Are you familiar with store-bought applesauce?
Is there an ingredient list on the package?
The ingredients added to your food might have been sugar..
…or high fructose corn syrup. Have you ever found…
No Sugar Added Applesauce there?
Do you ever make your own applesauce?
Does the recipe call for a ¼ cup of sugar?
Is it necessary to add sugar to applesauce?
It is possible to make a sauce that satisfies the sweet tooth…
…without adding additional ingredients?
The answer is yes!
In the end, it all comes down to your apple choice…
We also have compiled a guide that will help you choose…
…apples for applesauce, if you are looking for the best one.
With the right apples or apple combinations, the natural sugars…
…in the apple will be enough to eliminate the need for additional sugar.
Listed below are apples that you can use for making…
…no sugar added pplesauce. As well as not requiring sugar…
…these are the best apples for making applesauce in terms of flavor as well.
Here are three lists, one of commonly found varieties…
…one of less commonly found varieties…
and the last one of hard to find varieties, but if you can find them…
…they are worth the effort. For the purpose of this post…
…I’m assuming you are making a smooth, not chunky, applesauce.
Any discussion of chunky applesauce will have to wait for another post.
Here is Paula’s experience…
I just noticed how high sugar contained by the applesauce I usually use…
It is concerning me because I use it often. I heard it is easy to make..
no sugar added applesauce so I decided to make with Gala apple. It is really easy..
and the apple is easy to find. Now I’m producing…
…no sugar added applesauce to my friend.
Apples may aid weight loss in several ways. They’re also particularly filling due to their high fiber content.
health line
Here You Go!
Varieties That Are Common
Apples that are widely available in the stores today…
…don’t always deliver the best applesauce. In today’s world…
…everyone wants a crisp, juicy, and sweet apple.
Crisp apples take longer to break down into sauce…
If the apple is very juicy, the process takes even longer…
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
Here the least for common varieties of apples…
…you can use to make No Sugar Added Applesauce:
- Gala: Adding sugar to applesauce is the easiest way to make it sweet. Add a few Galas and you’re good to go.
- Fuji: The Fuji will add sweetness as well, but Galas do have a bit more flavor, so if both are available, I’d choose Galas.
- Honeycrisp: Honeycrisp add some sweetness to the party, but their crisp texture does you no favors. The higher price would also allow me to just eat these out of hand.
- Red & Golden Delicious: It seems that the once delicious apples of America have fallen on hard times in the eyes of apple lovers. A cheap way to save sugar is to add either Red Delicious or Golden Delicious to your sauce.
- McIntosh: When these are first available, they will be rather tart, but if you end up with some old Macs that have gone mushy, you can still use them in applesauce. As they age, they do get sweeter, but I don’t think they become sweet enough for a no-sugar-added sauce.
- Cameo: This apple is later in the season, but it certainly packs a sweet punch.
- Jazz: A consistently flavorful apple that has gained popularity despite its inconsistency. On the sweeter side, but Galas are still a better choice if they’re available.
Let’s move on…
Less Common Varieties
Variety that may be common in a certain area of the country…
…available in some stores but not all, or new to the market.
You should be able to find these if you do a bit of searching…
There are no apples available year-round for all of these varieties…
Here are the less common apples…
…to make No Sugar Added Applesauce:
- Ginger Gold: A very popular apple in Michigan in the springtime. A bit tarter than a Golden Delicious. Sauce can be made when they are a nice yellow color without green.
- Paula Red: Paulas are tart in the beginning, just like McIntoshes. Wait a few weeks and they will soften and become significantly sweeter. I made an entire batch of applesauce just from Paula Red apples and didn’t add any sugar.
- Sweetie (Super Sweet, No Flavor): It is a new apple that is starting to appear in more and more stores. It is extremely sweet and lacks any acidity. It also lacks flavor, in my opinion. I can see using them in a batch of sauce made with a tart, flavorful apple.
- Zestar!: Like the applecrisp, a University of Minnesota developed apple is available early in the season. This flavor is similar to brown sugar, which would be perfect in applesauce. If you have any left in your fridge, toss them into your sauce if they have gone soft.
Next apples varieties…
The Varieties Are Hard to Find, But the Quality Is Good
It is difficult to find these apples. There are either heirloom varieties…
..or new ones that are limited in availability.
All of these would make excellent applesauce…
…with no added sugar if you can find them!
Here is the list of rare apple that you can use…
…to make no sugar added applesauce:
- Pink Sugar: Just discovered this one this month. It’s super sweet, with no acidity whatsoever. I do not enjoy it for out of hand eating. It is guaranteed to sweeten up my next batch of applesauce.
- Green Dragon: These apples are more flavorful than super sweet apples. Mix well with a more tart apple.
- Blondee Apples: In 2013, I had these for the first time. These are sweet with a floral flavor that is really refreshing. I ate them too fast to try them in sauce. Sure, they’d be a good addition.
- Hudson’s Golden Gem: There is a brown underlayer to the skin of this Russett variety. A sweet and flavorful treat.
3-Ingredient No Sugar Added Applesauce
Simple no sugar added applesauce made on the stovetop…
…with just 3 ingredients.
In less than 30 minutes, no sugar added applesauce every time.
