Applesauce Nutrition: What's Inside a Jar of Great Value?
To determine if Great Value applesauce is a healthy option, it's essential to examine the nutritional information for its different varieties. The primary factors to consider are calories, natural sugars, and most importantly, the presence of added sugars. The Great Value brand offers multiple options, including original, unsweetened, and organic unsweetened.
Great Value Original Applesauce
This variety is often made with apples, sugar, water, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Some versions, particularly multi-packs, may also contain high-fructose corn syrup. With 90 calories and 18 grams of sugar per 1/2 cup serving, this version contains a significant amount of added sweetener, which diminishes its health benefits.
Great Value Unsweetened Applesauce
This is the healthier of the two main options. The ingredients are simple: apples, water, and ascorbic acid. A half-cup serving has only 50 calories and 8 grams of sugar, all of which are naturally occurring from the fruit itself. The lack of added sugar makes it a much better choice for those monitoring their sugar intake or seeking a more wholesome fruit snack.
The Health Pros and Cons of Applesauce
Like any food, applesauce has both upsides and downsides when it comes to nutrition. The benefits are most apparent in unsweetened varieties.
Pros of Applesauce:
- Easy to Digest: For those with an upset stomach or difficulty chewing, applesauce is a simple, gentle food. The pectin, a type of soluble fiber, can help soothe digestive issues like diarrhea.
- Antioxidant Power: Apples contain beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants that can help fight free radicals in the body.
- Vitamin C Boost: Store-bought applesauce typically has vitamin C (ascorbic acid) added to maintain color and act as a preservative. This provides an immune-boosting benefit.
- Low Calorie (Unsweetened): The unsweetened version is a low-calorie, low-fat snack, making it a good choice for weight management.
- Versatile Ingredient: Applesauce can be used as a healthier substitute for oil or sugar in baking, reducing the fat and calorie content of baked goods.
Cons of Applesauce:
- High Added Sugar (Original): The original, sweetened versions of applesauce often contain high amounts of added sugar, which contributes to empty calories and can lead to blood sugar spikes.
- Lower Fiber than Whole Apples: Processing apples into sauce, particularly removing the peels, significantly reduces the fiber content compared to eating a whole apple. Most store-bought brands, including Great Value, are peeled.
- Less Nutrients Overall: Cooking apples to make applesauce can cause some loss of nutrients, though not all. A whole, fresh apple is always the more nutritionally complete choice.
Comparison: Great Value Applesauce vs. Fresh Apple
To put the nutritional value into perspective, let's compare the different varieties of Great Value applesauce with a fresh apple. A fresh, medium-sized apple is estimated to have about 95 calories, 19 grams of sugar, and 4.4 grams of fiber.
| Feature | Great Value Unsweetened | Great Value Original | Fresh Apple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1/2 cup | 1/2 cup | 1 medium fruit |
| Calories | 50 | 90 | ~95 |
| Added Sugar | 0g | 10g+ | 0g |
| Total Sugar | 8g | 18g | ~19g |
| Fiber | 1-2g | 1-2g | 4.4g |
| Key Takeaway | Best applesauce option, low calorie. | High in added sugar. | Highest fiber, most nutrient-dense. |
Making the Best Choice for Your Diet
When standing in the grocery aisle, the best way to ensure you're making a healthy choice is to turn the product around and read the ingredients list. Look for the simplest ingredient list possible: apples, water, and ascorbic acid. Many customers recommend the unsweetened variety for its good taste and lower sugar content.
However, it is also important to recognize that while a good value, the brand has received mixed customer reviews regarding consistency and container design. Some reviewers note a gritty texture, while others find the jar hard to fully empty due to ridges. Ultimately, the healthiest applesauce will always be homemade from whole, unpeeled apples, as this preserves the maximum amount of fiber and nutrients.
WebMD offers a comprehensive guide to applesauce health benefits, and is a great resource for learning more about the nutritional aspects of applesauce.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Great Value Applesauce
To answer the question, "is Great Value applesauce good for you?", the answer is conditional. The unsweetened version is a fine, low-fat, and low-calorie snack, providing vitamins and digestive benefits. It is a much healthier option than the original, which contains significant added sugars. However, for maximum fiber and nutrients, a whole, fresh apple is still the superior choice. If convenience is a priority, choose the unsweetened option and enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
