Foods that have a significant amount of caffeine should be avoided with saffron. Saffron has been shown to reduce the breakdown of caffeine. This can result in increased blood levels of caffeine which can result in side effects associated with excess levels.Foods that have a significant amount of caffeine should be avoided with saffron. Saffron has been shown to reduce the breakdown of caffeine. This can result in increased blood levels of caffeine which can result in side effects associated with excess levels.