The Most Popular Candle Scent in Every State (2024)

Updated: Dec. 12, 2022

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If you buy one scented candle, it’s hard not to buy a hundred more. Especially with so many different options to choose from. While some people make homemade candles, others enjoy the retail therapy of finding a few new jars.

The question is, does your favorite scent match your state’s favorite scent?

The Most Popular Candle Scent in Every State

The Most Popular Candle Scent in Every State (1)Via Shaneco.com

Shane Co. decided to calculate every state’s favorite candle scent based on search history from November 2020 through November 2021.

Most of the states (34 to be exact) have a favorite scent that falls into one of nine major categories: pumpkin, vanilla, citrus, coconut, gardenia, lavender, lemon, rose and peppermint. The rest of the states, minus a handful, have stand-alone favorites. Illinois, my home state, has cotton as its favorite scent. Yes, I can attest to the popularity!

What Scents Are the Most Popular?

The Most Popular Candle Scent in Every State (2)Via Shaneco.com

Pumpkin

As expected, the pumpkin candle takes the lead spot. Arkansas, Washington D.C., Delaware, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico, Rhode Island and West Virginia all claim this scent as their absolute favorite. But why is that? It could be because of the importance of fall to these states, or the love of pumpkin picking. Many states in the Northeast grow pumpkins for the fall harvest, so pumpkin in states like Rhode Island and Delaware make total sense.

Vanilla

Vanilla candles come in at a sweet second. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, South Carolina and Virginia call this their favorite scent. Vanilla just so happens to be America’s most popular flavor, so it makes sense as to why this scent is so high up on the list.

Florals

Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin enjoy the aroma of lavender, rose and gardenia candles. It’s a great way to make it feel like summer all year ’round. And besides, who doesn’t like flowers?

Citrus

If you need a little pick-me-up during the day, a citrus candle will do the trick. States like Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, Tennessee and Washington all love a bright scent. Of course, Florida is on this list—it’s the leader in orange production in the United States!

The Most Popular Candle Scent in Every State (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular candle scent in the US? ›

Vanilla just so happens to be America's most popular flavor, so it makes sense as to why this scent is so high up on the list.

What type of candle sells the most? ›

Container and jar candles are currently the most popular types of candles with American consumers. Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape.

What is the most popular scent at Bath & Body Works? ›

Let's dive into the most popular fragrances: Japanese Cherry Blossom – 11 states. Eucalyptus Tea – 4 states. Warm Vanilla Sugar – 4 states.

Which fragrance candle is best? ›

Some popular scented candle scents include:
  • Vanilla.
  • Lavender.
  • Citrus.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Rose.
  • Peppermint.
  • Eucalyptus.
  • Sandalwood.
Mar 2, 2024

What candle scent is the most relaxing? ›

Lavender is a timeless scent known for its calming properties. Its gentle floral aroma promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and helps with sleep. Light a lavender-scented candle in your bedroom or during a peaceful bath for ultimate relaxation.

What is everyones favorite scent? ›

The World's Favorite Scent Is Vanilla, According to Science.

What scent do people love the most? ›

Vanilla. Vanilla is a universally popular scent that both men and women wear. There is something seductive and playful about the sweet smell.

What is the number one selling fragrance of all time? ›

Chanel No.

It was Ernest Beaux's fifth attempt at creating it, but it also turned out to be Coco Chanel's lucky number. Launched in 1921, a bottle of Chanel No. 5 is sold in the world every 30 seconds.

What is the most likable scent? ›

  1. Vanilla. Known as the world's favorite flavor, vanilla was first cultivated and harvested around 900 years ago by the ancient Totonac tribe in Mexico. ...
  2. Rose. ...
  3. Lavender. ...
  4. Coffee. ...
  5. Coconut. ...
  6. Lemon. ...
  7. Amber. ...
  8. Sage.
Aug 1, 2023

What is the most desired scent? ›

Vanilla may be the world's most popular scent, but you'll find these five scent categories anywhere you run off to.

What scent do guys find attractive? ›

Fragrant Notes That Men Love on Women

On the other hand, light florals such as jasmine and lavender with fresh citrusy scents are captivating as expected and these scents can easily strike men's attention. Meanwhile, musk and sandalwood are also popular fragrant notes that men find seductive.

Which candle wax is most popular? ›

Paraffin wax—a very inexpensive wax—is most widely used across candle brands, says Fitchl, because it can hold a high amount of fragrance and color. It also comes in various melt points, making it suitable for making many different types of candles, from containers to pillars.

What is the biggest candle company in the US? ›

The company operates just over 260 small-box format stores, located in malls across 43 U.S. states and Ontario, and is the largest candle manufacturer in the United States. The company is headquartered in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. U.S.

What is the most popular style of candle? ›

Arguably the most popular style of candle is the scented jar candle. These consist of wax with essential oils and fragrance, poured into a glass jar container.

Why are Yankee candles so popular? ›

With over 150 fragrances of candle, the best of which can be found online here, they are truly passionate about what they do. There's a reason Yankee have become so successful throughout the world, and it's a simple one: their passion for the highest quality of fragrance.

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