Cinnamon isn’t a spice, it’s a hug in a hot bowl or a slice of sweet baked love, from warm desserts to spicy curries. Deeply aromatic and infinitely versatile, it’s the go-to in every global kitchen, evoking memories of holiday cookies and coffee breakfasts. Take a look at 12 cinnamon products and blends and see that this spice is a kitchen superstar, whether you bake, cook, or drink with it.
The world of cinnamon is more diverse than you’d think, and each type has its own personality. Ceylon provides the sweetness and floral scent, and Saigon provides the strength and spice. No matter your taste and cooking requirements, there is a cinnamon to be found for you. We tested out the best budget-friendly options and luxury treats to help guide you in finding your perfect partner.
Regardless of whether you’re sprinkling it on bread or adding it to a stew, cinnamon brings heat and depth to each taste. This tour of 12 finalists will take you straight to the ideal cinnamon for your kitchen. Get ready to get acquainted with the spice that makes every meal home.
1. Frontier Co-Op Korintje: The Baking All-Star
Frontier Co-Op’s Korintje cinnamon is a baking force to be reckoned with, with strong flavor that makes everything from cinnamon toast to snickerdoodles sublime. This Indonesian variety has just the right balance of warmth and spice, making it our winner in blind taste tests. It’s the kind of cinnamon that is like having a warm childhood memory.
Tasters were fond of its “warm and sweet” flavor with a little zip of heat, perfect for classic American desserts. It’s strong yet delicate, adding a depth that puts other cassia varieties to shame. This is the cinnamon used in Cinnabon’s signature aroma, and it’s easy to see why.
- Bold and Balanced: Offers a warm, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Baking Essential: Best for cookies, cakes, and breakfast rolls.
- Widely Loved: Brings the old-fashioned cinnamon taste we remember.
Home cook, or dessert aficionado, Frontier Co-Op Korintje is a must-have. It takes simple recipes and turns them into unforgettably delightful treats. This spice is your ticket to baking euphoria.
2. Burlap & Barrel Royal Cinnamon: The Flavor Powerhouse
Burlap & Barrel Royal Cinnamon, an upscale Saigon variety, wowed us with its rich, complex flavor. It costs more than most, but judges called it “worth the splurge” for its bold, intricate taste. This cinnamon turns each meal into a flavor adventure.
Its faint sweetness and warm spice shone in snickerdoodle cookies, leaving tasters hungry for more. Notes of nuttiness and bitterness add depth, making it ideal for both sweet and savory dishes. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite.
This Saigon cinnamon is a punch, perfect for those who love strong flavors. It is not just a spice it is an experience that deepens every meal. For special occasions or everyday indulgence, this is a champion.
3. McCormick Ground Cinnamon: The Dependable Classic
McCormick Ground Cinnamon is the cozy, comforting flavor that never goes out of style. This Chinese cassia variety brings the classic, spicy flavor most of us associate with cinnamon. It’s the taste of your youth, in a bottle for everyday use.
Value for money and versatile, McCormick works wonders in cookies as well as curries. “Strong cinnamon taste” with pepper finish makes it suitable for both desserts and meals. Large size with dual dispenser makes it last for months.
- Great Value: Great value at a reasonable price for heavy-duty use.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for baking, cooking, or even adding to blends.
- Trusted Flavor: The real cinnamon taste you adore.
McCormick’s reliability makes it a pantry staple that any cook needs. It’s proof you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for fantastic flavor. This cinnamon’s always ready to deliver.
4. Happy Belly Ground Cinnamon: The Budget Firecracker
Happy Belly Ground Cinnamon, an Amazon-branded product, grabs robust Saigon flavor at a budget-friendly price. Spicy, hot kick with little sugar makes it a champion for use in bold dishes. Don’t let the low price tag fool you this cinnamon bites back.
Tasters loved its “spicy and hot” taste, perfect for those who want to have a good cinnamon bite. It’s conveniently available everywhere and perfect for everyday cooking or baking. Just use it judiciously due to its coumarin composition.
This cinnamon is a cost star for providing great flavor on the cheap. It’s an appeal to recall that great flavor doesn’t need to be pricey. For spicy cinnamon lovers, Happy Belly is a victor.
5. Kirkland Ground Saigon Cinnamon: The Bulk Bargain
Kirkland’s Ground Saigon Cinnamon, twin-bottled, is a convenient bulk-buy option. Spicy Saigon with just a touch of sweetness, this store-only Costco product is perfect for bakers who like to make things regularly. Double-packing gives you one bottle with freshness while using the other.
Tasters detected its “somewhat sweeter” taste among other varieties of Saigon, with a strong aromatic kick. It’s versatile for baking, cooking, or potpourri. Just use with caution of its coumarin content for repeated use.
- Bulk Value: Two bottles yield long-term supply and freshness.
- Aromatic Power: Perfect for both kitchen and non-food purposes like crafts.
- Sweet and Spicy: Offers strong flavor plus a hint of sweetness.
Kirkland’s cinnamon is an easy option for those who love bold flavor in excess. It’s a pantry essential, and one that delivers quality and value. This is an absolute necessity for cinnamon enthusiasts.
