Cinnamon is a popular spice that lives in many peoples’ spice cabinets. We take it out occasionally to add to a recipe or sprinkle on top of a beverage, but rarely do we go through a full jar – or at least not quickly. For this reason, a frequently asked question many people have about it is: Does cinnamon go bad?
Cinnamon does not go bad if it’s stored properly. Over time, it may lose potency and flavor, but it rarely expires or goes bad. Unopened, cinnamon will stay at its best quality for 1 to 2 years. Once opened, it will stay at its best quality for at least 6 months, but will most likely be safe to use indefinitely.
In this article, we will discuss whether cinnamon goes bad over time, as well as how to properly store cinnamon. We will also highlight a few alternatives to cinnamon. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Does Cinnamon Go Bad Over Time?
It is rare for cinnamon to go bad. However, over time cinnamon can lose its potency and flavor. Ground cinnamon has a shelf life of 1 to 2 years, and will stay at its best quality for at least six months after opening. However, that is not to say that cinnamon cannot be used after a year or two. Cinnamon will most likely be safe to use indefinitely if stored properly.
If you plan to use the entire contents of the container in a short period of time, the storage method will not make a big difference. Most people, however, typically only need a small amount for a recipe or garnish, then store the rest back in the pantry. If you are not sure when you will use your cinnamon again, it is best to store it in a cool, dry place such as the pantry or kitchen cabinet with the lid tightly sealed to maintain its quality. If the spice develops an off taste or smell, if mold appears, or if pantry bugs got into the container, do not consume and discard immediately.
How Can You Tell If Cinnamon Has Gone Bad?
While cinnamon may lose its flavor and potency over time, it rarely goes bad. However, it is not impossible for it to go bad. There are a few ways for cinnamon to go bad. If you notice pantry bugs (dead or alive) inside the container, if mold appears, or if it develops an off taste or smell, do not consume and discard immediately. If it appears normal and shows no signs of bugs or mold, try to remember how long ago it was purchased and how it has been stored. If it has been stored properly in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly sealed, it is most likely safe to consume.
Most containers of cinnamon will have a “best by” date on the label. That is not to be confused with a “use by” date. The “best by” date is not necessarily an expiration date. It simply means the cinnamon will stay at its best quality until that date. It will most likely be good enough to use for much longer if stored properly.
How To Properly Store Cinnamon?
Ground cinnamon should be stored in a cool, dry place such as the pantry or kitchen cabinet, regardless of whether it is opened or unopened. Cinnamon sticks can be stored in the refrigerator or in the pantry. Although cinnamon rarely goes bad, the taste and appearance should be examined after 2 years before consuming.
How To Store Cinnamon
- Find a cool, dry place such as the pantry or kitchen cabinet.
- Make sure there is a constant temperature. This means it should be kept away from the stove and dishwasher, and it should not be moved back and fourth from the refrigerator to the pantry.
- Keep it in its original container, in a resealable bag, or covered with plastic wrap.
- Make sure the lid is tightly sealed before storing away for next time. That will reduce the risk of moisture or pantry bugs getting into the container causing it to go bad.
Does Cinnamon Go Bad After Opening?
Cinnamon often comes in two forms – ground and sticks. Cinnamon sticks can last for 2 to 3 years in the pantry or refrigerator, whereas ground cinnamon can last for 1 to 2 years in the pantry. While either form may lose its quality and potency over time, it will most likely stay safe to use long after the “best by” date. To experience the full flavor and quality of cinnamon, it is best to consume it by the “best by” date and follow proper storage guidelines.
Once opened, cinnamon will most likely stay at its best quality for 6 to 12 months if stored properly. Once again, proper storage is key when it comes to maintaining the freshness of cinnamon.
Can You Get Sick From Old Cinnamon?
While old cinnamon may not have as strong of a flavor as it did when you first bought it, it most likely will not make you sick. The only time you should be concerned about getting sick from old cinnamon is if moisture got into the container causing mold to form. Mold can cause a slew of problems such as allergic reactions, respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, mold can produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins that can cause disease and, in rare cases, death depending on the individual and the amount consumed.
Alternatives To Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a sweet, woody, and slightly citrusy flavor to many dishes and beverages. Regardless of whether you use it in cooking or baking, or as a garnish on toast or coffee, cinnamon offers a unique flavor that cannot easily be replaced. However, there are some alternatives you can try instead that may provide a similar flavor profile.
Naturevibe Botanicals Organic Nutmeg Powder
This spice has a distinctive pungent fragrance and warm, slightly sweet flavor like cinnamon. It can be used in creamy or cheesy dishes to create depth or as a garnish over coffee, eggnog, chai and so much more. Nutmeg is also rich in antioxidants that can help protect your body from disease. So, not only does nutmeg taste good, but it is also good for you.
Natural Plus Green Whole Cloves
These premium whole cloves are rich in flavor and aroma. They have a sweet, warm flavor with a pungent aroma. Cloves are often used in meats, curries, marinades, or combined with hot beverages such as tea and coffee. They are sure to bring a unique flavor to any dish.
Spice Hunter Jamaican Allspice
This aromatic island spice imparts a warm, sweet, savory flavor to a variety of dishes. Use it in cookies, pumpkin pie, spice cake, chili, glazes and so much more. If you want to take your cooking and/or baking game to the next level, start incorporating allspice into your recipes.
Gramercy Kitchen Company Apple Pie Spice
This spice is a comforting, autumnal blend of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It is made with all natural ingredients and is non-GMO. It can be used in a variety of ways such as sprinkled over oatmeal, yogurt, mixed into whipped cream, and so much more. This spice is so good that you will be adding it to all of your favorite dishes.
Happy Belly Ground Ginger
This warm, aromatic spice is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It can be used in Asian stir-frys, Caribbean drinks, Indian curries, and so much more. Best of all, ginger is packed with antioxidants that can help your body fight off chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diseases of the lungs. It can even promote healthy aging. If that is not enough to get you to start adding ginger to your recipes, I do not know what is.
Simply Organic Ground Cumin
This rich and warm spice features an enticing aroma and earthy flavor. It is an essential spice in Indian curries and chutneys, but it also works well in rice dishes, stews, soups, and more.
Related Questions
Is Cinnamon Good For You?
Cinnamon is one of the healthiest spices on the planet. It offers a variety of health benefits. For example, cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants that can help protect your body from disease. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce your risk of heart disease, helps improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar, protect against cancer and so much more. If you have not already started adding cinnamon to your diet, now is the time. Your body and your tastebuds will thank you.
Does Cinnamon Kill Bacteria?
Believe it or not, cinnamon can kill bacteria, viruses, and even drug-resistant fungi. It can disrupt an especially nasty type of bacterial colony known as biofilm that coats the surface of medical devices and wreaks havoc with hospital-acquired infections. Looks like cinnamon does more than just taste good.
What Is Cinnamon Used For?
Cinnamon is a spice that is often sprinkled on toast or lattes. It is also frequently used in cooking and baking. However, extracts from the bark, leaves, flowers, fruits and roots of the cinnamon tree have also been used in traditional medicine around the world for thousands of years.