Ceylon vs Korintje Cinnamon: Which One Reigns Supreme? (DRUERA Explains)

You’ve heard of Cassia and true cinnamon, but what about Ceylon vs Korintje cinnamon?

Turns out, not all cinnamon is a two-horse race. Korintje, the “middle child” of the cinnamon world, is loved by bakers but often misunderstood. So, which deserves a spot in your pantry: delicate Ceylon or bold Korintje?

At DRUERA, we’ve specialized in true Ceylon cinnamon since 2005—straight from our family farm in Sri Lanka. Let’s break down the real differences (no spice drama, promise).

“Korintje’s like a strong espresso,” says Mike de Livera, DRUERA’s founder. “Ceylon? That’s your perfectly steeped delicate white tea.”

Understanding Ceylon (True Cinnamon) and DRUERA's Approach

Let’s start with the VIP of all cinnamon spices. Drum roll. Yes, it's Ceylon aka Cinnamomum verum (from Latin into plain English it means “true cinnamon”). Its key distinctions? Light brown color, delicate aroma, sweet (resembles citrus). Good news? It's safe enough to eat by the spoonful.

Botanical Origin & Appearance

This cinnamon grows almost exclusively in Sri Lanka—a tiny island nation south of India. The soil here is rich, the climate tropical, and the farmers? They’ve been perfecting cinnamon cultivation for over 4,000 years.

At DRUERA, we source our cinnamon from one family farm in Kandy, Sri Lanka. No middlemen, no bulk blends—just pure, single-origin quills.

Visually, Ceylon spice looks nothing like the thin bark-like sticks you’re used to. Think paper-thin layers rolled into delicate quills (like a cigar). Its texture? Crumbly, almost like edible parchment.

Flavor Profile

Imagine cinnamon taste cut down to 60%. Ceylon is sweet, citrusy, and subtly floral. It's like a mix of vanilla, honey, plus orange zest. It’s never harsh or overpowering.

Coumarin Content

Coumarin is a natural compound in cinnamon that can harm your liver in high doses. Here’s the kicker:

• Ceylon: 0.004–0.02% coumarin (safer than a soy latte).
• Korintje (Cassia): 2–6% coumarin (up to 1,500x higher).

Translation: With Ceylon, you can safely add it to your oatmeal, smoothies, or tea daily. No need to sweat the dosage.

DRUERA’s Commitment

We treat cinnamon like it’s liquid gold. Here’s why:

• Single-source: All our cinnamon comes from one Sri Lankan farm. Consistency? Guaranteed.
• Lead testing: Every batch is tested. Ours has 0.19–0.21 ppm lead—way below FDA’s 2 ppm limit.
• Freshness first: We grind max 25 kg daily for 30 minutes to avoid overheating. Stale cinnamon? Not on our watch.
• No shady stuff: Unlike bulk suppliers, we don’t blend or dilute. What you see is 100% Ceylon.

“Most cinnamon sits in warehouses for years,” says Mike. “Ours goes from tree to your kitchen in weeks.”

👉 Curious about types of cinnamon? We’ve got a full guide here on Ceylon, Indonesian, Chinese, and Vietnamese cinnamon.

Understanding Korintje Cinnamon

Let’s talk about Korintje cinnamon—the underdog of the spice world. Hailing from Indonesia, this Cassia variety (Cinnamomum burmannii) is a go-to for bakers and chefs who want bold flavor without breaking the bank. But is it right for you? Let’s break it down.

Botanical Origin & Appearance

Korintje cinnamon trees grow in the lush highlands of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Unlike Ceylon’s single-source exclusivity, Korintje is mass-produced across Southeast Asia. But here’s the twist: authentic Korintje comes only from Indonesia’s Kerinci region (hence the name).

Visually, Korintje sticks are thick, rugged, and dark reddish-brown—like tiny tree bark scrolls. They’re rolled into a single, tight layer, making them sturdier than Ceylon’s delicate quills.

“Korintje looks tough, but it’s all cinnamon bark and… well, bark,” jokes Mike de Livera. “Ceylon’s the one that’s easy to love.”

Flavor Profile

Korintje’s flavor is like a campfire: warm, earthy, and punchy, with a hint of sweetness. It’s less fiery than Saigon cinnamon but bolder than Ceylon. Think of it as cinnamon’s “medium roast” coffee—accessible, familiar, and great for crowd-pleasing recipes.

