To know me is to know that I have an insatiable sweet tooth. I can’t get enough of little bakery treats, so much so that I’ve adopted their scents as my own. The best perfumes to me are the ones that make me smell like a living, breathing dessert. Naturally, my collection is full of the best gourmand perfumes. For the uninitiated, this fragrance family contains deliciously edible notes. The best vanilla perfumes are a solid starting point, but I've built out my gourmand collection with scents that smell like chocolate, caramel, spices, fruits, coffee, and butter.
Although they may feature sugary notes, don’t mistake gourmands as exclusivley sugary scents. Instead, the best gourmand perfumes offer an experience, explains professional perfumer Erwan Raguenes. “Gourmand fragrances go a step further by incorporating elements that evoke the sensory experience of enjoying desserts or other culinary treats,” he says.
They're known for conjuring confidence, comfort, and, most especially, nostalgia, which is what makes them so popular, according to Demi Rawling, a content creator and founder of the fragrance-discovery app Sniff. She says, “The allure of these scents lies in their ability to combine the past and present, creating a comforting experience for anyone who wears them.”
Gourmand perfumes make up some of my absolute favorites of my fragrance collection.
If the thought of smelling good enough to eat piqued your interest, gourmand perfumes are right up your alley. But once you embark on your delicious fragrance journey, you’ll quickly see there are many options—one may make you feel like a cupcake personified, while another will have you imagining you’re in a coffee shop.
The world of gourmands is vast and varied, so I made it my mission to find the best ones. Ahead, shop 16 of the yummiest perfumes on the market from Kayali and Tom Ford to Ellis Brooklyn and more. Each one is either tested and reviewed by yours truly or comes vetted by the pros. For whatever fragrance types you prefer, rest assured that this list will have something delectable for you.
The Best Gourmand Perfumes
- Best Overall Gourmand Perfume: By Rosie Jane Dulce Eau De Parfum
- Best Budget Gourmand Perfume: Billie Eilish Eilish Eau De Parfum
- Best Luxury Gourmand Perfume: Tom Ford Lost Cherry Eau De Parfum
- Best Floral Gourmand Perfume: Juliette Has a Gun MMMM…
- Best Spicy Gourmand Perfume: D.S. & Durga Pistachio Eau De Parfum
- Best Fruity Gourmand Perfume: Phlur Strawberry Letter
If smelling like the most delicious vanilla cake imaginable is your goal, this perfume is your one-way ticket to achieving it. It's the kind of vanilla perfume that's instantly recognizable and it may be the most "edible" smelling on this list. With a blend of two types of vanilla and hints of grounding chocolate and musk, I find this fragrance to smell exactly like homemade frosting—sweet, buttery, and even a touch powdery. Whether you're just dipping your toe into gourmands or are a bonafide fan, you'll find Dulce to be delectable.
What We Love: A true vanilla scent; nostalgic; recognizable; great for layering; long-lasting
What We Don't: May be too simple for some
Notes: Vanilla, chocolate, hinoki wood, nude musk
Customer review: "Great vanilla scent that smells like real vanilla, not the overly sweet, cloying vanilla smell. This has a bit of a creamy bottom note, so it is like wearing a vanilla ice cream fragrance and it has lasting power. Great scent for all seasons!" — Nordstrom
By Rosie Jane's Dulce is the perfume I reach for whenever I want to smell like a baked treat.
When Billie Eilish created her first perfume, she wanted it to feel like a warm embrace—I'd say she hit the mark. Her debut fragrance cocoons you in sugary sweetness that won't give you a headache. While I personally don't get the fruity notes, I do get creamy vanilla and rich cocoa that adds depth. This fragrance gets even more irresistible with the dry down as the amber and musk notes come through, giving it major warmth. All in all, I can't count on this fragrance to make me feel cozy all day long.
What We Love: Not overly sweet; great value; luxurious packaging; great in any season
What We Don't: Bottle isn't very functional
Notes: Sugared petals, mandarin, red berries, vanilla, cocoa, warm musk, tonka bean
Customer review: "I absolutely love this. the bottle is so cute and it smells amazing. It lasts for a long time and I have already gotten compliments." — Ulta
The Eilish perfume bottle is a work of art so it now sits as decor on my dresser.
Some of my most prized perfumes are from Tom Ford. Each and every one is luxurious, layered, and crazy long-lasting and Lost Cherry is no different. Right off the bat, this perfume, which is rumored to be one Rihanna's all-time favorites, packs a powerful punch of tart cherries. This fragrance gets even better with wear as creamy tonka bean, sweet almond, and a touch of floral jasmine come through. At first spray, you may not immediately get what makes this perfume so special, but once you let the notes combine, you won't be able to resist smelling yourself—I certainly can't any time I wear it.
