scored 97/100
Also known as cassia, ceylon cinnamon, cinnamomum, ground cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is an aromatic bark powder exceptionally rich in manganese, calcium, and fiber, with cinnamaldehyde-driven antioxidant and metabolic benefits.
0.5 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 97.
Cinnamon is the ground inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, with Ceylon ('true' cinnamon, C. verum) and Cassia (C. cassia) the two main commercial types. Its defining bioactive is cinnamaldehyde, the volatile oil responsible for its warm aroma and most of its metabolic and antioxidant effects, alongside cinnamic acid, eugenol, and a dense matrix of proanthocyanidin polyphenols that give cinnamon one of the highest antioxidant (ORAC) ratings of any spice. Ground cinnamon is concentrated at about 247 kcal per 100g, providing 4g protein, 81g carbohydrate (an exceptional 53g of it fiber), and just 1.2g fat. Its mineral profile is remarkable: roughly 17.5mg manganese per 100g (well over a full day's worth in a single teaspoon), 1002mg calcium, 8.3mg iron, 60mg magnesium, and 431mg potassium. It also supplies vitamin K, vitamin A, and small amounts of B vitamins. The longevity angle centers on cinnamon's influence on insulin signaling—polyphenols and cinnamaldehyde may improve insulin sensitivity and modestly lower fasting glucose—plus its potent polyphenol antioxidant load that counters oxidative stress. A practical caution: Cassia cinnamon is high in coumarin, which can be hepatotoxic in large daily amounts, so Ceylon is preferred for regular medicinal-scale use. Typical culinary doses are 1-6g daily.
Cinnamaldehyde and type-A proanthocyanidins enhance insulin receptor signaling and slow gastric emptying, modestly lowering postprandial and fasting glucose
Dense proanthocyanidin and cinnamic acid content scavenges free radicals and gives cinnamon among the highest ORAC values of common spices
Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol inhibit NF-κB-driven inflammatory cytokine production
Polyphenols may modestly improve total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while supporting endothelial function
Cinnamon's glucose-modulating effects are most useful when consumed alongside carbohydrate-rich foods to blunt the postprandial spike.
Fasting-compatible
Negligible calories at culinary doses. Limit Cassia cinnamon to small daily amounts due to coumarin content.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower cinnamon (ground) is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Cinnamon (Ground) is classified as a herbs & spices. Ground cinnamon is an aromatic bark powder exceptionally rich in manganese, calcium, and fiber, with cinnamaldehyde-driven antioxidant and metabolic benefits.
Cinnamon (Ground) scores 97/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Calcium, Iron. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 1.1 g of fiber (~4% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 2 g serving, cinnamon (ground) is highest in Manganese (~15% DV).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.5 g of net carbs (1.6 g total minus 1.1 g fiber).
Best in the with carbohydrate-containing meals. Cinnamon's glucose-modulating effects are most useful when consumed alongside carbohydrate-rich foods to blunt the postprandial spike.
A typical serving is around 2 g (~5 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating cinnamon (ground) alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
Cinnamon (Ground) pairs nicely with: Pair with oatmeal or yogurt because cinnamon blunts the glycemic response of carbohydrate-rich foods; Combine with coffee or cocoa because shared polyphenols compound antioxidant intake and reduce the need for added sugar; Add to slow-cooked stews and curries because its volatile oils infuse fat-based dishes evenly during long simmering.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients cinnamon (ground) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients cinnamon (ground)contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.