Does cinnamon contain fructose?

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to detailed nutritional analysis, a 100-gram serving of ground cinnamon contains a small, measurable amount of fructose, around 1.1 grams. This fact addresses the core question: does cinnamon contain fructose, and how significant is this amount for those monitoring their sugar intake?

Quick Summary

Yes, cinnamon does contain a very minimal amount of fructose, along with other simple sugars, but its high fiber content is far more significant and influential on overall health.

Key Points

Contains Minimal Fructose: Yes, cinnamon contains a small, measurable amount of fructose, but the quantity is insignificant in a standard serving size,.
High in Fiber: The carbohydrate profile of cinnamon is primarily composed of dietary fiber, which helps mitigate the impact of its small sugar content.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Compounds in cinnamon have been shown to improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, aiding in better blood sugar control,.
Not a Major Sugar Source: Compared to common fruits and sweeteners, cinnamon contributes a negligible amount of fructose to a diet,.
Beneficial for Blood Sugar: Despite having a small amount of sugar, research confirms that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and improve glycemic markers,.
Healthier Sweetener Alternative: Using cinnamon can provide sweetness and flavor to foods and drinks without adding substantial sugar, unlike honey or other high-fructose options.

The Sugar Profile of Cinnamon

While many people associate cinnamon with its use alongside sugar in desserts, the spice itself contains a surprisingly low level of simple sugars. Per 100 grams, ground cinnamon contains a total of approximately 2.2 grams of sugar. This sugar content is almost evenly split between two monosaccharides: glucose and fructose. Specifically, there is about 1.1 grams of fructose and 1.0 gram of glucose per 100 grams of cinnamon. When considering typical serving sizes, such as a teaspoon, the sugar amount is virtually negligible. A single teaspoon of cinnamon, weighing about 2.6 grams, contains only about 0.03 grams of fructose and 0.03 grams of glucose.

The Role of Fiber

One of the most important aspects of cinnamon's carbohydrate profile is its exceptionally high fiber content, which heavily outweighs its sugar content. Per 100 grams, ground cinnamon contains over 53 grams of fiber. This fiber significantly impacts how the body processes the small amount of sugar present. Dietary fiber slows digestion, which helps prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar, making cinnamon a low-glycemic ingredient despite containing some sugar.

Cinnamon vs. Other Fructose Sources

To put cinnamon's fructose content into perspective, it's useful to compare it with other common foods. The amount of fructose in a typical serving of cinnamon is trivial compared to the fructose found in many fruits, which are naturally rich in this type of sugar. The following table highlights this dramatic difference.


Food (per 100g)	Fructose (g)	Source
Cinnamon, ground	1.1
Apple, fresh	6.9
Mango, fresh	3.1
Pear	11.8
Orange	2.1
Banana	6.2
Honey	39

As the table clearly demonstrates, a small amount of cinnamon adds an insignificant amount of fructose to a dish compared to a piece of fruit or a sweetener like honey. This comparison underscores why concerns about cinnamon's fructose content are largely unfounded for most dietary contexts.

Cinnamon's Impact on Blood Sugar

Counterintuitively, despite containing a tiny amount of sugar, cinnamon is widely recognized for its beneficial effects on blood sugar regulation. Research has shown that compounds in cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity, the body's ability to use insulin effectively to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells,. Other mechanisms by which cinnamon can help control blood sugar include slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract and mimicking the effects of insulin.

Research Findings

Studies have shown that regular cinnamon intake can lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control, in people with type 2 diabetes.
Even in healthy individuals, cinnamon consumption has been shown to reduce plasma glucose response after meals.
The active components responsible for these blood sugar effects are water-soluble compounds found in the spice itself, not the fat-soluble cinnamon oil.

Conclusion: A Minimal Fructose Source with Major Benefits

In conclusion, yes, cinnamon does contain fructose, but the amount is extremely small and should not be a concern for individuals monitoring their sugar intake. The trace amount of fructose is far outweighed by the spice's high fiber content and proven benefits for blood sugar management and insulin sensitivity. For those seeking to reduce overall sugar consumption or improve metabolic health, adding cinnamon to their diet can be a valuable and flavorful strategy. Rather than worrying about the minimal fructose content, focus on incorporating cinnamon as part of a balanced diet rich in other healthful ingredients. Learn more about cinnamon's health benefits from USDA research.

How to Use Cinnamon for Health

To get the most out of cinnamon's health benefits, here are a few simple ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:

Sprinkle on Oatmeal: Add a dash of cinnamon to your morning oatmeal for a warm, spicy flavor without added sugar.
Add to Coffee or Tea: Mix a sprinkle into your coffee grounds before brewing or stir it into your tea.
Mix into Smoothies: Add half a teaspoon to your next protein shake or fruit smoothie.
Season Savory Dishes: Cinnamon is not just for sweets. Try it in chili, stews, or on roasted vegetables for a unique flavor.
Create a Spice Mix: Combine cinnamon with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves for baking or cooking.

Final Takeaways

Tiny Fructose Content: A typical serving of cinnamon contains a minuscule amount of fructose, easily overshadowed by other dietary sources,.
High in Fiber: Cinnamon's fiber content is far more significant than its sugar, which helps regulate blood sugar response.
Blood Sugar Management: Active compounds in cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels,.
Negligible Impact: For those on low-sugar or low-fructose diets, the amount of fructose in cinnamon is not a concern.
Flavor and Health: The spice offers flavor and potential health benefits, making it a better choice than added sugars or high-fructose alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains an almost negligible amount of fructose, around 0.03 grams.

No, cinnamon is not high in sugar. Its total sugar content per 100 grams is only about 2.2 grams, which is a minimal amount, especially considering a typical serving size.

Yes, cinnamon can positively affect blood sugar levels. Studies show it can help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity,.

In moderation, cinnamon is generally considered safe and beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as it can help regulate blood sugar levels. However, it should not replace medication.

Cinnamon contains significantly less fructose than most fruits. For instance, a 100-gram serving of an apple has nearly seven times more fructose than the same amount of cinnamon.

While slight variations may exist, the overall sugar content, including fructose, is minimal in both Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon varieties. The health-related distinctions between the two are primarily related to coumarin content, not sugar.

While cinnamon can add a sweet flavor, it cannot be used as a direct replacement for sugar in terms of texture or volume. It can, however, be used to reduce the amount of sugar needed in some recipes.

The trace amount of fructose in cinnamon is not harmful. Given the tiny quantity per serving, it does not contribute to the negative health effects associated with high fructose intake from processed foods and sugary drinks.