Is Simply Organic Cinnamon gluten-free?

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

While pure cinnamon is naturally gluten-free, Simply Organic clarifies that not all of its products, including spices like cinnamon, are certified gluten-free due to the potential for cross-contamination in their facilities. For this reason, individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities must check the label for a specific certification logo before purchase.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at Simply Organic's gluten-free policies for their cinnamon products. The guide examines their certification process, explains the risk of cross-contamination, and provides guidance for consumers with celiac or sensitive dietary needs.

Key Points

Naturally Gluten-Free: Pure, unprocessed cinnamon is inherently gluten-free, but processing risks exist.
Check the GFCO Logo: Only Simply Organic products with the GFCO logo are certified and verified gluten-free.
Risk of Cross-Contamination: Simply Organic's facilities process products containing gluten, posing a risk to uncertified items.
Not a Gluten-Free Facility: The company openly states their production facilities are not gluten-free, impacting uncertified spice safety.
Vigilance is Key: Individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity should always look for the GFCO certification on the label.
Certified Alternatives Exist: If a specific Simply Organic Cinnamon lacks certification, seek out dedicated gluten-free spice brands.

Cinnamon is a beloved spice harvested from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus and is naturally free of gluten. However, a product's gluten-free status depends heavily on its processing and manufacturing environment, an area where Simply Organic has a nuanced policy. It is critical for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to understand this distinction.

Simply Organic's Gluten-Free Certification Policy

Simply Organic's parent company, Frontier Co-op, does not operate an entirely gluten-free facility. Because they process both certified gluten-free and uncertified products, there is a risk of cross-contamination for any item not specifically labeled. According to the Simply Organic FAQ page, a variety of products are processed in the facility, which may contain gluten. While strict cleaning procedures are followed for FDA-defined allergens, gluten is not always tested for in products not destined for GFCO certification.

The Importance of the GFCO Logo

To address this concern, Simply Organic submits a specific assortment of products for third-party certification by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). GFCO certification guarantees that a product has been tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten and is produced in a safe environment, well below the FDA's 20 ppm standard for 'gluten-free' claims. For Simply Organic products, this certification is indicated by the official GFCO logo on the label. If a package of Simply Organic Cinnamon does not bear this logo, the company does not guarantee its gluten-free status, regardless of the spice's naturally gluten-free origin.

Cinnamon, Spices, and Cross-Contamination

The issue of cross-contamination with spices is a significant concern for the gluten-free community. Even in facilities with good manufacturing practices, airborne particles or shared equipment can transfer trace amounts of gluten. A small number of brands offer spices that are processed and packaged in dedicated gluten-free facilities, which is often the safest choice for individuals with celiac disease. Simply Organic's policy acknowledges this risk, which is why they only make a gluten-free claim for products that have undergone strict GFCO testing and protocol. This differs from other brands or bulk spices that may state a product is naturally gluten-free without addressing the manufacturing environment.

How to Verify Simply Organic Cinnamon's Status

Check the label for the GFCO logo: The most reliable way to confirm a product is certified gluten-free is to look for the GFCO symbol on the packaging.
Contact the company: For the most up-to-date information, contact Simply Organic's customer service directly via their official website. For details on their allergen control, refer to their FAQ page.
Use third-party resources: Websites like Gluten-Free Watchdog track certified products and may offer insights into Simply Organic's offerings over time.

Certified GF vs. Standard Simply Organic Products


Feature	GFCO Certified Simply Organic Product	Standard Simply Organic Product
Cross-Contamination Risk	Extremely low; strict protocols followed and tested.	Possible; processed in a facility that also handles gluten.
Certification Mark	Bears the official GFCO certification logo.	No GFCO logo is present on the packaging.
Testing	Tested to contain less than 10ppm gluten.	Not specifically tested for gluten unless certified.
Safety for Celiacs	Generally considered safe for individuals with celiac disease.	Not recommended for those with celiac or severe sensitivities due to contamination risk.

Alternative Gluten-Free Cinnamon Options

If you are a sensitive consumer and cannot find a GFCO-certified Simply Organic Cinnamon, there are several alternatives:

Dedicated gluten-free brands: Some brands exclusively produce gluten-free products and are the safest option.
Purchase cinnamon sticks: Buying whole cinnamon sticks and grinding them yourself can eliminate the risk of cross-contamination that can occur during the processing of pre-ground spices.
Check other certified spice companies: Explore brands that clearly label all their spices as certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

While cinnamon itself is a naturally gluten-free spice, whether Simply Organic's version is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease depends entirely on its certification status. The Simply Organic company is transparent about its facility not being gluten-free and relies on third-party GFCO certification for a select line of products. Therefore, consumers should always examine the product label for the official GFCO logo to confirm its safety. If the logo is absent, proceed with caution due to the risk of cross-contamination.

For additional allergen information, consumers can visit the Simply Organic FAQs page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure cinnamon is derived from the bark of a tree and does not contain gluten. The risk for gluten exposure comes from processing and packaging where cross-contamination can occur.

No, Simply Organic does not test all products for gluten. They only test those that are specifically submitted for GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) certification.

The GFCO logo signifies that a product has been independently tested and verified to meet strict gluten-free standards (less than 10 ppm gluten). It is the only reliable indicator of a certified gluten-free product from Simply Organic.

Yes, unless a package of Simply Organic Cinnamon carries the GFCO logo, it should be considered at risk for gluten cross-contamination, as it is processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

You can find Simply Organic's official statement on allergens and their gluten-free policy on their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on their website.

For individuals with celiac disease or severe sensitivity, any Simply Organic spice without the GFCO certification logo should be considered at risk for cross-contamination.

A person with celiac disease should always check the label for the GFCO certification mark. If it is not present, it is safest to choose an alternative brand that offers full GFCO certification on their products.