How many calories does cinnamon applesauce have?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for cinnamon applesauce can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 50 to 110 calories per half-cup serving, depending on whether it is sweetened or unsweetened. This variation is primarily due to the sugar content, a key factor to consider when determining how many calories does cinnamon applesauce have.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for cinnamon applesauce varies based on added sugar. Unsweetened versions are lower in calories and carbs, while sweetened products contain more sugar and can have double the calories. Homemade applesauce offers the most control over ingredients and nutrition.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in cinnamon applesauce differs significantly between sweetened (70-110 calories per ½ cup) and unsweetened (50-80 calories per ½ cup) versions.
Impact of Added Sugar: Sweetened commercial applesauces contain added sugars, such as high-fructose corn syrup, which increase the calorie and carb count.
Homemade Advantage: Making your own applesauce gives you complete control over ingredients, preventing unnecessary added sugars and preservatives.
Nutritional Benefits: Applesauce, particularly unsweetened, is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, which support digestion and overall health.
Flavor without Calories: The cinnamon adds flavor and antioxidant properties without contributing calories, making it a healthy spice choice.
Healthier Option: For the most nutrition and lowest calorie count, always opt for unsweetened cinnamon applesauce or make it yourself.

The Core Factors Affecting Calorie Count

When you ask "how many calories does cinnamon applesauce have?" the answer is not a single number, but rather a range influenced by a few key factors. The primary variables are whether the applesauce is sweetened or unsweetened, and whether it is a store-bought brand or homemade. Manufacturers often add high-fructose corn syrup or other sugars to commercial products, drastically increasing the caloric content compared to unsweetened varieties or homemade batches.

Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Applesauce

The most significant difference in caloric intake comes from added sugars. A half-cup serving of unsweetened cinnamon applesauce typically contains around 50 calories. In contrast, a sweetened version from a commercial brand can contain up to 100-110 calories for the same half-cup serving. The added sugar not only boosts the calorie count but also increases the total carbohydrate and sugar content, while offering no additional nutritional benefits.

Commercial Brands vs. Homemade

Brand-name applesauces are a convenient option, but they can be a mixed bag nutritionally. Some brands, like Mott's, offer sweetened options with about 100 calories per 4-ounce cup, with a significant portion of that from added sugar. Other brands, or their unsweetened counterparts, have lower calories. Making your own applesauce allows for complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no added sugars or preservatives are included. Homemade unsweetened cinnamon applesauce is often in the 80-100 calorie range for a cup, depending on the apples used and whether you leave the peels on for extra fiber and nutrients.

Calorie and Nutritional Comparison Table

Here's a quick comparison to highlight the key differences between various types of cinnamon applesauce per a standard ½-cup serving:


Applesauce Type	Approx. Calories	Approx. Total Carbs	Approx. Added Sugar	Primary Benefit
Unsweetened	50-80	12-14g	0g	Lower calories, no added sugar
Sweetened (Commercial)	70-110	19-25g	5-15g	Convenient, familiar flavor
Homemade	80-100	23-27g	0g (User controlled)	Ingredient control, higher fiber

The Healthier Choice: Unsweetened is Best

For those watching their caloric or sugar intake, unsweetened cinnamon applesauce is the clear winner. The base of apples provides natural sweetness, dietary fiber, and a host of antioxidants and vitamins. The cinnamon adds a flavorful spice without contributing calories, and it also offers its own anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Choosing unsweetened applesauce maximizes these health benefits without the drawbacks of excess sugar.

Benefits of Choosing Unsweetened Applesauce

Lower Calorie Density: Ideal for weight management, as you can consume a larger portion for fewer calories.
Natural Sugar Only: All the sweetness comes from the fruit itself, with no high-fructose corn syrup or processed sugars.
Rich in Fiber: Many varieties retain some of the apple's fiber, which is crucial for digestive health and promoting satiety.
Antioxidant Boost: Apples contain phytochemicals like quercetin, and cinnamon provides cinnamaldehyde, which both have powerful antioxidant effects.
Diabetic-Friendly Option: With its lower sugar content, unsweetened applesauce is a better choice for those managing blood sugar levels.

Making Your Own Cinnamon Applesauce

If you want the most control over your cinnamon applesauce and its nutritional content, making it from scratch is the best option. It is incredibly simple and requires only a few ingredients.

Recipe for Homemade Unsweetened Cinnamon Applesauce

Ingredients: Apples (sweet varieties like Golden Delicious are great), water, and cinnamon.
Process:
1. Core and chop apples (leave the peels on for extra fiber).
2. Add apples to a pot with a small amount of water to prevent sticking.
3. Cook over medium heat until soft, stirring occasionally.
4. Mash with a potato masher or use a blender for a smoother consistency.
5. Stir in cinnamon to taste.

This method guarantees you are getting all the nutritional benefits without any hidden sugars. A great resource for apple-based recipes and health information is WebMD.

Conclusion

To determine how many calories does cinnamon applesauce have, the most important factor is the presence of added sugars. While both sweetened and unsweetened versions can be part of a balanced diet, unsweetened applesauce provides a low-calorie, naturally sweet snack option rich in fiber and antioxidants. By checking nutrition labels or, better yet, making your own, you can easily control the calorie content and maximize the health benefits of this classic fruit treat. Unsweetened homemade or store-bought applesauce remains the healthier, more nutrient-dense option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unsweetened cinnamon applesauce typically has between 50 and 80 calories per half-cup serving, depending on the brand and how it was prepared.

A sweetened 4-ounce cup of Mott's cinnamon applesauce contains about 100 calories, with a notable portion coming from added sugars.

Unsweetened applesauce is a low-fat, low-calorie food that is not fattening on its own. The calorie count increases significantly with added sugars in sweetened varieties, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.

To make a low-calorie homemade version, simply cook down peeled or unpeeled apples with water and cinnamon. Avoid adding any sugar to keep the calorie count minimal and get sweetness from the fruit itself.

No, cinnamon itself does not add a significant amount of calories to applesauce. It is primarily added for flavor and its own antioxidant properties.

Always check the nutrition label. Unsweetened applesauce will show '0g added sugars' and a lower total sugar count compared to sweetened versions, which will list added sugars separately.

The calorie difference is negligible. However, leaving the apple peels on when making applesauce adds more dietary fiber and antioxidants, which are beneficial for health.