How to Select the Best Cinnamon at a Store in Simple Ways

Cinnamon is one of the most famous and beloved spices in the world, but as I’ve mentioned in several articles, not all cinnamon is created equal.

Whether you’re buying cinnamon sticks or powder, it’s essential to know what to look for, as your choice can impact not only the flavor of your food but also your health. Especially, to your health.

At CinnamonSL.com, we specialize in offering you true Ceylon cinnamon sourced directly from Galle, Sri Lanka.

1. Check the Label: Look for “Ceylon Cinnamon”

The first step of choosing the best cinnamon is by reading the label. Most cinnamon sold in grocery stores is Cassia cinnamon, which is cheaper and more common but contains higher levels of coumarin. (Coumarin is a substance that may be harmful in large doses)

Look for words like:

• “Ceylon Cinnamon”

• “True Cinnamon”

• “Cinnamomum Zeylanicum”

Avoid products labeled only as “cinnamon” with no specific type mentioned it’s likely Cassia. This the most important step.

2. Examine the Appearance of Cinnamon Sticks

If you’re buying cinnamon sticks, take a close look. Ceylon cinnamon sticks and Cassia sticks have very different appearances:

• Ceylon Cinnamon: Thin, fragile, and filled with multiple soft layers that resemble a cigar roll.

• Cassia Cinnamon: Hard, thick, and hollow with only one curled layer.

Ceylon cinnamon sticks are easy to break by hand, while Cassia is tough and woody. Just take a look at the picture.

3. Smell the Aroma

Just smell the pack. True Ceylon cinnamon has a light, sweet, and citrusy aroma. It’s not overpowering but very pleasant. On the other hand, Cassia cinnamon smells much stronger and sharper, often with a spicy and pungent scent.

When in doubt, open the container and take a gentle whiff your nose will help you decide.

4. Check the Color and Texture of Cinnamon Powder

You have to be very careful when buying cinnamon powder as powder can be a mixture of anything. When choosing cinnamon powder, observe the following at least.

• Ceylon Cinnamon Powder: Light tan to brown color, fine texture, and mild, sweet fragrance.

• Cassia Cinnamon Powder: Reddish-brown color, coarse texture, and strong spicy scent.

Ceylon cinnamon is smoother and blends easily into food and beverages. However, it is difficult to choose the true and authentic Ceylon cinnamon powder by just checking from outside.

For that, you need to choose a trustworthy store like Cinnamon SL who is selling true Ceylon cinnamon products for over a decade straight from Galle, Sri Lanka.

5. Know the Source

Authentic Ceylon cinnamon is only grown in Sri Lanka. Especially in the southern areas of Sri Lanka. If the label mentions origin countries like Indonesia, China, or Vietnam, it’s most likely Cassia.

At CinnamonSL.com, we produce all of our cinnamon directly from Sri Lankan plantations to guarantee the highest purity and quality.

6. Price Can Be a Clue

Ceylon cinnamon is more expensive to produce due to its delicate harvesting process, skilled labor shortage, and limited availability. Therefore, if the price is very low, it’s probably Cassia.

While it may cost a bit more, Ceylon cinnamon offers better health benefits, safer consumption, and superior flavor. So, it is totally worth the price.

7. Buy from Trusted Brands or Stores

To avoid low-quality or mislabeled products:

• Choose sellers that specialize in spices.

• Look for third-party testing or certifications.

• Shop directly from trusted websites like CinnamonSL.com, where quality is always guaranteed.

• Check for social media presence and reviews.

Selecting the best cinnamon doesn’t have to be difficult. By learning a few key differences between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon, you can make smarter choices at the store and ensure you’re getting both the flavor and health benefits you deserve.

For guaranteed pure, authentic Ceylon cinnamon, shop confidently at CinnamonSL.com we bring the real taste of Sri Lanka straight to your kitchen.