The UK’s Favourite Smell Is……… Freshly Baked Bread
Have you ever walked past a bakery and did a double take because of how nice the freshly baked bread smelt?...... you’re not alone, as freshly baked bread has been voted the UK’s favourite smell.
In our recent survey of the UK, over 55% of respondents chose bread as their favourite smell, with flowers and coffee completing the top 3.
It’s not just comforting smells proving to be popular though, with Petrol rounding out the top 10. 1 in 10 people chose garlic as their favourite smell and 1 in 20 Brits say vomit is their favourite smell!
Why do we love bread so much?
The smell of bread often triggers a deeply instinctive reaction in many people, due to its ability to stir odour-linked memories at a subconscious level. Research by food scientists at UCD’s Institute of Food and Health has shown that certain smells, like freshly baked bread, can transport individuals back to vivid moments from their childhood.
This powerful effect is closely tied to the way the brain processes scent. Smells are initially handled by the olfactory bulb, a structure that begins in the nose and extends along the underside of the brain. This area is directly connected to regions responsible for emotion and memory, explaining why certain aromas can evoke such strong feelings.
As a food that is deeply woven into everyday life and early experiences, bread has become one of the most potent triggers for nostalgic memories, often associated with comfort, family, and childhood.
Do Men & Women Differ In Their Favourite Smells?
Yes! Whilst women prefer sweeter, and more homely smells; men prefer savoury smells and fruits, with menthol smells ranking higher for men, than women.
Does The Favourite Smell Differ Per Area?
Southampton was the only area that didn’t voteBread as it’s favourite smell, instead opting for flowers. Flowers and Coffee featured in the top threeof most areas, showing our love of comfort.
Bristolians love their bacon, ranking it in their top 3, whilst Glaswegians voted petrol as their third favourite smell. Curry spices and strawberries featured in a number of cities too.
What Were The Strangest Smells Voted For?
Believe it or not, vomit featured as one of the highest voted for strange smells, with petrol, garlic, bleach and tobacco smells also featuring highly.
Many people are drawn to the smell of petrol, and one explanation lies in the physical effect certain chemicals, like benzene, have on the nervous system. When inhaled, benzene and similar hydrocarbons can temporarily suppress the central nervous system, producing a mild, euphoric sensation similar to the effects of alcohol or other substances. This fleeting sense of pleasure helps explain why the scent is oddly appealing to some.
Historically, benzene was also used to fragrance consumer products such as aftershaves and cleaning agents, as well as in processes like coffee decaffeination, though these uses were quickly abandoned once its toxicity became clear. Despite its alluring smell, benzene is a known carcinogen, and inhaling it in high concentrations or over long periods is extremely dangerous. So while the scent of petrol may be oddly satisfying, it's best appreciated at a distance.
Smells can generate a number of emotional responses, which is why we stock such a different range of scents in our vaping range. From fruits, to menthol and even desserts…. However, we doubt we’ll ever have a petrol or vomit range!
