Unpacking the Pouch: What's in Mott's no sugar added applesauce?

October 12, 2025 •

2 min read

Made from whole, ripe apples, Mott's no sugar added applesauce is a popular and straightforward snack. Unlike many sweetened versions, it relies on just a few simple components, making it a favorite for parents and health-conscious adults seeking to limit added sugars. So, what's really inside that classic jar or convenient pouch?

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the ingredients and nutrition of Mott's no sugar added applesauce, highlighting its simple composition of apples, water, and ascorbic acid. The product is a fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free snack, relying on the natural sweetness of apples without any artificial additives or sweeteners.

Key Points

Simple Ingredients: Mott's no sugar added applesauce contains only apples, water, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in its classic variety.
No Added Sugar: The sweetness comes solely from the natural sugars found in apples, with zero added sugar.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C: The product is fortified with ascorbic acid, making it a good source of this essential nutrient.
Low in Calories and Free from Fat/Sodium: It is a healthy snack option, free from cholesterol and fat, with a low-calorie count.
Versatile Use: The applesauce can be used as a snack, side dish, or as a baking substitute for oil or butter.
No Artificial Additives: The applesauce contains no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, making it a clean and simple choice.

The Simple Ingredients Behind the Snack

For the classic apple variety of Mott's no sugar added applesauce, the ingredient list typically includes only apples, water, and ascorbic acid. Mott's uses real apples from North American growers, including family farms in upstate New York. Water is added for consistency, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is included as a preservative to maintain flavor and color while adding nutritional value. Mott's no sugar added line avoids artificial sweeteners, flavors, and added sugars, relying on the natural sweetness of apples. Other flavors in the line may include additional fruit purees or natural flavors, such as strawberry puree in the no sugar added strawberry applesauce.

A Closer Look at the Nutrition Diet

Incorporating no sugar added applesauce into your diet is a way to enjoy a sweet snack while managing sugar intake. A typical 1/2 cup serving of Mott's no sugar added applesauce contains about 50 calories and is fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free. The carbohydrates come from the natural sugars in the apples, and there are no added sugars. While processing reduces fiber content compared to a whole apple, the applesauce is an excellent source of Vitamin C.

Comparison: Mott's No Sugar Added vs. Sweetened Applesauce


Feature	Mott's No Sugar Added Applesauce	Standard Sweetened Applesauce
Added Sugar	0g	Contains added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup
Ingredients	Apples, Water, Ascorbic Acid	Apples, Water, Ascorbic Acid, plus sweeteners and possibly other additives
Sweetness	Mild, naturally sweet from apples	Significantly sweeter due to added sugar
Nutritional Profile	Low calories, low natural sugar	Higher calories and sugar content
Suitable for	Anyone limiting sugar intake, including diabetics	Those not concerned with added sugar

The Versatility of a Simple Snack

Mott's no sugar added applesauce is a versatile food that can be used in various ways.

Snack and Side Dish: Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish.
Baking Substitute: It can replace oil or butter in baking to reduce fat.
Breakfast Topping: Add it to oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes.
Smoothie Ingredient: Blend it into smoothies.
Baby Food: Its texture makes it suitable for babies.

Making a Healthy Choice

Mott's no sugar added applesauce provides a transparent and simple option for a healthy nutrition diet. Its composition of real apples, water, and vitamin C, without artificial additives or added sugars, makes it a suitable choice for those looking to reduce sugar intake. For more details, visit the official Mott's website.

Conclusion

Mott's no sugar added applesauce is a healthy snack option with a simple ingredient list of apples, water, and ascorbic acid. It is naturally sweetened by apples, contains no added sugars, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, and is a good source of Vitamin C. Its low-calorie and fat-free profile, combined with its versatility, make it a wholesome choice for various dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Mott's no sugar added applesauce does not contain any artificial sweeteners. The sweetness comes only from the natural sugars found in the apples themselves.

Yes, it is widely considered a healthy snack option. It has no added sugar, is fat-free, cholesterol-free, and is an excellent source of Vitamin C, all while being low in calories.

Ascorbic acid is simply Vitamin C. It is added to the applesauce as a natural preservative to maintain its fresh taste and color, as well as to enhance its nutritional value.

Yes, many people use no sugar added applesauce as a substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes to reduce fat content. It adds moisture and natural sweetness to baked goods.

The main difference is the absence of added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup in the 'no sugar added' version, which results in a lower calorie count and a less intensely sweet flavor compared to regular sweetened applesauce.

No. While applesauce contains some fiber, the processing of apples into sauce removes a significant portion of the dietary fiber found in a whole apple, especially the insoluble fiber in the peel.

Mott's sources its apples from North American growers, and specifically mentions working with family-owned farms in upstate New York.