Which brand vape contain diacrtyl in vape juices?

Pinpointing specific vape juice brands that definitely contain diacetyl is difficult because the market and formulations change rapidly, and not all companies are transparent. However, by looking at scientific studies and regulatory actions, we can identify specific brands and flavor types that have historically contained or are still at high risk for containing diacetyl.

📝 Brands with Known Diacetyl Issues

Here are the specific brands that have been publicly identified for having diacetyl in their products:

Suntree: A specific flavor, "Suntree Salts - Vanilla Cream," was recalled in New Zealand in 2025 for containing four times the legal limit of diacetyl (nearly 90 ppm, with the limit being 22 ppm). New Zealand health authorities issued a public warning for this product.

Cuttwood: Faced a class-action lawsuit in 2015 alleging its e-liquids contained "the highest concentration that has ever been seen in any e-liquid" of diacetyl and a related chemical, acetyl propionyl.

Five Pawns: Was also sued in 2015 for allegedly testing its e-liquids, knowing they contained diacetyl, and failing to disclose this to consumers.

Geek Bar: A specific past formula of "Geek Bar Custard" was reported to have contained diacetyl.

Beyond these specific brands, the risk is highest in dessert, custard, and creamy flavors (e.g., vanilla, butterscotch, caramel) where diacetyl is used to create a buttery taste.

🛡️ Brands with Confirmed Diacetyl-Free Status

On the other hand, these brands have made public commitments and provide lab reports confirming their products are diacetyl-free:

Foger Vape: Publishes lab reports confirming "100% Diacetyl-free".

Cloudride: Officially states all flavors are free from diacetyl, acetoin, and acetyl propionyl.

Naked 100: Listed as a brand that uses third-party lab testing for safety and transparency.

Freeman Vape Juice: States their vape juice recipes (except for one specific cookie flavor) are diacetyl free, and recommends their fruit and milkshake flavors.

Cyclone Pods: A US-based company that creates diacetyl and nicotine-free vaping products.

Pachamama: Listed as a brand to trust.

Primitive Vapors: Listed as a brand to trust.

🧪 General Research Findings

To put this in perspective, a landmark Harvard study found that 39 out of 51 flavored e-cigarettes tested contained diacetyl, meaning the issue is widespread and not isolated to a few brands. Another study also found that more than 60% of e-cigarette vapor samples contained diacetyl.

If avoiding diacetyl is a priority, here are some practical steps you can take:

Check Official Warnings: For products sold in countries like New Zealand and the UK, check government health websites (e.g., the Ministry of Health NZ or the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) for product safety alerts and recalls.

Look for "DA/AP Free" Labels: Many responsible manufacturers now label their products as "Diacetyl-Free," "DA/AP Free," or "Diketone-Free."

Prioritize Fruit Flavors: Scientific studies consistently show that fruit-flavored e-liquids are far less likely to contain diacetyl than creamy or custard-flavored ones.