What We Love: Complex, layered scent; very long-lasting; gets warmer and sweeter with wear; smells different on everyone
What We Don't: May be too strong for some
Notes: Black cherry, tonka bean, almond
Customer review: "The most luxe cherry cordial with a hint of vanilla. Lifts my mood, a happy send off when I walk out the door for the day." — Neiman Marcus
Lost Cherry has earned a permanent spot on my vanity.
In my time as a shopping editor, I've tried plenty of perfumes but none have surprised me more than this one. At first, I thought I was duped into thinking this was a gourmand because it does lean very floral at the initial spray—that would be the notes of geranium and neroli coming through. But after a few minutes when the raspberry, vanilla, and sandalwood develop, this fragrance sneaks up on you with a sweeter, creamier feel. Fair warning: you may actually let out a few sighs of contentment when wearing this perfume.
What We Love: Blend of floral and sweet notes makes it unique; great for any season; long-lasting
What We Don't: May not be sweet enough for a true gourmand lovers
Notes: Geranium, neroli, raspberry, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood
Customer review: "This perfume has a gorgeous, soft, musky, slightly sweet scent. Not overwhelming at all and layers beautifully with other scents! Would definitely repurchase!" — Sephora
The floral notes of this gourmand perfume combine beautifully with its sweet notes.
Not every gourmand perfume is going to be sweet. In fact, I'd argue this cult favorite from D.S. & Durga leans more spicy. However, that's not to say this perfume doesn't remind me of a nutty dessert—because it does. Cardamom and patchouli rise heavily on the first spray, with the pistachio note lingering. As this perfume develops on my skin, a creamy nuttiness takes center stage, and I'm left smelling like a vanilla sundae topped with pistachios. It's a complex, sophisticated, "cool girl" scent and one well worth the hype.
What We Love: Doesn't smell like anything else; long-lasting; a gourmand for those who don't like sweet scents; unisex; great for fall and winter
What We Don't: May lean too masculine for some
Notes: Pistachio, cardamom, patchouli, almond, vanilla creme
Customer review: "Amazing scent. It is not a sweet gourmand pistachio but more of a smooth nut scent. It has just enough sweetness to make it delicious. Last around 5-6 hours on skin and all day on clothes. I’m a big fan of this scent." — Neiman Marcus
This spicy fragrance would make an excellent gourmand for fall.
I'm sure my fellow old Gen-Z'ers remember the sugary sweet smell of Strawberry Shortcake dolls. With strawberry as the star of the show, this Phlur perfume takes me back to those days spent playing with my favorite toys. It has a nostalgic, playful feel that develops into a surprisingly chic, complex fragrance. Right out of the bottle, sweet strawberries and apple blossoms are tangible. The sharp fruitiness is perfectly balanced with amber and earthy woods, giving it an overall mature feel. This is the perfume I reach for whenever I'm in a happy, playful mood.
What We Love: Nostalgic; not overly sweet; a bright, playful scent; a unique fruit gourmand; warm, sweet dry down
What We Don't: Some reviewers wish the strawberry note was stronger
Notes: Strawberry gariguette, cassis leaves, apple blossom, earthy woods
Customer review: "I appreciate the lovely opening of this fragrance, which begins with a fresh strawberry scent and develops into a beautiful, mature fruity strawberry fragrance. It is a delightful scent that lasts all day and has excellent projection." — Phlur
Phlur's Strawberry Letter is a nostalgic fragrance perfect for hot summer days.
Also Recommended
I was a bit put off by this bread-inspired fragrance, but I was unexpectedly blown away. Created by Snif, the brand behind the buzzy soda and pizza (yes, pizza) perfumes, Crumb Couture is a love letter to everyone's favorite pastry: croissants. Surprisingly, this perfume is crazy realistic; it actually made my mouth water. It opens with a strong buttery note unlike anything I've smelled before and later dries down to a warm and cozy vanilla feel. Truth be told, every time I smell this fragrance on me, I let out an involuntary "mmm..." It's that good.
What We Love: Doesn't smell like anything else; realistic; decadent; great for any season
What We Don't: Not as long-lasting
Notes: Croissant accord, wild berry jam, blackcurrant, toasted vanilla, tonka bean, and sandalwood
Customer review: "Amazing. It smells so good. That first note is definitely giving fresh croissants/baker. And then it turns into a berry jam and it lasts for a long time. I love it so much." — Snif
In just a spray or two, this recently launched fragrance transported me back to childhood sleepovers spent eating way too much candy. Bursting with bubble gum, rock sugar, jellybean, and marshmallow, Candy Rock Sugar first feels like every sugary confection wrapped into one scent. With wear, you'll get a rush of warm and floral notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and patchouli, giving this perfume some complexity. Rest assured this fragrance isn't a sugar overload but a more mature nostalgic take on the overtly sweet body sprays we all used to wear in middle school.
