Saffron is very expensive, with prices in 2025 typically ranging from about $1.20 to $1.60 per gram for high-quality bulk saffron, and retail prices generally higher, often between $5 and $15 per gram depending on quality and packaging. Premium saffron varieties like Super Negin can be at the upper end of this scale. The price per kilogram can range broadly from approximately $1,234 to $1,569 or higher, especially for premium Iranian saffron, with some sources quoting bulk prices as low as $3 to $7 per gram for wholesale purchases. European retail prices for premium grade saffron are around €6 to €10 per gram.
Factors Influencing Saffron Price
- Saffron is hand-harvested from crocus flowers, requiring about 150,000 flowers for 1 kg of pure saffron threads.
- Quality and grade (e.g., Negin, Sargol, Super Negin) significantly affect the price.
- Origin, with Iranian, Afghan, and Spanish saffron commanding different prices.
- Packaging, certification, and purity (no yellow or white parts) add to the cost.
- Labor intensity and global inflation also keep prices high.
Price Ranges by Purchase Type
- Bulk loose saffron (without fancy packaging): around $1.20 to $1.60 per gram.
- Packaged retail saffron: $5 to $15 per gram.
- Wholesale bulk rates (100g+): possibly as low as $3 to $7 per gram depending on source and quality.
Thus, saffron is considered the world's most expensive spice due to rare yield, labor-intensive harvesting, and high demand.
