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10 Best Cinnamons of 2024 (Vegan Pastry Chef-Reviewed)

Cinnamon has a sweet yet spicy flavor that goes well with tons of recipes and can give your foods and beverages an irresistible kick. Cinnamon is also packed with medicinal properties that help lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and more. However, there are many types and forms of this spice, which makes it challenging to find the right one for your kitchen.


When looking for the best cinnamon to buy, you should think about factors such as the form of the cinnamon and how it is processed. For an excellent, all-purpose cinnamon, we recommend Simply Organic's Ceylon Cinnamon. To help you figure out which is the best cinnamon for you, we also compiled a buying guide at the end with plenty of helpful tips and information. 

Last updated 02/26/2024
Shayanne Brents
Expert
Pastry Chef/Cake Decorator
Shayanne Brents

I am a pastry chef of 10+ years, classically trained. I'm also the owner and operator of Bleu Moon Bakery - Vegan (2016-2021). My newest endeavor (small business) - Baby Cakes - creates custom cakes and treats with allergy-friendly options.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Cinnamon - Buying Guide

Cinnamon is a healthy, tasty spice made from tree bark that's a great addition to hot drinks and baked goods. However, each type of cinnamon has its own distinctive taste and flavor. You might also want to consider which form of cinnamon - stick or ground - will be the most convenient for you. 

1

Decide Between Different Types of Cinnamon

There are two popular types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Both taste great, but they have some differences that you might want to take into consideration before making a purchase.

Ceylon Provides a Subtle and Mildly Sweet Flavor

Ceylon Provides a Subtle and Mildly Sweet Flavor

Ceylon cinnamon originally comes from Sri Lanka and the southern regions of India. It's tan and has a nuanced, slightly sweet flavor that's great for simple desserts and drinks. It's also the type of cinnamon commonly used in Mexican recipes. When in stick form, it has a smoother texture than Cassia cinnamon.


Since it's more subtle, it's best used alone or with flavors that won't overwhelm it, like vanilla. This will allow you to enjoy its complex flavor! However, Ceylon cinnamon is often more expensive. If you need a lot of cinnamon flavor and aren't too worried about nuance, you may want to use Cassia instead.


According to research studies, Ceylon cinnamon can help prevent blood sugar spikes and improve insulin sensitivity.


If you love cinnamon and often integrate it into your daily diet, Ceylon cinnamon is a good choice since it contains only 0.004 percent coumarin, a compound in the plant that has been associated with kidney, liver, or lung damage in extremely high doses

Shayanne Brents
Pastry Chef/Cake Decorator
Shayanne Brents

Ceylon cinnamon is delicious, yet mild. It is great to use when blending and building flavors, but you don't want it to be the most prominent thing you taste. It's especially great in spice mixes and cakes.

Cassia Cinnamon is Inexpensive With a More Intense Flavor

Cassia Cinnamon is Inexpensive With a More Intense Flavor

Cassia cinnamon is native to southern China but has been cultivated across eastern and southern Asia. It's dark brown-red and has a rougher texture than Ceylon cinnamon. While its flavor differs depending on the reason, it generally offers a strong, classic taste. Since it's not as sweet as Ceylon, it's excellent for savory dishes.


Like Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon is excellent for people with diabetes since it helps control blood sugar levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and stops the growth of bacteria or fungi. 


However, Cassia cinnamon contains around one percent coumarin, so you shouldn't use it too often in your daily diet. To be safe, adults shouldn't consume more than one teaspoon per day. 

Shayanne Brents
Pastry Chef/Cake Decorator
Shayanne Brents

Cassia cinnamon is the most common. It has a nice flavor but can tend to get bitter when used in large amounts.

2

Different Regions Have Different Flavors

Different Regions Have Different Flavors

Cassia cinnamon has a pretty intense flavor, so a small amount can go a long way. Also, you should keep in mind that Cassia cinnamons produced in different regions have their own distinctive tastes!


  • Vietnamese cinnamon has a high oil content. It's also known as Saigon cinnamon. The taste is very fragrant and intense but without the red hot flavor. It's excellent in baked goods, coffee, or any recipe that calls for a strong cinnamon flavor!
  • Indonesian cinnamon has the mildest flavor among all types of Cassia cinnamon. It has a lightly sweet flavor but tends to clump in liquid. Since it's not too strong, it's a great choice if you only want to buy one type of Cassia cinnamon. It offers a classic taste for American sweets, but it's also used in East Asian curries.
  • Chinese cinnamon is not very common in the U.S. It is often used as a medicine in China, and it has a strong flavor with a slight bitterness. 
Shayanne Brents
Pastry Chef/Cake Decorator
Shayanne Brents

Just like anything grown, different regions will have a different flavor profile, similar to wines. My favorite cinnamon would be Saigon cinnamon. It is considered the world's finest cinnamon and has the best bold flavor overall.

