What is a gourmand fragrance and why is it trendy?

Have you ever found yourself following the trail of a delicious scent only to discover it comes from someone's Fragrance? That moment of confusion, when your brain expects to find a freshly baked dessert but encounters a fragrance, is the magic of gourmand Fragrances in action.

In 2025, these Fragrances that play with our senses are living their moment of glory. From fashion runways to social media, scents that evoke sweets, desserts, and culinary delights have become the undisputed protagonists of the world of perfumery. But, what is it about these Fragrances that makes them so irresistible? Why do we feel so drawn to smelling like an exquisite dessert?

If you have never heard of gourmand Fragrances, don’t worry. Although they have been around for decades, it is now that they are reaching their peak.

A gourmand fragrance is one that incorporates olfactory notes inspired by food and drinks, mainly sweets and desserts. The term "gourmand" comes from French and refers to a person who loves good food. These Fragrances play with aromas like vanilla, chocolate, caramel, coffee, or even more specific notes like praline or honey.

The fascinating thing about this olfactory family is that, although it seems like a modern trend, it has a quite specific origin. The official birth of gourmand Fragrances is placed in 1992. What started as a risky bet became the beginning of a whole olfactory revolution. Since then, gourmand Fragrances have been gaining ground until becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved families by the public.

Have you ever wondered why these Fragrances are so addictive? The answer lies in our brain.

When we perceive a sweet scent or one that evokes food, our brain releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. As Jérôme di Marino, perfumer of the house Mane and Academic of the Fundación Academia del Perfume in Spain, explains: "The effect of dopamine in the brain is related to a rise in the pleasure hormone, dopamine. This hormone is responsible for the feeling of well-being experienced when eating something sweet."

Moreover, aromas have a direct link to our emotional memory. The smell of vanilla can instantly transport us to grandma’s kitchen, while the aroma of chocolate can evoke celebrations and happy childhood moments. This ability to awaken positive memories makes gourmand Fragrances not only make us smell good but also make us feel good.

On the other hand, in times of uncertainty, we tend to seek comfort and security. Sweet and comforting aromas act like an olfactory hug, providing a feeling of warmth and well-being. It is no coincidence that in recent years, marked by global changes and some instability, gourmand Fragrances have experienced an unprecedented boom.

If there is one ingredient that reigns in the gourmand universe, it is undoubtedly vanilla. Present in most of these Fragrances, vanilla brings warmth, sweetness, and a creamy touch that is universally attractive. Its versatility makes it the perfect base to build a gourmand Fragrance, whether as the protagonist or as a base note.

Chocolate and cocoa are other major protagonists. They provide depth, sensuality, and a slightly bitter touch that balances the sweetness. When combined with spicy or woody notes, they create sophisticated compositions that transcend simple candy to become true olfactory works of art.

Caramel and praline add a more intense and enveloping sweetness. These are notes that generate addiction and usually appear in Fragrances designed to leave a mark. Praline, with its combination of caramelized hazelnuts, adds a particularly interesting toasted nuance.

Coffee deserves a special mention. In recent years, it has gone from being a secondary note to starring in some of the most interesting creations. Its ability to provide intensity and a bitter-sweet contrast makes it a fascinating ingredient that adds character and sophistication.

Other common ingredients include tonka bean (with its nuances of vanilla, almond, and tobacco), honey (which provides a more complex natural sweetness), and spices like cinnamon or cardamom, which add warmth and depth.

While traditional gourmands still have their audience, 2025 is the year of the "neo-gourmand." According to a report by The Fragrance Shop, this trend represents "a new wave of Fragrances more sophisticated and complex than traditional gourmand aromas."

What differentiates a neo-gourmand from a classic gourmand? Mainly, its complexity and the incorporation of less obvious ingredients. If traditional gourmands bet on direct and recognizable sweetness, neo-gourmands play with contrasts and more subtle nuances.

