Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) are often sold under the same name, but they differ in coumarin content, flavour, price, and regulatory status in the EU. This guide explains what importers and buyers must know before sourcing.
Ceylon Cinnamon vs Cassia: What Importers Must Know
Cinnamon is one of the most traded spices globally, yet most of what is sold as "cinnamon" in supermarkets around the world is actually cassia — a closely related but distinct species. For importers, food manufacturers, and retailers, understanding the difference is not just a quality matter — it has legal and regulatory implications.
The Key Differences
| Feature | Ceylon Cinnamon (True) | Cassia |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Cinnamomum verum | Cinnamomum cassia / aromaticum |
| Origin | Sri Lanka | China, Vietnam, Indonesia |
| Coumarin Content | Very low (<0.004%) | High (0.3–0.9%) |
| Texture | Thin, multi-layered quills | Thick, hard bark |
| Flavour | Delicate, mildly sweet | Strong, pungent |
| Colour | Light tan / golden brown | Dark reddish brown |
| Price | Premium | Commodity |
Coumarin and EU Regulations
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.1 mg/kg body weight for coumarin. Because cassia contains up to 250 times more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon, the EU limits coumarin levels in food products. Ceylon cinnamon is exempt from these restrictions. For EU-bound food manufacturers, switching to Ceylon cinnamon eliminates compliance risk.
How to Identify Genuine Ceylon Cinnamon
- Visual check: Ceylon quills have thin layers rolled like a cigar; cassia is a single thick tube.
- Lab test: Request a Certificate of Analysis showing coumarin content below 0.004%.
- Origin certificate: Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) phytosanitary certificates confirm origin.
- Grade: Ceylon cinnamon grades — Alba, C5 Special, C4, M4, M5, H1, H2 — have no cassia equivalents.
Sourcing Ceylon Cinnamon for Export
Ceylon Aroma exports certified Ceylon cinnamon in all standard grades from Alba (finest) to H1/H2 (bulk export). MOQs start at 50 kg per grade. All shipments include a Certificate of Origin, phytosanitary certificate, and Certificate of Analysis.