3

Choose Between Ground or Stick Cinnamon

When shopping for cinnamon, you will usually see it as a whole stick or ground powder. Each form has some small differences in flavor, longevity, and application. 

Ground Cinnamon Has Strong Flavor and Is Great for Baking or Cooking

Ground Cinnamon Has Strong Flavor and Is Great for Baking or Cooking

Ground cinnamon can be used for a variety of recipes, from irresistible cinnamon rolls to a cup of hot chocolate. It's also excellent as a garnish on top of whipped cream or baked goods.


Since you typically add the powder directly to foods and drinks, the flavor tends to release more quickly and is a bit stronger than a cinnamon stick. However, the flavor will likely dissipate quickly as well. You might want to add the powder closer to the end of cooking to ensure that the taste remains. 


However, keep in mind that ground cinnamon won't ever dissolve! If you want to add it to a liquid, like coffee, be sure to stir it well to incorporate the powder. You can also mix it with other things, like honey, to help incorporate it. If you don't want the gritty texture of cinnamon in drinks like spiced cider, infuse your drink with a stick instead.


Compared to cinnamon sticks, powder tends to lose its flavor faster in storage. Also, you should be careful not to get moisture into the bottle, as it can easily ruin the whole jar! 

Shayanne Brents
Pastry Chef/Cake Decorator
Shayanne Brents

Using ground cinnamon in baking adds a flavorful addition to any recipe, a heavy and prominent flavor in cinnamon rolls, and even a mild balanced flavor in carrot cakes. Using sticks in baking works when poaching pears or adding a nice flavor to jams or sauces.

Cinnamon Sticks Have a Long Shelf Life and Are Great Decorative Items

Cinnamon Sticks Have a Long Shelf Life and Are Great Decorative Items

Cinnamon sticks are a great addition to mulled wines, stews, or curries. You can also place them in your favorite hot drinks to slowly extract the flavor. Or, you can infuse liquids like tea, honey, and milk for more flavor! You can infuse it in a sealed container in the fridge for at least a day or gently heat it on the stove.


Cinnamon sticks are great for arts and crafts as well. You can grab a bunch of them together to make a Christmas wreath or a cinnamon-scented candle. 


Typically, cinnamon sticks have a longer shelf life than the ground variety. Plus, you can also grind the sticks into powder if needed. You can use an electric coffee or spice grinder, or do it manually with a mortar and pestle or zester. 

4

Look for Organic Certification if You’re Concerned About Ingredient Sources

Look for Organic Certification if You’re Concerned About Ingredient Sources

You might see the "certified organic" seal on the packaging, but what exactly does it mean? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), products can only be certified organic if they are grown on soil with no prohibited substances such as certain fertilizers or pesticides. However, some pesticides are allowed. 


All stages of production, including processing, handling, or storage, have to conform to organic standards approved by a certification body such as USDA, ECOCERT, or EU Organic Certification. 


So if eating organic is a priority for you, choose a product with a certified organic label. If you have allergies, check if the product is produced in a dedicated facility to avoid cross-contamination.


If you're concerned about sourcing, it may be more helpful to look into fair-trade or ethically farmed options. See if the company is transparent about where they get their cinnamon and how they treat the people involved in the production! Some products that aren't certified organic may still have excellent production practices. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Cinnamons

We've carefully chosen the following options based on the points in our guide. We have included both Cassia and Ceylon varieties in a variety of forms.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Simply Organic

Ceylon Cinnamon

Simply Organic Ceylon Cinnamon 1

$7.69

Low

Best Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon

2

FGO

Organic Korintje Cinnamon StickKorintje Cinnamon, 1 Pound

FGO Organic Korintje Cinnamon Stick 1

$17.99

High Mid

Best Bulk Cinnamon Sticks for a Strong Scent

3

Naturevibe Botanicals

Ceylon Cinnamon Powder1 Pound

Naturevibe Botanicals Ceylon Cinnamon Powder 1

$13.69

Mid

Best Ceylon Cinnamon for Cooking

4

Anthony's

Ceylon Cinnamon PowderCeylon

Anthony's  Ceylon Cinnamon Powder 1

$12.49

Mid

Best Ground Ceylon for Coffee and Tea

5

Frontier Co-Op

Organic Vietnamese Cinnamon1.31 oz.