What We Love: Combines the scents of popular candy; nostalgic; long-lasting; strong projection
What We Don't: May be cloying for some
Notes: Candied pear, bubble gum, rock sugar
Customer review: "When I tell you this is the perfect girly scent if you love sweet if you want to smell edible this is the one for you!! I get so many compliments when I wear this!!" — Sephora
Speaking from experience, some gourmand perfumes don't feel particularly well-suited for summer. Some can feel too heavy, while others can read too sweet. However, Miami Nectar was practically made to wear during hot summer nights. Its pineapple and coconut water opening is undoubtedly tropical, while later on, amber, vanilla, and salted woods add a bit of seductiveness. It reminds me of piña coladas on the beach, but also of long nights spent exploring the city. Don't mind me if I wear this bold perfume all summer long.
What We Love: Tropical notes are perfect for summer; a different take on gourmands; smells different on everyone
What We Don't: May only be suitable for spring and summer
Notes: Pink pineapple, coconut water, amber, plumeria, vanilla, jasmine
Customer review: "A perfect scent for summer!!! It has the best smell my nose has ever encountered, but then again summer is my favorite season and the beach is my favorite place. When my nose smells it, my brain thinks I am on a beach oasis somewhere sipping a pina colada!!" — Sephora
We can't talk about the best gourmand perfumes without mentioning Prada's Candy. The fragrance is undoubtedly one of Prada's most popular—it's a mature take on sweet, and certainly not headache-inducing. It comes pro-approved by Raguenes, who says, "It's playful, feminine, and effortlessly chic, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy sweet yet sophisticated scents." I find this perfume to be great for everyday wear—it's not too overpowering, and it leaves you wrapped in warm comfort for nearly the entire day.
What We Love: An iconic designer perfume that's stood the test of time; great for everyday wear; a playful, yet elevated scent
What We Don't: May be too simple for some
Notes: Caramel accord, benzoin resin, white musk
Customer review: "Smells so nice! It’s like a sweet candy perfume but mature. I think it smells great and lasts pretty well." — Nordstrom
I'm the type of perfume lover who selects my scent based on the occasion. Black Opium is a quintessential date night perfume and one I can always count on for a boost of confidence. Raguenes describes it as "bold, sensual, and addictive, perfect for those who crave a dose of energy and sensuality in their scent," and I couldn't agree more. Just like a morning cup of caffeine, I find the opening coffee note invigorating. I'm left feeling like my most feminine self as the florals and warmth of vanilla come through. Another bonus? This perfume lasted me an entire night of dinner and dancing.
What We Love: An iconic designer perfume that's stood the test of time; invigorating; a sexy, seductive scent; great for evenings and special occasions
What We Don't: May be too dark and sensual for daytime wear
Notes: Coffee, white flowers, vanilla
Customer review: "I immediately purchased this after receiving a mini sample. It smells so good! I find this has long staying power and is not overwhelming. My go-to evening perfume." — Nordstrom
When I was first getting into fragrances, this body spray was one of the first I picked up and it's been a mainstay in my collection ever since. The caramel and pistachio notes pair together beautifully, creating a lush and very addictive scent. It also layers perfectly with all of my other vanilla perfumes, so I like to keep a travel size in my bag for an afternoon scent boost. For a fragrance mist, it also lasts surprisingly long, making it a real winner in my book.
What We Love: Ideal for layering; a good entry fragrance for those wanting to try gourmands; great value; great in any season
What We Don't: Doesn't have a strong projection
Notes: Salted caramel, pistachio, vanilla
Customer review: "This is my by far favorite fragrance. It's so delectable and I always get compliments when I wear it. It's also a great price for the amount you get, and the scent lingers wonderfully." — Sephora
An oldie, but undoubtedly a goodie, Raguenes says Angel is often considered one of the pioneering gourmand perfumes. In fact, the brand itself says Thierry Mugler "created and premiered the first modern gourmand scent" with the release of this perfume (Mugler's first) in 1992. Now over 30 years later, it's still a best-seller. Considering its fragrance notes, it's no wonder why the masses find it delectable. Raguenes explains, "It features notes of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and patchouli, creating a rich and indulgent scent that's both sophisticated and addictive."
What We Love: An iconic designer perfume that's stood the test of time; inspired the gourmand fragrance family; refillable bottle; nostalgic; long-lasting
What We Don't: May be too strong for some
Notes: Bergamot, red fruits, patchouli, praline, chocolate
Customer review: "A fragrance that everyone loves. People notice the scent when passing and ask, What smells so good? It is never overpowering, just pleasing." — Nordstrom
Kilian Paris' Angel Share may be the brand's more well-known gourmand, but I want to bring your attention to the underrated Smoking Hot. As the name suggests, it's a smokey fragrance meant to evoke the feeling of lounging in a European hookah lounge. It combines the sweetness of apple and caramel with the spicy earthiness of tobacco and moss, creating an olfactory experience like none other I've tried. Fair warning that it does lean more masculine, but I personally find that alluring. In short, Smoking Hot is a gourmand fragrance for typical gourmand haters.
