Smells of Fall: The Scents We Associate With It and Why

Fall welcomes nostalgic and comforting times as the temperature drops and the leaves change. It's not just the chill in the air that lets you know it's autumn — there are some scents that are also strongly associated with this cozy season. 

One reason this occurs is that these fragrances elicit certain emotional experiences associated with that time of year. For example, people might identify pumpkin as a fall smell because pumpkin pie is such a popular autumnal dessert.

This can also happen because the scents are associated with natural sensory experiences that occur in the fall. For instance, woodsmoke might be identified as an autumn fragrance because as the weather gets colder, we tend to light up our fireplaces. 

Today, we're exploring the best fall scents and why they hit right in the feels every year. 

what are the best scents of autumn?

Scents have a magical way of hacking into your memories, which is why fall fragrances can make you feel nostalgic and happy. You may remember baking pumpkin pies, sipping cider, or snaking on gingerbread when you were younger — these scents go hand in hand with the season. 

apples and apple cider

Nothing says fall like apples and apple cider's warm, spicy scent. Fall is the time for apple picking and drinking hot beverages on chilly autumn days. Apple fragrances pair nicely with aromas of cinnamon and clove — one whiff, and you'll be whisked away to the perfect fall day.

Half Baked Apple Cider Smash is an apple cider candle that features sparkling apple cider, honeycrisp apple, warm donut accord, cinnamon sugar, caramel glaze, and Madagascar vanilla, reminiscent of a crisp day at the orchard. 

pumpkin 

Fall is all about pumpkin spice and everything nice. This sweet, spicy scent combines cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and salted maple. Whether you're carving jack-o'-lanterns or craving a pumpkin spice latte, the smell of pumpkin is the ultimate fall favorite. 

chai

Chai is a type of tea combined with a rich blend of spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. This warm drink fills the air with a spicy fragrance that's very fitting for this time of year. It's like a cozy hug in a mug.

cardamom

Cardamom is one of the most popular fall spices. Its unique scent is featured in many fall fragrances because it adds a rich and sophisticated note. Bring this beloved scent into your space with our Lost Claus candle, which combines cardamom with nutmeg, smoked marshmallow, peppered gingerbread, caramelized patchouli, and milky musks.

musk

Musk adds an earthy smell to any fragrance. Its deep, warm, and woodsy aromas create a sense of comfort associated with the season. Whether it’s a subtle smell in your favorite scent, like Heal the Way, or a scent you pick up in passing during the season, this scent evokes warmth and relaxation. 

sandalwood

Sandalwood adds a creamy woodiness to the fall fragrance lineup. Its rich, warm scent is grounding and soothing, and its earthy smell has an inviting aspect. Try this scent in our Way With Woods fragrance, which features sandalwood, amber woods, and musk. 

pine needles

The crisp scent of pine needles is like a breath of fresh autumn air. In candle form, pine scents bring the outdoor goodness inside. It's a refreshing fall scent that will transport you to nature. 

gingerbread

Gingerbread is associated with fall and Christmas. It's the perfect scent to burn through both seasons. Half Baked Gingerbread Smash is a gingerbread candle that combines the sweet smell of gingerbread with other popular fall scents like chai, cinnamon, nutmeg, and spiked eggnog. 

smell of rain

When rain hits dry ground, it creates an earthy aroma called "petrichor." It's whyrain smells so good. The clean scent can remind you of the freshness fall brings. Embrace the crisp fragrance by infusing it into your clothing with our Rain Check Everything Wash laundry detergent. 

the best of the season 

Certain fragrances play an essential role in capturing the essence of fall. From the sweet scents of apple and pumpkin spice to the earthy aroma of musk and pine needles, the best fragrances make you feel warm and cozy. Snif offers a way to surround yourself with these beloved seasonal scents.

Sources:

What the nose knows | The Harvard Gazette

Why we love smells and food that reminds us of fall | KCRA

​​Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe | Love and Lemons

What Is Chai and How to Make It | Food and Wine

Petrichor: why does rain smell so good? | BBC