ONS Data Shows Former Smokers Make Up Most UK Adult Vapers
An analysis of 2025 ONS figures estimates that 54% of adult e-cigarette users in Great Britain previously smoked cigarettes, or about 2.9 million people. Another 26% currently smoke and vape, while 20% never smoked regularly. The report, published by 2Firsts on October 14, 2026, uses population estimates and vaping rates to break down the composition of the UK vaping population.
The 2Firsts analysis, dated 14 October 2026, combined ONS 2025 population estimates with vaping rates to estimate Great Britain’s adult e-cigarette population at roughly 5.38 million. Former cigarette smokers made up about 2.9 million, dual users around 1.42 million, and those with no regular smoking history about 1.05 million.
ONS figures also show 20.7% of former smokers vaped at least occasionally in 2025, close to 20.8% in 2024. Among current smokers, 33.8% vaped at least occasionally in 2025, up from 32.8% in 2024. These rates describe groups, not the makeup of all vapers.
The breakdown may shape how health communicators, retailers and policymakers interpret adult vaping. Former smokers could see themselves reflected as the largest group, while dual users may face continued smoking-related risks. Businesses might use the data to refine products or messaging, though the figures cannot show why people vape or whether e-cigarettes caused quitting. Clear distinctions between population composition and individual behaviour could influence future research and consumer guidance.