Is McCormick cinnamon real cinnamon?

Yes, McCormick cinnamon is real cinnamon, but it's typically the Cassia variety (often Saigon or Indonesian) rather than Ceylon cinnamon, which is considered "true" cinnamon by some but both come from the cinnamon tree genus (Cinnamomum). Cassia offers a stronger, spicier flavor, common in U.S. baking, while Ceylon (found in McCormick's Gourmet Organic Saigon line) is milder, but all are authentic forms of cinnamon.

Is McCormick cinnamon pure cinnamon?

Our stringent safety practices and natural cleaning process ensures pure cinnamon flavor, with no added fillers. Dried cinnamon is uniquely packed & shipped to control moisture level and mold. Once it reaches our facilities, it is naturally cleaned and packaged in our spice mill and packaging facilities.

Is store bought cinnamon real cinnamon?

Yes, store-bought cinnamon is real cinnamon, but most of what's sold in U.S. supermarkets is the cheaper, stronger Cassia variety (Cinnamomum cassia), not Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum), often called "true" cinnamon, which is sweeter, more delicate, and harder to find. Both come from cinnamon trees, but Cassia (from Indonesia, China, Vietnam) has a bolder, spicier flavor and higher coumarin, while Ceylon (from Sri Lanka, Mexico) is lighter and has less coumarin, making it better for daily use, notes this YouTube video and EatingWell. 

Where does McCormick get their cinnamon from?

McCormick cinnamon primarily comes from Indonesia, where it's sourced as cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), the most common type in the U.S., with facilities for cleaning and sorting located there for quality control, though their premium Saigon cinnamon originates from Vietnam. The company uses its own on-the-ground presence in Indonesia to ensure quality, testing bark from numerous farmers and processing it in their own facilities before grinding into powder or keeping as sticks.
 

Is McCormick cinnamon ok to use?

Yes, McCormick cinnamon is generally considered safe for typical use, as independent testing found lead levels well below FDA limits, and the brand itself confirmed it's not part of recent high-lead recalls, though it's still recommended for occasional baking rather than daily consumption due to cassia's coumarin content, especially for children or medicinal purposes.
 

Real cinnamon vs Fake cinnamon

What's the safest brand of cinnamon?

The six posing the lowest risk in our tests are 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon, 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon, Loisa Organic Cinnamon, Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Ground Cinnamon, Sadaf Cinnamon Powder, and Sadaf Seven Spice blend.

Which McCormick spices have heavy metals?

McCormick spices have faced lawsuits and consumer scrutiny over heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium) found in products like basil, ginger, oregano, paprika, and turmeric, based on a 2021 Consumer Reports study. While lawsuits were dismissed on technicalities (e.g., puffery claims), McCormick maintains product safety through sourcing and testing, emphasizing Good Agricultural Practices, but offers limited public testing data. Heavy metals enter spices naturally from soil, water, and processing, but contamination can also occur from industrial pollution or intentional adulteration.
 

How do I know if my cinnamon is ceylon or Cassia?

You can tell Ceylon from Cassia cinnamon by its appearance (Ceylon is light brown, thin, layered; Cassia is dark reddish-brown, thick, single curl), texture (Ceylon is brittle; Cassia is hard), and smell/taste (Ceylon is sweet/floral; Cassia is strong/spicy), though ground versions are hard to tell apart visually, with the label usually being your best guide—if it doesn't say "Ceylon," it's likely Cassia.
 

Why is McCormick warning customers to check their spices?

When spices age, they lose their flavor so adding old spices to your dishes is pretty pointless. McCormick recommends making sure your spices have a strong aroma and taste, and a vibrant color. You should also replace them every three years.

What does the Bible say about using cinnamon?

The Bible mentions cinnamon as a precious spice used for sacred anointing oil (Exodus 30:23), in luxurious perfumes for seduction (Proverbs 7:17), as a symbol of love and beauty in the Song of Solomon (Song of Solomon 4:14), and as a valuable trade commodity in Babylon (Revelation 18:13). It signifies holiness, wealth, beauty, and allure across different biblical texts. 

What does blowing cinnamon in your doorway do?

Blowing cinnamon in your doorway, often on the first of the month, is a popular folk ritual for attracting abundance, prosperity, good luck, and positive energy into your home for the month ahead, with practitioners visualizing their desires as they blow the spice from their hand into their home. Rooted in ancient symbolism where cinnamon represented wealth and power, this practice involves taking cinnamon powder, holding it in your palm at your front door, stating an intention or mantra, and blowing it inwards to invite good fortune. 

Is cinnamon basically sawdust?

