Is Applesauce Good For You?

If you enjoy eating applesauce, you're in good company. According to Transparency Market Research, the global applesauce market generated over $1,650,000 in 2017. That number is expected to increase to over $2,100,000 by 2026.

After bananas and grapes, apples are reportedly the third most internationally traded fruits. This shouldn't come as a surprise, given how popular apples are for their taste and their inherent nutrients and antioxidants. There are also a wide variety of foods derived from apples that are seeing increased consumption, such as juices and sauces.

While there are many versions of applesauce, applesauce in its most basic form is simply cooked apples. Aside from apples, applesauce recipes typically include water, sugar, ascorbic acid, other fruits, and additional spices like cinnamon (via WebMD). The precursor of the applesauce we know today may have originated in Medieval times in Europe, when sauces made with apples were served as accompaniments to pork, goose, and fish dishes. However, the actual term "applesauce" first appeared in print several hundred years later, in an 18th century English cookbook titled "Compleat Housewife" (via Taste Atlas).

Given that apples are its primary ingredient, applesauce provides similar health benefits as the fruit. According to Healthline, applesauce generally tends to be low in calories, fat, and salt. Additionally, applesauce can contain certain amounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, depending on the type of apples used, how the applesauce was processed, and if the peels were included in the mix. Applesauce made with peels, for example, will have more fiber. Experts also believe that apple peels contain high levels of antioxidants. Additionally, applesauce may be best known as the A in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), a home remedy many Americans have turned to when attempting to ease an upset stomach.

While eating applesauce isn't as healthy or as filling as eating an apple, health experts say that you can consume applesauce as part of a well-rounded diet, which should also include a variety of fruits. When looking to purchase the healthiest applesauce, the experts at Healthline advise that you keep an eye on labels and seek out applesauce brands with low or no added sugar, high vitamin C content, and no artificial flavors or colors.