How Safe is McCormick Cinnamon for Your Health?

January 7, 2026 •

5 min read

In a 2024 Consumer Reports investigation, a sample of McCormick ground cinnamon was found to have low levels of lead, though not high enough to trigger a recall in most states. The question of how safe is McCormick cinnamon is a concern for many, especially given the dual considerations of heavy metal contamination and the presence of naturally occurring coumarin. Understanding the different types of cinnamon and the company's quality control measures can clarify the overall safety for consumers.

Quick Summary

McCormick's standard ground cinnamon is Cassia, which contains higher coumarin levels that can pose liver risks with excessive, regular consumption. A 2024 Consumer Reports test found low lead levels, but McCormick's quality control and sourcing from whole bark minimize contamination risks. The spice is generally safe in culinary amounts, but concerns exist for high intake.

Key Points

Standard McCormick is Cassia: This variety contains higher levels of naturally occurring coumarin, a compound that can be toxic to the liver in large doses.
Low Lead Levels Detected: A 2024 Consumer Reports test found low levels of lead in McCormick's ground cinnamon, although the company's own internal limits are stricter than industry recommendations.
Not a Recalled Brand: McCormick was not among the brands involved in the 2023 lead-in-applesauce recall, a separate incident related to intentional adulteration.
In-House Quality Control: McCormick minimizes contamination risk by sourcing and grinding whole cinnamon bark in its own facilities, allowing for greater quality control.
Safe in Culinary Amounts: Most health risks from Cassia cinnamon are associated with excessive, regular consumption; typical culinary use is generally considered safe.
Ceylon Option Available: For frequent or high-volume users, McCormick offers premium Ceylon cinnamon with very low coumarin levels, mitigating health concerns.
Consumer Diversification Recommended: Rotating spice brands and types is a proactive measure to avoid repeated exposure to potential contaminants.

Coumarin in Cassia: The Primary Health Consideration

McCormick primarily uses Cassia cinnamon for its standard ground product, sourcing it from Indonesia. Cassia cinnamon, the most common and inexpensive type of cinnamon, naturally contains a compound called coumarin. In high doses, coumarin can cause liver damage in sensitive individuals. While the amount of coumarin in Cassia varies, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. For an adult weighing 60 kg, this amounts to 6 mg of coumarin per day. A single gram of Cassia cinnamon can contain up to 3.5 mg of coumarin, meaning regular, heavy consumption could exceed this threshold. This is particularly relevant for those who consume large quantities of cinnamon regularly, such as in daily coffee, oatmeal, or baked goods. McCormick does offer Ceylon cinnamon in select premium and organic lines, which contains only trace amounts of coumarin and is the safer option for those with liver conditions or who use the spice frequently.

Cassia vs. Ceylon: A Comparison


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon (McCormick Standard)	Ceylon Cinnamon (McCormick Premium/Organic)
Botanical Name	Cinnamomum cassia, C. burmannii, etc.	Cinnamomum verum
Coumarin Content	High	Trace to Low
Flavor Profile	Strong, spicy, earthy	Delicate, sweet, mild
Appearance	Thick, hard single curl	Multiple thin, soft layers
Primary Origin	Indonesia, Vietnam, China	Sri Lanka, Southern India
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive
Best Uses	Hearty baked goods, savory dishes	Desserts, teas, delicate flavors

McCormick's Response to Lead Contamination Concerns

Following a 2023 recall of cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches due to high lead levels and subsequent Consumer Reports findings in 2024, the presence of lead in ground cinnamon has become a major public concern. It is crucial to distinguish between the applesauce recall, which involved intentionally adulterated products, and the trace lead found in some ground spice products. In the 2024 Consumer Reports investigation, McCormick's ground cinnamon sample tested for lead at a low level (0.23 ppm), well below New York's 1 ppm recall threshold.

McCormick has addressed these concerns by highlighting its rigorous sourcing and quality control process. The company leverages robust traceability and sources premium whole cinnamon bark, which is then ground in-house. This contrasts with sourcing pre-ground spice, a practice that increases the risk of contamination. According to McCormick, their stringent safety practices and natural cleaning processes aim to ensure a pure product with no added fillers. McCormick also stated that they monitor environmental conditions and set an internal lead specification of 1.0 ppm, more stringent than the 2.0 ppm recommended by the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA). While no level of lead is considered safe, especially for children, McCormick's testing and sourcing practices aim to minimize risk compared to other brands.

How Heavy Metals End Up in Spices

Heavy metals, like lead and cadmium, can enter spices through various pathways. These include:

Contaminated soil: Plants, including cinnamon trees, can absorb heavy metals from the soil and water. This is often related to industrial activity or the past use of leaded gasoline or pesticides.
Processing and grinding: Contaminated equipment or facilities during the grinding and processing stages can introduce heavy metals into the finished product.
Economically motivated adulteration: In some cases, lead-containing substances, like lead chromate, are fraudulently added to spices to enhance their color. This was believed to be the cause of the high lead levels in the 2023 applesauce recall.
Packaging: The use of lead-containing materials for storage or packaging can also contribute to contamination.

