When applied to sticks, the term “intensity” is more accurate—it’s a combination of various characteristics, such as vapor production, flavor profile, and nicotine content.
Manufacturers offer a wide variety of sticks with varying intensities, ensuring everyone can find the perfect fit. In this article, we’ll explain how to determine their intensity, what it depends on, and which high-intensity options are available for NEO and KENT.
What’s in this article:
How tobacco intensity is determined for sticks
Cigarettes and tobacco heating systems—which is more intense?
High-intensity sticks for glo™
Pack markings: how to determine strength
How tobacco intensity is determined for sticks
People often perceive the terms “intensity” and “strength” as synonyms, but in the context of sticks and tobacco products, there is a significant difference between them.
Strength is determined solely by the nicotine level and relates more to the physiological effects: a feeling of dizziness, fullness, and astringency.
Intensity is a broader concept that describes the overall impression and includes a combination of various characteristics: vapor density and quantity, flavor nuances, richness of flavor, and strength. The nicotine content has a significant impact on the perceived intensity. The higher the percentage, the more intense the stick.
Nicotine content depends on various factors:
- Leaf location on the plant. Tobacco leaves are taken from different tiers: the upper tiers have more nicotine because this part of the stem receives more sunlight, water, and oxygen. The lower tiers have less nicotine because they are the widest and closer to the roots. Flavor intensity depends on the nicotine content.
- Tobacco variety. The nicotine content also depends on the type of tobacco used in the product. Sticks are often based on a combination of three popular varieties: Virginia, Burley, and Oriental.
| Virginia | Oriental | Burley | |
| Intensity | Low | Medium | High |
| Nicotine | 1-3% | 1-4% | 5-7% |
Cigarettes and heated tobacco systems – which are more intense?
It’s difficult to say definitively which is more intense – cigarettes or sticks. Stores offer a wide selection of brands and lines with varying flavor combinations, vapor production, and nicotine levels. The intensity of some sticks is perceived as higher, while others are lower.
The same applies to comparisons with cigarettes. If a person chose a more intense tobacco variety in a cherry-flavored cigarette, then sticks with the same tobacco variety but with a vanilla flavor may seem less intense, and vice versa. It’s also important to consider that smoking produces smoke, which contains certain substances that are also absorbed into the body through inhalation of combustion products.
However, there are studies comparing heated tobacco systems and cigarettes: they looked at the substances emitted, the nicotine content, and biomarkers of exposure and potential harm. A stick doesn’t burn, but rather heats up – vapor is released into the air instead of smoke. Vapor is produced only when inhaled. Vapor contains 90-95% fewer toxic substances.
Glo™ sticks come in two formats: Nano and Demi. There are both differences and similarities between them. Both types contain tobacco, have a similar structure, and both formats support the use of filtered capsules. The sticks are available in a wide range of flavors: from classic tobacco blends to fruity flavors with minty notes.
The main difference between the formats is the stick size. Nano sticks are thin, while Demi sticks are thick and short. They contain 30% more tobacco than Nano sticks, resulting in a higher intensity and richer flavor. Because of this, sticks of the same type can only be used in heating systems suitable for them.
Devices compatible with Demi format:
- glo™ AIR
- glo™ HYPER XS
- glo™ HYPER X2
- glo™ HYPER
- glo™ HYPER+
- glo™ HYPER pro
Devices compatible with Nano format:
- glo™ pro slim
- glo™ pro
- glo™ nano
- glo™ 2.0
Sticks for both glo™ formats come in high-intensity flavors — here are some of the options.
Demi Format:
- neo™ Demi Cherry Tobacco—a premium Virginia tobacco variety with an exquisite cherry aroma;
- neo™ Demi Choco Tobacco—a premium Virginia tobacco variety with an exquisite chocolate aroma;
- neo™ Demi Red Moon—a combination of juicy cherry with hints of blueberry and a refreshing aftertaste;
- neo™ Demi Vanilla Mint – a vibrant menthol flavor with a vanilla capsule;
- neo™ Demi Creamy Tobacco – a select tobacco with a rich flavor and creamy notes;
- Ruby Boost KENT and neo™ Demi Ruby Boost – a berry-flavored capsule. Rich flavor with refreshing notes.
The Nano line of sticks only offers one high-intensity option – the berry-flavored neo™ Ruby Boost with refreshing notes.
Packaging Markings: How to Find the Strength
Stick strength is a relative term, and it’s not indicated on the packaging. However, by browsing the product range on the manufacturer’s website, you can find options with more or less intense flavors. A special symbol will make it easy to choose the right stick.
If you want to learn more about other stick characteristics, just visit the manufacturer’s website: for example, some brands provide information not only on strength but also on the tobacco flavor and whether the stick contains a capsule.