Spices, cinnamon, ground
FDC 171320tsp (3 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 93 · +0 vs Spices & herbs medianGround cinnamon reaches an Elite score of 93 of 100, ranking 32nd of 60 in spices and herbs, anchored by an outsized dietary fiber reading of 190% DV alongside calcium at 77% DV, iron at 46% DV and vitamin E at 15% DV.
It is stirred into baked goods, oatmeal, and hot drinks by the pinch or teaspoon rather than eaten in any quantity, so a 1 tsp (3 g) serving is the meaningful reference point, not the 100 g figures behind the score. No limits are flagged for this spice at typical use levels.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around spices, cinnamon, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 247 kcal | 12% |
| Total fat | 1.2 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 0.35 g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 10 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 81 g | 29% |
| Dietary fiber | 53 g | 190% |
| Sugars | 2.2 g | |
| Protein | 4 g | 8% |
| Potassium | 431 mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 1000 mg | 77% |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% |
| Magnesium | 60 mg | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 3.8 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 15 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 2.3 mg | 15% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 7 kcal | 0% |
| Total fat | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 0.3 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 2.4 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.6 g | 6% |
| Sugars | 0.07 g | |
| Protein | 0.12 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 13 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 30 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.25 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 1.8 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.11 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0.45 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.07 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171320Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the spices & herbs median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
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In the kitchen and how to use it
Ground cinnamon is made from the dried, powdered bark of the cinnamon tree and is one of the most widely used baking spices, appearing in everything from oatmeal and coffee to pies, cookies, and spiced breads. It is also stirred into savory dishes in some cuisines, including certain stews, rice dishes, and spice blends, where a small amount adds warmth without making the dish taste sweet. Because ground cinnamon loses potency faster than the whole stick form, recipes that call for a strong cinnamon flavor sometimes grind sticks fresh.
Store ground cinnamon in a sealed jar away from heat and light, and expect its flavor to fade after about six months to a year. A one-teaspoon serving (3 grams) is used almost entirely for flavor, contributing only a small fraction of the 247 calories per 100 grams. Per 100 grams, ground cinnamon is unusually high in fiber, at 190% of the Daily Value, along with calcium at 77%, but because typical servings are so small, a sprinkle over oatmeal or in a spice blend is mainly a flavor addition rather than a meaningful source of either nutrient in one sitting.
Frequently asked questions about spices, cinnamon
How many calories are in ground cinnamon?
Ground cinnamon has 247 calories per 100 grams, though a one-teaspoon serving of 3 grams contributes only a small amount to a dish.
What is ground cinnamon used for?
It is a common baking spice used in oatmeal, pies, cookies, and spiced breads, and it also appears in some savory stews and rice dishes.
How do you store ground cinnamon?
Keep it in a sealed jar away from heat and light; its flavor typically fades after about six months to a year.