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Apr 04, 2025

15 Gourmand Fragrances Redefining Sweetness | Vogue

Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links. Once seen as youthful and sickeningly sweet, the best gourmand fragrances have evolved into

Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links.

Once seen as youthful and sickeningly sweet, the best gourmand fragrances have evolved into sophisticated, gender-inclusive scents that appeal to virtually everyone—no matter their age or fragrance style. Modern formulations are layered, sophisticated, and often unexpected. “The trend began over a year ago and we haven’t seen it slow down,” shares Autumne West, Nordstrom’s national beauty director. “We’re also seeing a surge of lavender, which some may view as floral, but it’s also a gourmand when we think of lavender-flavored foods.”

The shift toward more complex scents is evident in the way fragrance houses are reinterpreting gourmand notes. The bestselling perfumes today incorporate unconventional ingredients to create a more nuanced, adult take on sweetness. Delphine Jelk, Guerlain’s in-house perfumer, attributes this evolution to a growing desire for more refined compositions. “Gourmands have become more elegant and less childish.” While vanilla remains a staple, she highlights that “honey, nutty, and milk fragrances” are gaining traction with “mouthwatering fruity notes” also on the rise.

Yvan Jacqueline, President of Parfums de Marly and Initio Parfums Privés, confirms that today’s gourmand fragrances are increasingly shifting toward unisex or gender-neutral offerings. He says, “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.”

If it seems like everywhere you go—from the office to a stylish art gallery opening to the chic new rooftop bar—smells undeniably delicious, your senses aren’t deceiving you. Indulgent, food-inspired fragrances are here to stay. “Gourmands have surged as fragrance lovers are adding more to their personal collections and not just wearing one signature scent,” notes Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. She also attributes their rise to their ability to evoke nostalgia and comfort.

That emotional connection is something Stacey Younge, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Sixth Street Wellness, sees firsthand. She explains that scent plays a powerful role in memory and emotional regulation, which may be why gourmands are resonating so deeply right now. “Our sense of smell triggers our olfactory system which directly connects to the part of the brain where all of our memories are stored. It is also the part of the brain most impacted by trauma,” Younge says. “Familiar, comforting scents can trigger happy and pleasurable memories or can help soothe and bring calm and comforting memories,” she adds. She explains that chocolate, vanilla, and coffee notes, in particular, tend to be associated with pleasure, childhood nostalgia, and feelings of safety. “People often use scents and smells as a way to calm their nervous system or help bring them to a space that helps them feel comforted and safe.”

It’s no surprise, then, that we’ve entered the era of the new gourmands—scents that celebrate the intricate connection between food and fragrance in a more nuanced, elevated way. Today’s gourmands aren’t just about vanilla and caramel. They layer richness with complexity, incorporating unexpected elements like saffron, cardamom, ginger, and even smoky or nutty notes to create depth. “Gourmand doesn’t have to be the body spray you wore back in junior high. Now, it’s sophisticated, sexy, and grown up,” West says.

This evolution has given both heritage and emerging fragrance houses a long runway to push creative boundaries, crafting scents that feel indulgent yet refined. Ahead, Vogue’s guide to the best gourmand scents—plus how to choose the right one for you.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Kurky Eau de Parfum

NEIMAN MARCUS

Tom Ford

Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum

BLUEMERCURY

Maison Margiela

Replica Coffee Break Eau de Toilette

NORDSTROM

Coach

Love Eau De Parfum

COACH

Guerlain

Pêche Mirage Eau de Parfum

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Malin+Goetz

Dark Rum Eau de Parfum

NORDSTROM

Parfums de Marly

Althair Eau de Parfum

BLUEMERCURY

Caramelized Lavender & Hazelnut Eau de Parfum

DOSSIER

D.S. & Durga

Pistachio Eau de Parfum

NORDSTROM

BLUEMERCURY

Le Monde Gourmand

Chai Épicé Eau de Parfum

NORDSTROM

Sol de Janeiro

Hair & Body Perfume Mist

AMAZON

Kayali

Yum Boujee Marshmallow

SEPHORA

Kilian

Angels' Share Fragrance

NORDSTROM

SAKS FIFTH AVENYE

Amouage

Love Delight Eau de Parfum

NORDSTROM

What is a gourmand perfume?

A gourmand fragrance highlights sweet, indulgent, and edible notes, often reminiscent of food or dessert. Autumne West, Nordstrom’s national beauty director adds that “they are scents based on what you eat or what you cook with.” The new gourmands are leaning on the latter, exploring the depth of gourmand with spices like cardamom and ginger. Similar to food delicacies or high-end dining experiences, luxury fragrance houses are utilizing premium ingredients, like saffron, to create unique, indulgent fragrances. “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,” she says.

How to Choose a Gourmand Perfume

Choosing the best gourmand fragrance doesn’t have to be complicated. “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,” Jacqueline says. West also suggests starting with one single food you enjoy. She says, “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 takes a less formulaic approach, recommending that you “let your inner child make the choice.” More consumers are turning to gourmands because they offer comfort and evoke a sense of safety. “It’s like the little candy you received from your Granny when you were a kid,” Jelk explains. She adds: “In French, we say, ‘Un peu de douceur dans ce monde de brut,’ which translates to ‘a little sweetness in this brutal world.’”

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