Does McCormick Cinnamon Have a Lot of Lead in It? A Nutritional and Safety Review

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 Consumer Reports investigation, testing revealed that McCormick cinnamon had a relatively low lead level of 0.23 ppm, which falls well below the threshold that triggered recalls for other brands. This information is crucial for consumers asking, 'Does McCormick cinnamon have a lot of lead in it?,' especially in light of recent recalls concerning other cinnamon products.

Quick Summary

A 2024 Consumer Reports test found low lead levels in McCormick cinnamon compared to several other brands with dangerously high concentrations. The findings highlight the broader issue of heavy metal contamination in spices, prompting consumers to consider safe purchasing and dietary habits.

Key Points

Low Lead Levels Found in McCormick: A 2024 Consumer Reports test indicated McCormick cinnamon had a relatively low lead concentration of 0.23 ppm, well below the threshold that triggered recalls for other brands.
Widespread Contamination is an Industry Issue: The investigation revealed a broader problem of heavy metals in spices, with several other brands showing dangerously high levels of lead.
Importance of Sourcing: Lead can enter spices from contaminated soil, water, processing equipment, or intentional adulteration, a practice observed in some international markets.
Ceylon vs. Cassia Cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon is often considered a safer choice for frequent consumption due to lower coumarin and typically lower heavy metal content compared to the more common Cassia variety.
Varying Regulatory Standards: Federal regulation of heavy metals in spices is limited in the U.S., though some states like New York have established action levels that have triggered recalls.
Informed Consumer Choices are Key: To minimize risk, consumers should choose reputable brands, look for transparent third-party testing, and vary their spice intake rather than relying on a single source.
Not All Spices Are Affected Equally: The Consumer Reports tests highlighted that many products, especially those from smaller brands often found in international markets, had higher contamination risk than larger, mainstream brands.

The Broader Issue of Lead in Spices

Recent reports have brought significant attention to the issue of lead contamination in ground cinnamon and other spices. Following a widespread incident in 2023 involving lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches that sickened over 500 children, regulatory bodies like the FDA increased monitoring of ground cinnamon. Lead exposure, even in small amounts over time, can accumulate in the body and pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. The contamination can stem from various sources, including soil pollution, improper processing, or, in some concerning cases, intentional adulteration with lead-based compounds to enhance color and weight.

The 2024 Consumer Reports Investigation

In September 2024, Consumer Reports published findings from its investigation into heavy metal levels in 36 different ground cinnamon products and spice blends. The results confirmed a serious, widespread problem: 12 of the tested products contained lead levels that exceeded 1 part per million (ppm), which is the recall action level in New York, the only U.S. state with such a regulation for spices.

During this test, McCormick cinnamon was specifically examined and fared well in comparison. It was reported to have a lead level of 0.23 ppm. While Consumer Reports noted that this level was higher than the absolute lowest-risk options, it was significantly lower than the levels found in the products that prompted recall alerts. McCormick told Consumer Reports that it actively monitors "environmental conditions that may increase the natural occurrence of heavy metals". This suggests a proactive approach to quality control, though experts also recommend testing finished products.

McCormick's Official Response and Quality Standards

In response to the 2024 reports, McCormick & Company confirmed awareness of the findings but assured consumers of the safety of its products. The company stated that it leverages robust sourcing and traceability capabilities to maintain high quality and safety standards. This commitment is a key factor for consumers deciding which brand to trust. The company's monitoring of environmental conditions is a standard procedure for many large-scale food producers to manage the natural occurrence of heavy metals.

Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon: A Health and Safety Distinction

When considering cinnamon, it's important to understand the difference between the two main types, Cassia and Ceylon, as they have different characteristics and potential health concerns. The majority of cinnamon sold in the United States, including McCormick's standard ground cinnamon, is Cassia.