Steps for Consumers to Minimize Risk

Given the potential for both coumarin and lead exposure, consumers can take several proactive steps to minimize their risk:

Rotate brands: Instead of exclusively using one brand, diversify your spice cabinet with different brands and types of cinnamon.
Choose Ceylon for frequent use: If you consume cinnamon in large, regular quantities, opt for products specifically labeled "Ceylon" or "True Cinnamon" to avoid high coumarin intake.
Source responsibly: Consider brands like McCormick that claim to use stringent sourcing and in-house grinding practices to minimize contamination from whole bark.
Follow safe usage guidelines: Stick to normal culinary amounts. Authorities often suggest no more than about 1 teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon per day for regular consumption.
Stay informed: Check official sources like the FDA and reliable consumer watchdogs like Consumer Reports for recall alerts and safety updates.

Conclusion: Balancing Consumption with Quality Assurance

How safe is McCormick cinnamon is a complex question with a nuanced answer. While McCormick's standard ground cinnamon is Cassia-type, containing higher coumarin levels, it is generally considered safe when used in typical culinary amounts. The risk from coumarin increases with excessive, regular consumption, especially for sensitive individuals or children. Regarding lead, McCormick's sample in a 2024 Consumer Reports study contained low levels, which the company addresses through strict sourcing of whole bark and in-house quality control. Consumers seeking to minimize exposure to coumarin can purchase McCormick's premium Ceylon varieties, while diversifying their spice intake can help mitigate any cumulative exposure to heavy metals. By being mindful of the type of cinnamon and amount consumed, individuals can enjoy the flavor of McCormick cinnamon while managing potential health risks effectively.

How Safe is McCormick Cinnamon: The Verdict

Generally Safe in Moderation: McCormick's standard Cassia cinnamon is safe for normal culinary use, but moderation is key due to naturally occurring coumarin.
Potential Liver Risks: Frequent and high-volume consumption of Cassia cinnamon can lead to excessive coumarin intake, potentially causing liver issues in sensitive individuals.
Low Lead Levels Found: A 2024 Consumer Reports test found low lead levels in a McCormick sample, although the company's internal testing is stricter than many industry recommendations.
Whole Bark Sourcing: McCormick's practice of sourcing and grinding whole cinnamon bark in-house helps reduce the risk of contamination compared to buying pre-ground spices.
Alternative for Frequent Use: For daily or high-volume consumers, McCormick's premium Ceylon cinnamon products offer a much lower coumarin alternative.
Diversify Your Spice Intake: Using different brands and types of spices helps to prevent repeated exposure to potential contaminants from a single source.
Not Part of Major Recall: McCormick was not involved in the 2023 lead-in-applesauce recall, which stemmed from an economically motivated adulteration of cinnamon used in a specific product.

The Final Word

Overall, McCormick cinnamon is safe for most consumers in typical cooking and baking amounts, with robust quality control measures in place. Concerns regarding coumarin and lead can be managed by moderating intake and choosing Ceylon cinnamon for frequent, heavy use.

McCormick Quality Assurance

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between cinnamon varieties (Cassia vs. Ceylon) and the potential for contaminants like coumarin and lead is crucial for consumer awareness. McCormick’s sourcing practices, including obtaining whole bark for grinding, position it as a more reliable option compared to brands that use pre-ground materials, which are more susceptible to contamination. The company's voluntary compliance with stricter-than-industry standards for lead is also a positive indicator. However, ultimate safety relies on the consumer's usage habits. Normal, moderate use is safe, but high-volume consumption warrants a switch to the lower-coumarin Ceylon variety. For all spice purchases, a varied approach is the best practice to minimize any single-source exposure to contaminants, and staying informed through official FDA alerts and reputable consumer reports is a prudent step for ensuring food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

McCormick's standard ground cinnamon is generally safe for daily use in normal culinary amounts. However, since it is Cassia cinnamon, which contains coumarin, individuals who consume large quantities regularly, or have liver conditions, should consider switching to a Ceylon variety to minimize risk.

No, McCormick was not part of the major 2023 recall involving lead contamination in cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches. While a 2024 Consumer Reports test found a low level of lead in one sample, it was not high enough to trigger a recall, and McCormick was not among the brands listed for high levels of concern.

A 2024 Consumer Reports test identified low, but not dangerously high, levels of lead in a sample of McCormick's ground cinnamon. The company maintains that it monitors for heavy metals and sources whole bark, which is then processed under strict quality controls to minimize contamination.

McCormick's standard ground cinnamon is Cassia, known for its stronger flavor and higher coumarin content. Its premium or organic lines may contain Ceylon cinnamon, which has a milder flavor and significantly lower coumarin levels. Always check the product label for the specific type.

Coumarin is a naturally occurring compound found in Cassia cinnamon that can potentially cause liver damage if consumed in large quantities over a prolonged period. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or young children are particularly susceptible.

To reduce coumarin exposure, you can either limit your intake of Cassia cinnamon to moderate culinary amounts or switch to Ceylon cinnamon, which has only trace amounts of coumarin. You can also rotate brands and types of cinnamon to avoid repeated exposure to potential contaminants.

McCormick states it uses a rigorous process, including sourcing whole cinnamon bark rather than pre-ground spices, to maintain quality and minimize contamination. The company also claims to monitor environmental conditions and set its own strict internal lead specification (1.0 ppm).