The Best Gourmand Fragrances Redefining Sweetness

Delectable perfumes deserve far more appreciation than they receive. Once dismissed as overly sweet, hyper-feminine, or adolescent, the best gourmand fragrances have since evolved. “The trend began over [two years] 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 result. 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,” Jelk tells Vogue. While vanilla remains a staple, she highlights that “honey, nutty, and milk fragrances” are gaining traction with “mouthwatering fruity notes” are also popular.

Aymar de Chergé, vice president of marketing for 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.”

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. “Familiar scents bring calm and comforting memories,” Young tells Vogue. In particular, she explains that chocolate, vanilla, and coffee notes, in particular, tend to be associated with pleasure, childhood nostalgia, and feelings of safety.

The new era of gourmands celebrate the intricate connection between food, fragrance, and nostalgia in an 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.

Ahead, Vogue’s guide to the best gourmand scents, from classic sweets to spice-forward aromatics—plus, how to choose the right one for you.

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.

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,” de Chergé 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.’”

When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—fragrance specialists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.

As it relates to gourmand perfumes, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: notes, projection, and wear time. To do this, we paired our own tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.