or not, 100ml shortfills remain one of the most popular and cost-effective options for vapers.
When you are ready to mix, follow how to add nicotine to vape juice for accurate results. If you want to push strength within shortfill limits, read The Strongest Nicotine Options for 100ml Shortfills.