The 14 Best Gourmand Scents That Will Have You Smelling Sweet

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Considering the strong ties between fragrance and memory, it's easy to see why gourmand scents have so much sway in the perfume world. Some of our fondest memories are linked to the smell of our favorite foods, from just-picked blueberries to warm, fluffy French bread. For the unfamiliar, gourmand fragrances take everything we love about food and translate them into perfume notes. Some scents remain fairly unexplored, like savory or bitter ingredients, but sweet and fruity notes are often at the forefront of popular gourmand perfumes.

Although many of us find it hard to separate the idea of gourmand perfume from the syrupy scent trends of the early aughts — Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar, anyone? — there's much more to love about this fragrance category. From niche fragrances designed to mimic the aroma of vine-ripe red tomatoes to citrusy compositions with a certain je ne sais quoi, the realm of gourmand perfume is breathtaking to behold. 

Not sure what to look for in your next signature fragrance? For some, the perfect gourmand projects sugary sweetness from across the room, while others prefer subtle sillage. Naturally, cost is another significant factor in the decision-making process, but there are fabulous fragrances to peruse at every price range. No matter what type of appetizing aroma you're after, we're certain there's a gourmand out there waiting just for you. Are you prepared to set hearts racing and mouths watering? Let's explore some of the best gourmand scents on the market today.

While not everyone may agree on what constitutes the perfect gourmand, we'd have to say that Kilian Paris Princess deserves the top spot on our list. Crafted by French perfumer Kilian Hennessy, Princess is both playfully sweet and refined, revealing many different notes depending on its wearer. According to Kilian's website, Princess "is like sipping on a green tea mocha with a tip of ginger on the nose." At first spray, you might notice the sparkling top note of lemon, followed by a bouquet of green tea, ginger, and jasmine. As the heart notes, like apple and peach, settle down, you're left with the delicious aroma of marshmallow and vanilla."This is literally heaven and love in a bottle," writes one Princess fan on Sephora. "It smells sweet, expensive and sexy all in one spritz."

Purchase Kilian Paris Princess at Sephora starting at $30.

Whether you're a diehard Arianator or not, you can't deny this multi-talented star's contributions to the world of perfume. Ariana Grande is well-known for her prowess in the fragrance sector, from iconic scents like Cloud and Mod Vanilla to the hard-to-find Frankie, an olfactory ode to her brother, Frankie Grande. Cloud Pink is a twist on Grande's original fragrance, Cloud, with sweet notes of pineapple, vanilla orchid, and praline. Fans adore its staying power, and many state that it's a warmer, fruitier version of the original Cloud fragrance, perfect for summer outings. "Between the dragonfruit, florals, and hint of musk in the base, it pulls together a really beautiful scent. The packaging is definitely a plus, too," says one reviewer on Ulta. 

Purchase Ariana Grande Cloud Pink at Ulta for $68.

Is there anyone in this world who can resist the allure of freshly baked bread? If bakeries are your happy place, you'll want to give Pearfat's Bread & Roses a try. The indie fragrance manufacturer absolutely nails realistic gourmands, and this mouthwatering perfume is no exception. Per Pearfat, Bread & Roses smells just like "cracking into a warm, fresh, baguette" in addition to notes like nutmeg, sweet orange, and cocoa. The comforting scent is perfectly suited to fall and winter wear, but it's just as delicious for year-round use.

Purchase Bread & Roses from Pearfat starting at $45.

Few gourmand notes are quite as popular as vanilla, but not all perfumes under the vanilla umbrella are created equally. True vanilla connoisseurs won't want to miss out on Kayali Vanilla 28, an elegant perfume that lets this soft and sweet spice truly shine. Fans of this vanilla girl fragrance love its sophisticated composition, from its spicy patchouli essence to its warm amber and tonka bean notes. Still, there's one thing to keep in mind if you add Vanilla 28 to your fragrance wardrobe — due to its naturally sourced ingredients, its purple hue may stain light fabrics and clothes. As such, spritz responsibly around your favorite vintage pieces, scarves, and delicates.

Purchase Kayali Vanilla 28 at Sephora starting at $25.

For some of us, it was growing up with softly-scented Strawberry Shortcake dolls. For others, it may have been Grandma's homemade blueberry pie. But no matter what inspired your love of berry fragrances, chances are you'll love this elevated gourmand. Vilhelm Parfumerie's Poets of Berlin is an exquisite take that melds blueberry, vanilla, and lemon notes with the earthy aroma of green wild orris. "It smells like being out for brunch on a crisp morning in a really chic cafe," writes one Poets of Berlin reviewer on Fragrantica. As an added bonus for David Bowie fans, this fragrance is said to be inspired by the legendary artist's Berlin period in the '70s.

Purchase Poets of Berlin from Saks Fifth Avenue for $175.

We don't typically think of rice as a sweet in the West, but this starchy grain serves as the base for several international delicacies, from horchata to mochi. In indie brand Osmofolia's Orzya, rice is the star of the show, and you'll be able to observe both steamed and toasted versions in this delightfully unexpected composition. So, how does a perfume inspired by warm, fluffy rice actually smell on the skin? "I get a hint of vanilla and cedar, slightly more of the dried herbs, but overall it's just rice in a bowl. Absolutely obsessed with this," writes one fan of the fragrance on Reddit. Apart from the eau de parfum option, you can also choose a travel-sized, oil-based version of this unique gourmand.

Purchase Oryza from Osmofolia starting at $32.

Sure, gourmands can take on more mature roles, but they can also be perfectly fun and simple. If you haven't been fortunate enough to give Italian beauty brand Aquolina's Pink Sugar a whiff by now, you're in for a genuine treat. Its super sugary scent may prove a bit much for some, but there's a reason it's been in production since 2004. Boasting notes like cotton candy, strawberry, and caramel, it's a dream come true for those with a sweet tooth. "This is a classic yet all time favorite. Light and sweet enough to be loved and worn at all ages." says one Pink Sugar devotee on Influenster. "Reminds me of cotton candy!"

Purchase Aquolina Pink Sugar from Macy's for $65.