• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Summer Yule Nutrition logo

  • Air Fryer Eggs
  • Reviews
  • Recipe Finder
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer Eggs
  • Reviews
  • Recipe Finder
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Air Fryer Eggs
    • Reviews
    • Recipe Finder
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Food Education

    Is Cinnamon Spicy? (What Makes Cinnamon Hot)

    By: Summer Yule · This post may contain affiliate links. · Leave a Comment

    ❤️ Share it on social! ❤️

    ↓ RECIPE ↓ VIDEO
    is cinnamon spicy

    Is cinnamon spicy? The spicy bite and flavor in cinnamon is primarily due to a compound called cinnamaldehyde. There are different types of cinnamon, and true cinnamon (AKA Ceylon cinnamon) is milder than cassia cinnamon, the type most common in US stores. Learn more about cinnamon, including cinnamon health benefits, if you can overdose on cinnamon, and how to use cinnamon powder here.

    cinnamon spicy

    What is cinnamon? Is cinnamon a spice or an herb? Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees (source).

    Most cinnamon is produced in Indonesia and China. However, cuisines across the globe use cinnamon to add flavor and aroma to both sweet and savory dishes. Cinnamon is also used in some traditional medicine practices.

    Jump to:
    • Is cinnamon spicy?
    • Does cinnamon have capsaicin?
    • Is cinnamon spicy or sour?
    • Is cinnamon sweet or salty?
    • Hot Cinnamon Candies
    • What spice balances cinnamon?
    • Health Benefits of Cinnamon
    • Why can’t you eat a spoonful of cinnamon?
    • FAQs
    • How to Cook with Cinnamon
    • 📖 Recipe

    Is cinnamon spicy?

    Yes, cinnamon feels spicy because of its essential oil and the compound cinnamaldehyde.

    Do you like free things?

    Get new recipe ideas biweekly, our 5-Day Air Fryer Quick Start Guide, and more totally FREE exclusive goodies!

    What is the spicy cinnamon called?

    There are more than 4 types of cinnamon, and some are spicier than others. Here is a list of the cinnamon scientific name and common names of plants typically sold as cinnamon (source):

    • Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)
    • Ceylon cinnamon or Sri Lanka cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
    • Indonesian cinnamon or Korintje cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii)
    • Saigon cinnamon or Vietnamese cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi)
    • Malabar cinnamon (Cinnamomum citriodorum)

    Cinnamon types with higher volatile cinnamon oil contain more cinnamaldehyde and will taste spicier. Cassia and Saigon cinnamon have the highest oil content and are the most spicy cinnamon types (source). Korintje has less of a spicy bite, and Ceylon cinnamon is even milder.

    Some other factors that impact how does cinnamon taste include the age the cinnamon bark was harvested and how long the cinnamon is stored. Cinnamon sticks and powder stored for long periods of time may lose their potency.

    Is grocery store cinnamon real?

    Unless it specifies that it’s Ceylon cinnamon, most grocery store cinnamon is a cassia variety. This is a real type of cinnamon from cinnamon bark. There’s some confusion on this topic because Ceylon cinnamon has the nickname “true cinnamon.”

    Though Chinese cinnamon is often referred to as cassia, Indonesian and Saigon cinnamon may also be called cassia (source). These are the types of cinnamon you’re most likely to find in a United States supermarket.

    Is raw cinnamon spicy?

    If you’ve ever shaken cinnamon on oatmeal or used it to top hot chocolate, you know it has a spicy flavor. Depending on the variety, you may also find cinnamon to be sweet, woody, and it may even have a hint of citrus.

    Does cinnamon have capsaicin?

    Yes, according to the American Chemical Society, cinnamon does contain a very small amount of capsaicin. Capsaicin is the compound in chili peppers that makes them hot. We measure the spiciness of hot peppers in Scoville heat units, but we don’t use the Scoville scale for cinnamon.

    Is cinnamon spicy or sour?

    Cinnamon is typically described as warm and spicy, not usually sour.

    Is cinnamon sweet or salty?

    I often see cinnamon described as sweet, but not salty. According to Bon Appetit, Indonesia cassia is the sweetest of the cassia varieties, while Chinese cassia tastes more bitter. Cinnamon is one of a variety of spices that can flavor foods without salt.

    Hot Cinnamon Candies

    Many hot cinnamon candies, like Red Hots, are spicy due to the artificial flavor they contain. They may not contain any natural cinnamon at all.

    Atomic Fireballs contain “artificial flavors including capsicum and cinnamon.”

    What spice balances cinnamon?

    If you need to counteract cinnamon’s spice, Livestrong recommends adding a strong contrasting spice like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, or nutmeg.

    You could also try adding more liquid to the recipe (water, cream, broth, milk, etc.). One final idea is to add more of the recipe’s other ingredients. Some tomatoes or a starch such as potatoes may help balance out the flavor.

    Health Benefits of Cinnamon

    According to the NCCIH, “Studies done in people don’t clearly support using cinnamon for any health condition.” The results of studies using cinnamon to help treat blood sugar levels in diabetes have been unclear. Be sure to let your doctor or registered dietitian know if you add new supplements to your diet, as they can interact with medications.

    There is a lot of misinformation online about the benefits of using cinnamon for health. Cinnamon is generally safe if used in amounts typically used to spice foods. Cinnamon taken in higher amounts may cause unwanted side effects such as GI symptoms.

    Why can’t you eat a spoonful of cinnamon?

    The “cinnamon challenge” (eating a spoonful of cinnamon) is dangerous because it can cause choking, coughing, gagging, or vomiting. If some cinnamon is accidentally inhaled, this can lead to pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and lung damage (source). Just don’t do it!

    does cinnamon taste spicy

    Why does cinnamon make my mouth numb?

