A survey for cinnamic and benzoic acids in 22 species representing the 10 extant genera of the Cycadaceae revealed the presence of p‐coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, p‐hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, and vanillic acids in all of the species. Two genera had detectable quantities of 2,4‐dihydroxy‐benzoic acid. In addition sinapic acid was detected in two genera, indicating that it has a wider distribution in vascular plants than was previously indicated.