There really is no replacement for saffron if it is an important flavor component in a recipe. However, there are a few ingredients that are falsely marketed as saffron. Among them are safflower and marigold (also called poor-man's saffron and Georgian saffron). In most cases, these will not be sold as saffron but it does happen and there is sometimes confusion by saffron novices due to similarities in names (safflower, Georgian saffron) and color. Learn more about saffron imposters here.