How Much Ground Cinnamon Equals a Stick? The Ultimate Spice Hack You Need to Know!

If you've ever found yourself mid-recipe, staring at your spice rack wondering whether that lone cinnamon stick can replace the ground cinnamon the recipe calls for (or vice versa), then this post is for you. Whether you're baking cinnamon rolls or simmering a spiced chai, understanding how much ground cinnamon equals a stick is essential.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Why This Conversion Matters
• Ground vs. Stick Cinnamon: What's the Difference?
• The Big Reveal: How Much Ground Cinnamon Equals a Stick
• Visual Comparison Table
• Spice Storage Hacks for Maximum Freshness
• Clever Usage Tips for Both Forms
• Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cinnamon
• Conclusion: Spice Up Your Kitchen Confidently

Introduction: Why This Conversion Matters

Let’s face it — we’ve all been there. You’re halfway through a pumpkin pie recipe when you realize you only have one form of cinnamon and not the other. Do you substitute or scramble to the store?

Understanding the equivalence between ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks isn’t just about convenience — it’s about flavor balance, cooking confidence, and avoiding last-minute grocery runs.

Ground vs. Stick Cinnamon: What's the Difference?

Cinnamon comes in two primary forms:

• Ground Cinnamon: Made by grinding dried cinnamon bark into a fine powder. It disperses more evenly in dishes and infuses flavors quickly.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Whole pieces of rolled bark. They offer a subtler, more aromatic release of flavor, especially useful in slow-cooked stews, mulled drinks, or rice dishes like biryani.

While both come from the same tree family, the intensity and way they interact with food differ. Ground cinnamon delivers an immediate, robust punch, while sticks offer a gentler warmth over time.

The Big Reveal: How Much Ground Cinnamon Equals a Stick

Here’s the quick answer:

1 cinnamon stick ≈ ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

This is a general guideline. However, strength can vary depending on the brand and type of cinnamon (Ceylon vs. Cassia). Let’s break it down further.

• If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, use 2 cinnamon sticks.
• If it asks for 1 cinnamon stick, substitute with ½ teaspoon ground.

Visual Comparison Table

Form	Equivalent Quantity	Best For
1 cinnamon stick	½ tsp ground cinnamon	Mulling spices, soups, stews
2 cinnamon sticks	1 tsp ground cinnamon	Baking, rubs, sauces
3 cinnamon sticks	1½ tsp ground cinnamon	Strong-flavored desserts, marinades

Spice Storage Hacks for Maximum Freshness

Cinnamon doesn't spoil, but it does lose potency over time. Here are some smart storage tips to keep your spices fresh longer:

• Keep it Cool & Dark: Store both ground and sticks in airtight containers away from heat and light.
• Use Glass Jars: These protect against moisture and preserve flavor better than plastic.
• Avoid Refrigeration: Moisture from the fridge can cause clumping and mold in ground spices.

Clever Usage Tips for Both Forms

Both types of cinnamon have their own superpowers. Here’s how to use them effectively:

For Ground Cinnamon

• Perfect for mixing into dough, batters, and dry rubs
• Add directly to hot liquids (like coffee or oatmeal) for instant flavor infusion

For Cinnamon Sticks

• Ideal for steeping in teas, mulled wine, or broths
• Can be reused (lightly!) in syrups or compotes

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cinnamon

Not all cinnamon is created equal. There are two main types:

Ceylon vs. Cassia Cinnamon

Type	Origin	Flavor Profile	Potency	Best Uses
Ceylon	Sri Lanka	Mild, sweet, complex	Moderate	Baking, dessert sauces, delicate recipes
Cassia	China/Indonesia	Strong, spicy, bold	High	Stews, mulled drinks, savory dishes

Top Picks for Each Type

• Best Ceylon Cinnamon Stick: Simply Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks – smooth, layered bark with a refined aroma.
• Best Cassia Cinnamon Powder: Frontier Co-op Ground Cinnamon – rich, strong, perfect for fall baking.
• Best Value Pack: Badia Spices Variety Set – includes both sticks and powder for versatility.

Conclusion: Spice Up Your Kitchen Confidently

Now that you know how much ground cinnamon equals a stick, you can confidently swap between the two without worrying about messing up your dish. Armed with these handy conversions and storage hacks, you're ready to elevate your culinary game — whether you're brewing chai or baking apple pie.

So next time you reach for that jar of ground cinnamon or a leftover stick, remember — a little goes a long way. And now, you’ve got the power to use each form exactly where it shines best.