What cranberry sauce does not have high fructose corn syrup?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, excessive sugar intake, including high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), is linked to several health issues. Finding cranberry sauce that does not have high fructose corn syrup is a priority for many health-conscious consumers, especially during the holidays.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer cranberry sauce made without high fructose corn syrup, focusing on natural sweeteners or pure cane sugar. Homemade versions provide full control over ingredients. Many organic and specialty brands also adhere to strict no-HFCS policies. Checking labels for sweeteners is key.

Key Points

Check Labels for HFCS: Many conventional canned cranberry sauces contain high fructose corn syrup, so always read the ingredient list carefully before purchasing.
Explore Specific Brands: Brands like Gefen, Woodstock, and Thrive Market offer specific products that are labeled as being made without high fructose corn syrup.
Consider Making Homemade Sauce: Making cranberry sauce from scratch is the best way to ensure no HFCS is used and allows you to control the type and amount of sweetener.
Use Natural Sweetener Alternatives: For homemade sauce, use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or even monk fruit extract instead of refined sugar.
Incorporate Flavor Enhancers: Ingredients like orange juice, orange zest, or spices can enhance the flavor of your sauce and reduce the amount of sweetener needed.
Understand Health Implications: Overconsumption of HFCS is linked to health issues like weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, making HFCS-free options a healthier choice.

Navigating the Cranberry Sauce Aisle for Healthier Options

For many, the classic Thanksgiving feast is incomplete without a can-shaped cylinder of jellied cranberry sauce. However, a closer look at the ingredient list of many conventional brands reveals a common additive: high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Concerns over HFCS and its potential health impacts—such as increased risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and liver problems—have prompted consumers to seek out healthier alternatives. Fortunately, a growing number of brands are offering delicious cranberry sauces sweetened with better-for-you ingredients, or you can opt for an easy, and far superior, homemade version.

Cranberry Sauce Brands Without High Fructose Corn Syrup

While Ocean Spray is a household name, some of its products are known to contain HFCS, which has led to them being banned in stores like Whole Foods for that reason. Thankfully, several other brands have stepped in to meet the demand for cleaner products. When shopping, it’s essential to read the ingredients label carefully, as even within a single brand, different products may use different sweeteners.

Gefen: This brand offers both jellied and whole berry cranberry sauce varieties that are explicitly labeled as having "No High Fructose Corn Syrup". Instead, they use cane sugar for sweetness. Gefen is also certified Kosher and naturally gluten-free.
Woodstock: For those who prefer organic products, Woodstock offers an organic jellied cranberry sauce. As a USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified option, it avoids HFCS in favor of organic cane sugar.
Thrive Market: Thrive Market's organic whole berry cranberry sauce is another excellent organic choice that uses organic sugar as its sweetener. It is also non-GMO verified, providing a clean and simple product.
Appalachian Naturals: This brand sweetens its cranberry sauce with monk fruit extract, offering a low-sugar alternative for those managing their sugar intake.
The Backyard Food Company: With a focus on simple ingredients, their cranberry sauce is made with cranberries, pure cane sugar, and water, and is free of HFCS.
365 by Whole Foods Market: As a store brand focused on organic and natural products, their organic jellied cranberry sauce is made with organic sugar and doesn’t contain HFCS.

Making Your Own HFCS-Free Cranberry Sauce

The most surefire way to control the ingredients in your cranberry sauce is to make it from scratch. This not only guarantees the absence of HFCS but also allows you to adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking. Homemade versions are often naturally thicker due to the pectin in the cranberries, eliminating the need for artificial thickeners.

Ingredients:

1 (12 oz) bag of fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup water or orange juice
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
Optional: orange zest, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract for flavor

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water (or orange juice), and your chosen sweetener.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop and the sauce will thicken naturally.
Flavor: Once the desired consistency is reached, remove from heat and stir in any optional flavorings like orange zest or vanilla extract.
Cool: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Comparison Table: Store-Bought vs. Homemade


Feature	Store-Bought (HFCS-Free)	Homemade
Cost	Typically higher than conventional brands.	Often less expensive per serving.
Ingredients	Clean, but may contain other additives depending on the brand.	Fully customizable; you control everything.
Sweetener	Usually cane sugar, maple syrup, or honey.	You can choose pure maple syrup, honey, or a keto-friendly option like stevia.
Convenience	Ready-to-eat; simply open the can or jar.	Requires minimal prep and cooking time (around 15 minutes).
Flavor Control	Limited to the brand's recipe; some are more tart or sweet than others.	Completely customizable; you can adjust the balance of tartness and sweetness.
Storage	Shelf-stable until opened; leftovers store well in the fridge.	Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Conclusion: Making a Mindful Choice

Whether you opt for a carefully selected store-bought jar or decide to whip up a batch from scratch, it is entirely possible to enjoy delicious cranberry sauce that does not have high fructose corn syrup. Brands like Gefen, Woodstock, and The Backyard Food Company are excellent options for a healthier, pre-made choice. For maximum flavor and ingredient control, a simple homemade recipe using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey is the clear winner. By being a vigilant label reader or taking a few minutes in the kitchen, you can ensure your holiday side dish is both flavorful and mindful of your family's health.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For more information on the health implications of high fructose corn syrup and other food additives, consider consulting resources from the Cleveland Clinic: What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup? And Why It's Bad for You.

Making the Best Choice for Your Table

Choosing a cranberry sauce without HFCS is a straightforward process when you know what to look for. For those with busy schedules, plenty of high-quality, pre-made options exist. Those who love to cook can create a fresh, vibrant sauce in minutes, personalizing the flavor profile. Whichever path you choose, a delicious and healthier cranberry sauce is well within reach.

Top Tips for a Better Cranberry Sauce

Read the label: Always check the ingredient list for hidden sugars or corn syrups, even on seemingly healthy products.
Experiment with sweeteners: If making your own, try maple syrup or honey for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Add orange: A bit of orange juice or zest can brighten the sauce and reduce the need for extra sweetener.
Consider organic: Certified organic products are less likely to contain controversial additives like HFCS.
Store leftovers properly: Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for later use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands that offer cranberry sauce without high fructose corn syrup include Gefen, Woodstock (organic varieties), Thrive Market (organic), and The Backyard Food Company. Many organic store brands, like 365 by Whole Foods Market, also offer HFCS-free options.

Many of Ocean Spray's conventional cranberry sauce products are made with high fructose corn syrup. For example, Whole Foods Market bans Ocean Spray's jellied cranberry sauce for containing HFCS. Consumers looking to avoid this ingredient should check the label carefully.

To make homemade cranberry sauce without HFCS, simply simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with water or orange juice and a natural sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or a sugar alternative like monk fruit. The cranberries' natural pectin will cause the sauce to thicken as it cools.

Excellent natural alternatives to HFCS and refined sugar for cranberry sauce include pure maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, date syrup, or monk fruit extract. These can be used to sweeten homemade sauce to your preference.

High fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that some health experts link to increased risk of weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. It provides empty calories without nutritional benefits.

No, you do not need to add cornstarch or gelatin. The natural pectin found in cranberries is enough to cause the sauce to thicken as it cools. For a smoother sauce, you can mash the berries during cooking.

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones for making homemade sauce. You do not need to thaw them beforehand, but they may need an extra minute or two of simmering time.