In 2025, one of the biggest trends in the fragrance industry so far has been gourmand scents. Derived from the French word “gourmande,” which refers to someone who enjoys food, these fragrances, like food, evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. It’s no surprise that they have spiked in popularity recently.
Characterized by their edible aroma and dessert notes, such as vanilla and caramel, gourmands are often rich and indulgent and are usually used during the colder months. So as the dog days of summer approach, the most avid of perfume lovers are likely pulling out their best floral and clean scents. It’s an unwritten rule that one should never wear gourmand scents this time of year; they can be cloying, heavy, and clash with the humidity.
But does that mean you should abandon your sweet scents until temperatures drop? Not quite. Gourmands are varied and can go beyond the typically sickeningly sweet scents that may come to mind. Anything from fresh apples to toasted nuts falls into the category of a gourmand. So if you still want to smell like a snack this season, we’ve gathered a list of the best summer gourmands for you to try out!
By Rosie Jane Dulce Eau de Parfum
Who doesn’t want to smell like a vanilla ice cream cone in the dead of summer? With notes of vanilla bean, brown sugar, and hinoki wood, Dulce is sweet and edible while also being light enough to wear even on the hottest days.
Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33 Eau de Parfum Intense
Pistachio is very in right now. Though it is a unique fragrance note, pistachio pairs well with many scents without being overpowering. The perfume brand Kayali is best known for its playful gourmand scents, and Yum Pistachio Gelato is one of their top sellers. The notes of whipped cream, roasted hazelnut, sweet rum, fluffy marshmallow, and cotton candy all work together in this fragrance to create a fresh yet sugary scent you’ll fall in love with.
Phlur Strawberry Letter
Phlur’s Strawberry Letter is playful and nostalgic, combining gariguette strawberries, tonka bean, and sugar. If you recall the scent of strawberry shortcake dolls and flavored chapstick from the early 2000s, this one is a blast from the past.
Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum
If you want to hop on the gourmand train, but you’re worried about smelling too juvenile, Goddess Burberry may be for you. The dominant note in this scent is vanilla, but where a sweet vanilla can be cloying or too warm for the summer heat, here it is balanced out by a lavender note, which gives the scent a mature and sophisticated vibe that can be worn year-round.
Ellis Brooklyn Apple Love Eau de Parfum
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Described as an amber gourmand with a juicy, photorealistic apple scent, Apple Love by Ellis Brooklyn has all the makings of your next summer staple.
Akro Bake Eau de Parfum
Often compared to Bath & Body Works’ iconic Iced Lemon Pound Cake scent, Akro Bake is a more complex version with praline and bourbon vanilla notes that will leave you smelling like a bakery.
Sol de Janerio Cheriosa 39
Body sprays have been all the rage this year; they’re versatile, budget-friendly, and lightweight. Sol de Janerio, most popular for its perfume mists, is back for a limited time with a fan favorite, Cheriosa 39. This scent is coconut cream through and through, perfect for days at the beach.
Parfums de Marly Oriana Eau de Parfum
An irresistible scent you’ll be obsessed with, Oriana by Parfums de Marly opens with vibrant citrus notes like orange and bergamot, and dries down to a soft, floral marshmallow skin scent.
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