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20 Candles That Smell *Exactly* Like Our Fave Foods
Citrus, berries, pizza, and...canned tuna?
Our sense of smell makes up a large part of our ability to taste—which explains why many of us start to salivate every time we walk by a pizzeria (no, just us?). Taking a deep breath when we step into our favorite restaurants or our homes, too, when an amazing creamy chicken curry is simmering away on the stove is our first “taste” before we’ve even seen what it is we’re smelling.
It makes sense (get it?), then, that so many candles smell like food whether it’s seasonable pumpkin spice, fresh berries, indulgent chocolate, and even festive birthday cake. If you’ve ever said that a dish smells so good that you’d like to bottle it up, then we’ve got the list for you. Some of these might seem questionable at first (looking at you, canned tuna), but we’re willing to bet that you won’t be able to resist.
Below, 20 candles that smell just like your fave foods.
1. Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Jar Candle, $34
Could we really make a list of the best candles that smell like food and dare to skip over pumpkin spice? Never. This one from Capri Blue has notes of orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon, and smells just like fall’s favorite latte, doughnut, pie...you get the picture.
2. Otherland Tomato Terrazzo, $36
Tomato season might be behind us, but that doesn’t mean our obsession with giant, ripe heirloom tomatoes has to end. This one has hints of celery salt and earthy, leafy notes that will bring you right back to your summer garden. Good thing we also canned a ton of tomatoes before fall arrived.
3. Diptyque Baies/Berries Candle, $68
Light this one up for a straight-from-the-blackberry-patch feel. Diptyque may be on the pricier side, but we know it’s worth the investment and the scent will be chef's kiss.
4. Sarah Jane Smith Chai Spice Candle, $22-$26
The warm spices for chai (star anise, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, oh my!) are one of the many things we’re looking forward to now that it’s finally fall. But no matter the season, this candle can deliver that exact smell all year long.
5. P. F. Candle Co. TikTok Bundle, $55
Feta pasta, cloud bread, and whipped coffee—no, not all together in one candle. Inspired by viral TikTok food trends, this trio would be perfect for the foodie in your life. Feta pasta has layers of crushed tomatoes and basil, cloud bread is comprised of marshmallow and raspberry, and whipped coffee smells like, well, coffee with a touch of sandalwood.
6. Homesick Budweiser Backyard BBQ Candle, $34
This candle by Homesick has notes of lemonade, barbecue smoke, and barley to make it feel like you’re sitting at a picnic table with friends and a beer in hand. Glad it doesn't have hints of hot dogs though.
7. Baisun Candle Co. Candied Plum Scented Candle, $18
Inspired by Hua Mui, a traditional Chinese candy, this candle smells like a ripe plum covered in sugar crystals with undertones of light musk and freesia. All of the candles from Baisun Candle Co. are made by Chinese-Americans to share their culture through food-centric gifts while promoting economic opportunities for their community.
8. Ryan Porter Birthday Cake Votive Candle, $29.99
We all know candles make great gifts, but this one is especially appropriate considering it smells just like a birthday cake. It's even decorated to look like it’s filled with the rainbow sprinkles of our Funfetti cake dreams.
9. Emily’s Candles And Bath 9 Oz. Soy Candle Canned Tuna, $12.95
Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Or at least give it as a fun gag gift.
10. Silver Dollar Candle Co. Bacon & Bourbon Candle, $19.95
This candle might be marketed toward men (why though?), but we don’t see a reason to exclude anyone from the intoxicating combination of bacon, bourbon, and vanilla.
11. The Stinky Candle Co. Sausage Candle, $12.99 $10.99
Sometimes you just want your home to smell like pork, and when you do, this sausage-inspired candle is exactly what you should reach for.
12. Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Scented Home Candle, $36-$200 $30.60-$170
This beloved candle from Jo Malone smells like summer was melted down for us to unearth whenever the mood strikes with notes of lime, mandarin, basil, and thyme. Plus, it’s currently on sale—which rarely happens for the storied fragrance brand.
13. The Little Market Apple Cider Candle, $44
Lean fully into fall (but not into the actual burning candle, please) with this warm apple cider candle. With hints of cinnamon and clove, this one is holiday ready, too. But it’s available only for a limited time, so if you’re into it, don’t hesitate to order one (or a few).
14. Kelli Cormier Gingerbread & Candy Cane Candle DIY Kit, $60
If you’re already skipping ahead to the holidays, this candle is both a gift to yourself and your home. This one isn’t technically a ready-made candle—it’s a DIY kit—but that just adds to the festivities.
15. 54Celsius Scented Food Shaped Natural Wax Candles in Chocolate Bar, $27
Perfect for dessert lovers, this chocolate bar-scented candle is as divine as it is adorable. The candle actually looks like an unwrapped chocolate bar that’s segmented into little squares of perfection, only this one has a few wicks sticking out of the top.
16. The Stinky Candle Co. Pizza Candle, $12.99
The smell, the taste, the iconic cheese pulls—pizza is life. And now, thanks to this candle, you can indulge in the scent whenever you’d like. The brand notes that it is not responsible if this candle leads to excessive pizza eating, just FYI.
17. Rewined Merlot Candle, $30
Ah, wine, we thought you’d never make an appearance! This “best candle I ever bought” winner from one happy reviewer has a boozy scent mixed in with notes of pomegranate, plum, violet, rose, and vanilla for a full-bodied perfume.
18. Vat19 Ramen Noodle Candle, $12.99
For those days when you’re just craving something salty, carb-y, and broth-y for the ultimate comfort fix, ramen is a no-brainer. It only seems logical to have this candle at the ready for instant gratification as you boil water for a steaming bowl of Shin Ramen.
19. DW Home Cereal Milk Candle, $14-$18
Another one for those with a sweet tooth, this candle promises to recreate the sugary, milky smell of the last dregs of a bowl of cereal. One reviewer says it smells exactly like a bowl of Froot Loops, while another says it brings them back to the early morning days of their childhood.
20. Voluspa Crushed Candy Cane Mini Jar Candle, $22
If you’re a person who loves the holidays all year round, this candy cane candle (say that five times fast!) was made for you. It smells just like the sugary peppermint confection, and comes in a glass vase that mimics the twisty design of the holiday treat for extra festiveness.
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