4 Top Cinnamon Substitutes You Should Know About

Cinnamon has been a beloved spice in kitchens across the world for centuries. It’s no surprise, considering cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree genus with a rich history of culinary use.

There are two main varieties of cinnamon: Ceylon and Vietnamese. The cinnamon most likely sitting in your spice rack is Cassia, or Vietnamese cinnamon. It’s widely available, inexpensive, and easy to grow. On the other hand, Ceylon, known as 'true cinnamon,' has a gentler flavor and tends to be pricier and less common.

Why You Might Need a Cinnamon Replacement

Cinnamon is a go-to spice in most kitchens, but even the most prepared cook can run out. If you’re in the middle of a recipe—say, making apple crisp—and find yourself without cinnamon, you’ll need a reliable substitute.

Cinnamon is a common allergen, so if you or someone in your household has a cinnamon allergy, these substitutes will allow you to make your favorite recipes without worry. Additionally, some pregnant or breastfeeding individuals choose to limit cinnamon intake, so having alternatives on hand can be especially useful.

What Does Cinnamon Taste Like?

Cinnamon brings to mind cozy fall treats—think apple crisp, pumpkin spice lattes, and gingerbread. But its flavor profile is much broader, showing up in dishes like Indian garam masala, Greek pastitsio, and Moroccan tagine. It’s a warm, spicy spice with an earthy, slightly sweet undertone, thanks to its bark origins. While it can become bitter when overused, cinnamon also has a tendency to feel chalky or gritty if it dominates the dish.

Find the recipe: Simple Cinnamon Rolls

Top Cinnamon Alternatives

Nutmeg

Nutmeg, along with cinnamon, is a key player in the sweet, spiced flavors of fall and winter. It has a nuttier flavor than cinnamon but still carries that same warm, earthy essence. Nutmeg makes an excellent one-to-one replacement for ground cinnamon in baked goods like Aunt Anne's Coffee Cake or Hungarian Cinnamon Swirl Bread, where cinnamon is prominent but the spice mix can be flexible. However, nutmeg isn't a good substitute for whole cinnamon sticks.

Cloves

Cinnamon and cloves are both beloved warming spices often paired together in desserts. Cloves bring a sharp, almost numbing astringency that contrasts with cinnamon's mellow, spicy warmth. Since cloves are more potent, use half the amount of ground cloves if substituting for ground cinnamon.

Cloves pair beautifully with orange, making them the perfect substitute in recipes like cinnamon streusel orange muffins. You can also swap whole cloves for cinnamon sticks when steeping, such as in mulled wine. For every cinnamon stick, use a teaspoon of whole cloves.

Allspice

In savory dishes that call for cinnamon, like butternut squash soup, allspice is the perfect substitute. Its spicier, savory flavor works well in place of cinnamon, and you can use it in a 1:1 ratio. Allspice also shines in spice blends for meats like ribs or pulled pork. Many cuisines combine cinnamon with savory spices to create rich, flavorful dishes, like our Moroccan chicken.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

If you happen to have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you're in for an easy fix. Most pre-made blends are primarily cinnamon, making them a perfect substitute for, well, pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread. If your recipe calls for a specific mix of spices, just measure the total amount and swap it out with the same quantity of the pre-made blend.

How to Choose the Best Substitute for Your Needs

Cinnamon isn't just tasty—it's also celebrated for its potential health benefits. Research suggests cinnamon might offer anti-inflammatory effects, boost circulation, and possibly help reduce cholesterol. However, not all substitutes deliver the same health perks. Cloves, for example, pack the most health benefits of these alternatives. Depending on your priorities, cloves could be your top choice.