Are you looking for a healthy snack option that won't sabotage your diet? Look no further than natural applesauce, which packs in all the nutritious goodness of fresh apples in a single serving. At just 50 calories per serving, applesauce is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard on calories.

Not only is applesauce low in calories, it's also packed with essential nutrients. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, eating apples has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of natural applesauce, as well as offer tips and suggestions for incorporating this healthy snack into your diet.

A Healthy Snack with Only 50 Calories

If you're looking for a healthy snack that won't pack on the pounds, natural applesauce is a great choice. With just 50 calories per serving and zero fat, cholesterol, and sodium, you can enjoy this sweet treat guilt-free. Compared to other snacks like chips and candy, which can contain hundreds of calories per serving, applesauce is a much healthier option. Additionally, the fiber in applesauce can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it less likely for you to reach for other unhealthy snacks later on. So the next time you're in need of a quick, healthy snack, reach for a cup of natural applesauce!

Overview of Nutritional Benefits

Natural applesauce is not only low in calories, but it also contains a variety of essential nutrients that your body needs to function at its best. Here's a breakdown of some of the key nutritional benefits of natural applesauce: Vitamin C: Applesauce is a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells from damage and boost your immune system. A single serving of applesauce typically contains around 10% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Fiber: Applesauce is high in fiber, which can help keep your digestive system healthy and reduce your risk of conditions like constipation and diverticulitis. Additionally, fiber can help regulate your blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time.

How to Incorporate into Your Diet

One of the great things about natural applesauce is its versatility. Not only can it be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack, but it can also be used as a substitute for sugar in baking and cooking. For example, you can add unsweetened applesauce to muffin or cake batter in place of some or all of the sugar called for in the recipe. This will reduce the overall calorie and sugar content of the baked goods while still maintaining moistness and flavor. Additionally, you can use applesauce as a topping or dip for fruits, vegetables, or crackers, or mix it into smoothies and oatmeal for added fiber and nutrition.

Comparison with Other Snacks

It can be difficult to navigate the snack aisle at the grocery store, with so many options to choose from. However, when it comes to choosing a healthy snack, natural applesauce is a standout choice. Compared to other snacks like chips, candy, and cookies, which are often high in calories, fat, and sugar, natural applesauce is a much healthier option. Additionally, applesauce contains fiber and vitamins that these other snacks often lack. While it's okay to indulge in the occasional treat, making natural applesauce a regular part of your diet can help improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Tips for Making Homemade Applesauce

If you're interested in making your own natural applesauce, it's a relatively simple process. Here are some tips for making homemade applesauce: Choose the right apples: Use apples that are ripe but still firm, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Avoid apples that are overly soft or mealy. Control the sweetness: While natural applesauce does contain some natural sugars from the apples, you can control the overall sweetness by choosing to add sugar (or other sweeteners) or not. Alternatively, you can add other fruits like berries or peaches to naturally sweeten the applesauce.

Variations of Natural Applesauce Recipes

While simple natural applesauce is delicious on its own, there are many variations and flavors that you can experiment with to keep things interesting. Here are some variations of natural applesauce recipes to try: Apple cinnamon: Add a teaspoon or two of ground cinnamon to the applesauce for a warm and spicy flavor. Vanilla bean: Scrape a vanilla bean into the applesauce and stir to combine. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract.

Convenient Packaging Options

If you're looking for a quick and convenient snack option, natural applesauce is a great choice. It's available in a variety of packaging options, including single-serve cups, pouches, and jars. Single-serve cups and pouches are perfect for taking with you on the go, whether you're packing them in your lunchbox or throwing one in your bag for a midday snack. Jars are a great option for families or anyone who likes to make larger batches of applesauce. Additionally, many brands offer unsweetened or no-added-sugar options for those who are watching their sugar intake.

Storage and Expiration Date

To ensure the freshness and quality of your natural applesauce, it's important to store it properly. Unopened applesauce cups, pouches, or jars can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Once opened, natural applesauce should be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks. Additionally, if you have leftover applesauce that you're not planning to use right away, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. To freeze applesauce, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and label with the date. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on a low setting.

Suitable for All Ages and Dietary Restrictions

One of the great things about natural applesauce is that it's suitable for people of all ages and dietary restrictions. Whether you're looking for a snack to pack for your child's school lunch, or you're looking for a snack that's gluten-free, vegan, or low FODMAP, natural applesauce fits the bill. Additionally, if you're looking for a snack that's easy to digest, applesauce is a good choice. The pureed texture of applesauce can be easier on the digestive system than other crunchy or chewy snacks. If you have any concerns or questions about whether natural applesauce is right for your dietary needs, it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Where to Purchase and Pricing

You can typically find natural applesauce in the grocery store's canned fruit aisle, or in the natural foods section. It's available in a variety of packaging options and flavors. The price of natural applesauce will vary depending on the brand, packaging, and size. However, it's generally an affordable snack option that won't break the bank. Additionally, if you're interested in making your own natural applesauce, you can purchase fresh apples at your local farmer's market or grocery store and cook them down in a pot with some water and spices.