Calories in Applesauce
Nutrition Facts
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How many calories are in applesauce?
Applesauce contains 50–100 calories per 100 grams depending on type and preparation method. Unsweetened applesauce contains 40–50 calories, while sweetened or flavored variants can reach 100 calories per 100 grams. Most commercial brands standardize calories at 50 per 100g.
Calorie values in applesauce result from sugar concentration and serving size. USDA data confirms 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce (244g) provides approximately 102 calories. Brands like Mott’s confirm 50 calories per ½ cup for unsweetened versions and 90 calories per ½ cup for sweetened versions. These differences are caused by added sugars and concentrated apple juice in processed variants.
Harvard School of Public Health emphasizes unsweetened applesauce as lower-calorie alternative to desserts or spreads. Research comparing fruit-based purees found applesauce significantly lower in energy density than jams or preserves. The caloric load remains moderate if no sweeteners are added.
Applesauce calorie content per serving
One standard serving of applesauce (½ cup or 122g) provides 50–90 calories depending on sugar content. Unsweetened applesauce averages 50 calories per serving, while sweetened options average 90 calories. Homemade servings with added sugar reach 100–120 calories.
USDA FoodData Central confirms ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce delivers 51 calories with 13g of carbohydrates. Brands like Musselman’s and Mott’s list 90 calories per ½ cup in sweetened options. Flavored varieties such as cinnamon or strawberry increase calorie density due to added ingredients.
Studies on fruit puree caloric load show serving variation matters. Small packs (4 oz or 113g) deliver 45–90 calories depending on formulation. Calorie density remains consistent when sugar is the primary additive. The value increases only if sugar content or portion size increases.
Calories in unsweetened applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce contains approximately 40–50 calories per 100g. A ½ cup (122g) serving provides about 51–61 calories. No added sugar maintains the low energy density.
USDA data confirms unsweetened applesauce contains 13g carbohydrates and 0g fat per 122g. No added sugars are reported, only naturally occurring fruit sugars. Most brands list 50 calories per ½ cup as standard. Organic variants follow similar ranges when unflavored.
Research from Mayo Clinic confirms unsweetened applesauce is classified as low-calorie fruit preparation. The sugar content remains between 8g–11g per 100g from natural fruit sugar (fructose, glucose). Lower glycemic values maintain its suitability for calorie-controlled diets.
Applesauce nutrition facts and calories
Applesauce delivers 50–100 calories per 100g depending on type. One serving (½ cup) has 13g carbohydrates, 0g fat, and <1g protein. It contains potassium (100mg), vitamin C (5% DV), and trace fiber (1g).
USDA FoodData shows standard nutrition per ½ cup as 51 calories, 13g carbs, and 0.5g fiber in unsweetened types. Sweetened types increase sugar to 20g and total calories to 90. Commercially enriched applesauce sometimes adds vitamin C or calcium.
Cleveland Clinic lists applesauce as low in fat and cholesterol. Micronutrients depend on preparation: homemade retains more fiber if skin is blended. Vitamin C is often added during commercial bottling, increasing antioxidant content if ascorbic acid is used.
Is applesauce high in calories?
Applesauce is low to moderate in calories. Unsweetened types are low-calorie with 40–50 calories per 100g. Sweetened types are moderate, reaching 80–100 calories per 100g. The calorie density increases with added sugar.
Harvard Health Publishing categorizes unsweetened applesauce as a low-calorie fruit product. It recommends it as a snack replacement for higher-calorie baked goods. Clinical studies show that replacing 1 cup of oil with 1 cup of applesauce in recipes reduces calorie intake by over 700 calories per recipe.
Calorie levels stay moderate unless sweeteners or fruit concentrates are included. Dietitians classify unsweetened applesauce as appropriate for weight-loss diets. Caloric classification stays below high-calorie threshold defined as >120 per 100g.
Caloric value of homemade applesauce
Homemade applesauce contains 50–120 calories per 100g depending on sugar content. Without sugar, it ranges 40–60 calories. With sugar or honey, it reaches 100–120 calories per 100g. Calorie value varies by apple type.
Homemade recipes from USDA guidelines suggest ½ cup unsweetened yields 51–61 calories. Red Delicious or Fuji apples increase sugar content, raising calories. Peeling and straining reduce fiber and micronutrients, impacting net calories absorbed.
Research in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis found calorie increase of 25% in recipes with added sugar. Applesauce with cinnamon or lemon has negligible calorie impact. Inclusion of honey or syrup raises values significantly.
Applesauce calories per 100g
Applesauce contains 50–100 calories per 100g. Unsweetened applesauce has 40–50 calories, while sweetened types contain 80–100 calories. Caloric values are based on sugar and moisture content.
USDA confirms 100g unsweetened applesauce delivers 48–52 calories. Commercial products like Mott’s Natural Unsweetened list 50 calories per 100g. Sweetened versions range from 85 to 100 calories depending on added sugars.
Nutrition studies classify foods with <60 kcal/100g as low-energy density. Unsweetened applesauce meets this criterion. Foods above 80 kcal/100g are classified as moderate, making sweetened applesauce borderline for energy-rich food status.
Applesauce calories per cup
One cup of unsweetened applesauce (244g) contains 102–110 calories. Sweetened applesauce reaches 180–200 calories per cup. The variation reflects sugar concentration and brand formulation.
USDA lists unsweetened applesauce at 42 calories per 100g, totaling 102 per cup. Sweetened brands average 90 calories per 122g (½ cup), doubling to 180 per cup. Cinnamon-flavored options fall within sweetened category if sugar is added.
Scientific dietary guides consider 100-calorie snacks as low-to-moderate. Applesauce falls into this group if unsweetened. Calorie density increases sharply with concentrates or high-sugar fruits.
How many calories in 1 tbsp of applesauce?
One tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce contains 6–9 calories. Sweetened types contain 12–15 calories per tablespoon. Each tablespoon weighs approximately 15 grams.
USDA nutrient database reports 6.2 calories per tablespoon in unsweetened products. Sweetened applesauce contains 12–14 calories depending on sugar level. Serving control is critical in baby food and baking where tablespoons are used.
Diabetes-focused studies confirm tablespoon-sized quantities help control sugar spikes. Low calorie load per tablespoon makes applesauce suitable for portion-controlled snacks. Higher values apply only in flavored or sweetened types.
Does applesauce have fewer calories than fresh apples?
Applesauce contains fewer calories than apples per gram. Apples average 52–57 calories per 100g. Unsweetened applesauce ranges 40–50 calories per 100g. Fresh apples have more fiber and water weight, increasing caloric content.
Comparative analysis from USDA shows Fuji apples contain 57 kcal/100g, while unsweetened applesauce holds 48 kcal/100g. Apples retain fiber from peels, contributing 2–3g fiber per 100g, compared to <1g in applesauce. Juice loss during cooking lowers energy density.
Studies on fruit processing confirm calorie reduction during conversion to unsweetened puree. Cooking breaks down cellulose and reduces density. Applesauce offers lower caloric intake for equal gram consumption, if sugar is not added.
