Applesauce

Common names: Apple purée, Stewed apples, Motts Applesauce (brand name), GoGo squeeZ Applesauce (brand name).
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KIDSADVISORY SAFETY RATING
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Safe
Published by Jordana Tobelem, RD, LDN — Last Updated on Apr 16, 2025
Medically reviewed by Dr. William Lin, MD
Applesauce is a purée made from cooked apples, often sweetened or spiced with ingredients like cinnamon.[1] In the food industry, it serves as a versatile ingredient: as a condiment, a fat substitute in baking to reduce calorie content, and as a base for various sauces and desserts.[2] Its natural pectin content acts as a gelling agent, contributing to the texture of jams and jellies.[2]
While applesauce offers nutritional benefits, including antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, certain considerations are important. Some commercial varieties contain added sugars, increasing caloric intake and potentially diminishing health benefits.[3] Additionally, apples and apple-based products can be susceptible to contamination by patulin, a mycotoxin produced by molds such as Penicillium expansum, which poses health risks if consumed.[3] Therefore, selecting unsweetened, additive-free applesauce from reputable sources is advisable to maximize its health advantages.

Safety Overview

Regulatory Bodies

FDA (US)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration oversees the safety of applesauce products and has laid out types, accepted flavoring or spices, and processing guidelines to ensure safety of products containing the substance.[4][5]
Health Canada
Health Canada has established standards for processed fruit products, including applesauce, to ensure safety and quality. These standards specify permissible ingredients and processing methods to maintain product integrity.[6]
EFSA (Europe)
The European Food Safety Authority provides guidelines on contaminants in food products, including applesauce, to protect consumer health. While specific incidents involving applesauce have not been reported, EFSA emphasizes the importance of monitoring and controlling contaminants in fruit-based products.​[7]
WHO (World Health Organization)
The World Health Organization sets international standards for food safety, including guidelines on permissible levels of contaminants in food products like applesauce. WHO emphasizes the need for monitoring and controlling contaminants to ensure consumer safety.[8]

FDA GRAS

U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Current Status
Classified
Applesauce itself does not require a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as it is a traditional food product made from apples. However, any additional substances or additives incorporated into applesauce must either be approved food additives or meet the GRAS requirements as specified in 21 CFR Parts 182 and 184. This ensures that all components used in applesauce production are recognized as safe under their intended conditions of use.[4]

EWG Rating

Environmental Working Group
  • EWG Rating: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns individual scores to applesauce products based on nutrition, ingredient concerns, and processing levels.[9]
  • Level of Caution: Products with added sugars or non-organic ingredients may receive lower scores, indicating a higher level of caution. ​[9]
  • Possible Health Risks: Consuming applesauce with high sugar content can contribute to increased calorie intake and potential health issues such as obesity and tooth decay.[9]
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More about Applesauce

  • Baked Goods: Muffins, Cakes, Pancakes
  • Dairy and Plant-Based Products: Yogurt, Smoothies, Oatmeal
  • Packaged Snacks: Fruit pouches, Granola bars, Baby food

Historical Use
Applesauce has been utilized in various culinary applications over the centuries, serving as a method to preserve apples and as an ingredient in diverse recipes. Its consumption has been associated with potential health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases due to its antioxidant properties.[10]
Current Exposure
Today, applesauce is widely consumed across North America and Europe, available in various forms such as sweetened, unsweetened, and flavored varieties. It is commonly used in baking, as a snack, and as a side dish, making it a staple in many households.[2]

Antioxidant Properties
Applesauce contains antioxidants, such as phytochemicals, that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.[10]
Digestive Health
The soluble fiber in applesauce can aid digestion and is beneficial for individuals experiencing diarrhea, making it a suitable option for those with pancreatic conditions.[11]
Potential Contaminant Exposure
There have been instances where applesauce products, particularly certain cinnamon-flavored pouches, were found to contain elevated levels of lead, posing health risks, especially to children.[12]

Toxicological Studies
Applesauce itself is generally considered safe for consumption, with no specific toxicological studies indicating adverse effects from its intake. However, research has shown that processing apples treated with ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicides can lead to the formation of ethylenethiourea (ETU), a compound with carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic properties in animal studies.[13]
Long-Term Safety
There is limited research specifically addressing the long-term safety of applesauce consumption. Nonetheless, studies have indicated that certain processing methods can influence the formation of potentially harmful compounds, such as ETU, suggesting the need for further investigation into long-term consumption effects.[13]

