Understanding 'Natural' in Store-Bought Products
Before answering if Mott's applesauce is natural, it's crucial to understand that the term "natural" is not strictly defined or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food companies often use it to suggest a product is wholesome, contains real ingredients, or is free from artificial additives. However, what is included in one product line may be excluded from another within the same brand.
For applesauce, a truly 'natural' product would contain only apples, and perhaps water and a little lemon juice to prevent browning and add a touch of flavor. Homemade applesauce is the benchmark for comparison, often containing nothing more than cooked apples and spices like cinnamon. Packaged applesauce, even those labeled as 'no sugar added,' may include ingredients that are technically manufactured, such as ascorbic acid, which is added to enhance vitamin C content and act as a preservative.
A Closer Look at Mott's Applesauce Varieties
To give a complete answer, we must examine the ingredients for Mott's different product offerings. The brand offers several lines, each with a distinct ingredient list that affects its "natural" status.
Mott's Original Applesauce
For decades, this has been the most common variety on the market. A close inspection of the ingredients reveals it contains more than just apples. In fact, some versions have been flagged for containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This added sweetener is a processed ingredient and immediately disqualifies the product from being considered truly natural by many consumers.
- Typical Ingredients for Original: Apples, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).
Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce
Recognizing consumer demand for healthier options, Mott's introduced a version without added sugars. This line is often cited by the company and reviewers for its simpler ingredient list. The sweetness comes entirely from the fruit itself.
- Typical Ingredients for No Sugar Added: Apples, Water, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).
- Positive aspects: Free of artificial sweeteners and added sugars, contains a straightforward ingredient list.
- Considerations: Still includes ascorbic acid, a manufactured preservative, which some people may not consider natural.
Mott's Organic No Sugar Added Applesauce
The most straightforwardly "natural" option offered by Mott's is their organic line. This product is made with organically grown apples, which means they are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Like the non-organic 'No Sugar Added' version, it contains no added sugars.
- Typical Ingredients for Organic No Sugar Added: Organic Apples, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).
- What makes it more natural? The use of organic apples, though the ascorbic acid is still a non-apple component.
Comparison Table: Mott's vs. Truly Natural
| Feature | Mott's Original Applesauce | Mott's No Sugar Added | Mott's Organic No Sugar Added | Homemade or 'Closest to Homemade' Applesauce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Added Sweeteners | High Fructose Corn Syrup | None | None | None (sweetness from apples) |
| Preservatives | Ascorbic Acid | Ascorbic Acid | Ascorbic Acid | Lemon Juice (optional) |
| Artificial Flavors | Some varieties may contain them | No | No | No |
| Sourced Apples | Conventional | Conventional | Organic | Organic or Conventional |
| Overall 'Natural' Score | Low | Medium | High | Highest |
What Determines How Natural Mott's Applesauce Is?
Based on the ingredient analysis, the "natural-ness" of Mott's applesauce is not a binary yes/no answer but rather a spectrum. The three main factors are:
- Presence of Added Sugars: The inclusion of high fructose corn syrup in the original varieties is a major distinguishing factor. It's a highly processed ingredient that moves the product away from a natural designation.
- Use of Preservatives: While ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a necessary preservative to maintain freshness and color, its addition is a manufacturing step that separates it from a simple homemade applesauce recipe.
- Organic Ingredients: The use of certified organic apples in certain product lines is the clearest move towards a more natural offering. However, even this version contains an added preservative.
Conclusion: So, is Mott's applesauce natural?
The verdict is that it depends on the specific product line. Mott's Original Applesauce, with its added high fructose corn syrup, is not what most would consider a natural product. However, the Mott's No Sugar Added and Organic No Sugar Added varieties are considerably more natural, containing only apples, water (sometimes), and the preservative ascorbic acid. If you are looking for a product that comes closest to a simple, homemade applesauce, the organic, no-sugar-added version is the best bet, but it is not identical. For the purest applesauce experience, cooking it at home is the only guaranteed way to know every single ingredient, as pointed out by blogs like Ingredient Inspector. Ultimately, a savvy shopper must scrutinize the ingredient list of each product and not just rely on front-of-package marketing to make an informed choice.
Note: Product formulations can change. Always check the label for the most current information.
