FROM their sugary outer shell to their delicious chocolate centre, there are few things to dislike about Cadbury’s Mini Eggs.
And another factor that makes the Easter treats even more delectable is their sweet smell.
But did you know there’s actually a scientific reason that the chocolate eggs are scented the way they are?
According to Hetan Soni, scent pro and owner of Perfume Essence, it’s down to a combination of specific ingredients and how they interact with our brains.
“Mini Eggs have a sweet, creamy and vanilla-like scent, which are similar notes to those found in many best-selling perfumes,” Hetan explained.
“Chocolate contains compounds such as theobromine and vanillin, which are naturally enticing to us.
“These compounds trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, which is the same feel-good hormone activated when we smell our favourite perfumes.”
Mini Eggs’ shell “traps and releases a burst of cocoa and vanilla notes” when it’s bitten into, or a packet of the sweets is ripped open.
And it just so happens that vanilla and chocolate are ” some of the most universally loved scents because they remind us of sweetness, warmth and positive experiences”.
Both perfume and chocolate interact with the “olfactory receptors”, which then activates the “limbic system – the part of the brain linked to memory and emotion”.
“This explains why the smell of Mini Eggs can send us straight back to simpler times, like Easter egg hunting as a child or the excitement of springtime.”
And if you’re a fan of the sweet treats’ scent, you can recreate it in the comfort of your own home.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”I tried Cadbury mini egg dupes from major supermarkets – a bargain version was a huge disappointment” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6346563663112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“Essential oils with chocolate, vanilla or even a mix of cinnamon and sugar can be used in a diffuser to replicate the sweet and inviting smell of mini eggs around your home,” Hetan continued.
“You can either buy this pre made or mix your own for a DIY home hack.”
And given that you can get cinnamon sugar for just £1.50 in Waitrose, the hack is budget friendly too.
If you want to replicate the scent on your person too, try buying a perfume with “with gourmand notes, like vanilla, cocoa, caramel or praline”.
“These sweet scents mimic treats like Mini Eggs, triggering a nostalgic, emotional response,” Hetan said.
“Examples include Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium and Prada Candy – both offering a rich, sweet aroma similar to Mini Eggs.”
Or you could try a candle, like Yankee Candle’s Chocolate Eggs.
“Brands like Yankee Candle have caught onto how much everyone loves the Mini Egg smell, and have mimicked this in a candle,” Hetan explained
“You can get one of these for your home and burn the candle all day long to make your space smell like a Mini Egg factory and instantly impress your guests.”
