The UK government wants to become smoke-free by 2030, and with search interest in giving up smoking on the rise too, more Brits are looking for ways to kick the habit.
As a result, leading UK vaping retailer Vape Superstore surveyed 500 ex-smokers to get a better understanding of their preferred ways to quit, and it’s older age groups who are leading the charge when it comes to choosing vaping as their go-to method.
Nicotine Gum Tops Survey as UK’s Preferred Method to Quit Smoking
The new survey data suggests nicotine gum is currently the most favoured aid among people who have quit smoking in the UK, as the country works toward its smoke-free 2030 ambition.
The study found that almost a third (31%) used nicotine gum during their efforts to quit—making it the most commonly used cessation tool in the survey.
Vaping and Patches Follow Gum in Popularity
Vaping ranked as the second most common method, with 27% of ex-smokers choosing e-cigarettes to reduce their dependence on traditional cigarettes.
Participants cited the ability to control nicotine strength and taper usage over time as part of its appeal. Nicotine-free vapes are also used by some individuals looking to retain the “hand-to-mouth” habit without continuing nicotine consumption.
Nicotine patches came in close behind, favoured by 26% of respondents. Like gum, patches offer a discreet option and can provide nicotine for up to 24 hours, allowing users to stay at work or social events without stepping outside to smoke or vape.
At the other end of the scale, only 10% of respondents reported using nicotine nasal sprays or inhalers, making them the least popular method in the survey. These products are often prescribed by GPs or available via Stop Smoking Services, but side effects such as throat and mouth irritation may play a role in their limited uptake.
Other methods reported include nicotine pouches and lozenges, both used by 11% of respondents.
Age Preferences Show Clear Divides
While the overall figures place gum in the lead, age groups showed varying preferences:
- 18–24 year olds were most likely to use nicotine patches, with 47% choosing that method.
- 25–34 year olds and 35–44 year olds leaned toward nicotine gum, with 46% and 45% respectively selecting it.
- Among older users, vaping was most popular. It was preferred by 32% of those aged 45–54, 22% of people aged 55–64 and 18% aged 65 and above.
The popularity of discreet aids, such as nic gum and patches, among working-age adults could be equated to limited opportunities to leave workplaces during the day, leading to a need for inconspicuous methods.
City-Level Findings Mirror National Trends
Nicotine gum was the most popular choice in nine out of 15 cities studied, including London, Manchester, Belfast, Cardiff, Leeds, Newcastle, Norwich, Sheffield and Southampton.
Vaping and patches also led in several locations. For example:
- Glasgow saw the highest city-level share of vaping, at 52%.
- Bristol recorded 33% choosing vapes.
- Nottingham recorded 31% favouring nicotine patches.
Some cities showed equal preferences for two or more methods. In Belfast, 25% chose both vapes and nicotine gum. In Manchester and Newcastle, respondents split their choices between patches and gum.
Commenting on the findings, David Phillips of Vape Superstore said:
“The decision to quit smoking and actually taking the steps to quit are two different things. It takes courage and commitment to break an addictive habit, and knowing which method will work best for you will take time and experience.
“Understanding the most popular ways to quit may help you inform your decision on how to quit smoking, but it’s different for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you choose vaping, nicotine patches or nicotine gum, as long as you’re dedicated to making a change, it can work for you.”
