When fragrance brand D.S. & Durga officially made pistachio part of its permanent collection in early 2022, it didn’t just satisfy demand after the scent’s initial limited-edition run sold out. It helped spark what would become one of fragrance’s most unexpected fixations: pistachio perfume. “It was insanity,” says David Moltz, perfumer and cofounder of D.S. & Durga, of the frenzy around the original drop.
Fast-forward to now, and pistachio continues to dominate new fragrance launches. If you’re curious about what makes the note so compelling—or why it’s suddenly everywhere—we spoke with four experts, from perfumers to brand founders, to break down the buzz around this creamy, nutty scent.
Featured Experts
- David Moltz is the perfumer and co-founder of D.S. & Durga
- Alexandra Monet is the perfumer at DSM-Firmenich
- Christine Hassan is the perfumer at Givaudan
- Mona Kattan is the founder of Kayali fragrances
What Inspired the Pistachio Perfume Boom
D.S. & Durga’s Pistachio perfume, Moltz says, was inspired by a dark pistachio cake he once ate at a café in Williamsburg in 2002. He recalls how good it tasted and sought to create a scent to replicate that happy feeling. “I remember loving how fake and not realistic it was,” he says. “The flavor always enticed me. I just made the perfume on a whim and it took off.”
The ingredient itself isn’t new. You’ve likely encountered pistachio in other popular scents (for example, Sol de Janeiro’s cult-classic Sol Cheirosa ’62), but the note has hit its stride in recent years. “It has been a staple ingredient in global cuisine, whether in baklava or the quintessential pistachio macaron,” says Givaudan perfumer Christine Hassan. “The public has become more familiar with pistachio as it has been trending in lattes, cocktails, pastries and even cosmetics.”
Wanderlust and nostalgia appear to be central to pistachio perfume’s popularity. Mona Kattan, founder of Kayali Fragrances, was inspired by a trip to Rome with her sister, where she fell in love with pistachio gelato and later translated that memory into her own fragrance. “You automatically link it to your favorite sweet guilty pleasure,” says Kattan. “Desserts are usually considered a treat, and being able to smell like one is reliving the first bite over and over again.”
What Does Pistachio Smell Like?
Monet describes pistachio as sweet and nutty, with subtle hints of almond and vanilla. Its softness makes it easy to layer, offering a fresh take on gourmand fragrance that goes beyond the usual almonds and coconuts.
“Pistachio is an extremely faceted note,” adds Hassan. “It has a nutty roasted component, as well as a fruity, almost cherry piece. It also has earthy, green and even citrus nuances.” In other words, it can amplify sweetness or add depth, depending on how it’s blended.
Below, 14 pistachio perfumes worth spritzing now.
The Best Pistachio Perfumes to Try in 2026
1 / 14
Lore builds each scent around storytelling, and this pistachio-forward blend feels equal parts whimsical and indulgent. Creamy rose milk and candied pistachio melt into warm resin for a gourmand with an unexpected edge.
2 / 14
If you love a dessert-inspired scent but prefer something balanced, this one hits the sweet spot. Pistachio milk and fluffy vanilla give it a creamy, indulgent feel, while tonka bean keeps it smooth and grounded—not sugary.
3 / 14
Delicious red berries sit at the heart of this gourmand fragrance, but before you get there, you’re greeted by a nutty pistachio note. As the opening accord, it sets the tone for the fresh sweetness that follows and pairs seamlessly with whipped vanilla marshmallow.
4 / 14
When you think of pistachio, a creamy Italian dessert likely comes to mind. New Notes translates that craving into scent, blending decadent, salty-sweet pistachio with bright citrus and cardamom-laced milk. The result is indulgent yet refined—a treat you can enjoy daily, no spoon required.
5 / 14
Prada’s cool-girl sensibility carries seamlessly into this fragrance. Housed in its signature rose-tinted bottle, the scent pairs pistachio with bright neroli for a rich, modern gourmand.
6 / 14
While many pistachio perfumes lean sweet, this one takes a darker turn. Vilhelm Parfumerie spotlights the smoky nuance of grilled pistachio, layering it with saffron and oud for a warm, spicy scent that feels rich, textured and decidedly grown-up.
7 / 14
Pistachio goes sultry in this Forvr Mood scent. Roasted pistachio blends with delicate Turkish rose and creamy vanilla milk for a fragrance that’s softly sweet, beautifully balanced and undeniably intoxicating.
8 / 14
Made with pistachio, roasted almond and vanilla, this scent leans deep and woody with a sweet, rounded edge. The effect is warm and creamy, like the most elevated version of your favorite pistachio dessert.
9 / 14
Inspired by the Greek island of Kythira, this scent pairs pistachio with olive tree and fresh green accords for a warm, sunlit citrus effect. If a Mediterranean escape isn’t on your calendar, a few spritzes come impressively close.
10 / 14
“The balance between the gourmand and the fresh notes is just perfect,” says Monet of this Kayali favorite. Roasted hazelnut and pistachio swirl with lily of the valley and sandalwood for a rich, creamy blend that captures the pistachio gelato fantasy.
Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato
11 / 14
Pure happiness in a bottle, this crowd-pleaser blends pistachio, jasmine petals, vanilla and salted caramel into a deliciously warm, beachy scent.
12 / 14
Inspired by the eternal “Where do you summer?” energy, this luxe scent blends pistachio with tuberose, coconut and amber for a rich, sun-drenched floral.
13 / 14
If the cozy scent of roasted, warm nuts could be bottled, it would smell like this. Pistachio mingles with vanilla and palo santo for a fragrance that feels soft, comforting and quietly grounding.
14 / 14
Think of this as the ultimate nutty dessert. One spritz serves up pistachio crumbs, creamy whipped mousse and plenty of vanilla bean for a scent that’s both indulgent and irresistible.
