Store-Bought Cinnamon

Desperately Seeking (Great) Cinnamon

Not all cinnamon is created equal. The quality and flavor of pre-ground options vary dramatically depending on the source, variety and method of blending. To find one that delivers great, balanced flavor—suitable for both sweet and savory use—we tested 10 popular brands, from economy labels to premium options.

In the first test, we blended each with sugar and sprinkled it over apples, scoring for aroma, complexity and flavor. In the second, the top four were baked into cinnamon swirl bread to see how they performed in the oven.

Our hands down favorite was Penzeys ($9.29/1.7 ounces). While many spices today brag about being single origin, Penzeys went in the other direction: It’s a blend of four different cinnamons (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korintje and Ceylon), creating a full-spectrum flavor that made all the difference. Tasters called it “highly aromatic,” “warm and cuddly” and “classic,” praising its balance of floral sweetness and bold spice warmth.

Spice Islands ($7.28/1.9 ounces) and Burlap & Barrel ($9.99/1.8 ounces)—both Vietnamese cinnamons—tied for second, offering vibrant aroma and layered flavor. Simply Organic ($5.59/2.5 ounces), which is made from Ceylon cinnamon, also earned a recommendation for its balance and versatility.

In the middle of the pack were Morton & Bassett, Badia and McCormick. All were mild in both aroma and flavor. At the bottom was Frontier, faulted for tasting “dusty and muted.”