Saffron Picante | Spicy & Citrusy Wagamama Sparkling Drink

Saffron Picante

The Saffron Picante is a bold and exotic drink on the Wagamama menu in the UK. It blends zesty lime with fragrant saffron, sweet agave, and a fiery kick of chilli for a perfectly balanced flavour. Shaken and served over ice, it’s topped with soda water for a refreshing fizz, then finished with a salt rim and chilli garnish. This unique, spicy-sweet drink is ideal for those craving something adventurous and vibrant.

Nutritional Information

The Saffron Picante from Wagamama is a bold and aromatic drink that blends exotic flavours with a spicy kick. This vibrant refreshment features lime and fragrant saffron shaken with sweet agave and fiery chilli, poured over ice and topped with soda water for a fizzy finish. Check the full Saffron Picante nutritional information below to explore calories, sugars, and more before you sip.

Per ServingPer 100 g
energy (kcal)8350
Energy (kj)355213
protein (g)0.10.1
carb (g)20.712.4
of which sugars (g)20.712.4
fat (g)0.00.0
sat fat (g)0.00.0
sodium (g)0.40.2
salt (g)1.00.6
fibre (g)0.40.2

Calories & Nutrition Insights

The Wagamama Saffron Picante comes in at 83 calories per serving, making it one of the lighter drinks on the Wagamama menu. Compared with richer options like creamy iced lattes or smoothies, this mocktail offers a refreshing flavor experience without adding much to your daily calorie intake. It’s a good pick if you want a flavorful drink to complement your meal without feeling weighed down.

Most of the calories here come from natural sugars in the agave syrup, with 20.7 grams of sugar in each serving. That’s higher in sweetness than Wagamama’s juices but lower than some of their fruitier soft drinks. If you’re mindful of sugar intake, this is something to consider. On the plus side, it contains no fat at all and only a trace of protein, keeping it very light overall.

One point to note is the salt content, which sits at about 1 gram per serving. That’s more than many of Wagamama’s other soft drinks, largely due to the salted rim and garnish. If you’re watching sodium levels, you may prefer one of the fruit spritzes instead. Fibre is minimal, so it won’t contribute to satiety in the same way a smoothie or juice might.

Overall, the Saffron Picante is best described as a light, flavorful choice in the drinks lineup. It suits diners looking for a low-calorie, alcohol-free option with a spicy kick.

Pairing Suggestions

The Wagamama Saffron Picante is light, citrusy, and spicy, which makes it a versatile drink to pair with different parts of the menu. Its bold saffron and chilli notes shine brightest when balanced with dishes that either cool the palate or echo its heat. Here are some pairings worth trying:

  • Chicken Firecracker Curry – Priced at £14.95 and serving up 1,186 kcal, this fiery curry matches the chilli warmth of the drink, while the citrus and fizz from the Saffron Picante cut through the richness for balance.
  • Tofu Raisukaree Curry – At £13.00 with 1,137 kcal, this plant-based option combines creamy coconut with spice. The saffron and lime in the drink highlight the curry’s aromatic layers without overwhelming them.
  • Banana Katsu – Coming in at £7.05 and 361 kcal, this sweet, crispy dessert contrasts beautifully with the savoury-spicy edge of the Saffron Picante. It cools and softens the spice, making for a satisfying finish.
  • Coconut Reika Ice Cream – For £6.25 and 421 kcal, the creaminess of coconut balances the sharp citrus and chilli kick of the drink. This pairing works well if you want something refreshing yet indulgent.
  • Wagamama Juice Sorbet – A lighter pick at £6.25 and only 98 kcal, this fruity side enhances the mocktail’s fresh profile without adding heaviness. Great if you want a guilt-free pairing.

These pairings allow you to tailor the experience—either by matching spice for an intense hit, or by cooling it with sweet and creamy finishes. Whether you’re looking for balance or contrast, the Saffron Picante can adapt easily to your choice.

Taste & Texture

This Wagamama drink delivers a bold first impression with its citrusy lime hit. The saffron adds a delicate, floral note that lingers softly in the background, giving the drink an exotic depth. Agave brings a smooth sweetness that balances the sharp citrus and heat. A touch of chilli provides a warming spice that builds gently without overwhelming the palate.

The salt rim adds a savoury edge that contrasts with the sweetness, making each sip more dynamic. The bubbles from the soda water lift the flavors, adding a refreshing sparkle. Served over ice, the texture is crisp and cooling, making it especially satisfying on a warm day. The chilli garnish not only enhances aroma but also gives a subtle kick when it touches the lips.

Better Alternatives

The Saffron Picante is a bold, aromatic mocktail, but Wagamama offers other drinks that may suit different needs or preferences. Here are some smart swaps to consider if you want something lighter, spicier, or more filling.

  • Wagamama Juice Sorbet (£6.25 | 98 kcal) – If you want something even lighter and lower in sugar, this sorbet drink is a refreshing option. It keeps calories very low while still giving a fruity hit, making it better for those watching sugar and energy intake.
  • Ginger No-Jito (£4.95 | 146 kcal) – For a stronger kick, the Ginger No-Jito brings fiery ginger spice that outshines the mild chilli of the Saffron Picante. It’s a better pick if you want that sharp, invigorating heat.
  • Strawberry Spritz (£4.95 | 127 kcal) – If you prefer something larger and more filling, the Strawberry Spritz offers a fruitier, bubbly profile with a bit more body. It feels more indulgent while staying under 130 calories.

To close out, Wagamama Saffron Picante is a must-try for those looking for fresh and flavorful food. I love how it brings together bold flavors and high-quality ingredients in every bite. If you love exploring dishes like I do, check out Wagamama’s full menu and discover even more tasty options you’ll definitely want to try!

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