A peculiar culinary-related trend is happening now–soaps shaped, scented, and even flavored to look exactly like various foods. I’m not talking soaps that mimic lemons, or oranges or even bananas–they’ve been around forever!
I’m taking ones that are dead ringers for edibles like pastries–yes those pictured at the top are all actually soaps–or popsicles (shown right), egg and bacon (bottom of page), buttered popcorn, or even roast chicken! (The pastries, chicken and many more offerings are available from the Soapopotamus website; fried egg and bacon are on Etsy here.)
These food-themed bath bars now seem to be going more mainstream, turning up not only in quirky out-of-the-way boutiques but in ordinary shopping centers. I first came upon a fruit soap kiosk with every kind of fruit known to man (carambola, lychees, passion fruits, mangosteens, etc.,) several years ago in my local mall. More recently, in the same mall I discovered what I first thought was a cute new bakery or cheese shop (two pics below), but once inside realized the goodies were only soaps. Interestingly, they were pricey–in the same range as real wedges of fine cheese!
Frankly, I don’t quite get the faux food soap phenomenon. Yes, of course a little basket of cleverly crafted lime-shaped soaps makes a nice gift for a hostess or pleasant indulgence for oneself. I can even imagine some folks enjoying a calorie-free version of a pretty cupcake or forbidden glazed doughnut, although I don’t think I’d want to bathe with them. Worse yet, I know they’d make me want to rush out and scarf down the real thing!
But I personally can’t picture anybody I know wanting to lather up with a roast chicken or fried egg! (Thank goodness!)
How about you? Do faux food soaps intrigue you or seem just weird? Would washing with petit fours or bacon strips fulfill some secret fantasy or satisfy a deep craving? Do take time to comment–I’d really like to know!
If you’re now in the mood for real popsicles, click here.
Or for real cupcakes click here.
Or perhaps, you’d like to make a faux food. This edible treat looks like bread and butter but it’s not! 
So funny that you posted this, Nancy! I'd been thinking the same thing recently. I don't get this trend either. And I certainly can't imagine having something like that in your bathroom if you ever had little kids in your house! They'd be munching on the stuff.
As "cute" as they are (and cute is not allowed in our house…) they only seem really appropriate for teenage girls, you ask me. As gifts. Cute. I do love my vanilla-scented soap but already that makes me crazy since I want to eat it… I think there is a shop in Nantes that sells soaps like this.
I believe it's the novelty factor of being able to indulge in food without the calories.
I personally love chocolate or vanilla scented 'anything' and if it looks like a dessert it makes it even cuter.
I probably wouldn't replace my regular soaps with these on a daily basis but they sure make fun stocking-fillers.
I can see the peak in sales of such products being around Valentine's and Christmas.
I have a soft spot for miniature food jewellery too.
Actually, that's a good reason! Another reason I've bought them is to have a little seasonal gift for my grandkids that's not full of calories–as in Santas or hearts that are useful and fun, but not treats they shouldn't have.
Frankly, I too find these "food soaps" somewhat "out of place", and not something I would purchase for myself. That being said, as a mom who raised three boys, if a fried egg soap or a strip of bacon soap would have inspired them to wash their hands or take a shower more often… hmmmm… on second thought, maybe not such a bad idea!