Dairy notes are taking center stage, bringing a sophisticated creaminess that goes beyond simple sweetness. Combined with bitter coffee or matcha, they create an interesting play of contrasts between sweet and bitter.

Another fascinating aspect of this evolution is the incorporation of umami notes. Ingredients like rice, sesame, nuts, or pandan are opening new olfactory territories, taking gourmands beyond traditional pastry. As a Wikiparfum article points out: "The gourmand trend goes far beyond sugary notes that recreate pastry delights. Tomato, pumpkin, cauliflower... You read that right."

This sophistication responds to a more demanding and knowledgeable consumer, who seeks Fragrances with personality and character, capable of surprising without falling into cloying or predictable.

At divain. we understand the fascination with gourmand aromas and have created a selection of Fragrances that capture the essence of this trend. For women who want to delve into the gourmand universe, these are our recommendations:

divain-188 represents the perfect balance between floral and sweet. Its notes of juicy peach and freesia create a fresh and delicate opening, while its heart of cocoa adds depth and sensuality. It is a fragrance that does not go unnoticed, ideal for women seeking intensity and mystery without giving up sweetness.

divain-093 is a tribute to Parisian pastry. Inspired by one of the most emblematic desserts of the French capital, it combines iris, tonka bean, vanilla, and patchouli in a composition that reflects sensuality, femininity, and modernity. If you are looking for a truly delicious eau de parfum, this is your Fragrance.

For those who prefer a fresher option without giving up sweet notes, divain-538 is the perfect choice. Its caramelized notes combine with African orange and wild berries, creating a floral fruity Fragrance ideal for daytime, especially in spring and summer. The final touch of vanilla, caramel, and praline makes it a modern and versatile gourmand.

divain-074 stands out for its sensuality and power. It is one of the most emblematic sweet Fragrances on the market, with a presence that leaves no one indifferent. Its composition, both appetizing and powerful, has made it a timeless trend that continues to conquer hearts.

For coffee lovers, divain-187 is an irresistible proposal. It combines the intensity of coffee with notes of tuberose, toasted tonka, and jasmine sambac, creating an enigmatic and sensual Fragrance, perfect for the most special nights.

Men can also enjoy the gourmand trend with proposals that combine sweetness and masculinity:

divain-234 is a Fragrance that exudes sensuality and modernity. It combines delicious notes of pineapple and melon with touches of vanilla and cinnamon, creating a fresh and intense Fragrance designed for confident men who are not afraid to show their sweeter side.

For those seeking a balance between spicy and sweet, divain-214 is the ideal choice. Its woody notes are complemented by an enveloping sweet touch that leaves a mark. It is a Fragrance designed to be the center of attention, a cocktail of virility and sensuality with its own character.

divain-241 is conceived for nightlife. Its oriental and woody notes, combined with musk, amber, vanilla, and leather, create an intense and mysterious Fragrance. Designed for young and confident men, it is the perfect companion for the most special nights.

With so many options available, choosing the perfect gourmand Fragrance can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to get it right:

According to the season: Although gourmands are usually associated with autumn and winter because of their warmth, there are lighter options for spring and summer. Look for compositions that combine sweet notes with fresh elements like citrus or light flowers for the warm months, and opt for more intense and spicy gourmands when the temperature drops.

According to the occasion: For everyday and work environments, choose subtle gourmands that are not invasive. Fragrances with soft vanilla notes or sweet touches balanced with fresh elements are ideal. For special occasions and nights, you can allow yourself more intense and enveloping options, with chocolate, coffee, or praline notes as protagonists.

According to your preferences: If you are new to the gourmand world, start with Fragrances that incorporate familiar elements for you. If you already enjoy floral Fragrances, try options that combine flowers with sweet touches. If you prefer woody, look for compositions that balance woods and gourmand elements.

To maximize the longevity of your gourmand Fragrance, apply it on hydrated skin, as natural oils help fix the scent. Also consider layering strategy, using complementary products from the same line (shower gel, body lotion) to enhance and prolong the aroma.