Finding the ideal ratio when mixing terpenes with distillate is key to creating a high-quality, flavorful product that delivers the desired effects. The right balance of terpenes and distillate enhances everything, including consumers’ overall experience.
Most importantly, using cannabis terpenes enables brands to keep their products true to the plant, making the products 100% cannabis.
However, determining the perfect terpene-to-distillate ratio is not common knowledge. If you’re new to formulating cannabis products, there’s certainly a bit to think of to find the sweet spot.
In this article, we discuss the ideal terpene-to-distillate ratio, common ratios used in the industry, and factors to consider when formulating these products.
Key Takeaways
- The recommended terpene ratio ranges from 1-5% for mild flavor enhancement to 10-15% for a stronger experience.
- The ideal ratio depends on the terpene type (cannabis-derived, botanically-derived, or synthetic), distillate composition, intended use (vape, edible, topical), consumer preferences, and cost considerations.
- Terpenes enhance flavor and aroma, modify viscosity for smoother vaporization, and mimic specific cannabis strain profiles for a consistent experience.
What Is the Ideal Terpene-to-Distillate Ratio?
The ideal terpene-to-distillate ratio can vary depending on the desired outcome and the specific application. A typical starting point is 1-5% terpenes by weight or volume. For example, 1 gram of distillate could use 0.01 to 0.05 grams of terpenes.
It’s recommended to start with a lower percentage and adjust upwards based on the desired flavor, aroma, and effects. For a more robust experience, go for 10-15% terpenes.
Common Terpene-to-Distillate Ratios
While the ideal ratio can vary, the most commonly used ratios in the industry are:
- 1 to 3% (often used when reintroducing terpenes to a raw distillate).
- 3 to 7% (primarily for mild vapes and a more robust aroma and taste).
- 5 to 10% (for more potent vapes)
- 10 to 15% (mostly used in Delta 8 products for a maximized terpene experience).
Factors Affecting the Ideal Ratio
Several factors can influence the ideal terpene-to-distillate ratio:
- Type of terpenes: Hemp-derived terpenes, botanically-derived terpenes, and synthetic terpenes have different potencies and flavor profiles.
- Distillate composition: The cannabinoid content and viscosity of the distillate can impact how well it mixes with terpenes and the final product’s consistency.
- Intended use: Vape cartridges, edibles, and topicals may require different ratios based on their specific requirements for viscosity, flavor, and aroma.
- Target audience: Some consumers prefer subtler experiences, while others enjoy more pronounced effects.
- Cost considerations: Higher terpene ratios can increase the cost of the final product.
How Do Terpenes Affect Distillate?
Here’s how terpenes enhance your distillate:
Flavor Enhancement
One major reason for adding terpenes to distillate is to enhance the flavor. Distillate, in its pure form, can be quite bitter. Introducing terpenes allows you to create a wide range of flavors, depending on what you want.
Experimenting with different terpene blends allows you to create unique and appealing flavors that set your product apart.
Aroma Improvement
Terpenes are also partially responsible for the distinct aromas of hemp strains. When terpenes are added to distillate, they improve the overall aroma of the product, which is why our Fresh Never Frozen® terpenes are a game-changer for vape cartridge manufacturers.
Viscosity Modification
Terpenes can also modify the viscosity of distillates—a major consideration when making vape cartridges—as the right viscosity is crucial for proper vaporization and a smooth user experience.
Terpenes, like beta-caryophyllene and humulene, ‘thin’ the distillate, making it easier to vaporize. On the other hand, myrcene and linalool thicken the distillate. So, finding the right balance helps you achieve the ideal viscosity for your product.
What Are the Best Terpenes for Distillate?
When choosing terpenes to mix with a distillate, remember that each has unique benefits and considerations.
Hemp-Derived Terpenes
Cannabis/hemp-derived terpenes are extracted directly from hemp plants. They are ideal for those seeking an authentic “cannabis experience.”
One of the main advantages of using hemp-derived terpenes is their ability to replicate the entourage effect. This is the theory that the various compounds in hemp (and there are a lot), including terpenes, synergize to enhance the overall effects and benefits.
With hemp-derived terpenes, expect a complex and well-rounded flavor profile that closely mimics the original strain’s character.
Botanically-Derived Terpenes
Botanically-derived terpenes are extracted from non-hemp plant sources, such as fruits, herbs, and spices. These terpenes display various flavors and aromas that can complement or enhance distillate-based products.