Best for:

• Pumpkin pie spice blends (it’s a classic for a reason).
• Apple crisps or oatmeal cookies where you want cinnamon to shine.
• Savory dishes like chili or Moroccan tagines.

Coumarin Content

Here’s the catch: Korintje is a Cassia type, which means it packs 2–6% coumarin. That’s:

• 500–1,500x higher than Ceylon.
• But lower than Saigon (4–8%) or Chinese Cassia (up to 10%).

What this means for you:

• Small doses are fine: A sprinkle in your latte? No problem.
• Daily use? Risky: The European Food Safety Authority recommends ≤ 0.1 mg coumarin/kg body weight per day. For a 150 lb adult, that’s roughly ½ tsp of Korintje daily. Exceed that regularly, and your liver might side-eye you.

“Korintje’s like a fun friend who’s great in small doses,” says Mike. “Ceylon? That’s the friend you’d trust with your kids.”

Korintje vs. Ceylon: Quick Safety Snapshot

Metric	Ceylon	Korintje
Coumarin	0.004–0.02% (Safe AF)	2–6% (Proceed with Caution)
Daily Limit	As much as you want! 🎉	Max ½ tsp/day 🚨

Why Korintje Stays Popular

• Budget-friendly: Korintje costs 3–5x less than Ceylon.
• Bold flavor: Perfect for recipes where cinnamon is the star.
• Easy to find: Most grocery store “cinnamon” is Korintje or Cassia.

But here’s the DRUERA truth bomb: Korintje’s affordability comes with trade-offs. Higher coumarin, less nuance, and zero traceability. Most brands blend Korintje from dozens of farms—you’ll never know what’s in your jar.

Korintje vs. Ceylon: A Quick Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s cut through the spice fog. Here’s exactly how Ceylon and Korintje stack up—no fluff, just facts.

Category	Ceylon	Korintje Cinnamon
Origin	Sri Lanka (AKA Ceylon) 🇱🇰	Indonesia (West Sumatra) 🇮🇩
Botanical Name	Cinnamomum verum (True Cinnamon)	Cinnamomum burmannii (Cassia family)
Appearance	Thin, papery layers; golden-brown; crumbly	Thick, single-layer rolls; dark red-brown
Flavor	Sweet, citrusy, floral 🌸	Warm, earthy, bold 🔥
Coumarin Levels	0.004–0.02% (Safe for daily use)	2–6% (Limit to ½ tsp/day)
Best Uses	Teas, custards, subtle dishes 🍮	Baking, spice blends, bold recipes 🥧
Price	Higher (Handcrafted labor + rarity) 💎	More affordable (Mass-produced) 💸

Difference between Ceylon and Korintje cinnamon table 

 

Ceylon vs Indonesian cinnamon: Choosing the Right Cinnamon for Your Needs

Let’s get practical. The “best” cinnamon isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it’s about your kitchen, your health, and your taste buds. Here’s how to pick your perfect match:

1. For Daily Use & Health: Ceylon Wins, No Contest

If you add cinnamon to your oatmeal every morning, sip cinnamon tea daily, or love a sprinkle in your smoothies, Ceylon is non-negotiable.

Why?

• Coumarin safety: Korintje’s 2–6% coumarin means just ½ tsp/day is safe for adults. Ceylon? You’d need to eat 3 cups daily to hit risky levels. Ceylon: With coumarin levels 1,500x lower than Korintje, you can safely add it to your morning smoothie, latte, or oatmeal—every day. No math required. Is Korintje cinnamon safe? It's delicious but dicey. Half a teaspoon a day is the safe max for adults. Exceed that regularly, and you’re flirting with liver stress.
• Gentle on the body: Ceylon’s delicate flavor comes from higher levels of cinnamaldehyde (the good stuff) and lower coumarin.
• DRUERA’s guarantee: Every batch is tested for lead (0.19–0.21 ppm) and purity. No surprises, just clean spice.

“Your morning latte shouldn’t be a health gamble,” says Mike de Livera. “With Ceylon, it’s not.”

Best for:

• Daily oatmeal, yogurt, or coffee.
• Golden milk, teas, and wellness shots.
• Pregnancy-safe recipes (no coumarin worries).
• 👉 DRUERA’s Ceylon Powder (Freshly ground Cinnamon, daily).

2. For Baking: Yes, You Can Use Ceylon

Wait—aren’t Korintje and Cassia better for baking? Myth.

Truth:

• Ceylon works beautifully in cookies, cakes, and pies. Its subtle sweetness lets other flavors (vanilla, nutmeg) shine.
• Bonus: You can use 2–3x more Ceylon than Korintje without coumarin risks. Perfect for cinnamon-forward treats like snickerdoodles.

