Best Saffron Brand UK: How to Choose Grade 1 Saffron

With dozens of saffron brands available online, knowing which one to trust is not straightforward. Here is exactly what to look for when buying saffron in the UK.

Look for ISO 3632 Grade 1 Certification

ISO 3632 is the international standard for saffron quality. It tests three key compounds: Crocin for colour strength, Picrocrocin for flavour, and Safranal for aroma. Grade 1 is the highest classification. Any brand selling premium saffron should be able to provide lab results proving Grade 1 status. Be cautious of brands that claim premium quality without any certification to back it up.

Check the Crocin Score

Within Grade 1, there is still a wide range of quality. The minimum Crocin requirement for Grade 1 is 200. Luxurients Kashmiri Saffron scores 280, which is 40% above the minimum requirement. This means stronger colour, deeper flavour, and better results in cooking and health routines.

Look for Great Taste Award Recognition

The Great Taste Awards are judged blind by over 500 food industry experts in the UK. Winning a Great Taste Award, especially a 3-star rating, is one of the most credible quality endorsements a food brand can receive. Luxurients won Great Taste Awards in both 2022 and 2025.

Avoid Middle Suppliers

Saffron that passes through multiple suppliers loses freshness and traceability. The best brands work directly with farmers. Luxurients sources directly from growers in Pampore, Kashmir, skipping the middleman entirely and maintaining full control over quality from harvest to packaging.

Why Kashmiri Saffron is Considered the Best

Kashmiri saffron is grown at 1,600 to 1,800 metres above sea level in the Himalayan valley. This altitude produces thicker, longer threads with a higher concentration of active compounds compared to Persian or Spanish saffron. It is widely regarded by chefs and food scientists as the finest saffron in the world.

Shop Luxurients Grade 1 Kashmiri Saffron

To understand the full health benefits of saffron, read our guide on saffron health benefits.