This article was written by Rachel Jackson and first published January 6, 2025. Last updated: 1 year ago
Cigalike: Why OK Vape Outlasted the Rest
This time ten years ago, vape shop shelves were full to the brim with cigalikes from a broad selection of vape brands. Launched way back in 2003, the cigalike gained increasing popularity over the years with plenty of options for vapers to choose from.
Designed to mimic the look and feel of traditional cigarettes, cigalikes were (and for many, still are!) a lifeline for smokers seeking a less harmful alternative.
But flash forward to today, and cigalikes have all but disappeared from vape shops across the UK. Though the cigalike remains a popular choice, particularly for those transitioning away from smoking, many of the pioneering cigalike brands have seemingly disappeared with no real explanation as to why.
Trust us, it's not because cigalikes are any less popular - hundreds and thousands of ex-smokers still turn to cigalikes as a convenient alternative. So, what exactly happened to cigalike vape brands like Nicocig, SkyCig, Gamucci, E-Lites, and Smokers Angel Halo?
Lets find out.
Why Use Cigalikes?
E-cigarettes are the only alternative to cigarettes that not only provide nicotine replacement, but also imitate the physical sensations of smoking. This is likely the reason that vaping has has double the success rate compared to other nicotine replacement therapies and is now the most popular method to quit smoking. Vaping also allows you to reduce the amount of nicotine over time, helping to ease withdrawal symptoms.
There is nothing better that you can do for your health than to quit smoking entirely. However, if the idea of going 'cold turkey' feels like an impossible challenge, Public Health England maintain that e-cigarettes are around 95% less harmful than tobacco.
Which Cigalikes Are Discontinued?
Nicocig
Also known as Nicolites
Nicocig was one of the UK's most recognised cigalike brands and was renowned for its simplicity as a smoke cessation aid. Nicocig was discontinued in 2020 and is no longer available to buy in the UK. Many believe its product line was phased out as the focus shifted to newer, higher margin vape devices like pod systems and mods.
The OK Cigalike is a like-for-like alternative to the Nicocig. Find out more in our guide: Nicocig Discontinued - What Alternatives Are There?
E-Lites
Also known as Logic
Founded in 2009, E-Lite vapes provided one of the most authentic electronic smoking experiences available - so much so that the term 'E-Lite' was used interchangeably with 'cigalike.' E-Lites later merged with Logic to become Logic Vapes, a vape brand supplying e-cigarettes in the UK and US. Not long after the acquisition E-Lite vapes were discontinued. While we're not sure why, vapers speculate that the brand opted to focus on its broader vape offering.
Gamucci
Gamucci grew from strength to strength over the years, introducing the world's first airport vaping zone at Heathrow in 2013. Unfortunately, Gamucci is thought to have encountered financial difficulties that forced them to cease trading.
Smokers Halo Angel
Smokers Angel Halo is a UK brand that initially provided cigalike products and later expanded into e-liquids and refillable vape systems. Halo replaced its cigalike with a more advanced vape kit at around the same time that new FDA regulations were introduced.
Green Smoke
The Green Smoke e-cigarette range was best known for its fantastic vapour production and excellent flavour range. Unfortunately, Green Smoke was acquired by a large tobacco brand and later discontinued as the market shifted to pod systems and more advanced vape products.
SkyCig
Also known as Blu
Skycig launched its cigalike range to the UK market in 2012 before changing its name to Blu in 2014. In 2015, Blu was acquired by Imperial Brands and its former SkyCig cigalike offerings reduced in favour of pod systems and e-liquids before eventually cigalike production ceased altogether.
Vapestick
Vapestick is a UK-based vape brand that primarily produced cigalike devices and vape pens, designed to be simple and convenient for beginner vapers. Unfortunately, Vapestick cigalikes disappeared shortly after the new vape regulations came into effect in 2017.
Why Did These Brands Disappear?
Many cigalike products disappeared because of the associated costs of submitting products to the MHRA. The tighter regulations on vaping products may even have led some brands to exit the market altogether.
The disappearance of vape brands can also be attributed to the greater profit margins and increasing popularity offered by advanced vape technology.
The UK's #1 Independent Cigalike Brand
Despite many vape brands making the decision to discontinue their cigalike range, OK Vape has remained steadfast in its commitment to offering a reliable, accessible, and high-quality alternative to smoking.
A Trusted Alternative
Based on the knowledge that simplicity and familiarity matter to ex-smokers, the OK Cigalike is designed to closely mimic the experience of smoking, making the transition seamless.
We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in product quality and safety, ensuring that our customers can trust our products.
We also believe that switching to vaping shouldn't break the bank. That's why our products are competitively priced and widely available across the UK.
As the cigalike landscape evolves, OK Vape continues to prioritise the needs of ex-smokers by pairing high-quality cigalikes with excellent customer support.
