Which Cinnamon Has the Least Amount of Lead in It?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent studies by Consumer Reports discovered that many popular ground cinnamon products contain concerning levels of lead, a heavy metal toxic to humans. Choosing the right variety and brand is crucial for minimizing exposure, and understanding the differences between cinnamon types is the first step toward finding a product that has the least amount of lead in it.

Quick Summary

This article explains why Ceylon cinnamon is the safest option due to its naturally low coumarin levels and discusses how recent testing found specific brands of ground cinnamon to have very low levels of lead. It provides a guide on how to choose safer products for culinary use and tips to reduce your risk of heavy metal exposure.

Key Points

Choose Ceylon Cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon is naturally lower in coumarin and lead than Cassia.
Trust Specific Low-Lead Brands: Consumer Reports identified brands like 365 Whole Foods Market and Morton & Bassett with very low lead levels.
Avoid Generic "Cinnamon": If the label doesn't specify "Ceylon," it's likely higher-risk Cassia.
Read Test Results: Look for third-party testing for heavy metals.
Consider Your Consumption: Limit intake, especially of Cassia, to minimize exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Be Cautious with Imports: Some imported spices may be more contaminated.

Ceylon vs. Cassia: Understanding the Difference

Cinnamon comes primarily in two types: Cassia and Ceylon. They differ in composition, including levels of coumarin and susceptibility to lead contamination.

Cassia Cinnamon: Common in U.S. stores, Cassia is cheaper and has a stronger flavor but contains high coumarin, potentially harmful to the liver. It also tends to have higher lead levels.
Ceylon Cinnamon: Known as "true cinnamon," Ceylon is from Sri Lanka and Madagascar. It is pricier with a milder, sweeter taste. Ceylon contains minimal coumarin and generally shows very low or undetectable heavy metal levels.

Brand-Specific Findings from Consumer Reports

A September 2024 Consumer Reports investigation tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends. While many had elevated lead, some brands demonstrated low levels. Brands with the lowest lead in their tests included:

365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon: As low as 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.

How Lead Contaminates Cinnamon

Lead can enter cinnamon at multiple stages.

Soil and Water: Cinnamon trees absorb lead from contaminated soil and water.
Processing: Lead can be introduced during grinding or packaging.
Imports: FDA alerts have highlighted elevated lead in some imported ground cinnamon.

Actionable Steps for Consumers

To find low-lead cinnamon, prioritize Ceylon cinnamon, also known as Cinnamomum verum.

Comparison Table: Ceylon vs. Cassia


Feature	Ceylon Cinnamon	Cassia Cinnamon	Why It Matters for Safety
Coumarin Content	Very Low (trace amounts)	High (potential for liver damage with heavy use)	Regular consumption of high-coumarin Cassia is a health risk.
Lead Levels	Generally very low or undetectable	Prone to higher levels of contamination	Studies show certain brands of Cassia contain elevated lead levels.
Flavor Profile	Mild, sweet, with floral and citrus notes	Strong, spicier, and more pungent	Ceylon's milder taste is excellent for delicate baked goods and daily use.
Appearance	Thin, fragile, multi-layered quills	Hard, single, thick bark	A visual check of sticks can help identify the type of cinnamon.
Primary Source	Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), Madagascar	China, Indonesia, Vietnam	Source of origin impacts farming regulations and potential contamination.
Cost	More expensive due to labor-intensive harvest	Cheaper and more widely available	Higher price often reflects better quality control and sourcing.

Further Mitigating Your Risk

Beyond choosing Ceylon cinnamon, consider these tips to minimize heavy metal exposure.

Buy from Reputable Brands: Choose brands that conduct third-party testing.
Read Labels Carefully: Look for "Ceylon cinnamon" or "Cinnamomum verum". Generic "ground cinnamon" is likely Cassia.
Vary Your Spices: Rotate your spices to avoid over-consuming any single one.
Use Whole Sticks: Grinding whole Ceylon sticks yourself can help ensure purity.

Conclusion

To find cinnamon with the least amount of lead, opt for Ceylon cinnamon from a reputable brand. Recent tests confirm that brands like Whole Foods Market and Morton & Bassett offer products with exceptionally low lead levels. Choosing Ceylon and buying from trusted sources helps reduce heavy metal exposure, especially for vulnerable individuals like children and pregnant women.

For details on tested brands, see the Consumer Reports report. Consumer Reports: The 12 Cinnamon Powders You Should Never Use

Frequently Asked Questions

Ceylon cinnamon, or "true cinnamon," is typically lowest in lead and also has very low levels of coumarin.

Lead contamination can come from soil and water where trees grow or during processing in areas with less strict regulations.

Consumer Reports testing found low lead levels in brands like 365 Whole Foods Market Organic, Loisa Organic, and Morton & Bassett Organic.

Look for "Ceylon" or "Cinnamomum verum" on the label. Sticks also differ: Ceylon is thin and layered, Cassia is thick and hard.

No, the organic label doesn't assure freedom from lead, which is environmental. Choosing Ceylon from brands that test diligently is key.

Coumarin in Cassia cinnamon can cause liver damage with regular high doses. Ceylon has only trace amounts.

While small amounts are less risky immediately, lead can build up. Low-lead options are safer, especially for frequent users or sensitive individuals like children.