When you want to smell like a sweet dessert, the best bakery in the neighborhood, or like the strong coffee you sipped on this morning, you want to mist yourself with a gourmand fragrance. Gourmand fragrance, a fancy word for scents modeled after edible items like vanilla candy, has been around since the mid-20th century. They primarily contain one or two edible notes that can be blended/layered with non-edible notes.
The trend caught on in 1992 with Thierry Mugler’s launch of Angel, a perfume with a sweet, musk smell for all wearers. As the beauty industry evolves, companies are taking note of perfumes with unique smells, from Sabrina Carpenter’s Sweet Tooth perfume to Pizza Hut’s perfume. But if you are looking for a food-scented perfume that’s a bit more intentional, here are the best perfumes for when you want to smell like food (but in a good way).
Vanilla
Vanilla is a popular fragrance because it’s a recognizable scent… So, for beginners in the gourmand game, vanilla perfumes are the way to go. Although it’s advised not to wear vanilla extract on your skin. Here are some recommendations to go beyond Bath and Body Works.
“Dulce” by Rosie Jane
Released in 2022, Rosie Jane’s “Dulce” is for gourmand beginners who want something light that still feels cozy. The vanilla perfume has hints of chocolate, musk, and hinoki wood. It’s perfect to wear at office spaces and social gatherings, leaving an impression without being too outstanding/while making memories. The bottle costs $75, but the travel size is $28.
“Choco Musk” by Al Rehab
Released in 2023, Al Rehab’s “Choco Musk” brings a stronger chocolate smell than the previous one. Mixed with warm spice, musk, cinnamon, and rose, this perfume will have you smelling like milk chocolate all day. Not only that, it’s affordable but hard to find in most beauty stores. It’s under $30 depending on where you search, but this Amazon post sells it for about $9.
Pistachio
If you are searching for a warm, not-so-obvious scent, try a nutty pistachio aroma. Surprisingly, there are a lot of pistachio perfumes on the market, but these brands are mentioned the most on TikTok and Instagram.
“Yum Pistachio Gelato” by Kayali
“Yum Pistachio Gelato” has gotten people raving all over #PerfumeTikTok. “Yum Pistachio Gelato” gives off a sexy but flirtatious vibe that’ll make the wearer feel sophisticated and fun to be around. The notes of hazelnut, whipped cream, and pistachio give a sweet and sugary smell and a hint of fruity aftertaste. If you want to smell like gelato on the streets of Italy and have between $32 to $138 to spend, this one's for you.
“Pistachio Khair” by Paris Corner
If you want to smell like pistachios without breaking the bank, Paris Corner has got it covered. Its perfume, “Pistachio Khair”, will have you smelling pistachios with lilies, peonies, and cotton candy. Though it’s cheaper than Yum Pistachio, Paris Corner’s website only ships in the United Arab Emirates. Amazon and Aroma Concepts ship in the United States, but they sell out quickly!
Cafe & Bakery
“Crumb Couture'' by Sniff.co
Released in 2023, “Crumb Couture” brings food fashion to a new level. Though the packaging looks small, one spritz is all it takes to smell like a freshly baked croissant at a bakery. And if that doesn’t get you, the wildberry jam and sandalwood undertones will. It’s not as sugary as a cake but it’ll leave you on the floor (looking for more). It costs $65 and has a $55 subscription, according to the official website.
"Coffee Break" by Maison Margiela
These last two gourmand perfumes are for people who love the smell of coffee. Maison Margiela’s “Replica Coffee Break” blends the aroma of a cup of joe with notes of spearmint and lavender. It captures the atmosphere of a coffee shop and serves as a reminder to take a break from hustling and wind down. The travel size is $35 with the most expensive size being $165. Probably more than what you drink a week, but at least it’s reusable and taken anywhere.
“Chai Épicé” by Le Monde Gourmand
Popular on TikTok, Le Monde Gourmand’s “Chai Épicé” is one of the most talked about and used on the social media platform. With violet, fig, and blonde wood notes, this perfume gives off a warm and cozy smell, familiar to ”chai spiced waffles with maple syrup,” Zach, user @zachdeparfum, said. Chai Épicé, along with Le Monde Gourmand’s other perfumes, costs $25, a reasonable and affordable price.