Gourmand perfumes, once dismissed as overly sweet and juvenile, have transformed into sophisticated, layered creations. With the trend showing no signs of slowing, experts explain why food-inspired scents are having a moment, and share the standout bottles to add to your collection.
The category has come a long way from the body sprays of adolescence. “Gourmand doesn’t have to be the body spray you wore back in junior high. Now, it’s sophisticated, sexy, and grown up,” says Autumne West, Nordstrom’s national beauty director. West notes that the trend began over [two years] ago and hasn’t slowed down. She also points to a rise in lavender, which she describes as both floral and gourmand when you think of lavender-flavored foods.
Fragrance houses are now reinterpreting edible notes with more nuance. Delphine Jelk, Guerlain’s in-house perfumer, notes that “gourmands have become more elegant and less childish.” While vanilla remains a cornerstone, Jelk highlights honey, nutty, and milk fragrances as gaining traction, along with “mouthwatering fruity notes.”
The evolution also includes a move toward inclusivity. Aymar de Chergé, vice president of marketing for Parfums de Marly and Initio Parfums Privés, observes that today’s gourmands are increasingly unisex or gender neutral. “There’s a greater push toward unisex or gender-neutral gourmands, which focus on more universal themes of indulgence and comfort rather than leaning into traditionally feminine or masculine qualities,” he explains.
Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, attributes the surge to changing consumer habits. “Gourmands have surged as fragrance lovers are adding more to their personal collections and not just wearing one signature scent,” she says. Levy also credits their nostalgic, comforting appeal.
That emotional resonance is something Stacey Younge, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Sixth Street Wellness, sees in her practice. She explains that scent plays a powerful role in memory and emotional regulation. “Familiar scents bring calm and comforting memories,” she tells Vogue. Chocolate, vanilla, and coffee notes, in particular, are linked to pleasure, childhood nostalgia, and feelings of safety.
What Is a Gourmand Perfume?
A gourmand fragrance centers on sweet, indulgent, and edible notes, often evoking desserts or food. West describes them simply: “They are scents based on what you eat or what you cook with.” The latest interpretations lean into the latter, exploring spices like cardamom and ginger, plus premium ingredients such as saffron. “While vanilla seems to be the hero, it’s the unique pairings that are standing out. Think of your favorite gourmand plus a woody or floral,” West adds.
How to Choose a Gourmand Perfume
Finding the right scent doesn’t have to be daunting. “If you enjoy rich, decadent desserts, look for fragrances with notes of vanilla, praline, or chocolate. If you’re seeking a gourmand fragrance that is softer and less sweet, consider something with tonka or coffee bean,” suggests de Chergé. West recommends starting with a single food you love. “Maybe you love the scent of vanilla cake or a lavender latte and from there you can look to explore and discover fragrances with those notes.”
Jelk prefers a more playful approach: “Let your inner child make the choice.” She explains that gourmands offer comfort and safety, “like the little candy you received from your Granny when you were a kid.” Her philosophy is captured in a French saying: “Un peu de douceur dans ce monde de brut,” which translates to “a little sweetness in this brutal world.”
How We Tested
To curate this edit, Vogue tapped its network of fragrance specialists and applied editorial best practices. Each formula was evaluated on notes, projection, and wear time, with insights from experts and reviewers factored in.
The Best Gourmand Fragrances
This selection spans classic sweets and spice-infused aromatics. Among the top picks is Dior La Collection Privée Eau Noire Eau de Parfum, named the best licorice fragrance. Other standout houses in the roundup include Matiere Premiere, Guerlain, DedCool, Dries Van Noten, Maison Margiela, Liis, Kilian, Loewe, Parfums de Marly, Carolina Herrera, D.S. & Durga, and Henry Rose.
The new era of gourmands proves that sweetness can be nuanced, elegant, and deeply comforting. As Jelk puts it, these scents offer a little sweetness in a brutal world. Whether you’re drawn to vanilla, saffron, or licorice, there’s a grown-up gourmand waiting to become your next signature.
