Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular spice that comes from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum family. After the bark is harvested, it dries and curls into rolls called quills, which can be used whole or ground into a powder.

Manufacturers add cinnamon to foods primarily for its warm, sweet, and sometimes spicy flavor. It is a common ingredient in baked goods, desserts, breakfast cereals, and certain savory dishes.

In the United States, cinnamon is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a spice and flavoring. At typical intake levels found in foods, it is considered safe for most people. Some types of cinnamon, particularly Cassia cinnamon, contain a natural compound called coumarin. While very high doses of coumarin have been studied for potential liver effects, these levels are generally much higher than what is consumed through normal food use. JECFA has evaluated coumarin.