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Product Review

Cinnamon Supplements and Spices Review

CAUTION: Some Cinnamon Products High in Toxin. See Which Passed or Failed and our Top Picks!

Cinnamon Supplements and Spices Tested by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Ginger Supplements, Chews & Spices Review

Tests Reveal Best and Worst Ginger Supplements & Spices. Poor Quality and Lead Contamination Discovered in Some Products.

Ginger Supplements Reviewed By Consumerlab.com

Product Review

Amla Supplements Review

Only 2 of 7 Amla Powders and Pills Pass CL's Tests

Amla Review 1

Product Review

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review

See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products

CL Answer

There are many reports of lead contamination in turmeric spice. How can I make sure I'm not getting lead in my turmeric supplement or spice?

Find out how to avoid contaminated curcumin and turmeric supplements and spices, and see our Top Picks in our Curcumin/Turmeric Product Review.

Lead Contamination in Turmeric Spice & Supplements -- Spoonful of turmeric spice and turmeric pills

CL Answer

Which foods and supplements contain lead, cadmium, or arsenic?

Discover which foods and dietary supplements contain lead and other metals, the limits, who’s testing, and how to stay safe.

Lead in Supplements & Foods -- concerned woman looking at pill

CL Answer

How does turmeric spice compare to curcumin (turmeric extract) in supplements? I sprinkle it on my foods and wonder if that's equivalent to taking a supplement.

What is the difference between turmeric spices used in the kitchen and turmeric supplements? Is sprinkling turmeric on my food equivalent to taking a turmeric supplement? ConsumerLab's answer explores this question.

Turmeric Spice vs. Turmeric Supplements

CL Answer

What is the best way to take curcumin? Is it better to take it all at once or in divided doses?

Find out the best way to take curcumin and turmeric supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability, plus the best way to cook with turmeric spice. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Which deodorants and antiperspirants are contaminated with benzene and which are not?

Benzene, a carcinogen, has been detected in over 40 spray deodorants, antiperspirants, and body sprays. Tests were conducted on brands including Axe, Bath & Body Works, Brut, Degree, Dove, Gold Bond, Right Guard, Secret, Speed Stick, Suave, Old Spice, Victoria's Secret and others. Find out which products contained benzene, and how much they contained.

Benzene in Spray Deodorant

CL Answer

Black Pepper Extract & Turmeric: Is black pepper extract necessary for turmeric to be effective, and is it safe?

Find out the best way to take turmeric and curcumin supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Is Turmeric Only Effective with Black Pepper? -- Turmeric Supplement and Black Pepper

Clinical Update

12/14/2021

Lead Contamination in Turmeric Spice

Elevated blood levels of lead in two children were linked to turmeric purchased from a local market in the U.S., according to a recent report. Get the details in the Quality Concerns section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review, which includes our tests for lead contamination. See our Top Picks for turmeric.

Clinical Update

9/03/2024

More Cinnamon Recalled Due to Lead

Another brand of cinnamon has been recalled due to lead contamination. Get the details in the Quality Concerns section of our Cinnamon Supplements and Spices Review, which includes our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices (which were tested for lead and other contaminants).

Clinical Update

9/12/2024

Lead in Cinnamon

Elevated levels of lead, a toxin, were recently reported in a dozen cinnamon spices by Consumer Reports. Products with lower lead levels were considered “Best to Use,” two of which were earlier selected as Top Picks by ConsumerLab (which additionally tested products for the toxin coumarin). For details, see the Quality Concerns section of our Cinnamon Supplements & Spices Review, which includes our Top Picks.

CL Answer

Which supplements can help treat anemia? Do any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?

Find out which vitamin and nutrient supplements can help prevent and treat anemia in people who are nutrient deficient and learn which supplements may cause low blood cell counts, especially when used in excess.

Woman holding various vitamins and supplements in her hands

Clinical Update

11/04/2024

Try Taking Cinnamon This Way

A recent study suggested that taking cinnamon as a powder may be better for controlling blood sugar than taking it as a capsule. For details, see our Cinnamon Supplements and Spices Review, which includes our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices.

Also be aware that the FDA recently reported high levels of lead in yet another cinnamon powder.

Clinical Update

12/12/2023

Lead in Cinnamon Applesauce

Enormous amounts of lead have been found in cinnamon applesauce pouches. The cinnamon appears to be the source of the lead. Get the details in our Cinnamon Review, which includes our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices (which were tested for lead).

