Fragrance Trends
Zara is jumping on the gourmand trend
Gourmand fragrances—those infused with edible notes like vanilla, caramel, chocolate and coffee—are experiencing a notable resurgence in 2025. This trend is driven by a blend of nostalgia, emotional comfort, and innovative scent compositions that resonate with contemporary consumers.
Emotional Resonance and Nostalgia
A significant factor in the popularity of gourmand scents is their ability to evoke comforting memories and emotions. Fragrances featuring notes such as vanilla and caramel often conjure images of home baking and childhood treats, providing a sense of warmth and security. This emotional connection is particularly appealing in times of uncertainty, as individuals seek solace in familiar and reassuring experiences.
Evolution of Gourmand Fragrances
Modern gourmand perfumes have evolved beyond their traditionally sweet profiles. Contemporary iterations incorporate complex and sophisticated elements, blending sweet notes with spices, woods, and florals. For instance, Glossier’s You Reve combines buttercream, plum butter, and toasted almonds to create a scent that is both indulgent and refined. This nuanced approach broadens the appeal of gourmand fragrances, attracting a wider audience seeking depth and elegance in their scents.
Influence of Social Media and Gen Z
The rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has played a pivotal role in the gourmand fragrance trend. Younger consumers, particularly Generation Z, are drawn to scents that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant. The visual and descriptive storytelling associated with gourmand perfumes on these platforms enhances their allure, making them a popular choice among digital-savvy audiences.
Innovative and Diverse Scent Profiles
Perfumers are continually experimenting with unconventional gourmand notes, introducing elements like pistachio, salted caramel, and even soy sauce into their creations. This innovation results in unique and intriguing fragrances that challenge traditional scent boundaries. Such diversity caters to consumers seeking distinctive and personalized olfactory experiences.
Seasonal Appeal and Versatility
Gourmand fragrances are particularly favoured during the colder months, offering cozy and enveloping scents that complement the season’s ambiance. However, their versatility allows for year-round wear, with lighter gourmand options suitable for warmer weather (although we are also seeing ‘overdosed’ vanilla’s hit the spring/summer season in 2025 – such as Valentino’s Born in Roma Donna Extradose). This adaptability ensures their continued relevance and popularity across different climates and occasions.
Zara’s latest gourmand editions in 2025
Gourmand fragrances are poised to maintain their prominence in the fragrance landscape and Zara have certainly taken this trend to the max n 2025 so far by launching the World of Sweets collection with 4 new scents, Candy Capsule #1 with 3 new scents and the Cocoa Collection with 3 new scents.
World of Sweets
Matcha Mochi: is a fruity amber and plays with scent notes such as pear, white chocolate and smooth matcha to create a unique and charming essence.
Cherry Gelato: is a gourmand amber that plays with scent notes such as sweet strawberry, cherry and soft candy floss to create a unique and charming essence.
Lemon Pie: is a fruity amber that plays with olfactory notes such as citrusy lemon, passion fruit and sweet condensed milk to create a unique and charming scent.
Bubble Waffle: is a gourmand amber that plays with olfactory notes such as sweet waffle with whipped cream, vanilla and refreshing coconut to create a unique and charming essence.
Cocoa Collection
A sensory journey that captures the essence of chocolate in all its forms. Notes of white, milk and dark chocolate intertwine with the smoothness of Chantilly cream, the warmth of vanilla and the vibrant freshness of passion fruit and peach. Enveloping and irresistible fragrances that awaken the senses.
Cocoa Bliss Eau de Parfum. A vibrant and tempting fragrance. Exotic notes of passion fruit combine with the juiciness of peach, creating an irresistible opening. Dark chocolate adds a bold and seductive depth.
Cocoa & Latte Eau de Parfum. A soft and delicious fragrance. The creamy notes of white chocolate blend with the delicate smoothness of Chantilly cream, while the suede adds a velvety texture that envelops the senses.
Cocoa Sunset Eau de Parfum. An indulgent and delicious fragrance. Creamy milk chocolate notes melt into the smoothness of whipped cream, while a touch of vanilla adds an enveloping sweetness.
Candy Capsule #1
Violet Blossom Candy:Eau de parfum. A more gourmand version of the iconic Violet Blossom from the Basics collection. This delicious reinterpretation blends the opulence of magnolia with delicate notes of almond and meringue, enveloping the flowers in a delicious softness. The result is a sweet, warm and addictive scent.
Vibrant Caramel Candy: Eau de parfum. A more gourmand version of the iconic Vibrant Caramel from the Basics collection. A sensual and addictive aroma that envelops you in sweetness and charm. The vibrant caramel is intertwined with praline and candy floss, accompanied by the juicy freshness of Mara des Bois strawberries. A tempting delight, impossible to resist.
Red Vanilla Candy: Eau de parfum. A more gourmand version of the iconic Red Vanilla from the Basics collection. This irresistible fragrance combines the juiciness of mandarin and raspberry with the elegance of orris and the sweetness of sugared almond. The caramel base envelops the leather with a warm, sweet and enchanting scent.
The Fine Fragrance Trend Stories Reports track trends in Men’s, Women’s and Genderless scents, exploring new influential macrotrends, breaking down key ingredients and themes with a look to how these concepts and fragrance notes will be evolving the fragrance scene of the future.
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