Fragrance Editorials

What Are Gourmand Scents? Which are the Best?

“Gourmandise” is a French word at the root of it all. Gourmand scents, as they’re known to us, are a quickly growing as one of the most popular perfume types. They’re taking the perfume world by storm with their often described as delicious notes. But what makes a scent gourmand and what are some scents that embody this style?

We’re getting to all that.

What Are Gourmand Scents?

Gourmand scents often remind people of dessert or other food items. They captivate and often remind people of a bakery or candy shop. There’s a nostalgic vibe to them which can’t be understated. Some say that the top gourmand scents will cause the mouth to water from olfactory overload.

At their core, the gourmand scent almost smells edible. Its main notes typically involve sweet, syrupy notes. Some example gourmand notes are vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and praline. You might find honey, milk, and even spices to off-set the sweetness and provide a deep undercurrent. Gourmand perfumes your favorite desserts spritzed across your wrist.

Many people describe gourmand scents as comforting. Much like food, gourmand scents may evoke memories and nostalgia of times passed. Think of Christmas day at grandmas as she bakes a pie. A great gourmand scent is difficult to resist.

The world of gourmand fragrances are super exciting. If you’ve never tried one, keep in mind, we have gourmand fragrance samples. Just click the link and browse.

5 Must-Try Gourmand Scents

Thierry Mugler – Angel

Key Notes: Bergamot, tropical fruits, vanilla, caramel, and patchouli.

Description: One of the pioneers of the gourmand category, Angel is both sweet and slightly dark. The interplay between patchouli and the inherent sweetness lends it a sultry, sophisticated aura.

Check out our Thierry Mugler Angel review.

Yves Saint Laurent – Black Opium

Key Notes: Coffee, pink pepper, vanilla, jasmine, and patchouli.

Description: A modern interpretation of the gourmand genre, Black Opium captivates with the rich aroma of coffee at its heart, surrounded by a symphony of complementary notes.

Check our our Black Opium review.

Lancôme – La Vie Est Belle

Key Notes: Blackcurrant, pear, iris, jasmine, and praline.

Description: Encapsulating elegance and sophistication, La Vie Est Belle enchants with its unique blend of fruity and gourmand notes, capturing the essence of life’s beauty in a bottle.

Jo Malone London – Ginger Biscuit

Key Notes: Ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Description: Evoking memories of a spicy, warm cookie fresh from the oven, Ginger Biscuit is the perfect olfactory representation of a cozy winter evening, with spices that shine particularly in the cooler months.

By Kilian – Love, Don’t Be Shy

Key Notes: Neroli, pink pepper, jasmine, rose, marshmallow, and vanilla.

Description: A trip to a candy shop encapsulated in a bottle, Love, Don’t Be Shy seduces with its standout marshmallow note, wrapped in a bouquet of florals and vanilla. An ode to sweet indulgence.

Conclusion

Gourmand scents feature inviting, sweet aromas that take us back in time. They’ve become a special niche of fragrances that continue to grow in popularity. Maybe you just love sweetness, or you appreciate sweetness with a spicy depth, no matter what, you’re sure to find a delightful experience in the world of gourmand fragrances.