Is Applesauce Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
It depends on whether it is sweetened. Unsweetened applesauce is Level 1 — just cooked, mashed apples. Sweetened applesauce with added sugar is Level 2. Versions with high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors push to Level 3.
Key Findings
- •Unsweetened applesauce is just cooked, mashed apples — one of the simplest commercially available foods at Level 1
- •Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) added to prevent browning is the same compound found naturally in citrus — not an industrial processing agent
- •Flavored applesauce pouches marketed to children often contain "natural flavors" and added sugars not found in basic applesauce
Why Is Applesauce Level 1?
Unsweetened applesauce is one of the simplest commercially produced foods: apples are washed, cored, cooked in water or steam until soft, and mashed or pureed. The heat naturally breaks down the cell walls, releasing pectin and creating the sauce texture without any thickeners. Some brands add ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to prevent browning — this is the same compound naturally found in citrus and is not an industrial additive. The processing divergence happens with sweetened versions: added cane sugar bumps applesauce to Level 2 (still simple), but high fructose corn syrup, "natural flavors," and artificial colors (in flavored varieties like "strawberry applesauce") push into Level 3 territory. Cinnamon applesauce with just apples and cinnamon remains Level 1 — cinnamon is a ground spice, not a processing additive.
Applesauce Processing Level Distribution
How 995 applesauce products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 5.2 · Average nutrition score: 5.5/10
Applesauce Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed applesauce products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsweetened Apple Sauce Squeezables, Unsweetened | Musselman's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Organic Applesauce, Unsweetened | 365 Whole Foods Market | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Apple Sauce, Unsweetened | Full Circle Market | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Applesauce | Raley's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Apple Sauce, Unsweetened | Stater Bros. | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Apple Sauce, Unsweetened | Full Circle Market | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Apple Sauce | Tree Top | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Applesauce On-the-go, Unsweetened | Gold Emblem | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Unsweetened Apple Sauce, Unsweetened | Full Circle Market | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce | Clearly Organic | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Applesauce Labels
- 1
Unsweetened applesauce should list one ingredient: apples (possibly with ascorbic acid and water)
- 2
"No sugar added" and "unsweetened" are the labels that indicate Level 1 applesauce
- 3
Cinnamon applesauce with just apples and cinnamon is still Level 1
- 4
Flavored varieties (strawberry, mixed berry) often add artificial colors and "natural flavors" — Level 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mott's applesauce ultra-processed?
Mott's Natural (unsweetened) lists apples, water, and ascorbic acid — Level 1. Mott's Original adds high fructose corn syrup — Level 2-3. The processing level depends entirely on which Mott's variety you choose.
Is applesauce good for you?
From a processing standpoint, unsweetened applesauce is Level 1 — among the least processed commercial foods. It retains most of the apple's nutrients except fiber lost in some smooth varieties. Chunky applesauce retains more fiber than smooth.
Are applesauce pouches processed?
Pouches of unsweetened applesauce (just apples) are Level 1 — the pouch is just packaging. Flavored pouches marketed to children often add sugar, "natural flavors," and other ingredients, pushing them to Level 2-3. Check the ingredient list, not the packaging format.