Clinical Update

11/17/2023

Lead in Cinnamon Applesauce

Several cinnamon apple sauce products are being recalled after testing revealed high concentrations of lead in the products, likely from the cinnamon. Get the details about the recall, and see our tests of cinnamon supplements and spices, which found one product to contain elevated levels of lead, as well as our Top Picks for cinnamon.

Clinical Update

7/25/2024

Lead in Cinnamon

Another brand of cinnamon has been found to be contaminated with very high levels of lead. Get the details in the Quality Concerns section of our Cinnamon Review, and see our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices (which we tested for lead as well as other toxic heavy metals and potential contaminants.)

Clinical Update

7/29/2024

More Cinnamon Recalled Due to Lead

Three brands of cinnamon are being recalled due to risk of lead contamination, adding to a growing list of affected products. Get the details in the Quality Concerns section of our Cinnamon Review, and see our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices (which we tested for lead and other toxins.)

Clinical Update

11/26/2021

Contaminated Ginger

We have added information to our Ginger reviews to include recent tests of spices for toxic heavy metals, such as lead, expanding the number of brands tested.

Clinical Update

11/26/2021

Contaminated Turmeric

We have added information to our Turmeric reviews to include recent tests of spices for toxic heavy metals, such as lead, expanding the number of brands tested.

Clinical Update

8/05/2024

More Cinnamon Recalled

More cinnamon products are being recalled due to the potential risk of lead contamination. Get the details in the Quality Concerns section of our Cinnamon Review, and see our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and spices (which we tested for lead and other toxins.)

Clinical Update

3/15/2024

Cinnamon & Blood Sugar

Did supplementing with cinnamon lower blood sugar in men and women with prediabetes? See what a recent study found in our Cinnamon Supplements and Spices Review.

Be aware that lead contamination was recently reported in several brands of cinnamon, as discussed in our Review, which also includes our Top Picks for ground cinnamon to avoid lead and other toxins.

Clinical Update

4/12/2024

Cinnamon Recall

Another brand of cinnamon has been recalled for elevated levels of lead. Get the details in the Quality Concerns section of our Cinnamon Supplements and Spices Review, which also identifies our Top Picks for ground cinnamon to avoid toxins.

Clinical Update

10/07/2024

Turmeric Supplements vs Spices

How do turmeric supplements compare to turmeric spices in terms of potentially beneficial curcumin compounds and contamination with toxic heavy metals? Find out in our article about turmeric supplements vs. spices. Also see our Top Picks among turmeric supplements and spices.

Clinical Update

8/22/2023

Turmeric Interactions

Consuming large amounts of turmeric spice may increase the effects of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant medication, although moderate amounts may not have this effect, as was recently reported. Get the details, and learn about other potential interactions with turmeric and curcumin, in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review.

Also see our Top Picks among turmeric supplements and spices.

Clinical Update

5/07/2024

RoundUp in Cinnamon

A recent study found glyphosate (RoundUp) in some popular brands of cinnamon. Is this a health concern? Get the brand-specific details in the Quality Concerns section of our Cinnamon Supplements & Spices Review. Also see our Top Pick among cinnamon spices and supplements.

Clinical Update

2/13/2024

Turmeric Instead of Salt

Adding certain spices, such as turmeric, can significantly reduce the amount of salt needed to add saltiness to food, according to a recent study. Get the details, and see our Top Pick among tested turmeric spices, in our Turmeric & Curcumin Review.

Also see: Do “lite” salts and salt substitutes containing potassium help lower blood pressure and reduce heart risks? Are they safe?

Clinical Update

7/29/2024

Turmeric Root for Depression?

Did taking turmeric root extract for one year reduce depression severity in people with depression? Find out what a recent study showed in the Depression section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review, which includes our Top Picks among supplements and spices.

Clinical Update

7/04/2018

Cooking With Turmeric

Is cooking with turmeric a good way to get curcumin? How does it compare with taking a supplement? Find out what studies are showing in the ConsumerTips section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review. (Also see our Top Picks for turmeric spices and turmeric/curcumin supplements.)

Clinical Update

9/03/2019

Curcumin and Crohn's Disease

Can curcumin help prevent recurrence in people with Crohn's disease? See what a recent study found, plus the evidence for curcumin in other conditions, in the What It Does section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks for turmeric and curcumin supplements and spices.

Clinical Update

7/21/2020

Cinnamon for Prediabetes?

