Is Simply Organic Actually Clean?

The Short Answer

Simply Organic is better than conventional, but not the cleanest option available.

As a brand, they get the big things right: they are 100% USDA Organic, they never use irradiation, and they bottle in glass to avoid plastic leaching. They are owned by Frontier Co-op, a reputable ethical cooperative.

However, being organic doesn't stop heavy metals from being sucked up from the soil. Recent tests show Simply Organic sits firmly in the "middle of the pack"—cleaner than the dangerous brands that get recalled, but significantly dirtier than top-tier options like Morton & Bassett or Whole Foods 365.

Why This Matters

Spices are concentrated. When you dry a plant like turmeric or cinnamon into a powder, you also concentrate any heavy metals it absorbed from the soil.

Because "Organic" certification only regulates pesticides and farming practices—not heavy metal contamination—a spice can be 100% organic and still loaded with lead. This is why independent testing is critical.

Simply Organic is one of the most trusted names in the spice aisle, which makes their inconsistent test results frustrating for health-conscious consumers who assume "organic" means "clean."

The Heavy Metal Problem

Simply Organic has been included in several major independent investigations over the last few years. Here is how they performed.

1. Cinnamon (The Big Concern)

In late 2024, Consumer Reports tested 36 cinnamon products for lead.

• The Bad Brands: Had levels > 1.0 ppm (parts per million).
• The Best Brands: Had levels < 0.1 ppm.
• Simply Organic: Tested at 0.28 ppm.

What this means: Simply Organic is safe to use, but it's not impressive. It contains 14 times more lead than the cleanest organic brand tested (Whole Foods 365 at 0.02 ppm). You would need to eat a lot of it to reach toxic levels, but if you are baking for kids or using cinnamon daily for blood sugar control, you can do better. Lead In Cinnamon

2. Thyme and Oregano

In earlier testing (2021), Simply Organic's thyme and oregano raised red flags. Consumer Reports noted "concerning" levels of heavy metals (lead, arsenic, and cadmium) in these specific herbs across many brands, including Simply Organic.

These leafy herbs are particularly prone to absorbing contaminants from soil. While no recall was issued, these results suggest their sourcing for these specific herbs isn't as clean as it could be.

What's Actually In The Bottle

One major point in Simply Organic's favor is their processing. Unlike many competitors (like McCormick), they generally avoid harsh industrial shortcuts.

• No Irradiation: Conventional spices are often blasted with radiation to kill bacteria. Simply Organic uses steam sterilization, which is safer and preserves the medicinal compounds (like cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon). Is Spice Irradiation Safe
• No ETO: They do not use Ethylene Oxide, a carcinogenic fumigant commonly used on conventional spices.
• No Fillers: You won't find "silicon dioxide" (sand) or flour fillers in their single-ingredient spices.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• USDA Organic Seal: Guarantees non-GMO and no synthetic pesticides.
• Glass Bottles: Prevents microplastic shedding and chemical leaching.
• Origin Transparency: They often list the country of origin (e.g., "Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka").

Red Flags:

• "Packaged in USA": This usually means the spices were imported from countries with high lead risks (like Bangladesh or China) and just bottled here.
• Plastic Caps: While the bottle is glass, the shaker top is plastic. (Minor concern compared to the lead content).

The Best Options

If you want the absolute cleanest spices based on recent lab data, here is how Simply Organic compares.

The Bottom Line

1. Don't throw it away. If you have Simply Organic cinnamon in your pantry, it's not "toxic waste." It's just not the cleanest option possible.

2. Upgrade your daily spices. For things you use heavily (like cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger), switch to Morton & Bassett or Whole Foods 365 for significantly lower heavy metal exposure. Cleanest Spice Brands

3. Trust them for the rest. For lower-risk spices like black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, Simply Organic is a fantastic, widely available choice that avoids irradiation.

FAQ

Does Simply Organic test for heavy metals?

Yes, they claim to test ingredients upon arrival. However, their internal standards for what is "acceptable" appear to be looser than what Consumer Reports considers "safe" for sensitive groups like children.

Is Simply Organic cinnamon Ceylon or Cassia?

They sell both. Their standard "Ground Cinnamon" is usually Cassia (higher coumarin, harder on the liver). They explicitly label their Ceylon Cinnamon, which is safer for daily use. Always buy the one labeled "Ceylon" if you eat it every day. Ceylon Vs Cassia Cinnamon

Is Frontier Co-op the same as Simply Organic?

Yes. Frontier Co-op is the parent company. The spices in the bulk bins at your local co-op (labeled Frontier) are generally sourced from the same supply chains as the bottled Simply Organic line.

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