Is Black Currant Vanilla Discontinued?

Black currant vanilla exploded in popularity over the past few years. Its unique flavor profile of tart black currant and sweet vanilla quickly became a fan favorite. Black currant’s popularity has grown almost 5% over the past year, with the average person consuming it 1.5 times per year according to tastewise.io. This highly sought after flavor combination left many fans wondering if it was too good to be true when rumors of its discontinuation began circulating.

With black currant vanilla’s devoted following, whispers of it disappearing from shelves sent shockwaves through its ardent fans. Was this beloved flavor truly being discontinued? How could brands move forward without one of their most iconic offerings? As speculation ran rampant, all eyes turned to the companies themselves for answers on the future of black currant vanilla.

History of Black Currant Vanilla

Black currant vanilla first emerged as a popular fragrance in the late 1990s ¹. With its rich, fruity-woody aroma, it quickly developed a cult following among perfume enthusiasts. The first major perfume house to spotlight black currant vanilla was Guerlain, which featured the note in its 1999 women’s fragrance Champs-Elysées ².

Throughout the early 2000s, black currant vanilla starring in several high-profile marketing campaigns and limited edition launches. Brands like Viktor & Rolf and Cartier brought out black currant vanilla iterations of their bestselling perfumes to capitalize on the note’s popularity. However, it remained a relatively niche fragrance profile until the late 2000s.

Why Black Currant Vanilla Developed a Following

Black currant vanilla gained popularity due to its unique flavor profile that consumers fell in love with. The rich, deep fruitiness of black currants balanced beautifully with the warmth of vanilla.[1] This blend evoked a sense of nostalgia for some, as black currant had been a popular flavor in decades past before being banned in the US. As retro trends came back into fashion, the distinctive taste of black currant vanilla felt both novel and familiar at the same time.

The complexity of flavors in black currant vanilla set it apart from other fruit-vanilla combinations. The tart black currant blended with smooth, creamy vanilla for a more sophisticated profile. As consumers searched for new and interesting flavors, black currant vanilla offered an intriguing blend of fruits and spices.

Additionally, the scent of black currants is often described as fruity yet slightly musky or woody.[2] This unique aroma made black currant vanilla both retro and modern smelling. The rich musk coupled with bright fruits created an elegant, upscale impression that aligned well with vintage trends.

Discontinuation Rumors

The rumors of Black Currant Vanilla’s discontinuation began in early 2022 when fans noticed the scent was no longer available on the Bath & Body Works website or in stores. Many loyal customers took to social media to express their disappointment, with some speculating the discontinuation was due to supply chain issues.

On Facebook, fans pleaded for the return of Black Currant Vanilla, calling it “heaven in a bottle” and asking Bath & Body Works to “#bringitback.” (Facebook) While supply chain issues impacted availability of many products, Bath & Body Works did not officially confirm Black Currant Vanilla was being discontinued at that time. The raging rumors on social media showed just how passionate fans were about the scent.

Impact on Brand Identity

Black Currant Vanilla became one of Bath & Body Works’ signature and most recognizable scents over the years. Its unique blend of sweet yet tart black currant paired with creamy vanilla resonated with customers and created strong brand recognition and loyalty for Bath & Body Works. As one reviewer stated, "This was one of the key fragrances that really defined the Bath and Body Works brand…it was an iconic and memorable scent that people still ask for years after being discontinued" (Source).

The scent became intrinsically tied to Bath & Body Works’ image and helped attract generations of devoted followers. Its discontinuation impacted brand identity by removing a core pillar of the company’s carefully crafted fragrance portfolio. The loss of such an emblematic scent left a noticeable gap in the brand’s offerings that newer fragrances have struggled to fill. As fans continue to request its return, Black Currant Vanilla’s powerful nostalgic draw and emotional connection highlights the ongoing importance of this scent to Bath & Body Works’ identity.

Searching for Alternatives

When the discontinuation rumors began circulating in 2022, fans of the beloved Black Currant Vanilla scent began frantically searching for ways to recreate or replace it. Many loyal customers turned to online forums like Reddit to swap DIY recipes and recommend substitutes.

According to one popular Reddit thread, many fans found the fragrance oil “Black Currant Vanilla Fragrance” by Something Special to be a close dupe. The oil’s fragrance notes of black currant, lemon, rosemary, pumpkin, vanilla and patchouli closely mimic the Bath & Body Works original.

Other Reddit users suggested layering existing Bath & Body Works fragrances like Black Cherry Merlot and Warm Vanilla Sugar to approximate the scent. A few resourceful fans even shared their own DIY body spray recipes using essential oils and perfumer’s alcohol.

While these homemade substitutes help fill the void, most Black Currant Vanilla devotees hope the scent will one day make a triumphant return to Bath & Body Works stores.

Company Response

Bath & Body Works has not provided an official statement regarding the status of Black Currant Vanilla. However, according to a Reddit post, when asked about the scent, the company stated that they cannot guarantee the return of any retired/discontinued fragrances (https://www.reddit.com/r/bathandbodyworks/comments/1808u2h/some_old_products_id_scream_for_if_they_ever_came/). While disappointing to loyal fans, the rationale is that consumer tastes change and the company evolves its offerings over time. So despite its cult following, there are currently no definite plans to bring Black Currant Vanilla back.

Current Availability

Even though Black Currant Vanilla has been discontinued as an ongoing flavor, fans may still be able to find it in limited batches and special releases. The brand occasionally brings the flavor back for limited-edition seasonal offerings, such as around the winter holidays. These limited edition releases allow Black Currant Vanilla devotees to enjoy the flavor again, even if only for a short time.

Some grocery stores, specialty shops, and online retailers also still have remaining stock of Black Currant Vanilla from before it was discontinued. Since quantities are limited, finding these leftover products takes some searching and good timing. But for those willing to hunt around, it’s possible to locate and purchase authentic Black Currant Vanilla items produced prior to discontinuation.

The brand itself also sometimes retains a small inventory of Black Currant Vanilla for special promotions and giveaways. Fans might be able to request a discontinued flavor care package through a brand ambassador program, or receive limited edition Black Currant Vanilla products by participating in contests or events.

Future Possibilities

There seems to be some hope of Black Currant Vanilla returning based on fan outcry and petitions to bring it back. On Change.org, a petition was started to Bring Back Vanilla Matrimony INTENSE! According to the petition creator, there was a limited release of an intense version of Vanilla Matrimony that gained a cult following. Fans desperately want the company to revive this rare, beloved scent.

Additionally, another fan started a petition on Change.org to Bring back the blackcurrant Shrewsburys, referring to them as “the best ones.” There seems to be demand for blackcurrant flavored products in general.

If these petitions gain enough support, the company may reconsider discontinuing Black Currant Vanilla, especially given its iconic status. Brands aim to please their loyal fans, so with enough outcry, there’s a possibility this scent makes a comeback.

Conclusion

Black currant vanilla became an iconic flavor for the brand, winning over fans with its unique blend of fruits and spice. But behind-the-scenes changes led the company to discontinue the beloved variety without warning. The loss left loyal customers feeling disappointed and nostalgic. While it may never return in its original form, the frenzied passion it stirred shows the power of flavor innovation done right. Food brands that tap into creativity while respecting customer connections can achieve that delicate balance between change and consistency. For those who still long for that black currant vanilla taste, the market may yield some worthy alternates. But as many brand historians can attest, some flavors earn a permanent place in our collective memory.