Gourmand fragrances, inspired by culinary delights, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Chocolate or Cocoa, with its delectable essence, often takes center stage in these olfactory creations, adding depth and richness to a fragrance.
The history of chocolate in perfumery can be traced to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, who treasured cocoa for its intoxicating scent. In the 18th century, European perfumers began incorporating chocolate accords into their creations, often blending them with other ingredients like vanilla and spices. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that chocolate notes gained widespread popularity in mainstream perfumery. Keep on reading to discover more about chocolate fragrances.
Why are Chocolate notes used in fragrances?
From the first whiff, chocolate-infused fragrances evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. The creamy, velvety aroma of chocolate carries an air of indulgence and relaxation, transporting us to moments of blissful delight.
While many associate chocolate with sweetness, it can also be harnessed to create a spectrum of fragrances, from light and airy to dark and bitter.
How is Chocolate extracted to use in fragrances?
Chocolate is extracted for use in fragrance through a process called solvent extraction. First, cocoa beans are harvested and roasted to develop their characteristic aroma, then ground into a paste called cocoa liquor, which undergoes pressing to separate cocoa solids from cocoa butter.
The cocoa solids then undergo solvent extraction before being dissolved to capture the chocolate aroma. The purified fragrance extract can then be blended with other fragrance ingredients to create complex scent compositions.
Some chocolate fragrances may also be created synthetically using aroma chemicals that mimic the sweet scent rather than extracting directly from cocoa beans.
What other fragrance notes does Chocolate pair well with?
Perfumers often play with contrasting or complementary notes to enhance the chocolate accord. Many create intriguing combinations, such as chocolate with floral notes like rose or jasmine, or with spices like cinnamon and chili, which create unique olfactory experiences that balance sweetness with a kick.
The psychology of Chocolate in fragrance
Chocolate is best known to have mood-boosting properties, evoking feelings of happiness and comfort. Wearing these scents can stimulate positive emotions, helping to enhance your wellbeing.
Top 5 chocolate fragrances to indulge in
Sweeten up your senses and indulge in our edit of gourmand scents. Featuring delectable notes of cocoa, these chocolate fragrances will have you smelling like a treat! You can thank us later.
Tom Ford | Black Orchid 50ml | £100.00
Top Notes: Jasmine, Gardenia, Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot, Amalfi Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Blackcurrant, Truffle
Heart Notes: Spices, Fruity Notes, Lotus, Orchid, Gardenia, Jasmine
Base Notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Amber, Incense, Vanille, Mexican Chocolate, White Musk
On the search for a sophisticated unisex fragrance? Look no further than Black Orchid from Tom Ford.
Perfect for men and women, this luxurious rich blend opens with top notes of Jasmine, Gardenia, and expertly combined with Warm Spices and a base of Mexican Chocolate, Vanilla and White Musk.
Carolina Herrera | Bad Boy Eau De Toilette 50ml Spray | £58.50
Top Notes: Bergamot, White & Pink Pepper
Heart Notes: Clary Sage, Cedarwood
Base Notes: Tonka, Cocoa
A classic you won’t want to share, Bad Boy is the latest addition to the Herrera collection. This fragrant men’s aftershave opens with notes of White and Black Pepper, accompanied by the citric vibrancy of Italian Green Bergamot.
At the heart of the scent, Cedarwood and Sage form a magnetic trail before leading to a blended base of Tonka Bean and Cocoa, giving a seductive masculine kick.
Maison Margiela | Matcha Meditation Eau De Toilette 30ml Spray | £51.00
Top Notes: Bergamot Essence, Mandarin Essence, Green Tea Accord
Heart Notes: Matcha Accord, Orange Flower Absolute, Jasmine Accord
Base Notes: Moss Accord, White Chocolate Accord, Cedar Essence
Light and luxurious, Matcha Meditation by Maison Margiela takes a more delicate approach to a gourmand fragrance. Capturing the hot and cold contrast of Matcha Tea with a balance of fresh, green Floral notes, the warm sweet base of White Chocolate and Woods leave a relaxing trace that lingers on the skin.
Mugler | Angel Eau De Parfum 50ml Refillable Spray | £83.00
Top notes: Bergamot, Melon, Coconut, Mandarin Orange, Jasmine, Cassis, Cotton Candy, Pineapple
Heart notes: Caraway, Nutmeg, Honey, Apricot, Blackberry, Plum, Orchid, Peach, Lily-of-the-Valley, Rose, Red Berries
Base notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Chocolate, Caramel
Chic and timeless, Angel by Mugler is an oriental gourmand bursting with a fresh top of Bergamot, a delicious heart of exotic fruits and a rich base of Vanilla, Caramel and Chocolate.
The best part about this scent? It’s also available in a refillable bottle so you can smell great whilst looking after the planet.
HUGO BOSS | BOSS The Scent For Her Eau De Parfum 100ml Spray | £100.00
Top Notes: Honeyed Peach, Freesia
Heart Notes: Osmanthus Flower
Base Notes: Cocoa
If you’re looking for that oh so perfect date scent, or a fragrance with that wow-factor, then BOSS The Scent For Her is for you.
This sweet and seductive aroma boasts top notes of Honeyed Peach and Freesia, along with rich heart notes of Osmanthus flower. The scent’s lightness and delicacy encounter the contrasting base accord of dark, addictive Cocoa to create a heavenly mist that lasts all night long.
Click here to discover all new-in scents at The Fragrance Shop.