High-Risk Groups
Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure from contaminated applesauce products, as their developing bodies absorb lead more readily, which can adversely affect neurological development.[14]
Health Impacts
Elevated lead levels in applesauce have been linked to increased blood lead levels in children, potentially leading to cognitive impairments and behavioral issues.[14]

Recommended Intake
Applesauce, being a traditional food product made from apples, does not have a specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies.[5] However, it is recommended to consume applesauce in moderation as part of a balanced diet, considering factors such as sugar content and overall caloric intake.[15]

General Safety Level
Applesauce is generally considered safe for consumption; however, individuals with apple allergies may experience adverse reactions. Symptoms can range from mild oral itching to severe anaphylactic responses.[16]
Sensitive Individuals
People with birch pollen allergies may experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) when consuming apples, leading to itching or swelling in the mouth and throat. Cooking apples, as in applesauce, often reduces these allergenic proteins, potentially minimizing reactions.[17]

FAQ

Is applesauce safe to eat?

Yes, applesauce is generally safe to eat when properly stored and consumed before its expiration date.

Is it safe to can applesauce?

Yes, canning applesauce is safe when done using proper sterilization and processing methods.

What food category is applesauce?

Applesauce falls under the category of fruit and fruit products.

References

  1. Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Applesauce. Available at: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/applesauce ↩︎
  2. Wiley R.C. & Binkley C.R. (1989). Applesauce and Other Canned Apple Products. in Processing Fruits: Science and Technology. Springer, pp. 215-238. Available at: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4684-8225-6_10 ↩︎
  3. Zhong L., et al. (2018). Patulin in Apples and Apple-Based Food Products: The Burdens and the Mitigation Strategies. Toxins, 10(11), p. 475. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6267208/ ↩︎
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 - Canned applesauce. Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-145/subpart-B/section-145.110 ↩︎
  5. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2001). Canned Applesauce (Applesauce). Commodity Specification for Canned Fruit, pp. 1-16. Available at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/CIDCannedApplesauce.pdf ↩︎
  6. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2023) 'Canadian Standards of Identity: Volume 4 - Processed Fruit or Vegetable Products'. Available at: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/about-cfia/acts-and-regulations/list-acts-and-regulations/documents-incorporated-reference/canadian-standards-identity-volume-4 ↩︎
  7. European Food Safety Authority. (2023). Chemical contaminants in food and feed. Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/chemical-contaminants-food-feed ↩︎
  8. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Food safety. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/food-safety ↩︎
  9. Environmental Working Group. (n.d.) 'EWG's Food Scores: Wholesome Snacks - Apple Sauce Products'. Available at: https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/?category=Wholesome+Snacks+-+Apple+Sauce&page=1&per_page=48 ↩︎
  10. Boyer, J. and Liu, R.H. (2004). Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits. Nutrition Journal, 3(5). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-3-5 ↩︎
  11. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. (2020) 'Friday Fix: Benefits of Applesauce'. Available at: https://pancan.org/news/friday-fix-benefits-of-applesauce/ ↩︎
  12. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Investigation of Elevated Lead & Chromium Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023). Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023 ↩︎
  13. Lentza-Rizos C. (1990). Ethylenethiourea (ETU) in relation to use of ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 115, 1-37. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2189164 ↩︎
  14. Napier, M.D., Huneycutt, A., Moore, C., Goforth, C., Komlos, M., Bryant, V., Shone, S.M., Michael, L.D., & Norman, E.H. (2024) 'Childhood Lead Exposure Linked to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches - North Carolina, June 2023-January 2024', Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 73(28), pp. 622-627. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7328a2.htm ↩︎
  15. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Available at: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf ↩︎
  16. Thermo Fisher Scientific. (n.d.) 'Apple Allergen Facts, Symptoms, and Treatment | Allergy Insider'. Available at: https://www.thermofisher.com/allergy/us/en/allergen-fact-sheets/apple.html ↩︎
  17. Nothegger B., et al. (2021). Oral birch pollen immunotherapy with apples: Results of a phase II clinical pilot study. Immunity, Inflammation and Disease, 9(2), pp. 503-511. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8127540/ ↩︎

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