Jessica Tyson
09/06/2025 • 5 min read
As heated tobacco continues to grow in popularity, two prominent heated tobacco stick choices dominate the conversation: TEREA and EVO. These aren’t just accessories to your device, they’re the heart of the experience. The quality of the flavour, the smoothness of the vapour, and even how satisfying your session feels all come down to the tobacco stick you choose.
TEREA sticks, exclusive to IQOS ILUMA devices, and EVO sticks, crafted for use with Ploom devices, are both designed to deliver a cleaner, modern alternative to cigarettes. But beyond that shared mission, their flavour profiles, design, and overall experience present notable differences.
In this article, we’ll break down how these two stick formats stack up when it comes to taste, consistency, innovation, and satisfaction, helping you decide which heated tobacco stick delivers better flavour for your preferences.
At their core, both TEREA and EVO sticks represent a departure from traditional cigarettes by heating, rather than burning, real tobacco to generate vapour. But both how they’re made and how they’re used differs in important ways.
TEREA sticks are specifically engineered for IQOS ILUMA devices like the IQOS ILUMA ONE, using a closed design with induction heating. This means there's no heating blade piercing the stick. Instead, the tobacco is heated from the inside out using a metal element built into each stick. This innovation allows for even heating, better consistency between puffs, and minimal residue inside the device.
By contrast, EVO sticks, used with Ploom devices like the Ploom X Advanced, are made with a unique ActivBlend™ tobacco formulation. This combines micro-ground and fine-cut tobacco, optimised for Ploom’s HeatFlow™ technology, which heats the tobacco indirectly. It doesn’t burn or touch the tobacco directly, allowing vapour to be drawn through in a smooth, controlled way.
While both sticks offer a combustion-free experience, TEREA is all about rich, uniform heating from within, while EVO focuses on a clean, smooth draw with natural flavour release from a more open airflow system.
Turning our attention to the crucial aspect of flavour, it's evident that both TEREA and EVO have invested heavily in providing a diverse range of options. However, the way each brand builds and delivers those flavours differs significantly. TEREA leans into complexity, combining nuanced tobacco blends with clever cooling elements and flavour capsules. EVO, meanwhile, opts for clarity and simplicity, focusing on natural tobacco and carefully layered menthol or fruit infusions.
Below, we break the ranges down by flavour style, with flavours listed from lowest to highest in terms of taste intensity within each section.
Both brands offer a strong core of classic tobacco flavours. TEREA’s options tend to be more aromatic and textured, often blending herbal, woody or malty undertones with a toasted tobacco base. EVO, in contrast, presents a cleaner, more traditional tobacco profile, with subtle aromatic infusions that stay closer to a conventional cigarette-like experience.
TEREA:
EVO:
In regards to tobacco flavours, TEREA edges ahead in terms of complexity. Its range is broader, with more varied aroma profiles, from spicy and nutty to malty and tea-like. EVO, however, may appeal more to traditional smokers due to its cleaner, more conventional tobacco taste. If you're looking for flavour depth, go TEREA. If you're after familiarity and subtlety, EVO wins.
Both TEREA and EVO deliver solid options for menthol fans, but again, they approach it differently. TEREA’s menthol blends tend to be infused with other elements like peppermint or berry, while EVO offers both straight menthol and capsule-based intensity upgrades.
TEREA:
EVO:
Both brands do menthol flavours well, but EVO offers more control, particularly with capsule options like Green Option, allowing users to dial up the intensity. TEREA, on the other hand, provides a more polished flavour experience overall, especially with blends like Mauve that introduce subtle fruity layers. For intensity and versatility, EVO wins. For flavour balance, TEREA comes out on top.
This is where both brands get adventurous, blending fruit and menthol in creative ways. Some of these sticks use crushable capsules (in the filter) that release a second layer of flavour mid-session.
TEREA:
EVO:
This is a close call. EVO flavours tend to be lighter and more refreshing, while TEREA’s are richer, fruitier, and more daring (especially with flavours like Starling and Twilight). If you're into bold fruit and flavour transformation, TEREA leads. If you prefer something subtle with a crisp finish, EVO holds its own.
As we’re sure you can see, both TEREA and EVO offer extensive and well-curated flavour ranges. TEREA wins on variety, depth, and sophistication - it’s clearly aimed at users who want a full-bodied, flavour-rich experience. EVO, however, feels more approachable and offers great flexibility with its capsule flavours, making it an excellent choice for transitioning smokers or those who prefer simplicity.
Flavour isn’t just about what you taste - how those flavours are delivered and the resulting sensation in each puff are equally crucial to the overall heated tobacco experience. This is where the design of the tobacco stick and the heating method make a noticeable impact.
Thanks to IQOS ILUMA’s innovative induction heating system and the closed design of the TEREA stick, the tobacco is heated uniformly from within. This results in a dense and robust vapour that delivers a consistent flavour intensity throughout the session. The experience often carries a familiar throat feel, akin to a traditional cigarette but with a noticeable layer of refinement. The closed design also plays a role in maintaining this consistency by minimising residue and ensuring unimpeded airflow.
In contrast, EVO sticks, designed for Ploom's HeatFlow™ technology, take a different approach. The indirect heating of the ActivBlend™ tobacco produces a silkier, more aromatic vapour. This gentle extraction of flavour allows the individual notes—whether woodsy, nutty, minty, or fruity — to emerge cleanly, resulting in a smoother, more mellow experience with a less pronounced throat hit compared to TEREA. The open airflow system further contributes to this refined delivery, allowing the natural flavour profiles to be savoured without harshness.
The flavour journey of a heated tobacco stick doesn't end with the last puff. The lingering aftertaste and the overall mouthfeel can significantly influence user satisfaction, often acting as the unsung hero or the unwelcome guest of the experience. A pleasant finish can encourage repeat use, while an unpleasant one can detract from an otherwise enjoyable session.
TEREA sticks typically leave a noticeable tobacco finish, especially in their bolder blends. This suits ex-smokers who miss that lasting throat hit and dense aftertaste associated with traditional cigarettes. While not overpowering, TEREA’s aftertaste is definitely present and persistent, especially with darker tobacco blends like TEREA Bronze or Sienna. Some users appreciate this as a sign of flavour strength. Others might find it less ideal if they’re seeking a lighter, cleaner finish.
In contrast, EVO sticks generally provide a cleaner mouthfeel and a less persistent aftertaste, a characteristic particularly evident in their menthol and fruit-infused options. The inclusion of flavour capsules in some EVO sticks (like Green Option and Purple Option) introduces a fresh, often cool and aromatic twist to the final puffs, further contributing to a pleasant and non-lingering finish. Even the classic tobacco options like Gold or Amber leave a more neutral mouthfeel, making EVO a strong choice for users who want a smoother post-session experience.
Ultimately, the choice between TEREA and EVO comes down to what kind of flavour experience you're looking for.
Both are premium heated tobacco options that excel in their own right. Whether you're drawn to the robust performance of TEREA or the flavour-focused craftsmanship of EVO, the best stick is the one that delivers satisfaction your way.
