It’s one of those frequently asked questions from customers who visit our perfumery: “do you have coffee beans?” When we opened Smell Stories, we did indeed apply this common practice without further thought, and had a small bowl of coffee beans, standing there like a magical reset button for your nose. The idea is simple: when your nose feels overwhelmed by the symphony of fragrances, you take a whiff of coffee beans to "clear your palate" and voilà, you’re ready to dive back into the world of perfumes. But does this actually work, or is it just a fragrant fairytale?

Origins of the coffee bean ritual

The practice of using coffee beans as a nasal palate cleanser is so widespread that it feels like ancient wisdom passed down by perfume alchemists for centuries. In reality, its origins are murky at best. Some say it started in high-end French perfumeries, where elegance meets ingenuity. Others believe it’s simply a case of coffee’s ubiquitous presence being repurposed.

There’s also a more unusual theory: that the practice of using coffee beans to mask odors originated in the medical world. Pathologists who examined dead bodies are said to have placed ground coffee beans under their noses to help mask the unpleasant smells of decomposition. While this connection is largely anecdotal and lacks solid historical evidence, it’s an intriguing possibility that illustrates how strong, familiar scents like coffee have long been used to cope with overpowering odors.

But to be clear: this practice isn’t rooted in any time-honored science. Instead, it’s more of a cultural habit, a "life hack" that became commonplace over time. The real question is, does it work?

The science (or lack thereof)

Despite its popularity, there’s little scientific evidence to back up the idea that coffee beans reset your sense of smell. When you smell lots of different perfumes, your olfactory receptors can get fatigued. It’s like listening to loud music for too long—your ears need a break, and so does your nose.

Coffee beans, with their strong, earthy aroma, might seem like a logical way to "shock" your nose back into working order. But research suggests this is more placebo than panacea. Smelling coffee beans doesn’t actually neutralise the scents you’ve already inhaled; instead, it adds yet another layer of aroma to the mix. Essentially, you’re swapping one sensory overload for another.

One study, led by Dr. Alexis Grosofsky of Beloit College, tested this idea by having participants smell three fragrances multiple times, followed by sniffing either coffee beans, lemon slices, or plain air. The results showed that coffee beans did not perform better than the other options in helping participants reset their sense of smell.

What really works?

If coffee beans aren’t the magic eraser they’re made out to be, what’s a scent enthusiast to do? Here are some alternatives that are actually grounded in reality:

1. Sniff something neutral
   The best way to reset your nose is to smell something neutral and familiar, like your own skin. (Preferably a spot that’s not already drenched in perfume.) The lack of overpowering scent helps your olfactory system recalibrate.

2. Take a breather
   Literally. Step outside or into a less fragranced area for a few minutes. Strong, lingering perfumes can create a masking effect, where their molecules dominate your olfactory receptors, interfering with the perception of new scents. Fresh air can do wonders for clearing your nasal "memory."

3. Slow down
   Your nose isn’t a machine; it’s more like a curious traveler. The olfactory bulb in the brain processes scent signals. Smelling multiple perfumes in a short period can overload this processing center, making it harder to differentiate between fragrances. Therefore, don’t rush from one scent to the next. Take your time, and let your senses reset naturally between sniffs.

Why the coffee bean myth persists

So, why do many perfumeries still swear by the bowl of beans? Probably because it’s an easy and accessible ritual that gives customers a sense of control. When you’re sampling dozens of fragrances, it’s comforting to feel like you have a tool to "fix" your overwhelmed nose, even if it’s more psychological than physiological. But after we had to remove them for hygienic reasons during COVID, we didn’t put them back. There are easier and better alternatives and we don’t want to just do things because they’re common.

The next time you’re tempted to dive nose-first into a bowl of coffee beans, remember it’s not a magic trick. If you’re looking for a real way to reset your nose, stick to the basics: fresh air, neutral scents, and a little patience.

And who knows? Maybe one day science will uncover the true scent-reset secret. Until then, enjoy the journey—and maybe a cup of coffee while you’re at it.

Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash