Which brands of cinnamon are lead free? A guide to safer choices for your nutrition diet

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2024, the FDA and independent investigations revealed concerning levels of lead in several ground cinnamon products. This discovery, following a major recall of lead-tainted applesauce pouches, raised widespread alarm about the safety of this common household spice. For those focused on a healthy nutrition diet, knowing which brands of cinnamon are lead free? has become an essential question.

Quick Summary

Recent testing by Consumer Reports and the FDA identified several cinnamon products contaminated with lead, while also highlighting safer, low-risk alternatives. Consumers can protect their health by choosing verified brands, opting for Ceylon cinnamon over Cassia, and requesting third-party test results for transparency.

Key Points

Check Independent Tests: Rely on test results from reputable organizations like Consumer Reports and the FDA to identify low-lead cinnamon brands.
Choose Ceylon Over Cassia: Opt for Ceylon cinnamon, known as 'true cinnamon,' which contains less coumarin and is less likely to be intentionally adulterated.
Demand Lab Transparency: Prioritize brands that conduct and publicly share third-party heavy metal test results for each batch.
Beware of Very Cheap Spices: Unusually low prices can sometimes be a sign that quality control has been compromised to cut costs.
Grind Whole Sticks: For maximum safety, buy whole cinnamon sticks and grind them at home to avoid potential adulteration found in some pre-ground products.
Consult Official Alerts: Regularly check FDA and other food safety websites for the latest product recall information.

The Hidden Danger of Lead Contamination

Lead contamination in food products, including cinnamon, has become a significant public health concern, especially following the 2023 recall of lead-tainted applesauce pouches. A September 2024 Consumer Reports investigation tested 36 cinnamon products, finding that 12 contained lead levels exceeding 1 part per million (ppm), a level that triggers recalls in New York state. Lead accumulation in the body, even in small amounts, can cause serious health issues, particularly in children and pregnant women, affecting nervous system development. Lead can enter cinnamon through contaminated soil, processing equipment, or even intentional addition for weight and color. Recent recalls highlight the need for consumers to be vigilant and prioritize safety when choosing cinnamon.

Lead-Free Cinnamon Options: Brands to Trust

Independent testing has identified several brands with very low or undetectable lead levels, indicating a commitment to quality and transparency. These brands often provide access to third-party lab results. Based on a Consumer Reports investigation and other analyses, some brands with low lead levels include:

365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon.
Loisa Organic Cinnamon.
Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Ground Cinnamon.
Sadaf Cinnamon Powder.
Red Ape Cinnamon, which states it tests every batch and publishes results.
Simply Organic.

A Comparative Look at Cinnamon Brands

This table compares brands based on their recent safety testing status:


Feature	Low-Risk Brands (e.g., 365, Loisa, Red Ape)	High-Risk Brands (e.g., Badia, EGN, Paras)
Lead Levels	Consistently very low, often undetectable in lab tests.	Contained lead levels above 1 ppm in 2024 tests, with some significantly higher.
Testing & Transparency	Many provide third-party testing results; committed to quality control.	Lacked consistent, transparent heavy metal testing, or failed to meet standards.
Best Practice Commitment	Actively working to minimize all potential contamination risks.	Identified as having product safety issues by regulatory bodies and investigators.
Typical Sourcing	Prioritize trusted suppliers and cleaner farming practices.	Source might be less transparent, potentially leading to higher contamination risk.

What Type of Cinnamon Is Safest?

Cinnamon type also affects safety. Cassia cinnamon, common in the US, contains higher levels of coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver, and may be more susceptible to lead adulteration. Ceylon cinnamon, or "true cinnamon," has lower coumarin and is often sourced from suppliers with stricter quality controls, reducing heavy metal risk. Grinding whole Ceylon sticks at home is considered a very safe option.

How to Minimize Your Risk

To reduce exposure to heavy metals:

Check Recall Alerts: Monitor FDA and food safety alerts.
Grind Your Own: Consider grinding whole cinnamon sticks to avoid potential adulteration in powders.
Demand Transparency: Support brands that provide third-party heavy metal testing results and sourcing information.

Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice for Your Health

Lead contamination in cinnamon is a serious issue requiring consumer awareness. While some brands have shown elevated lead, many safe options exist. By choosing low-risk brands based on independent testing, opting for Ceylon cinnamon, and staying informed about recalls, you can safely include cinnamon in your nutrition diet. Supporting transparent brands helps promote safer food for everyone.

Disclaimer:

Information on specific brands and lead levels is subject to change based on new test data and production processes. Consumers should consult the latest reports from reputable sources like Consumer Reports and FDA alerts for the most current information. The FDA and other agencies emphasize that there is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lead can enter cinnamon through several avenues, including absorption from contaminated soil where the cinnamon trees are grown, worn processing equipment, or intentional adulteration to enhance the spice's color or weight.

Based on testing by Consumer Reports and other analyses, some of the safest brands include 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon, Loisa Organic Cinnamon, Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Ground Cinnamon, Sadaf Cinnamon Powder, and Red Ape Cinnamon.

While Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered safer due to lower coumarin content and often stricter sourcing practices, no brand can be guaranteed completely lead-free without independent testing. Consumers should still seek out brands that provide lab results confirming low or undetectable heavy metal levels.

No, the 'USDA Organic' label does not guarantee a product is free of heavy metals like lead. Organic standards do not include specific heavy metal testing, and lead can naturally occur in the soil, which an organic plant can still absorb.

If you own cinnamon from a brand identified in a recall or with high lead levels in recent tests, you should dispose of the product immediately and not consume it. The FDA and Consumer Reports have advised this action.

Lead is a neurotoxin, and even small amounts can accumulate in the body over time, posing significant health risks. It is particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women, as it can damage the nervous system and lead to developmental problems.

Some evidence suggests that cinnamon sticks may contain lower lead levels than ground cinnamon, as they undergo less processing and are less susceptible to intentional adulteration. Grinding whole sticks at home can offer more control over the final product.