Swedish Saffransbullar

Swedish Saffransbullar, also known as saffron buns, are a beloved traditional pastry from Sweden, particularly popular during the Christmas season and on 'Lucia Day' (December 13th). These soft, cardamom-scented buns are enriched with butter and milk, and get their distinctive golden color and subtle, earthy flavor from saffron threads.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

As a sweet, enriched bread, Saffransbullar are high in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein from the flour and milk. A typical serving provides a good source of quick energy and some B vitamins, but is relatively low in fiber and micronutrients, with a calorie estimate of around 250-300 kcal per bun.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	270 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	10 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	180 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Thiamine (B1)	0.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	2.1 mg
Folate	45 mcg
Calcium	40 mg
Phosphorus	60 mg
Magnesium	12 mg
Selenium	8 mcg

Per 1 medium bun (approx. 80 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the saffron in these buns symbolizes light and warmth during the dark Swedish winter, making them a centerpiece of festive celebrations. Nutritionally, while saffron is used in small amounts, it is one of the world's most expensive spices by weight and contains antioxidants like crocin.