Frontier Co-Op Organic Vietnamese Cinnamon 1

$8.99

Low Mid

Best Strong Cinnamon With a High Oil Content

6

Burma Spice

Ceylon Cinnamon Ground1.5 oz.

Burma Spice Ceylon Cinnamon Ground 1

$19.81

High Mid

Best Container for Keeping Cinnamon Fresh

7

McCormick

Cinnamon Sticks8 oz. 1-pack

McCormick Cinnamon Sticks 1

$12.97

Mid

Best Versatile and Familiar Cinnamon Sticks

8

McCormick

Organic Ground Saigon Cinnamon

McCormick  Organic Ground Saigon Cinnamon 1

$12.34

Mid

Best Large Jar of Cinnamon for Avid Bakers

9

Frontier Co-op

Korintje Cinnamon Sticks 6"1 lbs.

Frontier Co-op  Korintje Cinnamon Sticks 6" 1

$19.60

High Mid

Best Long Cinnamon Sticks for Drinks

10

Spicy World

Cinnamon Sticks2 Pounds

Spicy World Cinnamon Sticks 1

$19.99

High Mid

Best Bulk Sticks for Baking, Crafts, and More

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Simply OrganicCeylon Cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon 1
Source:amazon.com
Ceylon Cinnamon 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.69
Low
Reference price
$7.69
Low

Best Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon

Pros:

  • One to 1.6 percent oil content for a balanced flavor
  • Ceylon is safer to consume
  • Non-irradiated and organic
  • Glass jar preserves freshness

Cons: 

  • Smaller jar

This organic cinnamon powder has a nuanced, slightly-sweet flavor with spicy notes. It has about one to 1.6 percent oil content, giving it a flavor that's pleasant without being overly strong. Plus, Epicurious, a popular food website, voted it as their favorite in 2018.


Some reviewers have concerns about the authenticity of the product on Amazon, so we included a link to the brand's official online shop as well. Overall, many reviewers compliment this cinnamon's subtle, slightly sweet taste. They say that it's excellent for everyday use in french toast, hot cocoa, banana bread, and more.

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No.2

FGOOrganic Korintje Cinnamon StickKorintje Cinnamon, 1 Pound

Organic Korintje Cinnamon Stick 1
Source:amazon.com
Organic Korintje Cinnamon Stick 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.99
High Mid
Reference price
$17.99
High Mid

Best Bulk Cinnamon Sticks for a Strong Scent

Pros:

  • Resealable bag preserves freshness
  • Each bag has 100 sticks
  • Organic

Cons:

  • Soft bag means you will have to be careful not to break the sticks in storage

FGO's cinnamon sticks are sourced from Indonesia and packaged in a resealable bag. One bag contains 100 organic sticks of cinnamon that are just under three inches long. 


There are some reports that these sticks have a milder cinnamon flavor. Meanwhile, most are pleased with their freshness and sweet flavor. They especially love the scent! Many enjoy using them in cider, coffee, and mulled wine.

No.3

Naturevibe BotanicalsCeylon Cinnamon Powder1 Pound

Ceylon Cinnamon Powder 1
Source:amazon.com
Ceylon Cinnamon Powder 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.69
Mid
Reference price
$13.69
Mid

Best Ceylon Cinnamon for Cooking

Pros:

  • Organic
  • Ceylon is safer to eat
  • Resealable bag maintains freshness
  • Large one pound bag

Cons:

  • Reports that it doesn't have a classic Ceylon flavor

This organic Ceylon cinnamon comes in a large one-pound bag, making it an excellent choice for avid bakers and cooks. However, there are some reports that it doesn't have the typical nuanced flavor of Ceylon, so keep that in mind. 


Overall, many reviewers love that it doesn't have any bitterness. They especially like that they can enjoy the health benefits of cinnamon without worry, like with Cassia. Since it's slightly bolder than Ceylon usually is, we especially recommend it for cooking! Reviewers confirm that it's great in sweet potatoes.

