Top Picks: Must-Try Kesar Brands for Exquisite Saffron

Kesar, known for its unique flavor and vibrant color, is a beloved ingredient in many cuisines around the world. As consumers seek high-quality saffron, a number of brands have distinguished themselves for providing authentic and pure kesar. These brands often pride themselves on sustainable farming practices and rigorous quality testing to ensure the best product reaches your kitchen. To explore which brands are leading the market for quality kesar this year, check out the detailed list below.

Illustration of kesar

Best brands of kesar in 2025

Patanjali

Patanjali Foods Limited has established itself as a leading producer of high-quality kesar and other FMCG products, with the FMCG segment contributing 30.06% to the total revenue mix in FY 2023-24, amounting to Rs9,643 crores. The company's robust distribution network and strategic initiatives have driven significant growth, including a 21.9% surge in the biscuits and confectionery sector. Patanjali's focus on health and wellness has led to the introduction of several new premium products, including those in the dry fruits category where kesar is a key offering. The company's backward integrated approach and strong supply chain management have been crucial in maintaining quality and controlling costs. With over 1.5 million retail touchpoints and a presence in 33 countries, Patanjali's reach and influence are substantial.

24 Mantra Organic

24 Mantra Organic is renowned for its high-quality Kesar Mango Pulp, which is certified organic, free from synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered ingredients, and contains 16% sugar by weight with 6 teaspoons of natural sugar per serving. This product, scored by EWG, has no processing concerns and is made from primary ingredients like fruit, ensuring it is a whole food without additives. The brand's commitment to organic production aligns with the increasing health-conscious population's preferences for pesticide-free and nutrient-rich foods. As of the last recorded label information, this product maintains its organic certification and natural ingredient profile. The EWG scoring methodology emphasizes nutrition, ingredient concerns, and the degree of processing, all of which 24 Mantra Organic Kesar Mango Pulp excels in.

Lion Saffron

Lion Saffron is one of the best saffron brands in India, known for its top-quality, organically cultivated saffron from Kashmir. This brand is preferred by top chefs for its pleasant taste and fragrance, and it comes in a superior grade blister pack to ensure a high shelf life. Lion Saffron is harvested in September and October, with the new crop reaching markets from October-end, and it can be stored for three to four years if properly packed. The brand's saffron requires about 600 threads to make just one gram, highlighting the labor-intensive process. Lion Saffron is also recognized for its bright orange-red color, indicating its high grade. You can explore more about their Kashmiri Mongra Kesar.

House of Saffron

House of Saffron, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be contextualized within the realm of high-quality saffron producers, particularly from the Kashmir region. Kashmir, known for its renowned saffron, has seen a significant decline in production, from 15.95 metric tonnes in the 1990s to just 2.6 metric tonnes in 2023-24, but innovative methods like indoor farming are offering new hope. Kashmiri saffron, granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020, is celebrated for its longer and thicker stigmas, deep-red color, and high aroma. The region's saffron is primarily cultivated in districts like Pampore, Budgam, and Srinagar, with Pampore being a key area. Despite challenges, Kashmir remains the second-largest saffron-producing region globally, after Iran.

Shree Murli

Shree Murli is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality kesar (saffron) in India, particularly from the Kashmir region, which is the world's second-largest saffron-producing area after Iran. Kashmiri saffron, including that from Shree Murli, is celebrated for its exceptional quality and was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020 to protect its unique status. Despite a 68% decline in saffron production in Kashmir over the past two decades, innovative methods like indoor saffron farming are being adopted to boost productivity. Shree Murli, along with other farmers, is exploring these modern techniques to enhance yield and quality. With advancements in farming methods, Shree Murli aims to increase its production significantly.

Vedaka

While Vedaka is recognized for its quality products, it's not primarily known for saffron (kesar) production. In contrast, Iran stands as the world's leading saffron producer, contributing a substantial share with 430 tons produced in 2019. Kashmir, although the second-largest producer historically, has witnessed a significant reduction in production from 15.95 metric tonnes in the 1990s to merely 2.6 metric tonnes in 2023-24. To address this decline, Kashmir is exploring indoor saffron farming to enhance both productivity and quality. The global saffron market, driven by increasing demand, is anticipated to experience a growth rate of 7.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

Utsav

Kesar, or saffron, is primarily produced by countries like Iran, which accounts for over 90% of global production, followed by Afghanistan and India. In India, saffron is mainly cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir, covering an area of 3715 hectares with a production of 16 MT and productivity of 3.0-4.0 kg/ha. Iran's saffron production is concentrated in regions like Khorasan, with cities such as Torbat-e Heydarieh and Birjand being major producers. India's saffron industry, though smaller, supports nearly 120,000 families in Kashmir. The global demand for saffron is significant, with major export destinations including European countries, the UAE, and the USA. For more information, read about the top saffron-producing countries.

Noor Brand

Noor Brand is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality saffron, or kesar, with a significant presence in the global market. In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region, where Noor Brand operates, held the largest share of the global saffron market, accounting for 41% of the total. Iran, a key region for Noor Brand, dominates saffron production, accounting for over 80% of global output. The brand benefits from Iran's favorable climate and high export volumes, such as the 213,000 kilograms of saffron exported in 2022, valued at USD 198 million. Noor Brand's saffron is prized for its exceptional quality and is in high demand globally.

Varyavarnam

Varyavarnam, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be contextualized within the realm of high-quality saffron production, akin to the renowned Kashmiri saffron. Kashmir, the world's second-largest saffron-producing region, has seen a significant decline in saffron production, from 15.95 metric tonnes in the 1990s to just 2.6 metric tonnes in 2023-24. However, innovative methods like indoor saffron farming are being explored to boost productivity and quality. This approach reduces water and chemical usage, offers better environmental control, and requires less labor. With initiatives like those by SKUAST-Kashmir, there is hope for a resurgence in saffron production. To learn more about the promising indoor saffron farming techniques, which offer hope amidst declining saffron production.

Taj Mahal Saffron

Taj Mahal Saffron, though not specifically highlighted as a brand in the provided sources, can be contextualized within the broader discussion of saffron production. Saffron, known as "red gold," is highly valued for its quality and labor-intensive harvesting process. Iran produces about 88% of the world's saffron, but other regions like Kashmir in India are also significant producers, albeit facing declines in recent years. Indoor saffron farming, a method being explored in Kashmir, aims to boost productivity and quality using scientific methods, which could potentially benefit brands like Taj Mahal Saffron in terms of sourcing high-quality saffron. However, specific data on Taj Mahal Saffron's production or market share is not available in the given sources. For more details on saffron imports in India, visit saffron import data for India.