If you use cinnamon in your oatmeal, coffee, baking, smoothies, or tea, you may be surprised to learn that not all cinnamon is the same.
At Life Essentials Refillery in South Tampa, we carry Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called “true cinnamon.” It has a lighter, more delicate flavor than the cinnamon many people are used to buying at the grocery store.
But flavor isn't the only reason people seek it out.
Here's what makes Ceylon cinnamon different, its potential benefits, and where you can find Ceylon cinnamon in Tampa, Florida.
What Is Ceylon Cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. It is native to Sri Lanka and is sometimes called true cinnamon.
Most inexpensive cinnamon sold in U.S. grocery stores is cassia cinnamon. Cassia has the bold, spicy cinnamon flavor many of us grew up with.
Ceylon cinnamon is different.
It tends to be:
- Mild and slightly sweet
- Less sharp than cassia cinnamon
- Delicate and fragrant
- Lower in coumarin than cassia cinnamon
That last difference is one of the biggest reasons people specifically look for Ceylon cinnamon.
Ceylon Cinnamon vs. Regular Cinnamon
When someone says "regular cinnamon," they're often talking about cassia cinnamon.
Both are real types of cinnamon, but they come from different plants and have different flavor profiles.
Ceylon cinnamon has a mild, complex and slightly sweet flavor.
Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, hotter and more intense cinnamon flavor.
Another important difference is coumarin, a naturally occurring plant compound.
Cassia cinnamon generally contains much more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon. Because consuming high amounts of coumarin over time can be a concern, some people who use cinnamon frequently prefer Ceylon cinnamon.
What Are the Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon?
Cinnamon has been studied for several possible health benefits. While cinnamon isn't a treatment or cure for a health condition, there are some interesting reasons to include it as part of a varied diet.
1. Ceylon Cinnamon Contains Antioxidants
Cinnamon naturally contains plant compounds with antioxidant activity.
Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress. Eating a variety of plant foods, herbs and spices is an easy way to add different plant compounds to your diet.
And cinnamon happens to taste pretty great while doing it!
2. Ceylon Cinnamon Is Naturally Lower in Coumarin
This is one of the biggest differences between Ceylon and cassia cinnamon.
Both contain coumarin, but Ceylon cinnamon typically contains much less.
If you're someone who uses cinnamon regularly, this may be an important reason to choose Ceylon cinnamon.
3. Cinnamon May Support Healthy Blood Sugar
Cinnamon has been studied for its possible effects on blood glucose and insulin sensitivity.
Research results are mixed, and cinnamon should not replace medication or medical care. However, its possible role in metabolic health continues to be studied.
If you have diabetes, take medication, are pregnant, or are considering using large amounts of cinnamon for health purposes, talk with your healthcare provider.
4. Cinnamon Has Natural Plant Compounds
Cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols.
Researchers have studied these compounds for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
That doesn't mean a spoonful of cinnamon is medicine. It simply means cinnamon is more than a way to make your oatmeal taste delicious.
What Does Ceylon Cinnamon Taste Like?
If you're expecting the very strong cinnamon flavor found in cinnamon candy, Ceylon cinnamon may surprise you.
It's softer.
Think warm, lightly sweet, fragrant and delicate rather than hot and spicy.
That makes it especially good when you want cinnamon to complement your food instead of overpowering it.
How Can You Use Ceylon Cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon is incredibly easy to add to foods you already eat.
Try it in:
- Oatmeal
- Overnight oats
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Coffee
- Tea
- Chai
- Pancakes and waffles
- French toast
- Apples
- Sweet potatoes
- Granola
- Muffins
- Cookies
- Homemade spice blends
You can also experiment with cinnamon in savory dishes. It pairs especially well with lentils, chickpeas, squash and many Middle Eastern, North African and Indian-inspired dishes.
Where Can I Buy Ceylon Cinnamon in Tampa?
You can find Ceylon cinnamon at Life Essentials Refillery in South Tampa.
We're a local refill and bulk store where you can shop for spices, herbs, teas, pantry foods and everyday refill products while reducing unnecessary packaging.
Life Essentials Refillery
4317 W El Prado Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
We serve customers throughout South Tampa, Tampa Bay, Carrollwood, Citrus Park, North Tampa, Brandon, Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities.
If you've been searching for Ceylon cinnamon near me, bulk spices in Tampa, spices in South Tampa, or a refill store in Tampa, come see us.
Bring your own clean container or use one of the options available in the store.
Why Buy Spices in Bulk?
Buying spices in bulk has one very simple benefit:
You can buy what you actually need.
Trying Ceylon cinnamon for the first time? You don't necessarily need to commit to a big jar.
Need a lot for holiday baking? Buy more.
Already have a perfectly good spice jar at home? Refill it instead of buying another one.
Bulk shopping can help reduce packaging while giving you more control over how much you purchase.
That's exactly what we love about it.
Ceylon Cinnamon FAQ
Is Ceylon cinnamon the same as regular cinnamon?
Not usually. Most cinnamon commonly sold in U.S. grocery stores is cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon comes from Cinnamomum verum and has a lighter, sweeter flavor.
Why is Ceylon cinnamon called true cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon is often called "true cinnamon" because Cinnamomum verum literally translates to "true cinnamon." That doesn't mean cassia cinnamon is fake. They're simply different types of cinnamon.
Is Ceylon cinnamon healthier than cassia cinnamon?
Both can be part of a healthy diet. One important difference is that Ceylon cinnamon generally contains much less coumarin than cassia cinnamon. This can make Ceylon especially appealing to people who consume cinnamon frequently.
Does Ceylon cinnamon help with blood sugar?
Cinnamon has been studied for its possible effects on blood glucose and insulin sensitivity, but research results vary. Cinnamon shouldn't be used as a replacement for diabetes medication or medical treatment.
Does Ceylon cinnamon contain coumarin?
Yes, but Ceylon cinnamon typically contains much lower amounts of coumarin than cassia cinnamon.
What is Ceylon cinnamon good for?
Ceylon cinnamon is a flavorful way to season oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, coffee, tea, baked goods and savory dishes. It also naturally contains antioxidant plant compounds.
Can I use Ceylon cinnamon for baking?
Absolutely. You can substitute Ceylon cinnamon in recipes that call for cinnamon. Just remember that its flavor is usually more delicate than cassia cinnamon.
Where can I buy Ceylon cinnamon in Tampa?
Ceylon cinnamon is available at Life Essentials Refillery, 4317 W El Prado Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629, in South Tampa.
Can I buy just a small amount?
That's one of the benefits of shopping for spices in bulk. You can purchase an amount that makes sense for you instead of automatically buying another full spice jar.
Where can I buy bulk spices in South Tampa?
Life Essentials Refillery carries bulk spices, herbs, teas and pantry staples at 4317 W El Prado Blvd in Tampa, Florida. Our refill model allows customers to purchase the amount they need while helping reduce unnecessary packaging.
Come Refill Your Spice Jar
If Ceylon cinnamon has been sitting on your "I really want to try that" list, stop by and give it a smell.
You might discover that your regular grocery-store cinnamon has some serious competition.
And while you're here, explore our collection of bulk spices, herbs, teas and pantry staples.
Small changes—like refilling a spice jar instead of buying another one—can add up to a lot less waste.
That's what we're here for.
Life Essentials Refillery
4317 W El Prado Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
Good food. Less waste. Buy what you need and refill what you already have.