Does taking a daily cinnamon supplement help control blood sugar in people with pre-diabetes? See the results of a recent study in the What It Does section of the Cinnamon Supplements & Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks among cinnamon supplements and among cinnamon spices.

News Release

December 28, 2023

10 Most Popular ConsumerLab Product Reviews of 2023

White Plains, New York, December 28, 2023 —  In 2023, ConsumerLab tested more than two hundred products, adding to its extensive Product Reviews covering 150 categories of supplements, foods, and other health products. Among these, the following 10 were the most popular in 2023:

News Release

June 29, 2023

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices

White Plains, New York, June 29, 2023 —  Turmeric and curcumin (a key compound in turmeric) are promoted for uses including osteoarthritis, seasonal allergies, and ulcerative colitis, as well as improving cognition and reducing symptoms of depression.

News Release

December 22, 2020

Best and Worst Ginger Supplements, Chews & Spices Identified by ConsumerLab. Contamination, Less Ginger Than Expected in Some Products.

White Plains, New York, December 22, 2020 — Ginger is not only a popular spice but may reduce nausea from motion sickness and pregnancy and modestly decrease pain from osteoarthritis. Key compounds in ginger known as gingerols are believed to be active components of ginger.

News Release

December 11, 2020

Caution With Cinnamon: ConsumerLab Tests Reveal High Amounts of Toxin in Some Supplements and Spices

White Plains, New York, December 11, 2020 — Cinnamon is a favorite spice that may modestly help lower blood sugar levels, likely due beneficial proanthocyanidins (PACs).

News Release

September 27, 2019

Best Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Identified by ConsumerLab

White Plains, New York, September 27, 2019 — Turmeric and curcumin (the major compound in turmeric) are among the most popular supplements, promoted to reduce inflammation and help with conditions such as arthritis as well as indigestion and depression.

News Release

April 04, 2017

ConsumerLab.com Reveals Best and Worst Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices -- 31% Fail ConsumerLab.com Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, April 4, 2017 — Turmeric and its key compound, curcumin, may be help reduce symptoms of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and may be helpful in treating depression, diabetes, and indigestion.

News Release

January 05, 2016

Cinnamon Spices and Supplements Found to Vary Widely in Levels of Potentially Helpful and Harmful Compounds Reports ConsumerLab.com

White Plains, New York, January 5, 2016 — Cinnamon supplements may be helpful for controlling blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, possibly due to compounds known as proanthocyanidins or PACs.

Recalls & Warnings

April 24, 2024

Organic Basil Sold at Trader Joe’s & Other Markets Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On April 18, 2024, Infinite Herbs, LLC issued a recall of certain packages of Infinite Herbs and Melissa’s brand fresh organic basil due to the potential presence of Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

April 27, 2023

Ground Cumin Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On April 20, 2023, Lipari Foods issued a recall of one lot of Lipari branded Ground Cumin Tubs due to the potential presence of Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

November 16, 2023

Toxic Levels of Lead Found in Cinnamon Applesauce

WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches have been recalled after being linked, as of December 5, 2023, to 64 reports of illness, including four children with potential lead toxicity.

News Release

December 16, 2013

What's Really in Turmeric Supplements and Spices? You May Not Want to Know -- 33% of Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Fail ConsumerLab.com's Review; Filth Found in Spices

White Plains, New York, December 16, 2013 — Supplements containing the herb turmeric or its key constituent, curcumin, are popular treatments for inflammatory diseases. ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

March 10, 2025

Probiotics and Prebiotic Gummies Recalled

On January 17, 2025, Health and Happiness (H&H) LLC.

Recalls & Warnings

September 06, 2022

Sand Ginger Powder Recalled in Canada Due to Aconite

On September 1, 2022, Ka Wing Hong issued a recall of Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder (sand ginger powder), a common spice used in Asian cuisine, due to aconitine contamination.

Recalls & Warnings

April 10, 2024

Powerade Variety Packs Recalled

On February 27, 2024, the Coca-Cola Company issued a recall of various lots of Powerade Zero Fruit Punch, Powerade Zero Mixed Berry, and Powerade Mountain Berry Blast electrolyte drinks because the products may contain a foreign metal object, namely a stainless-steel ring.

Recalls & Warnings

May 16, 2024

Great Value Chia Seeds Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On May 10, 2024, Natural Sourcing International issued a recall of one lot of Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds 32 oz. (sold at Walmart) due to the potential presence of Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

December 20, 2021

Pantene, Herbal Essences, & Other Brands of Dry Shampoo and Conditioner Recalled Due to Benzene

On December 17, 2021, Procter & Gamble issued a recall of 26 aerosol spray dry shampoos and conditioners from six brands, including Aussie, Herbal Essences, Hair Food, Old Spice, Pantene, and Waterless Hair Care, because some of the products were found to contain benzene.

