Cinnamon Challenge dared people to swallow a spoonful of ground cinnamon in 60 seconds without water — a seemingly simple stunt that’s actually impossible and dangerous.
Origin & Spread
The challenge emerged from early 2000s dare culture, with first documented attempts around 2001. YouTube’s launch (2005) and video responses feature allowed the challenge to spread virally by 2007-2010.
Peak viral period: 2012-2013, when GloZell Green’s 2012 attempt (coughing cinnamon cloud) went mega-viral (50+ million views). Celebrities and YouTubers participated en masse.
Why It’s Impossible
The human body reacts to dry cinnamon:
- Powder doesn’t dissolve: Cinnamon repels water, staying dry in mouth
- Gag reflex triggers: Dry powder coating throat causes coughing
- Cough explosion: Forceful exhalation creates cinnamon cloud
- Choking risk: Powder can block airway
The challenge is designed to fail — success is extremely rare, usually involving tiny amounts or wet cinnamon.
Medical Dangers
By 2013, emergency rooms reported cinnamon challenge injuries:
- Aspiration pneumonia: Cinnamon entering lungs
- Throat damage: Chemical burns from cinnamon oil
- Choking: Airway blockage requiring intervention
- Asthma attacks: Respiratory distress triggered by particles
Notable cases:
- Michigan teen (2013): Collapsed lung requiring hospitalization
- Multiple ER visits: Hundreds documented in medical journals (2010-2013)
American Academy of Pediatrics issued official warning (2013). The challenge demonstrated how “harmless” internet dares could cause actual harm.
Platform Response
YouTube never banned the challenge but added warning labels. The challenge declined naturally as:
- Medical warnings spread: News coverage highlighted dangers
- Novelty wore off: Everyone had seen it
- New challenges emerged: Newer, different dares replaced it
Cultural Evolution
The cinnamon challenge represented early viral challenge culture before platforms intervened:
- Pre-moderation era: Dangerous content proliferated unchecked
- Peer pressure mechanics: FOMO drove participation despite obvious pain
- Entertainment over safety: Views prioritized over wellbeing
Later dangerous challenges (Tide Pods, Bird Box, Milk Crate) faced faster platform intervention, partly due to lessons learned from cinnamon challenge’s medical consequences.
Legacy
The cinnamon challenge became cautionary tale for:
- Parents: Monitoring what kids watch online
- Platforms: Responsibility for dangerous content
- Participants: Thinking before attempting viral stunts
Medical studies of cinnamon challenge participants informed understanding of aspiration pneumonia and social media health risks. The challenge is occasionally attempted in 2020s, but at much lower rates with wider awareness of dangers.
Sources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Cinnamon Challenge Warning (2013)
- Pediatrics Journal: “Danger of the Cinnamon Challenge” (2013)
- YouTube: GloZell Green Cinnamon Challenge View Count (2012)