Saffron, often called “Red Gold”, is one of the most valuable spices globally due to its labor-intensive harvesting process and numerous applications in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic industries. The USA has emerged as a growing market for saffron, with increasing demand among restaurants, gourmet chefs, and health-conscious consumers.
However, saffron prices in the USA fluctuate due to various factors, including quality, origin, import tariffs, and seasonal availability. In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of saffron prices in the USA for 2025, including retail and wholesale rates, factors affecting the price, and the best places to buy saffron online and offline.
Saffron prices vary depending on the type of saffron, its quality, and where it is purchased. Below is an overview of the estimated saffron price range in the USA for Q1 of 2025:
| Saffron Type | Price Range (USD per Gram) |
| Super Negin | $6.5 – $9.5 |
| Negin | $5.5 – $6.5 |
| Sargol | $4.5 – $6 |
| Pushal | $3.5 – $5 |
| Bunch (Dasteh) | $2.8 – $3.2 |
| Spanish-Branded | $7 – $12 |
Saffron Wholesale Prices (Per Kilogram) in the USA
| Saffron Type | Price Range (USD per Kg) |
| Super Negin | $2,900– $3,800 |
| Negin | $2,500 – $3,100 |
| Sargol | $2,200 – $2,900 |
| Pushal | $2,050 – $2,400 |
| Bunch (Dasteh) | $1,920 – $2,150 |
Note: Prices may vary based on seasonality, market demand, and supplier pricing.
Several factors contribute to the price fluctuations of saffron in the USA:
The origin of saffron significantly influences its price as different countries produce varying qualities and types of saffron and face different import regulations in the USA.
✅ Iran: The world’s largest saffron producer (90% of global supply)
Iranian saffron is universally recognized as the highest quality saffron due to the country’s ideal climate, traditional farming techniques, and superior stigma length, aroma, and coloring strength. Among all saffron-producing countries, Iranian saffron consistently ranks the highest in terms of quality.
However, due to trade restrictions and sanctions, direct exports of Iranian saffron to the USA are not possible. As a result, Persian saffron must first be exported to intermediary countries where its country of origin is rebranded before it can be legally imported into the USA. This additional step increases costs, affects pricing, and limits direct access to authentic Persian saffron in the American market.
✅ Spain: Global branding leader, but often re-exports Iranian saffron
Spain is known for its historical reputation in saffron trade, but much of the saffron labeled as “Spanish” is actually imported from Iran, repackaged, and rebranded. While Spain does produce saffron, its production volume is significantly lower than Iran’s. Spanish saffron typically comes at a higher price due to branding and marketing strategies.
✅ Afghanistan & India: Smaller producers, often priced slightly lower
Afghanistan and India produce limited quantities of saffron, with Afghan saffron gaining popularity due to government incentives and Western support. While Kashmiri saffron from India is known for its deep red color, it has a lower coloring power compared to Persian Super Negin saffron.
🔹 Due to strong diplomatic relations between the USA and Afghanistan and the supportive role of the American government in promoting Afghan companies and products, Afghan companies also play a key role in the re-export of Persian saffron. Every year, Afghan companies illegally import nearly three times their actual production volume of Iranian saffron, rebrand it, and export it to the USA as “Afghan saffron,” following a similar strategy to Spain. This process allows Afghan saffron to enter the American market more easily, despite its actual origin being Iranian.
Saffron prices across the USA do not vary significantly; however, availability, import taxes, and retailer markups can cause slight fluctuations in different cities. Some of the most important cities for saffron trade and consumption include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Miami, where saffron is widely used in restaurants, gourmet stores, and international markets.
✅ Saffron Price in New York
New York, as a major hub for luxury dining and international trade, has a high demand for premium saffron. The price of saffron in New York typically ranges between $7 – $12 per gram in retail stores, while wholesale prices range from $3,500 – $4,500 per kilogram. If you’re wondering where to buy saffron in New York, some of the best options include Kalustyan’s, high-end spice markets, and online stores like Amazon and Etsy.
✅ Saffron Price in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, home to a diverse culinary scene, is another key market for saffron in the USA. Due to its proximity to import hubs and a strong Persian and Middle Eastern community, saffron prices in Los Angeles are slightly lower than in New York. Retail prices range between $6 – $10 per gram, while wholesale saffron prices in Los Angeles are $3,300 – $4,200 per kilogram. If you’re searching for where to buy saffron in Los Angeles, you can find high-quality saffron in Persian supermarkets, specialty spice shops, and online platforms.
✅ Saffron Price in Chicago
As one of the largest cities in the Midwest, Chicago has a strong demand for authentic saffron, particularly among high-end restaurants and specialty food stores. The price of saffron in Chicago generally falls between $5.5 – $9.5 per gram, with wholesale prices ranging from $3,000 – $4,000 per kilogram. For those looking for where to buy saffron in Chicago, options include The Spice House, specialty grocery stores, and online marketplaces.
✅ Saffron Price in Houston
Houston, with its growing Middle Eastern and South Asian population, is an important saffron market. Retail saffron prices in Houston range from $5 – $9 per gram, while bulk saffron prices typically fall between $2,800 – $3,800 per kilogram. Where to buy saffron in Houston? Many specialty spice shops, Persian and Indian grocery stores, and online retailers offer authentic Persian saffron.
✅ Saffron Price in Miami
Miami, known for its vibrant culinary culture and international trade connections, also sees high saffron consumption. The retail price of saffron in Miami typically falls between $5.5 – $9.5 per gram, while wholesale prices range from $3,200 – $4,200 per kilogram. If you are searching for where to buy saffron in Miami, high-end grocery stores, Latin and Middle Eastern markets, and online stores are your best options.
✔️ Look for vibrant red stigmas with a strong aroma
✔️ Avoid saffron that looks dull or contains too many yellow/white parts
✔️ Check for purity of saffron (avoid saffron powders, which may be mixed with additives)
✔️ Buy from reputable sellers (avoid cheap imitations on eBay & Amazon)
❓ What is the price of 1 kg of saffron in the USA?
✔️ $3,000 – $4,500, depending on quality and supplier.
❓ Why is saffron so expensive?
✔️ It takes 150,000 flowers to produce 1 kg of saffron, making it the most labor-intensive spice in the world.
❓ Where can I buy saffron in bulk at a lower price?
✔️ Contact SunLand Saffron for wholesale rates.
Looking for Premium Persian Saffron in the USA?
As the SunLand brand is registered in 34 countries, including Spain and Afghanistan, we can export Iranian saffron to the USA under Afghan or Spanish origin, ensuring compliance with existing sanctions on Iranian goods.
If you’re looking for authentic, high-quality Persian saffron at competitive wholesale prices, contact SunLand Saffron today!
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