Recalls & Warnings

August 08, 2016

Turmeric Spice Recall Expanded to Include More Brands

On August 5, 2016, Gel Spice, Inc. expanded its recall of one lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder to include other turmeric spices sold under different brand names due to elevated levels of lead.

Recalls & Warnings

October 04, 2016

Turmeric Spice Recalled Due to Elevated Lead Levels

On September 26, 2016, Spices USA Inc. issued a recall of 772 bags of TASTY SAWA GROUND TURMERIC because it contains elevated levels of lead.

Recalls & Warnings

August 05, 2016

More Turmeric Spice Recalled

On August 5, 2016, JM Exotic Foods, Inc. issued a recall of ground turmeric because it was found to contain elevated levels of lead.

Recalls & Warnings

July 29, 2016

Ground Turmeric Spice Recalled Due to Lead Contamination

On July 28, 2016, Gel Spice, Inc. issued a voluntary recall one lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder because it was found to contain elevated levels of lead.

Recalls & Warnings

October 17, 2017

Organic Tarragon Spice Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

On October 16, 2017, Organic Spices, Inc. dba Spicely Organics issued a recall of its Organic Tarragon because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

October 17, 2013

Turmeric Spice Powder Recalled Due To High Lead Levels

On October 3, 2013, the OnTime Distribution Inc. issued a voluntary recall of PRAN brand spice powder Turmeric because it was found to contain high levels of lead.

Recalls & Warnings

April 08, 2017

Woman Dies After Receiving Turmeric Infusion

On March 16, 2017, a San Diego, California woman died days after receiving an IV infusion of turmeric.   Jade Erick, age 30, suffered a brain injury and cardiac arrest after receiving the first 5 mL of a 250 mL infusion of turmeric in the office of a naturopathic doctor.

Recalls & Warnings

November 29, 2016

Bentonite Clay Promoted for "Detoxification" Contaminated With Lead

On June 17, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Best Bentonite, following a facility inspection and laboratory analysis of product sample which found the company's Best Bentonite to be contaminated with lead.

Recalls & Warnings

November 08, 2016

Chinese Herbal Supplement With Lead Contamination Recalled

On November 7, 2016, Ton Shen Health issued a recall its Life Rising brand of Side Head Regulator TT tablets because they were found to contain elevated levels of lead for children under the age of 18.

Recalls & Warnings

August 31, 2016

Recall of Dangerous Chinese Herbal Supplement Expanded

On August 30, 2016, Ton Shen Health expanded its initial recall of DHZC-2 tablets to include all lots purchased before August 24, 2016, due to potential contamination with elevated levels of lead.

Recalls & Warnings

August 16, 2016

Chinese Herbal Supplement Recalled Due to Lead Contamination

On August 11, 2016, Ton Shen Health issued a recall its DHZC-2 tablets due to potential contamination with elevated levels of lead.

Recalls & Warnings

August 05, 2017

Children's Ayurvedic Medicine Formula Contains High Levels of Lead

On August 4, 2017, the FDA warned parents and caregivers not to use Balguti Kesaria Ayurvedic Medicine due to the risk of lead poisoning. 

Recalls & Warnings

February 17, 2018

FDA Reports Prevalence of Salmonella In Retail Spices

An FDA study of 11 different types of spices sold in retail stores throughout the U.S. found the prevalence of Salmonella contamination to be less than 1%. Overall, this was significantly lower than when the same types of spices were tested at the time of import to the U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

September 18, 2015

High Levels of Mercury and Lead Found in Ayurvedic Herbal Supplements

On September 17, 2015, the FDA announced that Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Ayurvedic dietary supplements were found to contain high levels of lead and/or mercury, which can cause serious health problems.

Recalls & Warnings

September 27, 2014

Chinese Flu Product Poses Lead Poisoning Risk

On September 26, 2014, the FDA warned parents and caregivers not to buy or use Bo Ying compound (manufactured by Eu Yan Sang) due to the potential risk of lead poisoning.

Recalls & Warnings

July 01, 2013

Teas Recalled Due To Potential Botulism Contamination

One June 28, 2013, Harmony Chai issued a voluntary recall of its Concentrated Black Spiced Chai and Decaffeinated Rooibos Chai bottled tea drinks, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.