Ceylon Cinnamon vs Cassia Cinnamon: What's the Difference?

Cinnamon is a common spice found in most kitchens, yet it's also a remarkable natural ingredient and underrated superfood valued for far more than its flavour.

The compounds in Cinnamon

Rich in antioxidants and traditionally used in many cultures for its wellness benefits, Cinnamon's distinctive aroma and warm taste come from a naturally occurring compound called cinnamaldehyde. This compound is believed to contribute to many of cinnamon's beneficial properties and its role in supporting overall health and metabolism.

Cinnamon also has a naturally occurring compound called coumarin. While coumarin can also contribute to the spice's flavour, it has also been studied for its damaging effects on our health, with strict daily limits enforced by European health agencies.

Did you know there are different variations of cinnamon with very different flavour
profiles and health benefits? Let's explore the differences and why Planet Organic chooses only Ceylon Cinnamon, also known as True Cinnamon, or by its botanical name Cinnamonum zeylanicum.

Cassia Cinnamon - the common supermarket cinnamon

Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Cassia) is the most common type you will find at your local supermarkets. Grown and sourced from Southeast Asia and Southern China at high quantities, this cinnamon is pungent, strong and can often be bitter.

Cassia cinnamon also contains a significantly higher amount of coumarin, compared to Ceylon Cinnamon. Although its a naturally occurring, fragrant compound, it can be harmful when consumed regularly in high amounts. In fact, Cassia can contain nearly 250 times more coumarin than Ceylon, depending on the supply!

True Ceylon Cinnamon - the Planet Organic choice

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamonum zeylanicum) often has a delicate flavour profile, often sweeter, with notes of citrus. Less commonly grown than Cassia, Ceylon is natively grown in Sri Lanka.

Often referred to as True Cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon naturally contains minimal to no coumarin, making it the preferred choice for those who enjoy cinnamon regularly.

At Planet Organic, we only source our 100% Organic Ceylon Cinnamon directly from Sri Lanka, where it has traditionally grown for centuries! It is then quality-checked, hand-weighed and packed, right here on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

Each batch is independently tested for heavy metals such as Lead & Arsenic to ensure it's safe for everyday use. All of the Planet Organic products are also approved by the Australian Certified Organic certification body, to ensure the Ceylon Cinnamon you receive is approved from the growers all the way to your final product.

Ways to enjoy Ceylon Cinnamon

Loved for the warm, rich flavour it brings to both sweet and savoury dishes, Ceylon Cinnamon is one of the world's most versatile spices.

Stir through your morning oats, yogurts, cereals, etc.
Sprinkle over your coffee or hot chocolate.
Add to baking, including muffins, banana bread, and apple pie.
Brew a comforting cup of cinnamon tea.
Incorporate into your favourite savoury dish, such as curries, soups and stews.

Check out all our amazing recipes here

Heard about its powerful health benefits?

True Ceylon Cinnamon has traditionally been used for centuries for a variety of health benefits. We hear it almost every day from our amazing community on how it has helped them.

Exciting new insights in the research field are always developing and while commonly used in Asian traditional medicines for cold, flu and digestive support, Ceylon Cinnamon has also been investigated for its effects on blood sugar levels.

However, as our Ceylon Cinnamon is not sold as a supplement, we always recommend you speak with a registered dietitian or your preferred medical professional for more information about ways to add Ceylon Cinnamon to your diet and the possible health benefits based on your individual circumstances.