Discover gourmand classics
Neo-Gourmands: The Modern Development
With the current comeback of the 90s and 2000s, the trend of gourmand fragrances is no exception. Today's gourmands - increasingly known as "neo-gourmand" fragrances - go beyond the sweet, rich, mostly vanilla-based compositions of the 90s. The motto is: "Expect the unexpected."
These fragrances tend to be more complex, creative and sophisticated, combining familiar notes with creative and often unexpected elements. Milk, cotton candy and nuts meet sea salt, licorice, herbs or "clean" molecules. From roses dipped in honey to banana bread to maple syrup poured into oak barrels filled with rum, these new fragrances are just as addictive as their predecessors, and now even more complex and sophisticated thanks to modern technology.
Cultural influences also play a larger role and are inspired by culinary traditions around the world. Notes such as cardamom, pistachio or rose water are reminiscent of South Asian and Mediterranean desserts, while maple syrup or roasted nuts are reminiscent of North American delights.
The result is sophisticated, nuanced creations that appear nostalgic yet modern and offer a wide spectrum - from light, fresh gourmands for the summer to intense, decadent scents for the cold season.
Discover Neo-Gourmand Favorites
Types of gourmand fragrances
Sweet Gourmands
Cotton candy, vanilla and caramel dominate these classic, dessert-like compositions.
Spicy Gourmands
Spicy chords like cinnamon or cardamom meet sweet notes, ideal for the cold season.
Fruity Gourmands
Fresh fruits such as berries or plums in combination with vanilla or caramel provide lightness.
Dark & Decadent Gourmands
Intense and luxurious with dark notes such as coffee, chocolate or oud, often combined with spicy accents.
Unisex Gourmands
Fragrances that combine both sweet and bitter notes to be wearable for all genders.
Powdery Gourmand Fragrances:
What makes them powdery?
"Powdery" describes a fragrance character that is soft, velvety and sebum-like - similar to baby powder or fine cosmetics. In the world of gourmand fragrances, this effect is created when sweet, edible notes such as vanilla, tonka bean or heliotrope are combined with powdery ingredients.
Some typical powdery notes in gourmands are:
Tonka bean
Sweet and creamy with an almond-like depth.
Iris
Floral, dry and elegant.
Musk
Enhances the soft, skin-like effect and rounds off the sweetness.
Heliotrope
A marzipan-like note reminiscent of powdered sugar.
Powdery Gourmands combine the warmth and sweetness of gourmet fragrances with the softness and elegance of powdery accords – perfect for those who love both sensual and calming scents.
Common notes in gourmand perfumes
Musk, Chypre and Oud
Differences and their role in gourmands
Gourmand scents are primarily sweet, warm and edible, but these scents & notes often complement them, even if they are not specifically gourmand notes themselves:
Musk
Known for its powdery, soft and skin-like quality, musky notes enhance the sweetness and creaminess of gourmands, although they do not contain any edible notes themselves.
Chypre
This classic family of oakmoss, bergamot and patchouli is tart, elegant and dry - the opposite of sweet gourmands. However, patchouli is often used to ground the sweetness of gourmands, as in Angel by Mugler.
Oud
Dark, woody and smoky. Oud is used in decadent gourmands to create depth and luxurious intensity. Especially in combination with honey or vanilla, a sensual contrast between sweetness and mysticism is created.
Why are gourmand fragrances so popular?
Gourmand fragrances have a special ability to evoke positive emotions. Their sweet and edible notes evoke memories of pleasant experiences, often linked to food or childhood memories. They also offer the same luxurious effect as natural ingredients, thanks to modern perfume trends such as sustainable, synthetic alternatives.
The current perfume trend: layering with gourmands
Another trend is the layering of gourmand fragrances with woody, floral or aquatic perfumes to create unique and individual fragrance profiles. This makes gourmand fragrances even more flexible and highlights their sensual diversity.
The future of gourmand fragrances
From classic sweet scents to innovative neo-gourmands, these delicious fragrances remain a staple of perfume trends. Their ability to evoke emotions through sweet, edible notes makes them one of the most sought-after categories – whether as a designer fragrance or a niche creation.
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