Michael Kannes
17/03/2025 • 5 min read
Are you new to vaping, or have you recently come across IQOS and are curious about the difference between heated tobacco products and traditional vaping devices? And while we’re at it, what are the best HEETS IQOS flavours since you’re considering trying them? These products, including HEETS sticks, are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to traditional cigarettes, offering a smoother and less harmful experience. But with so many HEETS flavours on the market, it can be tricky to determine which one best suits you.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about HEETS — from how they work to how they compare with other vaping devices and traditional cigarettes. We’ll also explore the best HEETS flavours, their intensity levels, and what makes each unique.
One key thing to keep in mind: Not all IQOS products are compatible with each other. HEETS can only be used with original IQOS blade-heated tobacco holders, such as IQOS ORIGINALS 1, IQOS 2.4, IQOS 2.4+, IQOS 3, IQOS 3 Duo, and IQOS 3 Multi. They do not work with IQOS ILUMA or other advanced heated tobacco devices.
So, if you’re looking for the latest technology, consider the IQOS ILUMA One kit. It is compatible with a broader range of TEREA sticks for a richer and more colourful flavour experience.
But back to the roots — HEETS and IQOS were groundbreaking products in their time. They truly have revolutionised the way people enjoy tobacco. What revolutionary changes did they bring? HEETS are tobacco sticks designed for IQOS devices, which use heat-not-burn technology to warm the tobacco, creating a smooth vapour without harmful and toxic tobacco smoke and ash.
With heated tobacco devices, there’s no need for e-liquids or coil replacements; simply replace the tobacco sticks and recharge the kit as needed. This technology provides a cleaner alternative to traditional smoking, making it a popular choice among those who want to reduce the harshness of regular cigarettes and switch from smoking without losing the flavour.
Browse heated tobacco productsBefore diving into flavours, let’s clear up what HEETS are. As we said, HEETS are specially designed tobacco sticks used with the IQOS device. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco at high temperatures, IQOS heats the tobacco to a lower temperature – and what’s the most important – without burning it. This process is called heat-not-burn technology.
So, is IQOS considered vaping? Not exactly. While both vaping and IQOS avoid burning tobacco, IQOS still uses real tobacco, while most vapes use e-liquids. Think of IQOS as a middle ground between smoking and vaping — it gives you a more familiar tobacco taste and aroma but with 95% fewer harmful chemicals than regular cigarettes. Additionally, HEETS come in various tobacco flavours, catering to different preferences.
The existing IQOS 3 DUO, designed for use with HEETS sticks, will be discontinued and replaced by the IQOS ILUMA series of tobacco heating devices, which, according to the manufacturer, introduces a new, revolutionary heating technology.
HEETS flavours are categorised into different types, including classic, menthol, and fruit-inspired flavours and aromas. Classic flavours like Amber, Sienna, and Teak provide a rich tobacco experience, while menthol varieties like Blue, Green, and Turquoise offer a refreshing minty kick. Fruit-inspired flavours like Mauve Wave add a sweet and fruity twist to the traditional tobacco taste. Generally, HEETS offers several classic flavours, such as menthol variants. Fruity flavours are relatively rare. You can always find the current range for the UK on the manufacturer’s product page.
If you’re wondering where HEETS fit in the world of smoking alternatives, it helps to understand how they compare to both vaping and traditional cigarettes. With HEETS, you’re still using real tobacco, which provides a more authentic smoking experience compared to the synthetic flavour of e-liquids, especially with the rich tobacco blend found in the Bronze flavour. This makes them appealing to smokers who want to quit but still crave that genuine tobacco taste. However, again, unlike cigarettes, HEETS don’t burn. The heating process reduces harmful chemicals, making them safer while offering a familiar feel.
That brings us to what matters in this article — flavours. Suppose you’re quitting cigarettes and switching to the less risky IQOS. In that case, you might be surprised by the variety of flavours available compared to traditional cigarettes' more or less unchanging toxic ashtray smell. However, if you’re already into vaping, the selection of around 10 flavours might leave you a bit underwhelmed. E-liquids can be mixed in virtually any combination, offering endless possibilities, while HEETS simply can’t provide that range. Another important thing is that HEETS contain processed tobacco, which naturally includes nicotine. As of now, there are no nicotine-free HEETS available on the market.
When choosing the best HEETS flavours, understanding their intensity and bold taste is key. The intensity of a HEET stick refers to how strong or bold the tobacco flavour is. If you’re used to strong cigarettes, you might prefer a more intense HEET. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something lighter and smoother, there are plenty of milder options.
To make it easier to choose, many people refer to a HEETS strength chart to identify the strongest HEETS flavours that best match their smoking habits. The chart typically ranks HEETS from the strongest to the mildest, helping smokers transition comfortably. Some of the flavours are mentioned here again, but this time from a different perspective.
