3 Shocking Truths About Supermarket Cinnamon (And What You Should Be Buying Instead)

If you’ve been picking up cinnamon at your local grocery store thinking you’re getting a healthy, flavorful spice think again. The truth is that most supermarket cinnamon isn’t what you think it is. It’s time to uncover the secrets behind that familiar spice bottle in your pantry.

1. Most Supermarket Cinnamon Isn’t “Real” Cinnamon

Here’s the kicker: over 90% of the cinnamon sold worldwide is actually Cassia cinnamon, not true Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia is cheaper and more widely available, but it’s also harsher in flavor and loaded with coumarin, a compound that can be harmful in large quantities.

Ceylon cinnamon, often called “true cinnamon,” is softer, sweeter, and safer for regular consumption. It comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, grown mainly in Sri Lanka.

2. Cassia Cinnamon Contains High Levels of Toxins

Cassia cinnamon contains much higher levels of coumarin, a naturally occurring compound that may cause liver damage and interfere with medication when consumed excessively.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warns that just 1–2 teaspoons of Cassia daily could exceed the tolerable daily intake for many adults. That’s a big red flag if you’re sprinkling it on oatmeal or adding it to smoothies every day!

Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it the safer, healthier choice for daily use, especially for children and people with liver concerns.

3. Supermarket Labels Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Most cinnamon products on store shelves don’t tell you what kind of cinnamon is inside. You’ll often see “cinnamon” listed without any mention of Cassia or Ceylon.

That lack of transparency means consumers unknowingly buy inferior cinnamon thinking they’re getting the good stuff. Worse still, some brands mix Cassia and Ceylon together to cut costs while still using “Ceylon” in their marketing.

Don’t be misled, look for brands that are open about sourcing and labeling.

Choose Wisely: Go Pure with Ceylon Cinnamon

If you’re serious about quality, flavor, and health, ditch the mystery spice and switch to 100% pure Ceylon cinnamon, the only cinnamon your body (and taste buds) deserve.

At CinnamonSL.com, we source directly from farms in Sri Lanka to bring you authentic Ceylon cinnamon sticks and powder, fresh, fragrant, and packed with natural goodness.