Cinnamon

spices

Cinnamon

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 4.4

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve0 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves10
Disapproves1
Is Cinnamon Healthy?

Yes — Cinnamon is broadly considered healthy. 10 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
247kcal
Protein
4g
Carbs
81g
Fat
1.2g
Fiber
53g
Sugar
2.2g
Sodium
10mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Cinnamon contains ~1.3g net carbs per tablespoon. Used in typical spice amounts (small pinches), it poses no threat to ketosis. Some varieties may have added sugar, so check labels.

VeganApproved

Pure plant-derived spice from tree bark. No animal products or derivatives. Whole food form.

PaleoApproved

Pure cinnamon bark spice with no processing concerns. Available to hunter-gatherers. No grains, legumes, dairy, or refined ingredients.

MediterraneanApproved

Cinnamon is a traditional Mediterranean spice with minimal processing, no added sugars when pure, and supports flavor enhancement without unhealthy ingredients. Used in both savory and sweet applications.

CarnivoreAvoid

Plant-derived spice from tree bark. Contains plant compounds and sugars. Excluded from strict carnivore protocol.

Whole30Approved

Pure spice with no excluded ingredients. Whole30 explicitly allows all herbs and spices.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Cinnamon is a pure spice with no significant FODMAP content. Monash University confirms cinnamon is low-FODMAP at typical culinary serving sizes.

DASHApproved

Sodium-free spice with minimal calories. May have modest blood glucose benefits. Excellent for flavoring without salt, supporting DASH sodium reduction goals.

ZoneApproved

Cinnamon has modest glycemic-moderating properties and polyphenol content. Minimal macronutrient impact at typical serving sizes. Supports anti-inflammatory goals without disrupting ratios.

Cinnamon contains polyphenols and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Helps regulate blood sugar, reducing inflammatory spikes. Explicitly listed in anti-inflammatory herb recommendations.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Zero calories, blood sugar stabilizing properties, well-tolerated by GLP-1 patients. Adds flavor without fat or sugar. Supports satiety perception and pairs well with protein-rich meals and fiber sources.

Controversy Index

Score range: 210/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus4.4Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Cinnamon

Keto 8/10
  • Low net carbs per serving
  • Minimal impact at typical usage amounts
  • Check for added sugars in processed versions
Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food spice
  • No processing concerns
Paleo 9/10
  • Unprocessed plant-based spice
  • No additives or fillers
  • Minimal impact on blood sugar
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Minimal processing
  • No added sugars in pure form
  • Traditional Mediterranean use
  • Flavor enhancement
Whole30 10/10
  • Pure spice
  • No additives
  • Explicitly allowed category
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • Pure spice with negligible fermentable carbohydrates
  • No fructans, GOS, lactose, or polyols
  • Standard serving sizes are very small
DASH 9/10
  • Zero sodium
  • Negligible calories
  • Potential glycemic benefits
  • Salt substitute for sweetened foods
Zone 8/10
  • Polyphenol content
  • Negligible macronutrients
  • May help moderate blood sugar
  • Polyphenol content
  • Anti-inflammatory compounds
  • Blood sugar regulation
  • Antioxidant activity
  • zero calorie density
  • blood sugar stabilization
  • no GI triggers
  • enhances satiety perception
Is Cinnamon Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai