Cinnamon Buying Guide: Ceylon, Cassia, Sticks or Powder

Cinnamon is so much more than just a brown powder to sprinkle on apple pie. Between Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon, in stick or ground form, it can be hard to know which to choose to elevate a recipe. Each type and format has its own unique flavour and use.

This guide is here to help you make sense of it all. We'll explain the fundamental differences between the main varieties and offer a selection of the best products to help you find the perfect cinnamon for your needs, whether you're a baker at heart, a curry enthusiast, or a fan of seasonal hot drinks.

How to Choose the Right Cinnamon?

Before you buy, here are the key criteria to consider to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Ceylon or Cassia Cinnamon: A Matter of Taste and Use

There are two main varieties of cinnamon on the market:

• Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Often called “true cinnamon,” it comes from Sri Lanka. Its sticks, made of multiple thin, rolled layers of bark, are particularly brittle. Its flavour is sweet, floral, and complex, making it ideal for baking and delicate desserts where its subtle aroma works wonders.
• Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia): Native to China and Indonesia, this variety is more common and affordable. Its stick is thicker, harder, and formed from a single layer of bark. Its much stronger taste is pungent and robust. Cassia cinnamon is therefore perfect for savoury dishes (curries, tagines) or bold preparations like mulled wine and gingerbread.

2. Cinnamon Stick or Ground Cinnamon: Which Format to Choose?

The choice of format is an important one, as it directly impacts its use in the kitchen.

• The cinnamon stick is perfect for infusions. It slowly releases its aromas into liquids without making them cloudy. Use it to flavour compotes, syrups, teas, and coffees, or simply let it simmer in a saucy dish. A stick can often be reused once or twice.
• Ground cinnamon (or powdered cinnamon) is more convenient for incorporating directly into a recipe. It mixes evenly into cake batters and yoghurts, and can be sprinkled over a dessert or hot drink in an instant. While its aroma is more intense upon opening, it fades more quickly than that of a stick.

Top Cinnamon Picks to Consider

To get you started, here is our selection of products, each tailored for a specific use.

For Fine Pastries: Hein Brand Cinnamon 50g

Why it stands out? This is 100% Ceylon cinnamon, the most renowned variety for its delicate flavour. Its sweet and warm aromatic profile makes it the ingredient of choice for those seeking an elegant taste, without the bitterness sometimes found in Cassia.

Highlights:

• Pure Ceylon Cinnamon: Ideal for delicate recipes.
• Sweet and Aromatic Flavour: Perfect for subtly flavouring desserts, drinks, and delicate dishes.
• No Additives: Contains only dried cinnamon bark.

Who is it for? For home bakers making custards, flans, fruit tarts, or fine biscuits. It's also the perfect choice for infusing a delicate flavour into a hot drink.

For Convenient Everyday Use: Verstegen Cinnamon Ground 37g

Why it stands out? This ground cinnamon is the perfect everyday companion. Ready to use, it can be added to any recipe in an instant. Its resealable jar is a bonus for preserving freshness.

Highlights:

• Ready to Use: No grinding needed, just sprinkle.
• 100% Ground Cinnamon: No artificial colours or preservatives.
• Versatile: Suitable for baking as well as sprinkling on porridge or a cappuccino.

Who is it for? For anyone looking for a quick and effective way to add a touch of cinnamon to their daily meals, from morning porridge to evening dessert.

For Slow-Cooked and Spiced Dishes: TRS Cinnamon Sticks 50G

Why it stands out? These cinnamon sticks are the Cassia variety, recognisable by their bolder, spicier flavour, which can be reminiscent of cloves. This is the ideal format for dishes that require long cooking times.

Highlights:

• Robust Cassia Flavour: Ideal for standing up to other spices in savoury dishes.
• Stick Format: Perfect for infusing into curries, stews, tagines, or mulled wine.
• Good Length: The 8-10 cm sticks are easy to handle and remove from the dish after cooking.

Who is it for? For fans of world cuisine (Indian, North African, Asian...) who enjoy preparing slow-cooked dishes. It's also the perfect choice for spiced winter drinks.

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection covers the most common needs, but the world of cinnamon is much broader. Formats, origins, brands... feel free to explore other options.

? Discover our full range of spicy cinnamon to find the perfect spice for your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon

What is the difference between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon?

The difference is primarily a matter of taste and appearance. Ceylon cinnamon, with its sweet and floral taste, comes in brittle sticks made of multiple thin layers. Cassia cinnamon is stronger and more pungent; its sticks are hard and formed from a single thick layer of bark. Therefore, Ceylon is best reserved for fine desserts, while Cassia is suited for more robust and spicy dishes.

How should I store cinnamon to preserve its aroma?

To best preserve its aromas, store your cinnamon (stick or powder) in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture. A dry, dark cupboard is ideal. Note that ground cinnamon loses its potency more quickly than cinnamon sticks once the package is opened.

Can I use a cinnamon stick instead of ground cinnamon?

Yes, but their uses are not interchangeable. A stick is used to slowly infuse its flavour into a liquid (sauce, syrup, drink). To substitute for powder, you would need to grind it very finely with a spice grinder or a good grater. Conversely, replacing a stick with powder is not recommended in clear liquids, as the powder would make it cloudy and would be nearly impossible to filter out. For dosage, remember that one 6-8 cm stick is roughly equivalent to half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.