Does Mott's apple sauce have added sugar?

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Mott's official product information, the answer to "Does Mott's apple sauce have added sugar?" is that it depends on the specific variety, with the 'Original' containing added sugar while the 'No Sugar Added' version does not. It is crucial to check the ingredient list to determine which type you are buying to ensure you align with your dietary goals.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the difference between Mott's Original and No Sugar Added applesauce regarding sugar content. It details the ingredients in each product, explains the impact of added sweeteners, and provides tips for identifying healthier options based on nutritional labels and product names.

Key Points

Variety Matters: Mott's offers both Original and No Sugar Added applesauce, and only the Original version contains added sugars.
High Fructose Corn Syrup: Mott's Original Applesauce is sweetened with High Fructose Corn Syrup, as clearly stated on its ingredient list.
Natural Sweetness: Mott's No Sugar Added varieties are sweetened only by the natural sugars present in the apples used to make the sauce.
Check the Label: To avoid added sugar, look for product names that explicitly state "No Sugar Added" or "Unsweetened" and verify the "Added Sugars" line on the nutrition panel.
Healthier Option: For those monitoring sugar intake, including children and diabetics, the No Sugar Added version is the superior, more nutritious choice.

Understanding the Different Mott's Applesauce Varieties

When asking, "Does Mott's apple sauce have added sugar?", it's essential to recognize that Mott's offers multiple lines of applesauce, and their sugar content varies significantly by product name. The most common varieties are the Original Applesauce and the No Sugar Added Applesauce. This distinction is critical for anyone managing their sugar intake, from parents making choices for their children to individuals following a low-sugar diet.

Mott's Original Applesauce: The Sweetened Version

Yes, Mott's Original Applesauce contains added sugar, specifically high fructose corn syrup. The ingredients list for this product clearly includes "Apples, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)". A single 4-ounce cup of Mott's Original can contain 13 grams of added sugars, which contributes significantly to the daily recommended intake. This sweetener gives the applesauce its characteristic sweet taste but also adds unnecessary calories and processed sugar to the diet.

Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce: The Healthier Alternative

In contrast, Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce contains zero grams of added sugar. The ingredients are much simpler, typically consisting of just "Apples, Water, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)". The sweetness in this variety comes solely from the natural sugars found in the apples themselves. This makes it a much healthier option, especially for young children, as it avoids added processed sweeteners.

Key Differences Between Mott's Applesauce Varieties

Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the two main types of Mott's applesauce:


Feature	Mott's Original Applesauce	Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce
Added Sugar?	Yes	No
Sweetener	High Fructose Corn Syrup	Natural fruit sugars only
Primary Ingredients	Apples, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Ascorbic Acid	Apples, Water, Ascorbic Acid
Total Sugars (per 4 oz cup)	Approximately 22-25g	Approximately 8-11g
Added Sugars (per 4 oz cup)	Approximately 13-15g	0g
Best For	Those seeking a very sweet, traditional applesauce taste	Health-conscious individuals, toddlers, low-sugar diets

Why Reading the Label Matters

The most important takeaway is that the product name is your primary indicator. Phrases like "No Sugar Added" or "Unsweetened" on the label are your best clues.

Ingredient List: Always check the ingredients. If high fructose corn syrup, sugar, glucose-fructose, or any other sweetener is listed, it contains added sugar.
Nutrition Facts Panel: The nutrition panel is also a clear indicator. Look at the "Added Sugars" line under "Total Sugars." The No Sugar Added variety will list "Includes 0g Added Sugars," while the Original will list a specific amount.

Making Healthier Choices

For many, reducing processed sugar intake is a priority. Here are some simple guidelines for choosing the right applesauce:

For Children: Pediatricians and nutritionists often recommend products with no added sugars for children to help them develop a preference for naturally sweet foods over processed ones. The Mott's No Sugar Added variety is the better choice for this reason.
For Diabetics or Sugar-Conscious Diets: People monitoring their blood sugar levels should always opt for the "No Sugar Added" version to avoid a spike from added sweeteners.
For Baking: Applesauce is a popular substitute for oil or butter in baking. When using it in this manner, selecting the No Sugar Added version gives you more control over the recipe's final sweetness.
For a Quick Snack: Both versions offer a convenient snack. However, the No Sugar Added version is the healthier, more natural option for an on-the-go fruit serving.

Conclusion: Check Before You Buy

In summary, the question "Does Mott's apple sauce have added sugar?" has a nuanced answer based entirely on the specific product. Mott's Original Applesauce does contain added sugar, typically high fructose corn syrup, while the popular No Sugar Added varieties do not. Consumers must actively read the packaging to differentiate between these products. Choosing the unsweetened version is the best way to enjoy the natural goodness of apples without the unnecessary addition of processed sweeteners, aligning with healthier eating habits for the whole family.

For further reading on the importance of natural versus added sugars, the American Heart Association offers guidelines and resources on managing sugar intake: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a low-sugar diet, Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce is the best option because it contains zero grams of added sugar. The sweetness comes solely from the natural fruit sugars.

You can use Mott's Original applesauce for baking, but be aware that it contains high fructose corn syrup, which will increase the sugar content of your recipe. For more control over the sweetness, it's better to use the 'No Sugar Added' variety.

Yes, high fructose corn syrup is a type of added sugar and is listed as such on the nutrition facts panel of products like Mott's Original applesauce.

Mott's No Sugar Added applesauce has a very simple ingredient list, which typically includes only Apples, Water, and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).

Mott's offers different versions to cater to different consumer tastes and dietary needs. The Original is for those who prefer a sweeter, more traditional taste, while the No Sugar Added version is for health-conscious consumers and those avoiding processed sugars.

To determine if any applesauce brand has added sugar, look for the 'Added Sugars' line on the Nutrition Facts panel. Also, scan the ingredients list for terms like 'sugar,' 'corn syrup,' 'high fructose corn syrup,' or other sweeteners.

Mott's offers a Cinnamon applesauce in both 'Original' (with added sugar) and 'No Sugar Added' varieties, so you must check the label to confirm the specific product.