Who Makes the Healthiest Applesauce? A Brand-by-Brand Breakdown

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group, apples are frequently on the "Dirty Dozen" list of produce with high pesticide residues, making the choice to buy organic a critical factor for a healthier snack. Finding out who makes the healthiest applesauce involves looking beyond the label to evaluate ingredients and processing methods.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals how to identify the healthiest applesauce, covering key factors like organic status, added sugars, preservatives, and processing methods. It compares top brands and homemade options to help you make an informed choice for a more nutritious snack.

Key Points

Choose Organic: Apples are a high-pesticide crop, so selecting an organic applesauce is crucial for a cleaner product.
Avoid Added Sugars: Opt for "unsweetened" or "no sugar added" labels to ensure the applesauce's sweetness comes naturally from the fruit, not added sweeteners.
Check Ingredients: The healthiest applesauce contains a short, simple list of ingredients, primarily apples and possibly ascorbic acid or lemon juice.
Consider Homemade: Making your own applesauce guarantees the purest ingredients, allows for skin inclusion for added fiber, and eliminates preservatives.
Evaluate Packaging: For store-bought options, choose glass jars over plastic pouches to avoid potential contaminants.
Read Nutrition Labels: Compare brands by looking at sugar content and ingredient lists, favoring those with minimal and natural components.

Understanding the Healthiest Applesauce

When navigating the crowded grocery store aisles, the term "healthy" can be subjective. For applesauce, the healthiest option generally means a product with minimal ingredients, no added sugars, and sourced from organic apples to avoid pesticide residue. Brands like Wegmans, Mott's (organic unsweetened), North Coast Organic, and Santa Cruz Organic consistently rank well in reviews that prioritize nutrition. The true key to selecting a wholesome choice, however, lies in understanding what goes into your applesauce.

Organic vs. Conventional: A Crucial Distinction

Choosing organic applesauce is one of the most important decisions for a healthy product. Apples are routinely listed among the 'Dirty Dozen' produce items, which carry high levels of pesticide residue. Conventional applesauce may be made from apples treated with multiple chemical pesticides. Organic applesauce, by definition, uses apples grown without these synthetic pesticides, resulting in a cleaner final product. Furthermore, the USDA's organic standards regulate what additives can be used, which typically results in a more natural product.

The Sugar Dilemma: Natural vs. Added

Many commercially available applesauces are loaded with added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup, which drastically increases the calorie count and negates many health benefits. A quick glance at the ingredients list can reveal added sweeteners. The healthiest options clearly state "No Sugar Added" or "Unsweetened." These products rely solely on the natural sweetness of the apples, and while they still contain natural sugars, the fiber in the apple helps regulate blood sugar spikes.

Ingredients to Look For and Avoid

Beyond sugar, check the ingredient list for other additives. Healthy applesauce should contain just apples and perhaps a natural preservative like ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which also provides a nutritional boost.

Ingredients to Look For:

Organic apples
Water
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Natural spices (cinnamon)
Lemon juice (for preservation)

Ingredients to Avoid:

High-Fructose Corn Syrup or other added sugars
Artificial flavors or colors
Sodium Benzoate or other chemical preservatives

A Healthy Applesauce Comparison


Brand	Organic Status	Added Sugars	Key Ingredients	Packaging	Notes
Wegmans Organic Applesauce	Yes	No	Organic apples, water, ascorbic acid	Jars, cups	Taste-test winner; robust flavor.
Mott's No Sugar Added Organic	Yes	No	Organic apples, vitamin C	Pouches, jars	Convenient for on-the-go; well-regarded flavor.
North Coast Organic	Yes	No	Organic apples, organic apple juice concentrate, water	Jars, pouches	Focus on sustainability; natural flavor.
Santa Cruz Organic	Yes	No	Organic apples	Jars	Strong, real apple flavor; can be more expensive.
GoGo squeeZ (Unsweetened)	Some (check label)	No	Apples	Pouches	Popular kid-friendly option; simple ingredients.

The Homemade Applesauce Option

For ultimate control over ingredients, making your own applesauce is the healthiest choice. You can use organic apples, control the sweetness by selecting naturally sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, and leave the nutrient-rich skins on for added fiber and antioxidants. Simple recipes involve cooking chopped apples with a little water and a squeeze of lemon juice until tender, then pureeing or mashing to your desired consistency. This eliminates any need for commercial preservatives or added sugars, guaranteeing the purest, freshest flavor.

Processing and Packaging: More Considerations

The packaging and processing of applesauce also affect its health profile. Some studies have noted that applesauce sold in pouches can sometimes omit water, leading to a more concentrated flavor. However, others warn against potential contaminants in certain plastics, emphasizing the benefits of glass jars. The cooking process itself can impact nutrition; while some nutrients like Vitamin C may be diminished, homemade versions often retain more fiber, especially if the skin is included. Choosing glass jars for store-bought versions can be a healthier choice than some plastics, especially for baby food.

Conclusion: Your Healthiest Applesauce Choice

Determining who makes the healthiest applesauce depends on prioritizing certain factors: organic apples, no added sugar, and simple ingredients. The top contenders among store-bought brands, like Wegmans and Mott's (Organic Unsweetened), offer excellent nutritional profiles. However, for maximum control and guaranteed purity, making homemade applesauce is the definitive healthiest option. No matter which route you choose, reading labels and seeking out "unsweetened" and "organic" products are the most important steps toward a truly healthy snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, organic applesauce is considered healthier because it is made from apples grown without synthetic pesticides. Since apples are on the 'Dirty Dozen' list, choosing organic significantly reduces your exposure to these chemicals.

These terms are often used interchangeably to mean no added sweeteners. However, some brands might use fruit juice concentrate. The healthiest option contains only apples, relying solely on the fruit's natural sugars.

Yes, cooking apples can reduce some heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C. However, manufacturers often add ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) back in as a preservative, which helps mitigate this loss. Homemade versions can retain more nutrients, especially if the skin is left on.

Homemade applesauce offers the most control over ingredients, allowing you to use organic apples, avoid added sugars, and include the fiber-rich skins. It is generally the purest and healthiest choice.

Applesauce pouches can be healthy, especially if they are organic and unsweetened. The healthiest pouches contain only fruit and no added water, providing a more concentrated flavor. However, a glass jar is often preferred to avoid concerns about plastic packaging.

To make homemade applesauce, simply cook chopped organic apples (with or without the skin) with a small amount of water until tender. A squeeze of lemon juice can be added for brightness and preservation. Mash or puree to your desired consistency.

For babies, the healthiest applesauce is always organic and unsweetened, with the simplest possible ingredient list. Many brands offer dedicated baby food pouches that are pureed, such as GoGo squeeZ (unsweetened) or organic options from Mott's or North Coast, but homemade is ideal.