Applesauce, unsweetened, with added vitamin C
Whole food · Fruits and Fruit Juices
Photo: Wikipedia
Unsweetened applesauce with added vitamin C is a smooth, velvety purée of cooked apples, offering a naturally sweet-tart flavor without any added sugars. Its silky texture makes it a comforting, light snack or ingredient. The addition of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) not only boosts its nutritional profile but also helps preserve its pale, fresh color.
Calorie split: 2% protein · 95% carbs · 3% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its pure, nostalgic apple flavor and smooth consistency that's both comforting and refreshing. It's a beloved, convenient staple for everything from a quick snack to a baking substitute for oil or eggs.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its lack of fiber and naturally high carbohydrate content can lead to rapid blood-sugar spikes if consumed in large amounts alone. To counteract this, pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts or a dollop of Greek yogurt) to slow digestion and stabilize energy levels.
Key benefits
- Low in calories (52 kcal per 100g)
- Naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free
- Good source of added vitamin C for immune support
- Provides quick, easily digestible carbohydrates
- Versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory cooking
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
In early 20th-century American cookbooks, unsweetened applesauce was a standard 'make-do' ingredient used to replace expensive butter or eggs in cakes during times of rationing.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 87.1 g |
| Energy (Atwater General Factors) | 51.6 kcal |
| Energy (Atwater Specific Factors) | 46.4 kcal |
| Nitrogen | 0.04 g |
| Protein | 0.27 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.16 g |
| Ash | 0.20 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 12.3 g |
| Sugars, Total | 9.7 g |
| Sucrose | 1.4 g |
| Glucose | 2.5 g |
| Fructose | 5.9 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Citric acid | 0.00 mg |
| Malic acid | 426 mg |
| Oxalic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Pyruvic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Quinic acid | 5.4 mg |
| Calcium, Ca | 3.8 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.04 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 3.9 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 9.1 mg |
| Potassium, K | 108 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 0.50 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.00 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.04 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 43.7 mg |
| Biotin | 0.00 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Applesauce, canned, sweetened, with salt — USDA does not publish this profile for Applesauce.
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.03 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Applesauce, canned, sweetened, with salt — USDA does not publish this profile for Applesauce.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.01 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.01 g |
| Leucine | 0.01 g |
| Lysine | 0.01 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.01 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.01 g |
| Arginine | 0.01 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.01 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.03 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.02 g |
| Glycine | 0.01 g |
| Proline | 0.01 g |
| Serine | 0.01 g |
FAQ
Is unsweetened applesauce with added vitamin C healthy?
Yes, it's a low-fat, low-calorie food that provides quick energy and a boost of vitamin C. However, because it lacks fiber and has a high glycemic index, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I use it in baking?
Absolutely. It's a popular substitute for butter, oil, or eggs in many baked goods, reducing fat and calories while adding moisture and a subtle apple flavor. A common ratio is 1/2 cup applesauce to replace 1/4 cup of oil.
How does the added vitamin C affect it?
The added vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acts as an antioxidant preservative, preventing the applesauce from browning and helping to maintain its fresh taste. It also contributes to your daily vitamin C intake.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.52 kcal/g · 2% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.00 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.