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Food-Inspired Fragrances: A Feast for the Senses or a Recipe for Discomfort?
The connection between food and desire has long been a topic of fascination. Both food and sex are experiences that invoke longing, pleasure, and a sensory richness that many seek to indulge in. We often make culinary choices with the intention of seducing or enticing others, opting for ingredients like oysters and chocolate, both of which have aphrodisiac reputations. The scents of certain foods, including vanilla and spices, are engineered to make us more alluring, drawing parallels between our desires for both sustenance and intimacy.
This intricate relationship is part of the reason why fragrances inspired by food have surged in popularity. The desire to embody that which we crave is almost instinctual. However, some recent forays into the realm of food-based fragrances by major pizza chains such as Domino’s and Papa John’s may misfire in their approach.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Domino’s has introduced Eau de Passion, available exclusively in the UK and Ireland. According to their promotional material, this unique perfume captures the “alluring aroma and irresistible scent of a Domino’s Pepperoni Passion,” featuring a blend of spiciness, pepper, and a soothing woodsy base. The fragrance is housed in a whimsical pyramid-shaped bottle that evokes a pizza slice. Interested consumers in those regions can enter a competition from February 10-17 to win a bottle, reflecting the chain’s innovative if unusual marketing strategy.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Papa John’s has taken a more eccentric approach by launching a limited-edition bath bomb inspired by its popular Garlic Dipping Sauce. Taking playful fan comments about wanting to “bathe” in their sauce quite literally, the chain collaborated with parody account @hannasaurr for the announcement. However, the company has not disclosed the scent profile of the bomb—leaving enthusiasts speculating whether the experience will be more reminiscent of garlic or butter, or if it might even impart a greasy consistency to their bathwater. As part of the promotion, this quirky bath bomb will be sent to fans who actively express their love for Papa John’s on social media.
Rachel Syme expertly points out in the New Yorker that “smells are subject not just to major cultural changes but also to minor shifts in context.” This idea emphasizes that the same aroma can evoke drastically different feelings depending on where it is encountered. For instance, the delightful scent of garlic bread at a friend’s dinner table can feel warm and inviting, but encountering it in a less appealing setting, like a bathtub, quickly shifts the context to one of unkemptness. The romantic allure of pepperoni can morph into something less appealing in an entirely different context, such as on a lover’s skin.
While certain notes like tomato and basil can indeed be tasteful in perfumes, they find their best appreciation when accompanied by the actual food experience. Ultimately, the challenge remains for fans fortunate enough to receive the Papa John’s bath bomb: evading the lingering scent of artificial garlic from their baths.
Source
www.eater.com