Simply Nature Unsweetened Applesauce

Mysteries of the Universe: is applesauce a healthy fruit, or a dessert?

On one hand, you could argue that it’s got the markings of a healthy fruit. It’s high in Vitamin C, and there is a body of research associating applesauce with reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s also a good source of fiber.

On the other hand, applesauce probably has less fiber than a whole, uncooked apple, and it does contain a fair amount of sugar. That sugar count is even higher if the manufacturer adds sugar, something many applesauce producers do.

I personally view applesauce, especially unsweetened applesauce, as a good option that is more fruit than dessert. Ideally, uncooked apples are great to eat, but applesauce has its appeal, especially for people who, for one reason or another, can’t handle biting into apples.

Aldi sells a few varieties of applesauce, including some that are sweetened. If you prefer unsweetened applesauce —  and we do — Aldi sells both a large container as well as individual serving cups.

Simply Nature Unsweetened Applesauce is an Aldi Regular Buy, which means you can find it in stores all the time. Simply Nature is an Aldi house brand, exclusive to the store.

You can buy this applesauce either in a 46-ounce plastic jar or in a pack containing six 4-ounce plastic cups. It goes without saying that getting the jar is the better value, but both of them are priced competitively compared to other options out there. This post deals with the pack of plastic applesauce cups, which cost $1.79 at the time of publication, which comes out to about 30 cents per cup.

Applesauce is perishable, so be sure to note the use-by date on the containers. Also, while you can store unopened applesauce at room temperature, refrigerate any uneaten applesauce once you open it. Do not freeze this applesauce.

This applesauce is certainly simple. It contains just three ingredients: apples, water, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). There are no added sugars. The nutrition information reflects exactly what goes into the applesauce.

Nutrition information and ingredients. (Click to enlarge.)

Our family has been eating this applesauce for years now. The name “unsweetened” might make it sound like it’s not sweet, but that’s not true: it made from apples, so it’s definitely sweet. It’s not as sweet as the sweetened kind, of course, but after eating this for so long, the sweetened versions taste more like candy than apples. I actually prefer unsweetened at this point, because it’s still got that apple sweetness without the extra sugar.

The texture, meanwhile, is on par with other applesauce brands. There are no chunks here, just smooth. If you want something with bits of apple, you’ll want to look elsewhere (or make it yourself) but as typical store-bought fare goes, this does it.

The Verdict:

Simply Nature Unsweetened Applesauce is a value-priced product that tastes great and is sweet without having added sugar. It’s our go-to for dinner sides and easy school lunches. Recommended.