Marlboro Ice Blast vs dual-capsule cigarettes (“double burst”)
Capsule cigarettes have become a big share of the Australian market, and the choices within them are simpler than the naming suggests: how many beads are in the filter, and what flavours they carry. Marlboro Ice Blast is the well-known single-capsule example — a menthol bead you press when you want it.
| Single capsule | Dual capsule (“double burst”) | |
|---|---|---|
| Beads in the filter | One | Two |
| What you get | Plain smoke, or menthol — your choice per cigarette | Plain, one flavour, the other, or both in combination |
| Typical flavour notes | Usually menthol or mint | Often menthol plus a second note (berry, citrus, mint variants) |
| Effect on strength | None — this is flavour, not strength | None |
What pressing a capsule does
It releases a small amount of flavoured liquid into the filter, which flavours the smoke from that point. Nothing about the tobacco or the duty changes, and the packaging number in the range remains the same.
Who each suits
If you like consistency, a blended menthol cigarette is simpler — every stick tastes the same. If you like control, a capsule lets you decide per cigarette; dual capsules add a third combination, which some smokers like and others find fussy.
The health framing to keep in mind
Menthol makes smoke feel smoother, which is why health authorities treat flavoured variants as a concern rather than a benefit. No capsule makes smoking safer, and Australian packs are barred from implying otherwise.
Before you order — four checks that never change
- Price against the excise floor. Duty is $1.55274 a stick from 1 September 2026 — about $31 in a 20-pack and $310 in a carton. Capsule cigarettes are often counterfeited because the flavour feature is easy to advertise — verify the packaging and the duty maths, not the flavour list.
- The pack in the photo. Legal Australian stock is drab brown (Pantone 448C) with graphic warnings covering at least 75% of the front and 90% of the back — no logos, no brand artwork.
- Age and delivery. Distance sellers must verify you are 18 or over, and somebody who can sign and show ID has to be at the address. Lockers and unstaffed addresses can be refused.
- State rules. South Australia prohibits mail and online tobacco orders outright; everywhere else requires an age-verification system.
Related reading
- menthol vs capsule cigarettes
- the 2026 packaging and health-warning rules
- what a 20-pack really costs in 2026
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. All tobacco products are harmful and state rules change — check your state or territory regulator before ordering. For help quitting call Quitline on 13 7848.