What Brands of Cinnamon are Safe to Eat? An In-Depth Guide

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Following recalls tracing lead contamination to certain spice products, including cinnamon-infused applesauce, many consumers are questioning what brands of cinnamon are safe to eat. The answer depends on two primary factors: contamination with heavy metals like lead and the level of naturally-occurring coumarin.

Quick Summary

Recent testing has revealed significant variations in the safety of cinnamon products due to lead contamination and naturally high coumarin levels in some varieties. Consumers should learn to differentiate between safer Ceylon and higher-risk Cassia types and be aware of specific brands identified as lowest-risk based on independent tests.

Key Points

Choose Ceylon for Daily Use: Ceylon cinnamon contains significantly less coumarin, making it safer for regular consumption.
Moderate Cassia Intake: Cassia cinnamon has high coumarin levels and should be used in moderation.
Consult Consumer Reports: Refer to recent independent test results to identify brands with the lowest lead levels.
Opt for Lowest-Risk Brands: Safest brands include 365 Whole Foods Market, Loisa Organic, and Sadaf, based on testing.
Avoid Recalled Brands: Steer clear of brands flagged for high lead contamination, such as Paras, EGN, and Badia.
Consider Whole Sticks: Purchasing whole cinnamon sticks can potentially reduce contamination risk.

Understanding the Two Main Types of Cinnamon

To determine what brands of cinnamon are safe to eat, it is crucial to understand the two most common varieties: Cassia and Ceylon. Their primary difference lies in their coumarin content and harvesting methods, which have direct health implications.

Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)

Cassia is the most widely available and inexpensive cinnamon, often sold simply as "cinnamon". It comes from Southeast Asia and is characterized by a thick bark. Its flavor is intense and spicy. A key health concern with Cassia is its high coumarin content, a natural chemical that can cause liver damage when consumed in large, regular doses.

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Often called "true cinnamon," Ceylon originates from Sri Lanka. It is more expensive and less common. Its sticks are thin and form multiple delicate layers. Ceylon has a milder, sweeter flavor. Importantly, it contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it a safer option for frequent consumption.

Lead Contamination and Independent Test Results

Independent testing by organizations like Consumer Reports has revealed that some cinnamon products contain concerning levels of lead. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause developmental problems in children and other health issues. Recent testing prompted recalls and identified brands with the lowest and highest lead levels.

Safest Brands with Lowest Lead Levels

According to Consumer Reports, these brands had near-zero or very low lead levels:

365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon (0.02 ppm)
Loisa Organic Cinnamon (0.04 ppm)
Morton & Bassett San Francisco 100% Organic Ground Cinnamon (0.04 ppm)
Sadaf Cinnamon Powder (0.04 ppm)
365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon (0.12 ppm)
Sadaf Seven Spice blend (0.15 ppm)

Brands to Use with Caution

These brands tested below recall thresholds but had detectable lead, suggesting moderate use is best:

McCormick Cinnamon
Simply Organic Cinnamon
Trader Joe's Organic Ground Cinnamon
Great Value Ground Cinnamon
Kirkland Signature Organic Saigon Cinnamon

Brands to Avoid Based on High Lead Levels

Consumer Reports and FDA warnings identified the following brands with elevated lead levels that should be discarded:

Paras Cinnamon Powder
EGN Cinnamon Powder
Mimi's Products Ground Cinnamon
Bowl & Basket Ground Cinnamon
Rani Brand Ground Cinnamon
Badia Cinnamon Powder
Deep Cinnamon Powder
Zara Foods Cinnamon Powder

How to Choose Safe Cinnamon

Choosing safe cinnamon involves considering the type and brand. For frequent use, Ceylon is safer due to low coumarin. For lead, select brands independently tested with low levels. The "organic" label doesn't guarantee against heavy metals. Choosing whole sticks may also reduce contamination risk compared to ground powder.

Ceylon vs. Cassia: A Comparison


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon
Origin	Southeast Asia	Sri Lanka
Coumarin Level	High	Very Low
Risk for High Use	Liver damage risk	Very low risk
Flavor	Strong, spicy	Mild, sweet
Appearance	Thick, single-layer scrolls	Thin, multi-layered quills
Price	Affordable	More expensive

Final Recommendation

To ensure safe cinnamon consumption, prioritize Ceylon, especially for regular use. While Cassia is fine in moderation, daily use carries coumarin risk. Additionally, consult third-party test results like Consumer Reports and choose from the lowest-risk brands. Check packaging for cinnamon type and buy from reputable sources. The Consumer Reports website is a valuable resource for test results.

Conclusion

Navigating cinnamon choices requires understanding types and potential contaminants. Ceylon minimizes coumarin risks, making it ideal for daily use. For both types, selecting brands with low heavy metals based on independent testing is crucial. Following these guidelines helps you confidently choose what brands of cinnamon are safe to eat and enjoy this spice worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is their coumarin content. Ceylon has very low levels, making it safe for daily use, while Cassia has high levels, which can be harmful if consumed regularly in large amounts. They also differ in origin, flavor, and appearance.

Contamination with lead can occur through environmental exposure or processing practices. Independent testing revealed elevated levels in some brands, leading to recalls.

Check the label for "Ceylon" or "Cinnamomum verum". If it is labeled simply as "cinnamon", it is likely the more common Cassia variety.

No. Organic labeling does not guarantee protection against heavy metal contamination, which can occur naturally in soil. Always check independent test results.

To stay within safe coumarin levels, it's recommended to limit Cassia intake to about 1-2 teaspoons per day for adults.

According to Consumer Reports, brands with the lowest lead levels include 365 Whole Foods Market Organic, Loisa Organic, Morton & Bassett, and Sadaf Powder.

Check if your brand is on the list of products with high lead levels identified by Consumer Reports or the FDA. If so, discard it. For other Cassia brands, consider reducing use and switching to Ceylon for regular consumption.