Okay to bring saffron back to US?

I wouldn't think there'd be any problem. My friends and family bring back spices (and other packaged food products) from overseas all the time.

No problem. I have brought saffron back to US from Spain.

It's safest to buy something in a sealed container (as from a supermarked) rather than buying it loose at a stall at a street market and having it dumped into a little plastic baggie. I did the latter many years ago, declared it properly, and the customs agent indicated that it wasn't properly packaged. He did let me keep it, however. (I don't know what the current regulations say.)

Thank you so much for the quick comments and I appreciate the recommendation regarding packaging. We are here in Spain now... so helpful to get your replies. Gracias

I always bring some back. Last May I brought back 12 boxes (4 packets per box) and had no problem. It’s sold in all stores that sell groceries (e.g., Carrefour, El Corte Ingles), but is less expensive in the smaller chain stores. It comes ground (molido) and sprigs (en hebra).

Sara,

I brought back some saffron that was packaged in small paper envelopes.
When searching for it at the supermarket, I couldn’t find it so I asked an attendant and was told that it was kept at the front by the cashiers. Apparently they do this to prevent shoplifters from taking it!

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

I too brought some home from Spain for gifts. All of the containers were sealed and there was no problem at customs.

Thank you again everyone. What a wonderful forum this is... thank you Rick Steve’s company and all of you who participate!

Sara...

Don't forget to get some smoked paprika too, if you don't know it you'll certainly love it. Ask for "Pimentón de la Vera" -which is from a particular region. It goes with all sorts of dishes (fish, meat...). Same than with other spices, these day and age, if you live in a big city you'll probably find it there somewhere... but over here it'll cost you a fraction!

Enjoy!

Ditto the comment about buying pimenton de la vera - it's very inexpensive in supermarkets in Spain compared to US prices, and though you can purchase it here, it's a great gift. There are multiple types - "dulce" is more for American tastebuds (IMHO), "agridulce" is bittersweet and kind of spicy, and "picante" is the hot/spicy. My advice is to make sure you pack it in a freezer style ziplock bag - though it's not liquid, it can scent (and stain) your luggage if a container happens to open.

And for the official word on what's ok to bring in to the US: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1272/~/food---general-food

I had no problem bringing back saffron. And as Enric suggests, defintiely get some pimentón as well, both dulce and picante. As he notes, you an definitely get it in the U.S., but it's far cheaper in Spain.