One of the benefits of botanically-derived terpenes is versatility. You can create unique and exciting flavor combinations that may not be possible with hemp-derived terpenes alone.
Another advantage is cost-effectiveness. Botanically-derived terpenes are more readily available and less expensive than hemp-derived terpenes. This makes them ideal for manufacturers looking to keep costs down while delivering high-quality, flavorful products.
On the other hand, botanically derived terpenes are more prone to pesticide contamination than cannabis-derived terpenes due to more relaxed regulations.
Strain-Specific Terpene Profiles
Strain-specific terpene profiles are carefully crafted blends of terpenes designed to mimic the flavor, aroma, and effects of popular hemp strains. These profiles can be created using either cannabis- or botanically-derived terpenes or a combination of both.
Strain-specific terpene profiles offer customers a consistent and recognizable product experience. For example, if you’re creating a vape cartridge to replicate the popular “Blue Dream” strain, you can use a Blue Dream terpene profile to deliver the same distinct flavor and aroma.
Strain-specific profiles also help consumers find products that align with their preferences. If customers prefer a particular strain, they can look for products that feature that strain’s terpene profile, even if the distillate itself is not derived from that strain.
How to Calculate Terpenes for 1 Gram of Distillate
Here’s how to calculate the amount of terpenes needed for 1 gram of distillate:
Determine Your Desired Ratio
The first step in calculating the quantity of terpenes for a distillate is determining a desired ratio. As mentioned earlier, a good starting point is 1-5% terpenes.
However, you may adjust further based on the type of terpenes used, the intended use of the final product, and your target consumers’ preferences.
For example, a higher ratio, like 7-10%, could be ideal for creating potent vape cartridges. On the other hand, if you’re making a topical product with a subtle aroma, 1-3% might be more appropriate.
Use a Terpene Calculator
You can use our terpene calculator to simplify the process of calculating terpenes for your distillate. These online tools automatically calculate the amount of terpenes needed.
For example, say you have 1 gram of distillate and want a 5% terpene ratio. Using a terpene calculator, you would input 1 gram of distillate and select a 5% ratio. The result shows that you need 0.05 grams (or 50 milligrams) of terpenes to achieve your desired ratio.
Terpene calculators can be helpful when working with larger quantities of distillate or when making precise calculations for multiple products.
Measure and Mix Accurately
Once you’ve determined the amount of terpenes needed for your distillate, accurately measure and mix your ingredients.
Use a precise scale that can measure small quantities, ideally down to 0.01 grams or less. Terpenes are highly concentrated, so even slight variations in the amount used can significantly impact your final product’s flavor, aroma, and effects.
To mix your terpenes and distillate well:
- Warm your distillate to liquid consistency using a heat plate or water bath. This makes it easier to mix with the terpenes.
- Using a scale, measure the appropriate quantity of terpenes based on your desired ratio and the total weight of the distillate.
- Add the measured terpenes to the warm distillate and mix thoroughly using a magnetic stirrer or by hand with a sterile tool. Stir well to distribute the terpenes evenly throughout the distillate.
- Once mixed, your distillate is ready to be used in your final product.
Always mix your terpenes and distillate in a clean, sterile environment to avoid contamination. The goal is to create high-quality, flavorful, and aromatic products that your customers will love.
5 Tips for Mixing Terpenes with Distillate
Here are proven tips for mixing terpenes with distillate:
Start with a Low Percentage and Adjust
When mixing terpenes with distillate for the first time, it’s best to start with a low percentage (1-2%) and gradually adjust the ratio. This lets you fine-tune the product without overpowering the distillate or wasting valuable terpenes.
Use High-Quality, Cannabis-Derived Terpenes
Naturally, the quality of the terpenes used impacts the final product. High-quality terpenes offer a more authentic and complex flavor profile that closely mimics the original plant strain. They also provide a true-to-plant experience that many consumers seek.
Check out our R&D Vape Formulation best practices guide, which provides valuable insights into selecting the best terpenes for distillate-based products.
At Terpene Belt Farms, we produce steam-distilled and cannabinoid-free terpenes. Our Fresh Never Frozen® terpenes capture the spirit of the plant and carry the terroir of the land. We offer a scalable supply chain and power formula standardization for the industry’s top brands.
Check out our collection of Fresh Never Frozen® terpene oils here.
