Is it safe to drink cinnamon coffee daily? Understanding the benefits and risks

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 systematic review of 40 studies, cinnamon has been shown to significantly improve cognitive function, including memory and learning. Given this and other health benefits, many wonder: is it safe to drink cinnamon coffee daily, and what are the potential risks to consider?

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety of adding cinnamon to your daily coffee by examining the distinct differences between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon, their health benefits, and potential risks like liver damage from coumarin, outlining best practices for moderate consumption.

Key Points

Ceylon vs. Cassia: The main risk of daily cinnamon coffee lies in the type of cinnamon used; Ceylon is low in coumarin, while Cassia is high.
Liver Damage: Excessive consumption of coumarin from Cassia cinnamon can lead to liver toxicity, a risk largely avoided by using Ceylon cinnamon.
Blood Sugar Management: Daily cinnamon can support healthy blood sugar levels, but high doses can interfere with diabetes medications.
Antioxidant Benefits: Both coffee and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants that help combat cellular damage and inflammation.
Recommended Intake: Health experts generally suggest limiting Cassia cinnamon to less than one teaspoon per day, while Ceylon is safer for regular use.
Listen to Your Body: Potential side effects like mouth sores or gastrointestinal issues can occur with high intake, so moderate your usage and observe your body's reaction.

The Health Appeal of Cinnamon Coffee

For centuries, cinnamon has been a beloved spice, not only for its warm, comforting flavor but also for its medicinal properties. When paired with coffee, the combination offers a delicious way to start the day. Coffee itself contains a range of health benefits, including antioxidants and a protective effect on the liver. The addition of cinnamon can amplify these advantages, providing a synergistic effect of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and keep cells healthy.

Potential Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants: Both coffee and cinnamon contain high levels of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help protect the body against cell damage from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
May help regulate blood sugar: Cinnamon is well-known for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, particularly post-meal blood sugar spikes. This can be a significant benefit for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, though it should not replace medication.
Supports heart health: Some studies suggest that consuming cinnamon can help reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL ('bad') cholesterol, and triglycerides, while potentially raising HDL ('good') cholesterol. Additionally, it has been shown to help lower blood pressure when consumed consistently over time.
Aids in weight management: Cinnamon has properties that can help suppress appetite and increase metabolism, which can be supportive for weight loss goals when combined with a balanced diet and exercise.

The Critical Difference: Ceylon vs. Cassia Cinnamon

When considering daily cinnamon consumption, the type of cinnamon is the most crucial factor. The two main varieties are Cassia and Ceylon, and they differ significantly in their coumarin content. Coumarin is a natural compound that, in high doses, can cause liver damage.

Cassia Cinnamon

Most common in grocery stores due to its lower cost, Cassia cinnamon is native to China and Indonesia. It has a stronger, spicier flavor and contains a high concentration of coumarin. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other health bodies have set a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for coumarin to prevent potential liver damage. For a small to average adult, this can translate to consuming less than a teaspoon of Cassia daily.

Ceylon Cinnamon

Known as 'true' cinnamon, Ceylon is native to Sri Lanka and is more expensive. It has a lighter, sweeter, and more delicate flavor profile. Crucially, Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it the much safer choice for regular, daily consumption.

Cassia vs. Ceylon Comparison Table


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon
Origin	China, Indonesia	Sri Lanka (True Cinnamon)
Coumarin Content	High	Trace amounts
Flavor	Strong, spicy, pungent	Mild, sweet, delicate
Appearance	Thick, hard bark; single layer rolls	Thin, soft, flaky bark; multi-layered rolls
Daily Safety	Enjoy in moderation (less than 1 tsp per day)	Safe for regular, daily consumption

Risks and Considerations for Daily Consumption

While cinnamon offers benefits, excessive consumption, particularly of the Cassia variety, can lead to health concerns. Moderation and awareness are key.

Potential Side Effects of High Intake

Liver damage: As mentioned, high levels of coumarin in Cassia cinnamon can be toxic to the liver over time, especially for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.
Mouth sores: The compound cinnamaldehyde can cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to mouth sores known as cinnamon stomatitis.
Lowered blood sugar: For those on diabetes medication, consuming too much cinnamon can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to dizziness, tiredness, and shakiness.
Drug interactions: High doses of cinnamon, particularly Cassia, can interact with medications for diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease, potentially enhancing their effects or side effects.

Determining a Safe Daily Dose

For those who prefer the flavor of Cassia, the consensus among experts is to keep the daily intake low—typically around half a teaspoon or less. However, if you are a daily consumer and want to avoid the risks associated with coumarin, switching to Ceylon cinnamon is the safest option. For more information, consulting an authoritative source like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health can provide further guidance on herbs and supplements.

Conclusion

Drinking cinnamon coffee daily can be a healthy and flavorful habit, provided you make the right choices and practice moderation. The key lies in understanding the critical distinction between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon. By opting for Ceylon, you can enjoy the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential blood sugar-regulating benefits without the liver toxicity risk posed by the coumarin found in high amounts in Cassia. As with any dietary change, paying attention to your body and consulting a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medication, is always a wise approach to ensure your daily cup of cinnamon coffee remains a safe and pleasant experience. For more on dietary supplements and potential interactions, visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Cassia cinnamon is safe to consume in small, moderate amounts, such as the sprinkle you might add to a coffee occasionally. The health risks are primarily associated with high or excessive daily intake over a long period, which increases exposure to the coumarin compound.

Ceylon, or 'true' cinnamon, is typically lighter in color, has a milder flavor, and its sticks are soft, flaky, and composed of multiple thin layers. Cassia is darker, has a stronger, spicier taste, and its sticks are hard, thick, and form a single, thick roll.

Some studies suggest that cinnamon and coffee can both support weight management by suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism. However, this effect is complementary to a healthy diet and regular exercise, not a standalone solution for losing weight.

Yes, high daily doses of cinnamon, especially Cassia due to its coumarin content, can interact with medications for diabetes, liver conditions, and blood thinners. It is essential to consult a doctor if you take any such medications.

If using Ceylon cinnamon, there is no set limit due to its low coumarin content, but moderation is always wise. If using Cassia, it is best to stick to about half a teaspoon or less per day to stay within safe coumarin intake levels.

In some individuals, consuming large amounts of cinnamon may cause an allergic reaction to cinnamaldehyde, resulting in mouth sores, swelling, or irritation. This is more likely with higher intake or in sensitive individuals.

Inhaling dry cinnamon powder can be dangerous. The fibers can irritate the lungs and, in severe cases, cause aspiration pneumonia because the lungs cannot break down the spice's fibers.