But Korintje fans argue:

• Korintje’s bold flavor cuts through sugar-heavy recipes (like frosting or spiced cider).
• It’s cheaper, so splurging on a tablespoon won’t break the bank.

DRUERA’s take:

• For family-friendly baking (think kids’ snacks), stick to Ceylon.
• For bold holiday pies? A mix of Ceylon + a pinch of Korintje adds depth without overloading coumarin.

3. Bold Flavors (But Proceed with Caution): Korintje’s Niche

Love a cinnamon flavor that slaps you awake? Korintje delivers—but use it wisely.

Ideal for:

• Pumpkin pie spice (traditional, but limit slices).
• BBQ rubs for ribs or pulled pork.
• Festive drinks like mulled wine (steep Korintje sticks briefly).

Pro tip: Combine Ceylon + Korintje in recipes like chai blends. Ceylon adds complexity; Korintje brings heat.

Feel free to check our Cinnamon recipes here!

Note: Many chefs mistakenly substitute cassia cinnamon and end up with a totally different taste profile in their dishes. Instead, Ceylon allows you to experience a more sophisticated flavor in your recipes.

4. For Spice Blends: Korintje’s Middle Ground

Most pre-made spice blends use Korintje or Cassia because:

• It’s affordable.
• Its bold flavor survives shelf life.

But here’s a hack: Make your own blends with Ceylon.

• Chai spice: Ceylon’s citrusy notes pair perfectly with cardamom and ginger.
• Apple pie spice: Use 1.5x Ceylon for a safer, subtler kick.

5. Budget-Conscious? Here’s the Real Talk

Korintje costs 3–3–5 for 2 oz vs. Ceylon’s 10–10–15 for 2 oz. But:

• Ceylon lasts longer (you use less due to its potency).
• Health costs matter: Liver checkups > saving $10 on spices.

DRUERA’s budget hack: Buy smaller Ceylon quantities (we offer 1 oz bags) and use it strategically.

Real-World Use Cases

Recipe	Best Pick	Why?
Oatmeal	Ceylon powder	Safe for daily use; subtle sweetness.
Pumpkin Pie	Korintje + Ceylon mix	Bold flavor + coumarin control.
Chai Tea	Ceylon quills	Slow infusion; no bitter aftertaste.
Cinnamon Rolls	Ceylon (double dose of cinnamon powder)	Extra cinnamon flavor, zero guilt.
Savory Stews	Korintje stick (removed)	Quick, bold flavor without overkill.

 

Check our detailed Cinnamon sticks vs powder guide here!

The Verdict?

• Choose Ceylon if: You value health, subtlety, or use cinnamon daily.
• Choose Korintje if: You bake occasionally and prioritize boldness over safety.

“Life’s too short for bad cinnamon,” says Mike de Livera. “But it’s also too long to risk your health on the cheap stuff.”

The DRUERA Difference: Why Choose Our Ceylon Cinnamon

Let’s cut to the chase: most cinnamon brands prioritize profit over purity. At DRUERA, we’ve spent 18 years flipping that script.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Single-source, no shortcuts: Our cinnamon comes from one family farm in Sri Lanka—no bulk blends, no shady middlemen.
• Lead? Practically nonexistent: Every batch tests at 0.19–0.21 ppm lead (FDA’s limit: 2 ppm). We’re obsessive, not sorry.
• Freshness locked in: We grind max 25 kg daily for 30 minutes to avoid heat damage. Stale spice is a crime.
• No warehousing: We ship straight from Sri Lanka. Your cinnamon’s still warm from the grind when it arrives.
• Family-run passion: We’re not a faceless corporation. We’re a Sri Lankan family sharing our heritage, one quill at a time.  

But don’t take our word for it:

• 3,000+ global reviews don’t lie. Customers rave about Ceylon’s floral sweetness and our freakish freshness.
• “DRUERA’s cinnamon ruined store-bought for me,” writes Lisa from Texas. “It’s like sunlight in a jar.”

Bottom line of Korintje cinnamon vs Ceylon?

If you want cinnamon that’s safe, traceable, and crafted with care, we’re your people. Korintje might be cheaper, but can you put a price on peace of mind? Also many prefer milder Ceylon touch over bitter taste Chinese cinnamon.

👉 Shop DRUERA’s Ceylon —because “good enough” isn’t in our vocabulary.