Ingredients
2 medium honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and chopped in bite-size pieces (sweet apples are best // leave peel on for more texture and fiber)
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1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more to taste)
- Deep, sweet, warm flavor and rich mahogany color
- Great for baked goods, including cookies, muffins, pies and cinnamon rolls
- Versatile spice for sweet and savory dishes
- Aged up to 15 years for rich flavor
- Premium quality for pure, superior flavor; never made with added fillers
- Non GMO
- Sprinkle over morning oatmeal, French toast or cof
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2-3 Tbsp water
1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for preserving / keeping fresh longer / tartness)
- 100% LEMON JUICE: Iberia 100% lemon juice makes it easy to add delicious lemon flavor to dipping sauces, marinades, or even sodas or juice without slicing and squeezing fresh lemons.
- NO SLICING AND SQUEEZING: No need to slice or squeeze whole lemons any more, just add a splash of Iberia lemon juice to your drinks and dishes.
- SMOOTH TANGY TASTE: Iberia lemon juice has a sour and fluid consistency with a tangy flavor that blends well into a variety of dishes and drinks.
- VERSATILE: Stir Iberia lemon juice to create delicious and fresh tasting salad dressings or use it to make a classic lemon meringue pie. Add a splash of Iberia 100% lemon juice to lemon drop martini, lemonade or iced tea and avoid all the mess-work.
- A PANTRY STAPLE: Bulk supply of 3 x 32 oz bottles to keep your kitchen in good supply all the ti
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- BRAGG APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: The Bragg ACV Vinegar is made from organically grown apples, and offers various health benefits. To easily incorporate ACV into your diet, you can take a daily 2 oz shot, pour it over your salad, drink in a morning elixir with water and lemon, or add it to your hot tea.
- ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: The Bragg ACV is raw, unfiltered, and crafted from organically grown apples. It is USDA certified organic, Non-GMO Verified, and Kosher certified.
- MOTHER OF VINEGAR: The ‘Mother’ consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product its murky appearance. The ‘Mother’ is used for its natural cleansing qualities.
- APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HEALTH BENEFITS: Drinking a daily dose of Bragg Organic ACV offers many health benefits. ACV can help support a healthy immune system, aids in maintaining a healthy weight, delivers prebiotics, and helps you maintain normal glucose levels.
- The Bragg Difference: A diet rich in organic fruits and veggies is essential to vibrant health. Our ingredients always come from the land, not a lab. It’s our vital difference. With Bragg Live Food Products Seal of Authentic
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1-2 tsp maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice // optional )
- FLAVOR PROFILE: The darker the syrup, the stronger the flavor. Our Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste maple syrup is the darkest grade available, providing a strong and hearty maple flavor. Great for all around use including table top and cooking.
- SUSTAINABLY SOURCED: At Butternut Mountain Farm we are committed to giving you 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. The farmers with whom we work with understand maple and share our commitment to maintaining the health and sustainability of our forests.
- QUALITY STORY: Our pure maple syrup is carefully selected to ensure the product you receive is of the highest quality. With our strict quality standards, we can trace every drop of syrup from farm to table.
- PACKAGING BENEFITS: Easy-open, easy-pour, jugs are tamper-evident with an inner seal. They ship well, so they make excellent gifts. Syrup stored in BPA-free plastic jugs retains its natural flavor better than in traditional tin containers.
- OTHER USES: Use in coffee/tea, cocktails or over cereal, fruit, yogurt or pudding. Add to baked beans, apple pies, pickles and stir fries. Makes a delicious marinade or sauce. Great as a gi
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Instructions
- To a medium saucepan (see notes for Instant Pot instructions), add peeled chopped apples, cinnamon, a dash of water (*2-3 Tbsp / 30-45 ml as described in the original recipe), and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Mix.
- Cook on medium heat until it simmers, then reduce heat to low / medium-low and continue cooking until the apples are very tender and slightly caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add a little stirring from time to time.
- Mash into a loose sauce with the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher. The flesh can also be blended with an immersion blender, in a food processor, or in a high-speed blender for a smoother texture (optional) – an important step if you left the skins on. Sweeten with maple syrup or sugar of choice (optional – depends on sweetness of apples).
- Enjoy fresh, or store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer up to one month. Enjoy cold or reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until hot (add more water if dry).
Hey, in case you are looking for a great saucepan, here’s what I recommend you…
- Coated with multi-layer nonstick for ultra-durability; made using top rated material 3003 aluminum alloy, used for professional grade saucepans
- Two layered nonstick interior is exceptionally durable, double coated, and scratch resistant; sturdy heat resistant bakelite handle is strongly riveted to the pan to create a comfortable grip. Delivers scrumptious results, whether you’re making sauces, gravies, boiling pasta, or simply reheating leftovers
- Dishwasher safe; for hand cleaning, first use a paper towel, wooden or plastic spatula to remove any loose food from the pan; then use a sponge, or paper towel sprinkled with a few drops of dish-washing soap to wipe the surface clean
- Always let the cookware cool before washing or putting under water in the sink or dishwas
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Sum Up
Depending on your taste preference, different apples will bring about…
…a different flavor in your no sugar added applesauce.
Granny Smith apples make the best no sugar added applesauce…
…if you prefer a tart taste. A golden delicious or gala apple…
…would be a good choice if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Below you’ll find a list of the various kinds of apples…
…and their tastes so that you can choose the one that best suits your palate.
Because this applesauce recipe is no sugar added applesauce…
…you might want to choose an apple that tastes naturally sweet.
Conclusion
What is your apple choice to make no sugar added applesauce?
leave a comment below, and let’s sharing…
….about no added sugar applesauce!
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