For those who were heavy smokers, Sienna Selection and Amber Selection offer the most potent flavours, mimicking the boldness of traditional cigarettes. Moderate smokers might find Yellow Selection or Teak Selection more suited to their tastes, offering a balanced experience without being overwhelming. If you were a light smoker or are looking to reduce nicotine intake, Turquoise Selection and Green Zing provide a lighter, fresher alternative that still satisfies the need for flavour.
The traditional curing of high-quality tobacco leaves doesn’t necessarily have to end up in conventional cigarettes but can instead be used in much less harmful products with heat-not-burn technology, such as IQOS HEETS.
One of the standout features of HEETS is the variety of aromas they offer. Although traditional cigarettes generally stick to plain tobacco or menthol, HEETS introduce subtle flavour variations that enhance the smoking experience without overpowering the tobacco taste. As we’ve already mentioned, if you decide to switch to IQOS as a way to quit smoking, you’ll find the range of flavours much broader compared to traditional cigarettes. However, if you’re an experienced vape user, the selection of flavours might feel somewhat limited.
For those who appreciate classic tobacco, Amber Selection and Sienna Selection deliver rich, robust aromas that feel familiar and satisfying. Turquoise Selection offers a cool menthol aroma if you’re after something fresher, while Green Zing combines light tobacco with a refreshing citrus twist.
Unique options include the Yellow Selection, which introduces a soft citrus note to mellow tobacco, and the Teak Selection, known for its creamy, woody aroma. These subtle flavour profiles, including the malty aromas of the Russet Selection, can make the switch from smoking to HEETS more enjoyable and help you find a blend that suits your personal taste.
The rich toasted tobacco blend is a popular choice among HEETS users. This flavour category includes options like Amber, Sienna, and Teak, which offer a robust and intense tobacco experience. The rich toasted tobacco blend is perfect for those who prefer a strong and full-bodied flavour.
The crisp menthol tobacco blend is another popular choice among HEETS users. This flavour category includes options like Blue, Green, and Turquoise, which offer a refreshing and cooling menthol experience. The crisp menthol tobacco blend is perfect for those who prefer a lighter and refreshing flavour.
For those who prefer a more intense tobacco flavour, HEETS offers a range of options. The most intense tobacco flavour options include Bronze, Russet, and Ruby Fuse, which offer a bold and rich tobacco experience. These flavours are perfect for those who prefer a strong and full-bodied flavour.
HEETS flavours are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable experience for users. With a wide range of options to choose from, users can select the flavour that best suits their taste preferences. Whether you prefer a classic tobacco flavour, a refreshing menthol flavour, or a sweet and fruity flavour, HEETS has something for everyone.
When considering alternatives to traditional smoking, it’s helpful to understand how HEETS flavours compare with those offered by other vaping brands. While HEETS focus on delivering authentic tobacco flavours, they also provide menthol flavours as a refreshing option among the selection. E-liquid vapes offer a broader range of options, from fruity to dessert-inspired flavours.
The key difference is that HEETS use real tobacco, which gives them a more genuine, familiar taste for those who miss the sensation of smoking. Vaping brands, on the other hand, rely on synthetic flavourings, which can provide a wider variety of tastes but don’t replicate the tobacco experience as closely.
If you’re looking for something that feels and tastes like a cigarette, HEETS might be the better choice. But if you’re open to experimenting with different flavours and want more control over your nicotine intake — especially if you’re planning to quit nicotine altogether — exploring regular vaping products could be the way to go.
For smokers looking to replicate the experience of traditional cigarettes as closely as possible, HEETS offer a compelling alternative. Since HEETS use real tobacco, including a lightly toasted tobacco blend, the taste and aroma are much closer to conventional smoking than what you’d get from e-liquids. Plus, the IQOS device mimics the hand-to-mouth motion and the ritual of lighting up, which can make the transition feel more natural.
However, the significant difference lies in the health impact. While HEETS still contain nicotine and tobacco, the heating process produces far fewer harmful chemicals compared to burning cigarettes. This makes HEETS a less harmful option, helping smokers reduce their exposure to toxins without giving up the flavours they’re used to.
If you’re someone who wants to quit but finds it hard to let go of the traditional smoking experience, HEETS could be the perfect middle ground.
Choosing the best HEETS flavours depends on your personal taste and how strongly you like your tobacco. If you’re transitioning from strong cigarettes, Sienna Selection or Amber Selection might feel more familiar. But if you’re looking for something lighter or fresher, Turquoise Selection or Green Zing could be just the thing.
Switching to IQOS and HEETS is a step towards a less harmful lifestyle, with 95% fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional smoking. And who knows? Once you’ve found your favourite flavour, you might even decide to move towards nicotine-free options in the future.
Whatever your journey, the important thing is that you’re moving in the right direction — towards a healthier, smoke-free life.
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