Mix Thoroughly and Consistently
Proper mixing is key to ensuring a consistent and high-quality product. When combining terpenes with distillate, use a magnetic stirrer for a more uniform distribution. Consistent mixing prevents “hot spots” (spots with higher terpene concentrations), hence an unbalanced flavor or aroma.
Test Small Batches Before Scaling Up
Before committing to a large-scale production run, test small batches of the terpene-infused distillate. This allows you to evaluate the product’s flavor, aroma, and overall quality and make necessary adjustments.
Testing small batches also helps you identify potential issues, like incompatibility between certain terpenes and your distillate, before investing in larger quantities of ingredients.
Store Properly to Maintain Quality
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and potency of terpene-infused distillates. Terpenes are sensitive to light, heat, and air, as these can degrade their flavor and aroma over time.
To preserve the quality of the product, store terpene-infused distillates in airtight, opaque containers in cool, dark places. For larger quantities, consider using a refrigerator or freezer.
What Is the Best Way to Enhance Distillate with Terpenes?
It’s important to source high-quality, hemp-derived terpenes from reputable suppliers. Look for terpenes extracted using gentle, solventless methods to preserve the delicate compounds. Steam distillation helps us minimize the risk of contaminating our extracts.
Another key factor to consider is freshness. Terpenes are volatile compounds that can degrade over time, losing their potency and complexity. Therefore, go for terpenes that are processed and packaged quickly after extraction.
When selecting specific terpene profiles, consider the desired effects and flavors you want to achieve. For example, if you’re creating a relaxing vape cartridge, you might choose terpenes like linalool and myrcene, which research suggests have calming properties.
Similarly, if you’re aiming for an energizing product, terpenes like limonene and pinene can provide an uplifting and focused experience.
Ultimately, the best way to enhance your distillate with terpenes is to experiment with different ratios and profiles until you find that combination that resonates with your customers.
Start with small batches, gather feedback, and refine your formulations over time to create exceptional products that stand out in the market.
At Terpene Belt Farms, we offer high-quality, cannabis-derived terpenes that infuse your distillate with authentic flavors and aromas. Our Fresh Never Frozen® terpenes guarantee purity and potency, making them ideal for crafting exceptional products.
Enhance your distillate formulations with our Fresh Never Frozen® terpenes—pure, solventless, and crafted for perfection. If you’re unsure exactly what terpenes you need for your distillate formulations and need to do some R&D testing, you can request free sample kits here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Ideal Terpene-to-Distillate Ratio for 1 Gram of Distillate?
The recommended ratio ranges from 1-5% terpenes. For 1 gram of distillate, this means using 0.01 to 0.05 grams (10-50 mg) of terpenes.
How Do Terpenes Affect Distillate?
Terpenes enhance flavor and aroma, modify viscosity for better vaporization, and contribute to the entourage effect, which improves the overall experience of cannabis products. They also help replicate the characteristics of hemp strains.
What Factors Influence the Ideal Terpene Ratio?
The correct ratio depends on terpene type (cannabis-derived, botanically-derived, or synthetic), distillate composition, product type (vape, edible, or topical), target consumer preferences, and cost considerations. Higher terpene content can increase costs but provide a richer experience.
What Is the Best Way to Mix Terpenes with Distillate?
Warm the distillate to a liquid consistency, measure terpenes accurately, mix thoroughly using a magnetic stirrer or sterile tool, and test in small batches before scaling up.
Sources Used
- Ferber, Sari Goldstein, Dvora Namdar, Danielle Hen-Shoval, Gilad Eger, Hinanit Koltai, Gal Shoval, Liat Shbiro, and Aron Weller. “The ‘Entourage Effect’: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders.” Current Neuropharmacology 18, no. 2 (January 23, 2020): 87–96. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X17666190903103923.
- Surendran, Shelini, Fatimah Qassadi, Geyan Surendran, Dash Lilley, and Michael Heinrich. “Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent?” Frontiers in Nutrition 8 (July 19, 2021): 699666. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666.
- Song, Yunjeong, Sowoon Seo, Santosh Lamichhane, Jungwon Seo, Jin Tae Hong, Hye Jin Cha, and Jaesuk Yun. “Limonene Has Anti-Anxiety Activity via Adenosine A2A Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Dopaminergic and GABAergic Neuronal Function in the Striatum.” Phytomedicine 83 (March 2021): 153474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153474.