Ice and menthol flavours have remained a familiar part of the vaping market, appearing in everything from simple mint profiles to fruit combinations such as strawberry ice, blue raspberry ice and cherry ice. For adult users who already choose these profiles, the attraction is not necessarily about one particular fruit or sweet flavour. Often, it is the cooling sensation that changes how the flavour is experienced.

So, why do ice and menthol flavours continue to appeal to adult vape users?

What Makes Ice and Menthol Flavours Different?

The main difference is the cooling sensation they create. Menthol interacts with sensory receptors associated with detecting cold, producing a noticeable feeling of freshness even though the vapour itself is not actually colder.

Ice flavours can create a similar effect, but they do not necessarily rely on menthol. Some products use synthetic cooling agents to produce a stronger or different cooling sensation. Research involving adult nicotine users has found that cooling agents can influence perceptions of coolness, smoothness and harshness, helping explain why these flavour profiles can be appealing to some users.

The result is a flavour experience that feels different from a standard fruit, dessert or tobacco profile.

The Appeal of a Fresh Sensation

One reason adult users may prefer menthol or ice flavours is their distinctive freshness. Rather than leaving only a sweet or fruity taste, cooling can create a cleaner finish.

This is particularly noticeable in combinations such as:

• Strawberry Ice

• Blue Raspberry Ice

• Cherry Ice

• Peach Ice

• Pineapple Ice

• Mint and menthol blends

The fruit provides the main flavour while the cooling element adds another layer to the experience.

For some users, this combination can make familiar flavours feel less heavy or repetitive compared with using a strongly sweet flavour on its own.

Ice Flavours Can Change Perceived Smoothness

Cooling can also affect how users perceive the sensation of inhaling vapour. Research has found that menthol and synthetic cooling agents can influence perceptions of harshness and smoothness, although the effect varies depending on the formulation and concentration.

A 2025 clinical experiment involving adult tobacco and nicotine users found that products containing the synthetic cooling agent WS-23 received higher ratings for liking, willingness to use again, smoothness and coolness compared with versions without a cooling agent. The study also found lower ratings for harshness and bitterness.

That does not mean every ice flavour will feel smooth to every person. Device settings, nicotine strength, PG/VG ratio and individual sensitivity can all influence the experience.

Why Fruit and Ice Work Well Together

Fruit-and-ice combinations have become a particularly recognisable flavour category because they balance two contrasting sensations.

A fruit flavour can provide sweetness, acidity or a juicy character, while the cooling element adds freshness. Instead of simply increasing the intensity of the fruit, the ice component changes the overall profile.

For example, a berry flavour can taste sweet and rich on its own. Adding a cooling element can give it a sharper, fresher finish. The same principle can apply to tropical fruits, citrus flavours and watermelon.

This versatility is one reason cooling profiles appear across such a wide range of flavour categories.

Menthol Is Not the Same as Ice

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, menthol and ice are not necessarily identical.

Menthol has its own mint-like flavour alongside its cooling sensation. Ice flavours, on the other hand, may use cooling agents that provide a cold sensation without creating a strong mint taste.

This distinction gives adult users more choice. Someone who enjoys a cool sensation but does not want a pronounced mint flavour may prefer a fruit-and-ice profile instead.

Individual Preference Still Matters

There is no single reason why every adult user chooses ice or menthol. Taste preferences are highly individual, and what feels refreshing to one person may feel too strong to another.

Research also suggests that flavour and cooling effects can influence sensory experiences differently between individuals. Studies of adult users have found that menthol is perceived as particularly cooling compared with several other flavour categories.

This is why trying different profiles can produce very different results. A mild mint may feel comfortable for one user, while a strong ice profile may be preferred by someone else.

Ice and Menthol in Refillable Pod Systems

Ice and menthol flavours are also well suited to refillable and pod-based vaping systems because they are available across different flavour strengths and formulations.

For adult users using a refillable pod, it is worth checking the manufacturer's recommendations for e-liquid compatibility, nicotine strength and PG/VG ratio. Using an unsuitable liquid can affect flavour, vapour production and coil performance.

It is also important to remember that nicotine is addictive, and vaping products are intended for adults who already use nicotine rather than non-smokers or young people.

Final Thoughts

Ice and menthol flavours continue to stand out because they offer something that standard flavour profiles cannot quite replicate: a distinct cooling sensation combined with freshness and, depending on the formulation, a perception of greater smoothness.

From simple mint and menthol profiles to fruit combinations such as strawberry ice and blue raspberry ice, the category gives adult users plenty of variation without moving completely away from familiar flavours.

For adults exploring different flavour profiles, IVG Ireland offers a range of ice, menthol, fruit and combination options through its collection at IVG Ireland. As with any vaping product, users should check the product specifications and choose nicotine strengths appropriate to their existing use.