The Taste of Tradition: Cardamom & Saffron, Ready in Seconds 

If you’ve had coffee in the Middle East or North Africa, you know it’s more than just a drink. It’s part of the welcome ritual. And for many, that welcome isn’t complete without cardamom. In Saudi Arabia, almost 75% of coffee drinkers add it to their cup. On special occasions, saffron makes an appearance too, adding a hint of richness and a golden color. 

Today, those same traditional flavors are making their way into a category that’s booming. Instant coffee. The GCC instant coffee market was worth over USD 3.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow by more than 65% by 2033 (IMARC Group). In the UAE alone, sales are expected to rise from USD 98.06 million in 2024 to *USD 173.7 million in 2029 (Research and Markets). 

The traditional way to make Arabic coffee is slow but special: lightly roast the beans, grind them, boil them with cardamom pods, and maybe add saffron at just the right time. It’s a 20-30 minute process. Perfect when you have the time, not so much when you don’t. 

That’s why at Sucafina Instant we’ve created a cardamom & saffron instant blend. Same authentic taste, but ready in seconds. Just add hot water or milk and you’ve got coffee that captures the tradition, without the long prep. 

“We’re seeing it everywhere. In Riyadh and Jeddah, there’s strong demand for blends with cardamom. In Dubai, saffron is growing in popularity.” 

Maroun Sarkis, trader at Sucafina Instant in the MENA region.

Whether you’re in the region or introducing these flavors somewhere new, this blend makes it easy to enjoy the taste of tradition anytime, anywhere. Reach out.