India, July 20 -- Perfume has entered, or rather, re-entered its foodie era. Think roasted pistachio, saffron syrup, and creamy matcha: today's gourmand (French for glutton) scents are rich, refined, and Instagram-approved. No longer just limited sweet treats, they are layered like a five-course meal, with over 2.2 million posts on social media proving that the craving for edible perfumes is real. While sweet-smelling perfumes have existed for decades, the modern gourmand trend took off in the 1990s with Thierry Mugler's Angel, a scent that boldly replaced traditional florals with notes of cotton candy, chocolate, and patchouli. So, why are we all reaching for perfumes that smell like dessert, drinks, or spice blends from the kitchen? First, it is about comfort. These fragrances remind people of joy and safety. A splash of vanilla might feel like being wrapped in a warm hug, while caramel or saffron can bring back memories of homemade desserts or festive dinners. Perfume has become a way to wear happiness. This emotional pull - the connection to deeply personal food memories - is why people gravitate toward gourmand scents. A single whiff of roasted pistachio or cardamom can transport someone to a beloved family kitchen or a cherished trip. This kind of nostalgia makes a scent feel truly meaningful. Fragrance expert and perfume brand owner Dimple Fouzder explains, "These scents often evoke warmth, nostalgia, and comfort. Sweet, edible notes like vanilla or cinnamon can instantly trigger memories and emotions, releasing feel-good hormones and soothing stress. In today's world, they feel like an olfactory hug-familiar, personal, and grounding." Meanwhile, Astha Suri Malhotra, CEO and founder of a perfume brand says, "It began with my journey into cooking, where I learned the art of flavour layering. I realized how underexplored these spices and herbs were in the world of fragrance. Moving away from the usual "pretty" flowers, I wanted to get my hands dirty with bold, edible notes." Then there's the fact that these perfumes are unexpected. They break the rules. You smell like brown butter, not roses. You wear matcha or syrup instead of musk. That twist makes people curious and heads turn....