Nutrition Diet: Is McCormick brand cinnamon safe?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 Consumer Reports investigation, McCormick cinnamon was found to contain low but detectable levels of lead, prompting many to ask, is McCormick brand cinnamon safe?. The answer involves understanding different cinnamon types and their potential risks, particularly regarding coumarin content and heavy metal exposure.

Quick Summary

McCormick cinnamon is primarily the Cassia type, containing higher levels of coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon, which can be concerning with regular, heavy use. Recent tests also detected low levels of lead contamination.

Key Points

Type of Cinnamon: McCormick's standard ground cinnamon is Cassia, known for its strong flavor and high coumarin content.
Lead Contamination: A Consumer Reports study found detectable but relatively low lead levels in McCormick cinnamon, advising minimum consumption.
Coumarin Risk: High coumarin in Cassia can cause liver damage with regular, heavy use; Ceylon cinnamon has negligible levels and is safer for daily consumption.
Moderation is Key: For typical baking and cooking, McCormick is generally safe, but heavy users should switch to Ceylon cinnamon to mitigate coumarin exposure.
Check Labels: To avoid high coumarin, look for products explicitly labeled "Ceylon" or "True Cinnamon," as generic labels usually indicate Cassia.
High-Risk Individuals: Individuals with liver disease and parents giving cinnamon to children should exercise extra caution due to coumarin sensitivity.

Understanding the Two Main Types of Cinnamon

To determine the safety of McCormick brand cinnamon, it's essential to first differentiate between the two main types of cinnamon available on the market: Cassia and Ceylon. Most people are familiar with Cassia, the more common and affordable variety found in grocery stores, which is what McCormick predominantly sells. Ceylon, often called “true cinnamon,” is less common and more expensive. The key difference between the two, from a health and safety standpoint, lies in their coumarin content.

Cassia vs. Ceylon: A Critical Comparison


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon
Botanical Name	Cinnamomum cassia	Cinnamomum verum
Primary Source	China, Indonesia, Vietnam	Sri Lanka
Coumarin Content	High levels	Negligible levels
Flavor Profile	Strong, spicy, and robust	Milder, sweeter, and more delicate
Appearance	Thick, hard, single-layer scrolls	Thin, multi-layered, parchment-like quills
Health Consideration	Limit consumption due to coumarin concerns	Safer for regular, higher-volume use

The Coumarin Concern in Cassia

Coumarin is a natural flavoring compound found in many plants, including Cassia cinnamon. When consumed in large amounts over a prolonged period, coumarin can pose a risk of liver damage in some individuals, especially those with pre-existing liver conditions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for coumarin. Since Cassia cinnamon has high coumarin levels, regular, heavy consumption could potentially lead to exceeding limits considered safe. Ceylon cinnamon, by contrast, has minimal coumarin, making it a preferable option for daily use.

Heavy Metal Contamination: A Broader Problem

In addition to coumarin, heavy metal contamination has become a recent concern for many spice brands, including McCormick. A 2024 investigation by Consumer Reports highlighted the issue of lead in ground cinnamon, which can accumulate in the body over time. While some brands showed very high levels of lead, McCormick was among those classified as “okay to use,” but with the recommendation to limit consumption. The report noted that while McCormick had detectable lead, it was significantly lower than brands with higher concentrations. McCormick has stated that it employs stringent quality controls and sources whole bark to mitigate contamination risks. It's crucial for consumers to recognize that there is no safe level of lead exposure, according to the CDC, and cumulative exposure is a key concern.

Is McCormick Brand Cinnamon Safe for Your Diet?

For the average consumer who uses McCormick cinnamon sparingly in cooking and baking, the occasional sprinkle is likely safe. The potential risks become more significant for those who consume cinnamon regularly and in larger quantities, such as in daily smoothies, oatmeal, or supplements. Given that McCormick's standard ground cinnamon is Cassia, it contains coumarin, which necessitates moderation. For individuals with liver conditions or for parents frequently using cinnamon in children's food, choosing a certified Ceylon cinnamon is the safer and recommended option. Diversifying your spices and brands is another strategy to minimize exposure to any single source of potential contamination, as suggested by food safety experts.

How to Make a Safe and Informed Choice

Limit your intake of Cassia cinnamon: To minimize coumarin intake, particularly for regular use, consider limiting the quantity consumed. Children, due to lower body weight, should have an even smaller intake.
Consider Ceylon for regular use: If you incorporate cinnamon into your daily routine, switch to Ceylon cinnamon. Its minimal coumarin content makes it the safer choice for regular consumption.
Check product labels: Look for products explicitly labeled as “Ceylon cinnamon” or Cinnamomum verum. Unless specified, most standard supermarket cinnamon, including McCormick's, is Cassia.
Diversify your spices: Rotate the brands and types of spices you use to avoid overexposure to contaminants from a single source.
Consult a professional: For individuals with health conditions like liver disease or those considering high-dose cinnamon supplementation, consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the safety of McCormick brand cinnamon depends on how it is used. As a common culinary spice, occasional use is not a major concern. However, because it is primarily Cassia cinnamon, regular and heavy consumption introduces potential risks associated with coumarin for the liver. These risks, combined with recent findings of low-level lead contamination in the broader spice industry, mean consumers should be mindful of their intake. For daily use or larger quantities, Ceylon cinnamon remains the best choice. By staying informed about the type of cinnamon you purchase and using moderation, you can safely enjoy this nutritious and flavorful spice. For more information on cinnamon's safety, consider consulting resources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

McCormick's standard ground cinnamon is Cassia cinnamon, sourced primarily from Indonesia. They may offer Ceylon varieties in their premium or organic lines, but you should check the product label to be certain.

For Cassia cinnamon, like McCormick's, experts recommend considering limitations on daily intake for regular consumption to address coumarin levels. Occasional use in recipes is generally considered safe.

Coumarin is a natural compound found in high concentrations in Cassia cinnamon. In large doses, especially over a long period, it can be toxic to the liver for some people, particularly those with liver disease.

No, McCormick has not been subject to a recall due to lead. However, a Consumer Reports investigation found detectable but low levels of lead in their ground cinnamon, leading to a recommendation for limited use. The FDA has issued recalls for other brands found with elevated lead levels.

Yes, Ceylon cinnamon is considered safer for regular and high-volume consumption because it contains negligible amounts of coumarin compared to the Cassia cinnamon used by McCormick. It is the recommended choice for those concerned about coumarin intake.

For ground cinnamon, Ceylon tends to be a lighter, tan color with a milder, sweeter scent, while Cassia is darker, reddish-brown, and has a stronger, spicier aroma. For sticks, Cassia is thick and hard, while Ceylon has multiple, fragile layers. Always check the label for 'Ceylon' or 'Cinnamomum verum' to be sure.

Yes, like Ceylon, Cassia cinnamon contains antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to help with blood sugar regulation. However, these benefits must be balanced against the potential risks from its high coumarin content if consumed in large quantities.