# What Are the Best Saffron Substitute Options?

URL: https://tastessence.com/substitutes/saffron-substitute
Category: Substitutes
Published: 2021-01-28T05:53:34
Updated: 2021-01-25T10:14:55
As one of the priciest spices in the world, **saffron adds a sweet and earthy taste to many dishes,** but it’s not the most cost-effective option. Fortunately, there are several cheaper spices and ingredients that you can use as a **saffron substitute to save yourself some money.** In this post, **we’ll share a bit more about saffron** before diving into a few alternatives. Take a look to **find out if you’ve already got a saffron substitute stashed away in your pantry.**

## What is saffron?

With its origins in the Mediterranean, **saffron is a spice used in dishes such as paella, risotto, and bouillabaisse.** It’s a deep red color and is sold in thin strands, with **a pound of saffron costing [as much as $5,000](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saffron).**

## What can you use as a saffron substitute?

It’s challenging to replicate the taste of real saffron since it has a **floral yet grassy taste that’s difficult to identify.** However, there are a few easy saffron substitutes that you can use in a pinch.

### Turmeric

Far and away, **[turmeric](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric) is the most recommended saffron substitute** available on the market. This golden-hued spice is extraordinarily nutritious and is famous in India for its medicinal properties. It’s also the ingredient that **gives certain curries their yellow appearance.**  In terms of turmeric as a replacement for saffron, **you’ll want to use a bit less than the recipe calls for.** You should also mix it with a pinch of [paprika](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/paprika-substitute). The flavor of turmeric isn’t exactly the same as saffron, so start off with small amounts before committing to it.

### Cardamom

Cardamom is another **Indian spice that’s often used in all kinds of recipes,** including sweet and savory dishes. It has an earthy and sweet flavor (some people think it tastes like mint) that isn’t quite the same as saffron, but **it can pass as a saffron substitute in certain foods.** Some **South Asian recipes, including pilaf, desserts, and tea,** use both cardamom and saffron. When substituting [cardamom](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/cardamom-substitute) for saffron, start slowly and taste as you go. Keep in mind: **you can add more if you don’t have enough**, but you can’t take it out after it’s added.

### Safflower

**Known as “Mexican saffron,”** safflower is a close match to saffron in terms of color. That’s despite the two ingredients coming from different plants. As a result, safflower **does a pretty good job as a saffron replacement** when it comes to coloring food. However, the two ingredients don’t taste exactly the same. To use safflower as a substitute for saffron, **add an equivalent amount based on what the recipe requires.** It can be difficult to find the plant itself in stores, but **supermarkets like Whole Foods sometimes sell safflower seed oil.** When it comes down to it, finding a saffron substitute is possible, but **you’ll struggle to find a precise match.** However, the three options above should help you get close enough. This is particularly true for baked goods, **where the flavor isn’t as prominent.** For more recipe tips and ideas, [**check out the Tastessence blog.**](https://tastessence.com/)