No, cinnamon is not sawdust; it's the dried, ground inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, but its fine, woody texture and insolubility in water often make people think it's sawdust, though pure cinnamon contains no actual wood particles. Sawdust is inedible wood residue, while cinnamon is a spice rich in cinnamaldehyde, giving it flavor, though contamination with actual sawdust (a form of fraud) can happen and is harmful, according to the FDA and National Institutes of Health.
 

How to identify fake cinnamon?

"Real" cinnamon (Ceylon) is delicate, light brown, subtly sweet, and rolls into thin, multi-layered quills that crumble easily, while "fake" or common cinnamon (Cassia) is darker reddish-brown, stronger/spicier, and forms thick, hard, single-rolled sticks that are tough to break. Cassia is cheaper and more common but contains more coumarin, a compound that can be harmful in large doses, making Ceylon a healthier choice for regular consumption.
 

Do McCormick spices come from China?

Since 1989, McCormick China has outgrown two facilities and become one of the most important markets for McCormick and Company, Inc. The company manufactures spices and herbs at its new Shanghai facility which opened in October 2017, and condiments, salad dressings, and jams at its Guangzhou plant.

Who should not use Ceylon cinnamon?

Prolonged use of cassia cinnamon could be an issue for sensitive people, such as those with liver disease. Ceylon cinnamon may contain a trace amount of coumarin. Some types of topical cinnamon oil or powder may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis, according to reports.

Which brand of cinnamon powder is best?

The "best" cinnamon powder depends on your needs: Ceylon (true cinnamon) from brands like Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic, or Burlap & Barrel is best for everyday mild, sweet flavor; while Saigon/Vietnamese (like Penzey's or Kirkland) offers bold, spicy richness for baking; and McCormick is a classic, affordable Cassia option, though always check for low lead levels from brands like Consumer Reports.
 

Should I throw away my McCormick spices?

Here's a rough guideline on the life of those seasonings in your kitchen: Indefinite: Vanilla extract, salt, and that's about it. (Other extracts will fade in 2-3 years). Whole spices (unground, such as peppercorns, whole allspice, caraway seeds, and more): 3-4 years.

What is the #1 spice in the world?

The number one spice in the world by usage and trade is Black Pepper, often called the "King of Spices," used ubiquitously across global cuisines and a significant driver in the spice market. While Saffron is the most expensive, black pepper's widespread demand, versatility, and historical importance place it at the top in terms of popularity and global consumption.
 

What spice brands are free of heavy metals?

While no brand guarantees zero heavy metals, major brands like McCormick, Spice Islands, Simply Organic, Great Value (Walmart), Morton & Bassett, Trader Joe's, and Kirkland Signature (Costco) generally show lower levels in consumer tests, with some even lab-testing for purity, but it's best to use a variety and replace old spices (over 1-2 years) for best results, as Consumer Reports testing found concerning levels in some popular items, even organic ones.
 

What is the safest cinnamon to buy?

The safest cinnamon to buy is Ceylon cinnamon for regular, larger consumption due to its low coumarin content, while specific brands tested by Consumer Reports offer the lowest lead risk for cassia, including 365 Whole Foods Market, Loisa Organic, Morton & Bassett, and Sadaf. Always look for "Ceylon cinnamon" (Cinnamomum verum) if you use a lot, and for cassia, prioritize brands that provide third-party testing for lead, like Red Ape Cinnamon.
 

Is McCormick cinnamon: Ceylon or Cassia?

McCormick cinnamon is Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), the most common type in the U.S., known for its strong, spicy flavor, primarily sourced from Indonesia and Vietnam (often labeled as Saigon), not the milder, sweeter Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum) from Sri Lanka, though McCormick does offer a specialty Ceylon option.
 

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive cinnamon?

Understanding Why Cinnamon Prices Can Vary So Much

There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true cinnamon", is more delicate and slightly sweeter. It is usually more expensive because it grows in smaller regions like Sri Lanka.

Is there lead in McCormick cinnamon?

Yes, McCormick cinnamon contains lead, but generally at levels considered lower risk than many other brands, though some specific lots were subject to FDA alerts; it's a mainstream brand deemed "okay to use" in moderation by some reports (around 0.23 ppm), but it's important to check for specific recalled lot codes (starting with G518, G519, G520) and be aware that lead is naturally present in cinnamon and can vary significantly by brand, with some having much higher levels.
 

What is the lawsuit against McCormick spices?

McCormick & Co. consumers dropped their proposed class action alleging the company deceptively advertised spices that could contain heavy metals. The notice of voluntary dismissal was filed Monday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

What is the unhealthiest spice?

Saffron is a potent spice often used in flavoring Indian, Middle Eastern, European, and Mediterranean meals. But watch out because consuming more than 5 grams of Saffron can be toxic. Too much is known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Pregnant women should avoid saffron due to the risk of miscarriage.