Comparison Table: Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon	Potential Contaminant Risk
Sourcing	Typically from Indonesia, China, Vietnam	Primarily from Sri Lanka, also called "true cinnamon"	Varies significantly by origin and supplier, requiring robust testing for both types
Flavor	Stronger, spicier, and more intense	Milder, sweeter, and more delicate	Lead risk is tied to environmental factors, not flavor profile
Coumarin	High levels, can cause liver toxicity in large doses	Negligible levels, safer for frequent, high-dose consumption	This is a separate health concern from lead exposure
Appearance	Thick, hard bark that curls into a few scrolls	Thin, delicate bark that forms many layers of scrolls	Neither appearance guarantees safety regarding contaminants.

Ceylon cinnamon is often recommended for those who consume the spice frequently or in large quantities due to its low coumarin levels, and some studies suggest it may also have lower heavy metal content, though this is not a universal guarantee. Consumers should look for reputable brands that provide third-party testing information, as some Ceylon brands have also been found to contain lead.

How Consumers Can Minimize Their Risk

Given the complexity of lead contamination in spices, proactive steps are essential for ensuring a safer diet.

Choose Reputable Brands: Stick with established national brands like McCormick, which has reported lower lead levels and maintains quality control measures, or those specifically noted for low lead content in tests by consumer watchdogs.
Verify Testing Transparency: Some brands, particularly those marketing organic or premium spices, publicly share third-party test results for heavy metals. Seeking out this transparency is a reliable way to make an informed choice.
Vary Your Spices: Consuming a wide variety of herbs and spices rather than relying heavily on a single one can help prevent the cumulative buildup of any single contaminant.
Understand Sourcing: As shown by the Consumer Reports investigation, brands available in international food markets were more likely to have high lead levels. While not all international spices are contaminated, buying from sources with known regulatory gaps increases risk.
Look for Alternatives: If you are a heavy consumer of cinnamon, consider switching to Ceylon cinnamon for its lower coumarin levels and potentially lower heavy metal content.
Consider Organic, with Caution: While some organic brands showed low lead levels in the CR tests, the USDA's organic certification does not require heavy metal testing, so it is not a guarantee of safety in this regard.

Conclusion

For consumers asking, 'Does McCormick cinnamon have a lot of lead in it?,' recent evidence from Consumer Reports indicates that McCormick is not among the brands with dangerously high lead levels. The brand reported a low concentration of lead (0.23 ppm), suggesting it is a relatively safer choice compared to many other brands tested. However, the broader issue of heavy metal contamination in spices remains a significant concern, driven by factors like soil pollution and regulatory inconsistencies. Consumers are best served by remaining vigilant, choosing reputable brands, varying their spice intake, and staying informed about ongoing food safety investigations. For those particularly concerned, opting for Ceylon cinnamon or brands with transparent third-party testing can further minimize risk.

Mérieux NutriSciences provides additional information on tracking lead in cinnamon and regulatory actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, based on testing from a 2024 Consumer Reports investigation, McCormick cinnamon was found to have low lead levels (0.23 ppm) and is not among the brands flagged for elevated contamination.

Lead contamination can occur through various routes, including absorption from polluted soil during growth, cross-contamination during processing, or, in some cases, intentional adulteration to enhance the spice's color or weight.

No, the FDA has not recalled McCormick cinnamon. Recalls have been issued for other brands that were found to have elevated levels of lead, following the 2023 applesauce incident.

Ceylon, or "true" cinnamon, is generally preferred for its lower coumarin content, which can be harmful in large doses. Some studies also suggest Ceylon may have lower heavy metal content, though contamination is possible in both types depending on sourcing.

Consumer Reports identified 12 brands with high lead levels in their 2024 investigation, including smaller brands often sold in specialty or international markets. These products were recommended for avoidance.

No. Organic certification standards by the USDA do not require heavy metal testing, and Consumer Reports found no definitive link between 'organic' status and consistently low heavy metal levels.

To minimize your risk, experts recommend varying your spice intake, choosing products from well-known brands that demonstrate good quality control, and being cautious with supplements or large doses of cinnamon.

Some studies have found ground cinnamon samples to have higher lead levels than stick samples, which is potentially linked to processing methods and intentional adulteration. However, risk depends heavily on the specific brand and source.