Fragrance and Cognitive Function

[2025 Fragrance Trend] Umami Is the New Sweet: The Surprising Rise of Savory Scents

The fragrance world is experiencing a culinary revolution, moving beyond traditional sweet and floral profiles to embrace the complex, mouthwatering allure of savory and umami notes. From truffle and olive to tomato leaf, basil, and even soy sauce, perfumers are crafting scents that evoke the richness of gourmet cuisine, offering a new sensory experience for adventurous fragrance lovers.

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What Are Savory and Umami Notes in Perfume?

Traditionally, gourmand fragrances have centered on dessert-like notes such as vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. The new wave of savory scents, however, draws inspiration from the kitchen’s savory side: think the earthy depth of truffle, the briny tang of olive, or the green sharpness of coriander and tomato leaf. These notes introduce an umami quality-a savory, satisfying richness-that adds complexity and intrigue to modern perfumes.

Why Are Savory Scents Trending?

Several factors are fueling this trend:

1. Desire for Uniqueness: Consumers are seeking fragrances that stand out and reflect individual taste, moving away from overly sweet or predictable blends.

2. Culinary Inspiration: The boundary between food and fragrance is blurring, with perfumers taking cues from gourmet cuisine to create multi-layered, “edible” aromas.

3. Genderless Appeal: Savory and umami notes often result in balanced, unisex compositions that appeal to a broad audience.

Key Savory Ingredients Making Waves

Truffle: Earthy, musky, and deeply aromatic, truffle adds a luxurious, gourmet touch to fragrances.
Olive & Olive Wood: Imparts a tangy, slightly bitter nuance that’s both fresh and sophisticated (1).
Tomato Leaf: Offers a green, vegetal sharpness, evoking the scent of a summer garden.
Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami, creating a bold, unexpected twist.
Herbs & Spices: Basil, coriander, turmeric, and fennel bring aromatic, spicy, and savory facets to perfume compositions.

Notable Savory Gourmand Fragrances

Hermès Un Jardin à Cythère: Features pistachio and olive wood, capturing the savory side of a Mediterranean garden (2).

Snif Slice Society: Inspired by pizza, this scent blends tomato, basil, black currant, and a “crust accord” for a playful, Italian-inspired aroma.

Elorea JANG Eau De Parfum: Combines soy sauce with florals for a truly umami-rich, savory scent profile.

Diptyque L’Eau Papier: Balances steamed rice with white musk and mimosa, offering a starchy, subtle savory note.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin: Fuses peppery basil with bright citrus for a fresh, herbaceous, and savory twist.

The Art of Balance

Crafting a savory fragrance is a delicate art. Too much of a savory note can veer into novelty or even unpleasant territory; the key is balance. Perfumers often pair savory ingredients with traditional notes-like citrus, musk, or soft woods-to create wearable, complex, and intriguing scents (2). The result is a fragrance that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Who Should Try Savory Scents?

Fragrance Adventurers: Those who love exploring bold, unconventional aromas.
Food Lovers: Anyone who enjoys the sensory pleasures of gourmet cuisine will appreciate the culinary artistry in these perfumes.
Unisex/Inclusive Fragrance Fans: Savory scents often transcend gender, making them ideal for anyone seeking a unique signature.

Conclusion

The rise of savory and umami notes marks a bold new chapter in perfumery. By incorporating ingredients like truffle, olive, and tomato leaf, perfumers are creating scents that are as complex and satisfying as a gourmet meal.