What We Love: Doesn't smell like anything else; a gourmand for those who don't like sweet scents; unisex; refillable bottle
What We Don't: A very divisive scent—you either love it or hate it
Notes: Apple hookah flavor, tobacco absolute, bourbon vanilla, pure jungle essence
Customer review: "To me, Smoking Hot comes over me in a sweet, but not too sweet apple and vanilla combo, the vanilla coming in a bit later, when the smoke starts to take centre stage. It is best I think in autumn and winter but I will also be wearing it on cooler Spring and summer days too. If you liked Angel's Share, I am sure you'll love this. It is also similar to a black and mild shisha if you're familiar" — Nordstrom
Like all of Maison Margiela's Replica perfumes, Coffee Break is about recreating an experience, specifically sitting in a cafe sipping on a latte on a cold day. A strong note of roasted coffee is perfectly balanced with fresh lavender, and it all later gives way to a warm, creamy vanilla base. You won't smell like a sugary pastry, but instead like the most expensive vanilla latte you've ever had. Anytime I want to feel peak coziness, which is all the time in the winter, this is the perfume I reach for.
What We Love: Nostalgic; warm, cozy dry down; great for fall and winter; lavender note provides calming effect; a subtle take on gourmands
What We Don't: Coffee note doesn't last as long
Notes: Coffee, lavender, milk mousse accord
Customer review: "Wow this fragrance is absolutely stunning. It has notes of creamy lavender and smooth coffee with vanilla and orange blossom. This is not “just” a coffee scent. It smells like drinking a creamy, frothy lavender latte and getting a whiff of the person next you who is wearing cologne. It’s so unique, I wear it allll the time and it lasts forever! Incredible perfume." — Nordstrom
The best citrus perfumes have a knack for feeling refreshing and uplifting—you may not see them as particularly edible, but that may be because you haven't tried Casamorati's Lira, a favorite of Rawling's. She explains that Lira combines blood orange with caramel, cinnamon, licorice, and vanilla, creating a unique citrus gourmand profile. "Many have tried to replicate its success, but Lira remains unmatched in my eyes," she adds. "Its ability to blend citrus and gourmand elements so seamlessly makes it a standout in the world of perfumery."
What We Love: A unique fruit gourmand; a great balance between sweet, fruity, and warm notes; long-wearing; doesn't smell like anything else
What We Don't: Citrus note doesn't last as long
Notes: Blood orange, cinnamon, licorice blossom, vanilla, musks, caramel
Customer review: "This perfume is heavenly. The quality is unlike anything mainstream perfumes. Decadent and rich. Vanilla, warm and reminds me of like a lemon bar. Notes linger on my skin all day." — Neiman Marcus
What to Look For
- Notes
When hunting for a gourmand perfume, Raguenes recommends first settling on fragrance notes that resonate with you and the olfactory experience you’re going for. Then, consider your preference for sweetness and intensity.
For example, maybe you’re a fruity fragrance lover but can’t stand anything sickly sweet. If that’s the case, then you’ll adore the sensual feel of Ellis Brooklyn’s Miami Nectar. On the other hand, if you prefer a more candied scent, go with Phlur’s Strawberry Letter. All in all, Ragueness says it’s best to spray a fragrance on your skin and wait 15 minutes to see how it develops. He explains this “allows the top notes to evaporate and gives you a better picture of the heart of the fragrance, which is its true identity and what others will experience of your perfume.”
- Layering
Layering your perfumes can make a gourmand fragrance feel even more complex, personal, and long-lasting, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Raguenes explains there are two different routes you can take when layering perfumes. For starters, you can mix complementary fragrance notes (for example, vanilla and wood scents) for added depth. You can also experiment with contrasting notes—think a rich chocolate scent combined with a citrus perfume—to create a unique juxtaposition. Either way, layering your fragrances can create your very own sweat treat you won’t be able to get enough of.
Meet the Experts
Perfumer Erwan Raguenes is a graduate of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery and University of Montpellier.
Demi is known for her presence in the online fragrance community acquiring a large following over the last six years. She is the co-founder of Sniff, an app dedicated to discovering fragrance and connecting to other perfume lovers.
-
Katie Holmes's $2,400 Tote Bag Is the Ultimate Investment PieceShe's getting her price-per-wear.
-
To Elect a Woman President, We Need MenIf we’re serious about expanding opportunities for women, we can’t ignore half the electorate.
-
Jennifer Lopez Looks Ready to Pounce in Leopard PrintThis outfit is dangerously good.
