90% Use Fake Cinnamon? Nutritionist Explains How to Spot Ceylon vs Cassia
- pradeep
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
That cinnamon stick in your chai may not be the variety you think it is.
Ahmedabad-based nutritionist Kiran Kukreja says many people in India use cassia while assuming it is “true cinnamon”. In an Instagram video cited by Hindustan Times, she claimed that “90 percent” of people make this mistake. Hindustan Times notes that the claim comes from user-generated social media content and was not independently verified.
What’s the Difference?
Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon look similar at first glance, but they differ in texture and chemical composition.
According to Kukreja, Ceylon cinnamon is made up of multiple thin, delicate, paper-like layers, while cassia is typically thicker and harder.
Why Cassia Can Be a Concern
The main issue highlighted in the report is coumarin, a naturally occurring compound.
Kukreja says cassia contains much more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon, and regularly consuming large amounts may pose a risk to liver health.
How to Spot “True” Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is generally softer, more fragile and made of several thin rolled layers.
Cassia tends to appear as a thicker, harder piece of bark with fewer layers. That visual difference can help shoppers distinguish between the two varieties.
Who Should Pay Extra Attention?
Kukreja particularly recommends checking the variety if you consume cinnamon regularly for reasons such as blood sugar management, PCOS or insulin resistance.
She suggests Ceylon cinnamon may be the better option for frequent use because of its lower coumarin content.
The Important Disclaimer
This does not mean cassia is literally “fake cinnamon”. Cassia is a genuine spice from the cinnamon family, but it is different from Ceylon cinnamon, which is often marketed as “true cinnamon”.
The Hindustan Times report is based on a nutritionist’s social media claims and explicitly states that it has not independently verified them. It also advises readers not to treat the article as a substitute for professional medical guidance.
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