No.4

Anthony's Ceylon Cinnamon PowderCeylon

Ceylon Cinnamon Powder 1
Source:amazon.com
Ceylon Cinnamon Powder 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.49
Mid
Reference price
$12.49
Mid

Best Ground Ceylon for Coffee and Tea

Pros:

  • Organic and non-irradiated
  • Ceylon is safer to consume
  • Packed in a resealable bag
  • Large one-pound bag

Cons:

  • Reports of quality control issues 

This organic Ceylon cinnamon has a mildly sweet taste. It comes in a large one-pound resealable bag, making it an excellent choice to keep in your pantry for baking or cooking. We especially recommend it for drinks since it has a mild flavor.


Some reviewers report issues with quality control, stating they have received some bags that taste fresh and others that taste state. However, many reviewers are impressed with this cinnamon's delicious flavor and aroma. They confirm that it's excellent in coffee and tea!

No.5

Frontier Co-OpOrganic Vietnamese Cinnamon1.31 oz.

Organic Vietnamese Cinnamon 1
Source:amazon.com
Organic Vietnamese Cinnamon 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$8.99
Low Mid

Best Strong Cinnamon With a High Oil Content

Pros:

  • Five percent oil content for strong flavor
  • Glass jar maintains freshness
  • Organic and non-irradiated
  • Produced by a member-owned company

Cons:

  • Has a higher amount of coumarin

This Vietnamese cinnamon has a relatively high volatile oil content of five percent, making the taste richer and bolder. Plus, it's made by a member-owned company that gives back four percent of its profit to charity. 


Some reviewers warn that this cinnamon has a higher amount of coumarin. Nevertheless, many love the sweet, pungently fresh flavor. They also note that a little goes a long way. If you're after a strong cinnamon flavor, this may be the option for you!

No.6

Burma SpiceCeylon Cinnamon Ground1.5 oz.

Ceylon Cinnamon Ground 1
Source:amazon.com
Ceylon Cinnamon Ground 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.81
High Mid

Best Container for Keeping Cinnamon Fresh

Pros:

  • Unique glass jar clamps shut for better freshness
  • Comes in packaging suitable for gifting
  • Ceylon is safer to eat
  • Jar is easier to refill

Cons:

  • Smaller jar means you may run out quickly

This Ceylon cinnamon comes in a glass jar with a lid that clamps shut, making it one of the best types of packaging for freshness on our list. Plus, this style of jar is easier to refill. Since it has a delicate flavor, we recommend it in simple drinks and recipes.


Overall, reviewers love this cinnamon. Many state that it's their favorite brand, noting its sweet and nuanced flavor. They also like the functionality and appearance of the jar. Plus, you can order larger amounts of this cinnamon to refill the jar!

No.7

McCormickCinnamon Sticks8 oz. 1-pack

Reference price
$12.97
Mid

Best Versatile and Familiar Cinnamon Sticks

Pros:

  • Jar will keep the sticks protected
  • Sticks are great for drinks 

Cons:

  • Origin isn't provided
  • May be tricky to get sticks out of the jar

If you're looking for the flavor of cinnamon you grew up with, consider these sticks from McCormick. They have a nostalgic warm flavor. Plus, they are packed in a plastic container, protecting them from getting broken or crushed.


Some reviewers report that these sticks don't have a strong cinnamon scent. On the other hand, many reviewers like using them in coffee, tea, and mulled wine. They also appreciate that the sticks arrived whole!

No.8

McCormick Organic Ground Saigon Cinnamon

Reference price
$12.34
Mid

Best Large Jar of Cinnamon for Avid Bakers

Pros:

  • Large jar has a shaker lid for easier use
  • Has a strong cinnamon flavor
  • Organic

Cons:

  • Will have to be careful when pouring or shaking to control the amount

If you often find yourself making recipes that call for a strong cinnamon flavor, this Vietnamese Cassia cinnamon is an excellent option. It has a bold flavor that will stand out in foods and drinks. Plus, the lid has shaking and pouring options.


Overall, this cinnamon is widely praised for its bold flavor. Many reviewers say this is an excellent bulk option for those that often cook or bake with cinnamon. Its rich taste means that it will stand up to strong flavors like chocolate or curry!

No.9

Frontier Co-op Korintje Cinnamon Sticks 6"1 lbs.

Korintje Cinnamon Sticks 6" 1
Source:amazon.com
Korintje Cinnamon Sticks 6" 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.60
High Mid
Reference price
$19.60
High Mid

Best Long Cinnamon Sticks for Drinks

Pros:

  • Long enough to rest in drinks
  • Non-irradiated
  • Made by a member-run co-op company

Cons:

  • Will have to be mindful not to break the sticks in the bag

This is another offering from Frontier Co-op, a brand that's member-owned and gives back to the community. These Cassia cinnamon sticks are uniquely long. At six inches, they will easily rest in your cup of coffee, mulled wine, or spiced cider!