    A numb mouth after eating cinnamon in foods could be a mild allergic reaction to this spice. If you’re eating an unusually large amount of cinnamon per day, it could be irritating the tissues in the mouth.

    Why does cinnamon burn my stomach?

    If you’re consuming excessive amounts of cinnamon, it can make you sick and act as an irritant. Normal amounts of cinnamon may trigger acid reflux in certain individuals, and cause an allergic reaction in others. Consult with your physician to get individual recommendations about your diet.

    FAQs

    Can you overdose on cinnamon?

    Cinnamon is a natural source of coumarin, and can interact with blood thinning medications. The small amount of cinnamon in baked goods is generally of little concern, but cinnamon supplements may pose a risk. Ceylon cinnamon contains less natural coumarin than cassia cinnamon (source).

    What flavor cancels out cinnamon?

    The answer to this question depends on the dish you’re making. For example, you might want to add more cumin to fix a mole, or more chili powder in a chili. IMVHO, the best way to fix too much cinnamon is to rescale the recipe, adding more of the other ingredients.

    What’s a good substitute for cinnamon?

    My favorite cinnamon substitute is pumpkin spice, because it contains cinnamon and has a similar flavor. Other spices to experiment with in place of cinnamon include allspice, cloves, or nutmeg.

    Is McCormick cinnamon real cinnamon?

    Is McCormick cinnamon Ceylon or cassia? McCormick cinnamon is cassia cinnamon. According to this response from McCormick, McCormick doesn’t produce Ceylon cinnamon.

    Mexican cinnamon vs regular cinnamon- what's the difference?

    The cinnamon used in Mexico is most commonly Ceylon cinnamon. This is a milder and more floral tasting variety of cinnamon than the cassia cinnamon typically used in the US.

    Why do people put cinnamon on food?

    Most people use cinnamon in cooking because it helps a variety of dishes taste better. Some people use cinnamon for its purported health benefits as well, though the health claims largely have limited scientific support.

    How to Cook with Cinnamon

    Here are some ways to use cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon:

    • Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe
    • Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats
    • Air Fryer Bananas

    You might also enjoy these instructions for Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls.

    Join our community! Subscribe to be kept up-to-date on all of the latest and greatest recipes! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

    📖 Recipe

    Like this recipe?Leave a rating by clicking the ⭐ below!
    is cinnamon spicy

    Is Cinnamon Spicy? (What Makes Cinnamon Hot)

    Summer Yule
    Is cinnamon spicy? Add some to your favorite foods and find out here!
    5 from 1 vote
    Rate Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Food Education
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 2 kcal

    Ingredients

    • ground cinnamon OR
    • cinnamon stick
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Sprinkle a little cinnamon on your food to see how spicy it is. One idea is to add a little ground cinnamon to plain coffee grounds before brewing. You could also make a cinnamon tea with cinnamon sticks.
    • Relax, refresh, and enjoy the cinnamaldehyde that gives cinnamon it's spicy kick!
    Save this Recipe Saved!

    Video

    Notes

    All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
    The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be wildly inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much.
    For more information on how the three recipe levels may help with a weight management goal, refer to my overnight oats no sugar post. Let's get cooking!
     
    Nutrition information is for ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 2kcalCarbohydrates: 0.5gFiber: 0.4gCalcium: 1% DV
    Keywords cinnamon spicy, is cinnamon spicy, spicy cinnamon
    Prefer to watch instead of read?Check out my cooking channel!
    FREE air fryer mini course!Go from air fryer beginner to pro!
    Burning your air fryer recipes?Here's how to fix it!
    is cinnamon spicy

    More Food Education

    • yakult
      Yakult Probiotic Drink (Benefits, Price, Ingredients, more!) 
    • teaspoons in 1:8 cup
      How Many Teaspoons in 1/8 Cup? (1/8c to Tsp)
    • how many teaspoons in a cup
      How Many Teaspoons in a Cup (Convert tsp to Cups)
    • is tupperware safe for microwave
      Is Tupperware Safe for Microwave (Can Plastic be Microwaved)

    ❤️ Share it on social! ❤️

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE HERE!

    Before and After Weight Loss

    Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian who loves to create fun and delicious recipes! Let's make a mess in the kitchen and whip up some good food!

    LEARN MORE

    FOLLOW ME!

    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Youtube

    5 Secrets to Air Fryer Success for Beginners

    Take our FREE air fryer mini e-course that will elevate you from air fryer beginner to air frying pro!

    YES, I WANT IT!

    MAKE THESE!

    • air fryer fried eggs
      Fried Eggs in Air Fryer (Time and Temp)
    • breaded fish
      Frozen Fish in Air Fryer (Breaded Fish Fillets)
    • air fry pork belly with crispy skin
      Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe | Crispy Skin!
    • fat flushing soup recipe
      Fat Flush Soup Recipe

    RECENT POSTS

    • costco pizza
      Costco Pizza (Price, Size, Menu, Options, How to Order, more!) 
    • sugar free custard recipe
      Sugar Free Custard Recipe (Low Sugar Low Carb Custard)
    • slumgullion
      Slumgullion Recipe (American Slumgullion Stew)
    • pork liver recipe
      Pork Liver Recipe (Pig Liver Recipes)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Food & Recipes

    • Recipe Finder
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Crock-Pot
    • Under 30 Minutes

    Special Diets

    • Keto
    • Low-Carb
    • Vegan
    • Low-Calorie
    • High-Calorie

    More Info

    • About
    • Freebies
    • Resources
    • Contact
    • Buy Me a Coffee

    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    Summer Yule Nutrition is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. 


    © 2023 SUMMER YULE MEDIA LLC · DISCLOSURE · IMAGE USE · PRIVACY POLICY · TERMS & CONDITIONS