6. Simply Organic Ceylon Cinnamon: The Sweet Sophisticate
Simply Organic Ceylon Cinnamon, an actual cinnamon from Sri Lanka, is sweeter and milder in flavor than cassia kin. Floral, nigh-citrusy in flavor, it is an unusual spice for adventurous palates. Others love it; others prefer the stronger kinds it’s a love-or-hate spice.
Tasters described it as “sweet and cinnamony” with hints of cardamom and pink peppercorn. Its low coumarin content makes it ideal for everyday use or healthy dishes. This cinnamon brings an air of sophistication to baked goods.
For someone who wants a light, elegant flavor, Simply Organic Ceylon is a gem. It’s great for recipes where subtlety is more important than pungent spice. This cinnamon brings elegance to any dish.
7. FGO Organic Cinnamon Sticks: The Steeping Star
FGO Organic Cinnamon Sticks bring a pop of color and taste to your kitchen. Indonesian Korintje sticks, more than 100 per bag, are great for steeping in tea or mulled wine. Their spicy, warm flavor brings homey depth to foods.
Their reddish-brown hue makes them a gorgeous garnish for cocktails or desserts. They won’t give beverages a powdery look, unlike ground cinnamon, since they add a clean, scented infusion. They’re also great for making things like potpourri or holiday decorations.
- Multi-Use Value: Infuse, fry, or garnish.
- Organic Quality: USDA-certified and non-GMO for considerate chefs.
- Visual Appeal: Adds a homey aspect to drinks and food.
FGO sticks are a great alternative for ground cinnamon, with flavor and flair. They’re every creative chef’s essential. These sticks make every dish special.
8. FreshJax Maple Cinnamon Topping: The Sweet-Savory Blend
FreshJax Maple Cinnamon Topping reimagines cinnamon with a groundbreaking blend of cinnamon, maple syrup, palm sugar, and sea salt. This rough powder provides a delicate cinnamon flavor with an intense, seductive scent. It’s a complete game-changer for sweet and savory uses alike.
Shake it on oatmeal, toast, or even ice cream for a salty-sweet delight. Sea salt enhances the world’s good savory food, and this blend is totally flexible. Tasters enjoyed how it upgraded plain foods of robust flavors.
This is the perfect topping for chefs who love creative experimentation with powerful combinations. It’s a reminder that cinnamon has uses other than traditional use. FreshJax brings creativity to every sprinkle.
9. Burma Spice Ceylon Ground Cinnamon: The Real Cinnamon Gem
Burmese Spice Ceylon Ground Cinnamon offers the authentic taste of “true cinnamon” of Sri Lanka. Its light, sweet taste and subtle floral scent are different from pungent cassia varieties. This spice is a refined choice for those with refined palates.
Whereas harder cassia bark is hard to mill at home, Ceylon’s softness mills easily at home, though Burma Spice also sells it pre-milled. Its low coumarin content is best for high-frequency use or health recipes. Its mild, subtle notes were a favorite among tasters.
- Mild and Sweet: Ideal for light desserts or healthy recipes.
- Premium Quality: Grown in Sri Lanka to maintain traditional flavor.
- Versatile Usage: Brings polish to both sweet and savory dishes.
This Ceylon cinnamon is a must-have for those who appreciate delicacy over brute strength. It’s a classy spice that adds a splash of polish. Burma Spice elevates your cooking.
10. Penzeys Spices Vietnamese Cinnamon: The Potent Premium
Penzeys Spices Vietnamese Cinnamon, a Saigon variety, offers unparalleled potency in a compact jar. Its sweet-spicy taste and bold aroma make it a premium option for bold dishes. Although pricey, its quality justifies the cost.
Tasters found it sweeter and spicier than other Saigon cinnamons and perfect for dinner-party main courses. Its high oil percentage delivers a zesty flavor that lingers. Use sparingly due to it having more coumarin.
This cinnamon is for people who want the best at any price. It’s a little money for lots of flavor in your recipes and cooking. Penzeys brings a spice worth sharing.
11. Naturevibe Botanicals Organic Cassia Sticks: The Sweet Stirrer
Naturevibe Botanicals Cassia Sticks infuse hot beverages and foods with rich, sweet flavor. Chinese cassia 4-inch sticks are great to use as a garnish or stirrer, providing heat and aroma. Their USDA organic certification ensures quality and purity.
Stronger and sweeter than most sticks, Naturevibe’s are wonderful to use to bring depth of flavor to beverages or to savory stocks. Their length is convenient for use in recipe preparation and as a decor element. Tasters loved their nice, comforting cinnamon taste.
These sticks are a perfect choice for cooks who pay attention to taste and aesthetics. They transform ordinary beverages into comforting experiences. Naturevibe’s cassia sticks are a must-have in any kitchen.
12. Frontier Co-Op Ground Ceylon Cinnamon: The Subtle Sweetheart
Frontier Co-Op Ground Ceylon Cinnamon presents a floral, sweet option to their robust Korintje. Their “true cinnamon” adds a delicate, light taste that’s perfect for fine sweets. Subtleness won over many testers.
With minimal coumarin content, it is ideal for everyday use or health-oriented recipes. The tasters described it as being “sweet and cinnamony,” with subtlety that is perfectly complemented by cookies and cakes. It is a refined choice for dainty flavor lovers.
This Ceylon cinnamon teaches us that sometimes less is more when it comes to spice. It is perfect for bakers who want a light, refined subtlety. Frontier Co-Op introduces us to a spice that sings.