Overall, reviewers love the taste and smell of these sticks, saying they have a strong aroma. They especially love using them in drinks, saying they make excellent stirrers. Some also recommend them for crafting due to their scent and appearance. 

No.10

Spicy WorldCinnamon Sticks2 Pounds

Cinnamon Sticks 1
Source:amazon.com
Cinnamon Sticks 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.99
High Mid
Reference price
$19.99
High Mid

Best Bulk Sticks for Baking, Crafts, and More

Pros:

  • Large two-pound bag has about 100 to 150 sticks
  • 4.5 to 5.5 oil content

Cons:

  • May be difficult to keep fresh due to plastic bag 

This two-pound bag of cinnamon sticks is great if you need a lot of cinnamon. You will receive 100 to 150 sticks of Cassia cinnamon, making this an excellent option for bulk baking or crafting.


Some reviewers say that these sticks lack a strong cinnamon smell. However, other reviewers confirm that this is a great option for buying cinnamon sticks in bulk. While many enjoy using them for cooking, we especially recommend them for crafting.

Shayanne's Go-To Cinnamon for Baking and Everything

Shayanne's Go-To Cinnamon for Baking and Everything
Source:amazon.com
Shayanne Brents
Pastry Chef/Cake Decorator
Shayanne Brents

King Arthur's Vietnamese Cinnamon is the only cinnamon I buy. The flavor overall is perfection. With a spicy, robust flavor, it adds boldness and vibrance to all bakes.

Extra Tip: Look Out for the Irradiation Label

Extra Tip: Look Out for the Irradiation Label

Herbs and spices like cinnamon are commonly irradiated. Irradiation is a process that exposes food to ionizing radiation. Food irradiation can help extend the shelf-life of foods by eliminating microorganisms that can cause spoilage or food-borne diseases. 


Food treated this way is considered to be safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, there are conflicting opinions on the effect of irradiation on nutritional content. The U.S. Center for Food Safety states that food irradiation can reduce the vitamin content from two to 95 percent.


On the other hand, some scientists say that food irradiation doesn't cause any significant loss in nutritional value. The low levels of irradiation can result in a slight reduction of vitamins, but no more than other processes like canning, drying, or blanching.


While irradiation does improve the safety of certain foods, it doesn't replace proper storage and handling. Food can still become contaminated after irradiation! Whether or not this is an important factor for you, all irradiated food is labeled with the green Radura symbol and the statement "treated with radiation."

Frequently Asked Questions

Still want to know more about cinnamon? Shayanne is here to answer a commonly asked question on the Internet.

Does cinnamon expire?

Shayanne says, "It is rare but not impossible for a spice to go bad. As long as it is stored properly, it has the potential of lasting a very long time."

Cinnamon Recipe: Make Some Festive Mulled Wine

Use your cinnamon sticks to make this delicious mulled wine from The Edgy Veg. It's sure to keep you warm on cold winter nights!


Ingredients:

  • 2 oranges, sliced
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 1½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • 1 (3-inch) piece of fresh ginger, sliced
  • 5 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 vanilla bean, halved
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 bottles red wine
  • 1 cup brandy or rum
  • Amaretto, optional

Directions:

  1. Stick the whole cloves into the orange slices and place them into a large stockpot. 
  2. Add the orange juice, sugar, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, vanilla, and bay leaf, and bring it all to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Add 1 cup of wine and simmer for another 30 minutes, until thick and syrupy. 
  4. Pour in the remaining wine and brandy. Bring it to a gentle simmer for five minutes. Be careful not to let it boil!
  5. Strain out the orange slices and spices. Ladle the mulled wine into glasses, garnish with an orange and a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!

More Ways to Enjoy Cinnamon

If you are looking for some food and drinks that pair well with a bit of cinnamon, check out our suggestions below!

Amazon's Best Selling Cinnamons

If you're interested in checking out even more cinnamon options, take a look at Amazon's best sellers!

Top 5 Cinnamons

No. 1: Simply OrganicCeylon Cinnamon

No. 2: FGOOrganic Korintje Cinnamon StickKorintje Cinnamon, 1 Pound

No. 3: Naturevibe BotanicalsCeylon Cinnamon Powder1 Pound

No. 4: Anthony's Ceylon Cinnamon PowderCeylon

No. 5: Frontier Co-OpOrganic Vietnamese Cinnamon1.31 oz.

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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