How do I know if my cinnamon is Ceylon or Cassia?
Christopher Snyder
Updated on February 17, 2026
Another key difference between the two is found in the taste. Cassia Cinnamon tastes stronger and hotter while Ceylon Cinnamon is full of lighter, brighter citreous tones. When it comes to colour, Ceylon Cinnamon is tan brown whereas Cassia Cinnamon takes some reddish dark brown.
How do I know which cinnamon I have?
First, the simplest way to tell if your cinnamon is true cinnamon is to check the label. If it says simply “cinnamon” or “cassia,” then you're not dealing with the real stuff here, ladies. In fact, cassia is actually a species similar to true cinnamon, in the same botanical family, but is just tree bark.Are McCormick Cinnamon sticks Ceylon or cassia?
McCormick is a trusted name in the food industry and their company has been around for more than 125 years, so this is the cinnamon that you're probably most familiar with. Because their ground cinnamon is classified as cinnamon cassia the flavor profile will be much stronger and sweeter than Ceylon cinnamon.Does Walmart have Ceylon cinnamon?
Simply Organic Ceylon Cinnamon, Ground 2.08 oz. - Walmart.com.Is Costco cinnamon Cassia or Ceylon?
Does Costco sell Ceylon cinnamon? Ceylon cinnamon products are not available in Costco.Ceylon Cinnamon vs Cassia - Difference Between Ceylon Cinnamon and Cassia Cinnamon
What type of cinnamon is sold in grocery stores?
Almost all cinnamon found in supermarkets is the cassia variety. Cassia has long been used in cooking and in traditional Chinese medicine. Roughly 95% of its oil is cinnamaldehyde, which gives cassia a very strong, spicy flavor ( 3 ).What type of cinnamon is in McCormick ground cinnamon?
The cinnamon bark is harvested directly from the tree—McCormick sources premium quality whole cinnamon, which mitigates the chance for added ingredients and contamination that could be encountered by sourcing a pre-ground product.Does Trader Joe's sell Ceylon cinnamon?
Trader Joe's Spices of the World Ground Cinnamon. Thrive Market Organic Ground Cinnamon. Whole Foods Organic Fair-Trade Ceylon Cinnamon.Which type of cinnamon is healthiest?
Ceylon cinnamon contains all of the health-promoting properties of cinnamon with none of the toxic properties, which is why it's the healthiest type of cinnamon.Can you eat Ceylon cinnamon everyday?
It has been safely used in doses of 0.5-3 grams daily for up to 6 months. But Ceylon cinnamon is possibly unsafe when taken in larger amounts or when used long-term.Why is cassia cinnamon not healthy?
Cassia cinnamon is possibly unsafe when taken in doses larger than 6 grams daily for a long period of time. Cassia cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin. Taking large amounts of coumarin can cause liver damage in some people, especially those who have liver disease.Which type of cinnamon is best for diabetes?
The Bottom LineIf you want to take cinnamon supplements or add it to your meals to help lower your blood sugar, it would be wise to use Ceylon instead of Cassia. It may be more expensive, but Ceylon cinnamon contains more antioxidants and lower amounts of coumarin, which can potentially cause liver damage.