No, "sweet cinnamon" is generally not the same as all types of cinnamon, but rather refers to specific varieties of cinnamon that have a naturally sweeter and milder flavor profile compared to others.
Different types of cinnamon exist, and their flavor profiles vary significantly. Here's a breakdown:
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Ceylon Cinnamon ("True Cinnamon"): Often described as having a sweet, delicate, and lighter flavor. This is what many people consider "sweet cinnamon."
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Cassia Cinnamon (including Saigon and Chinese Cinnamon): These varieties have a more robust, pungent, and sometimes slightly bitter flavor. They are generally considered spicier than Ceylon cinnamon and less "sweet." Saigon cinnamon, in particular, has a high essential oil content, leading to a very intense, spicy-sweet flavor, but its spiciness is more prominent than Ceylon.
Essentially, while all cinnamon has a degree of sweetness, "sweet cinnamon" typically implies Ceylon cinnamon because its sweetness is more pronounced and less overshadowed by spicy or pungent notes. Thinking of it like coffee - all coffee is bitter to some extent, but some roasts have brighter, sweeter notes than others.
Therefore, if someone is looking for "sweet cinnamon," they are most likely seeking Ceylon cinnamon.
