Cinnamon might spice up lattes and holiday treats, but a recent FDA alert and independent testing are turning up unsettling findings about this pantry staple. Certain ground cinnamon brands—six, in fact—have been flagged for dangerous lead levels¹, spurring a warning to avoid specific lots that could pose health risks, especially for regular consumers.
Following the FDA’s caution, Consumer Reports took a deeper look², analyzing ground cinnamon along with popular spice blends like garam masala and five-spice powder for heavy metal contamination.
The results are concerning: a ranking from safest to most hazardous, with some brands marked for market removal. It’s a stark reminder that even a pinch of spice may come with hidden risks.
1. Sadaf Seven Spice
Sadaf Seven Spice is a blend of seven spices, including cinnamon. It’s used in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, adding warmth and depth to your meals.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 0.15 ppm (parts per million), which is very low. You can safely use up to 1½ teaspoons daily.
2. 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon
365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon is a popular choice for its fresh flavor. It works well in baking, cooking, and making drinks like chai.
- Lead Content: The lead content in this brand is 0.12 ppm, also very low. You can use up to 2 teaspoons daily.
3. Loisa Organic Cinnamon
Loisa Organic Cinnamon is known for its high quality and rich taste. It’s great for adding to oatmeal, desserts, or even savory dishes.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 0.04 ppm, which is excellent. You can use up to 5¾ teaspoons daily.
4. Morton & Bassett San Francisco 100% Organic Ground Cinnamon
Morton & Bassett is famous for its organic spices. Their ground cinnamon has a strong flavor, perfect for baking and cooking.
- Lead Content: This brand also has a lead level of 0.04 ppm, indicating very low lead. You can use up to 6 teaspoons daily.
5. Sadaf Cinnamon Powder
Sadaf Cinnamon Powder is known for its warm flavor and aroma. It’s versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 0.04 ppm, just like Loisa and Morton & Bassett. You can use up to 6¾ teaspoons daily.
6. 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon
This is another option from 365 Whole Foods Market, but it’s organic. It offers a pure cinnamon flavor, ideal for health-conscious cooks.
- Lead Content: The lead content in this brand is the lowest at 0.02 ppm. You can safely use up to 16 teaspoons daily, making it a great choice for cinnamon lovers.
7. Paras Cinnamon Powder*
Paras Cinnamon Powder is known for its strong flavor and aroma. It is often used in cooking and baking for its warm, sweet taste.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 3.52 ppm (parts per million), which is the highest among all brands listed in the Consumer Reports data.
8. EGN Cinnamon Powder*
EGN Cinnamon Powder is another popular choice. It has a good balance of sweetness and spice, making it versatile for various recipes.
- Lead Content: The lead content in this brand is 2.91 ppm, which is higher than than some other options.
9. Mimi’s Products Ground Cinnamon
Mimi’s Products Ground Cinnamon is appreciated for its fresh taste and is often favored by home bakers.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 2.03 ppm, which is lower than both Paras and EGN.
10. Bowl & Basket Ground Cinnamon
Bowl & Basket Ground Cinnamon offers a good flavor for everyday cooking. It is commonly found in grocery stores.
- Lead Content: The lead content in this brand is 1.82 ppm compared to the first three brands.
11. Rani Brand Ground Cinnamon
Rani Brand Ground Cinnamon is known for its quality and rich flavor. It’s often used in traditional recipes.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 1.39 ppm, which is lower than some brands, it’s still best to stay away.
12. Zara Foods Cinnamon Powder
Zara Foods Cinnamon Powder is recognized for its consistent taste and good quality. It is suitable for various culinary uses.
- Lead Content: The lead content here is 1.27 ppm, but it’s still not a safe option.
13. Three Rivers Cinnamon Stick Powder
Three Rivers Cinnamon Stick Powder is made from ground cinnamon sticks. It has a rich flavor and is great for baking, cooking, and even adding to drinks.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 1.26 ppm (parts per million), which can still be toxic.
14. Yu Yee Brand Five Spice Powder
Yu Yee Brand Five Spice Powder is a blend of spices that includes cinnamon. It adds a warm and sweet flavor to many Asian dishes.
- Lead Content: The lead content in this brand is 1.25 ppm, just slightly lower than Three Rivers.
15. BaiLiFeng Five Spice Powder
BaiLiFeng Five Spice Powder is another spice blend that contains cinnamon. It offers a balanced flavor profile, perfect for stir-fries and marinades.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 1.15 ppm, but it’s still essential to be aware of cumulative exposure, as consuming multiple products with lead over time can increase health risks.
16. Spicy King Five Spices Powder
Spicy King Five Spices Powder is known for its strong flavors. It combines cinnamon with other spices for a unique taste in cooking.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 1.05 ppm, but it’s still a good practice to choose brands with lower lead levels whenever possible to minimize any potential toxicity.
17. Badia Cinnamon Powder
Badia Cinnamon Powder is popular for its great taste and versatility. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Lead Content: The lead content in this brand is 1.03 ppm, but even low levels of lead can accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to health issues.
18. Deep Cinnamon Powder
Deep Cinnamon Powder is known for its strong aroma and rich flavor. It is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
- Lead Content: This brand has a lead level of 1.02 ppm, however, it’s wise to choose products with the lowest lead content possible to further reduce any risk of toxicity.
With some brands showing elevated lead levels, consumers need to be careful about what they choose. According to Consumer Reports, the brands ranked as the “best to use” are safe options, while those labeled “do not use” should be avoided.
Always check for the latest information to keep your food safe and healthy.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.