Mott’s applesauce cups are a popular snack for both kids and adults. Applesauce is often seen as a healthy alternative to other sugary snacks. But how many calories are actually in a Mott’s applesauce cup? This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the calories and nutrition facts for different flavors and sizes of Mott’s applesauce cups.
Calories in Mott’s Applesauce Cups
The number of calories in a Mott’s applesauce cup can vary depending on the size and flavor. Here is an overview of the calorie content:
Mott’s Applesauce Pouch
– Mott’s Applesauce Pouch (4 oz): 50 calories
Mott’s Applesauce Cup
– Mott’s Applesauce Cup (2.25 oz): 35 calories
– Mott’s Applesauce Cup (4 oz): 70 calories
Mott’s Applesauce Cup Flavors
The calories can also vary slightly depending on the flavor:
– Mott’s Unsweetened Applesauce Cup (4 oz): 60 calories
– Mott’s Original Applesauce Cup (4 oz): 70 calories
– Mott’s Cinnamon Applesauce Cup (4 oz): 80 calories
– Mott’s Strawberry Applesauce Cup (4 oz): 80 calories
So in general, a single-serve 4 oz Mott’s applesauce cup contains around 70 calories, depending on the flavor. The unsweetened variety has slightly fewer calories.
Nutrition Facts for Mott’s Applesauce Cups
In addition to calories, let’s take a look at some of the key nutrition facts for a 4 oz Mott’s applesauce cup:
Total Fat
A 4 oz cup of Mott’s applesauce contains 0g of fat. Applesauce is naturally fat-free.
Sodium
– Unsweetened: 5mg
– Original: 10mg
– Cinnamon: 15mg
– Strawberry: 15mg
Mott’s applesauce is relatively low in sodium. The added flavors like cinnamon and strawberry contain slightly more sodium.
Total Carbohydrates
– Unsweetened: 14g
– Original: 16g
– Cinnamon: 19g
– Strawberry: 19g
The majority of calories in applesauce come from carbohydrates. An original Mott’s applesauce cup contains 16g of carbs.
Sugar
– Unsweetened: 7g
– Original: 12g
– Cinnamon: 15g
– Strawberry: 16g
Around half of the carbs in Mott’s applesauce come from natural sugar in the apples. The added flavors contain additional sugar.
Dietary Fiber
Mott’s applesauce is a good source of fiber, with 2g per 4 oz serving. Fiber helps promote digestive health.
Potassium
Each 4 oz cup of Mott’s applesauce contains 136mg of potassium. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions.
Vitamin C
Mott’s applesauce provides 10% of the daily value for vitamin C. Vitamin C supports immune health and acts as an antioxidant.
| Nutrition Facts | Mott’s Applesauce Cup (4 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Total Carbs | 16g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Potassium | 136mg |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
Benefits of Applesauce
Now that we know the calories and nutrition in Mott’s applesauce, let’s take a look at some of the key benefits this snack provides:
1. Provides Nutrients
As shown in the nutrition label, Mott’s applesauce contains fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It makes for a nutrient-dense, healthy snack.
2. High in Antioxidants
Apples are packed with antioxidants like quercetin and vitamin C that can help combat free radicals and inflammation in the body. These protective compounds remain intact in applesauce.
3. May Improve Digestion
The fiber content in applesauce can help promote regularity and improve digestion. The fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
4. Easy to Chew and Swallow
Applesauce has a smooth, soft texture, making it easy to chew and swallow. This makes it an ideal snack for toddlers, the elderly, or those with dental issues.
5. Potentially Lowers Cholesterol
Some research shows that consuming applesauce and other apple products may help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk.
6. Versatile Ingredient
Applesauce can be used as a substitute for oil or eggs in baking recipes. It can also add moisture to items like muffins, cakes, and meatloaf.
7. Kid-Friendly Snack
Applesauce is often one of the first solid foods given to babies. The soft texture and sweet taste make it popular with kids of all ages. It provides vitamins without excess sugar.
Mott’s Applesauce Varieties
Mott’s offers a wide selection of applesauce products and flavors beyond just the original cups:
Mott’s Applesauce Pouches
Mott’s makes applesauce pouches in convenient 4 oz sizes. These are ideal for packing in lunches or giving to young kids. Flavors include regular, cinnamon, and strawberry.
Mott’s Organic Applesauce
For an all-natural option, Mott’s provides organic applesauce cups made without artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Mott’s Natural Applesauce
The natural line features varieties like pineapple and mango applesauce for unique flavors.
Mott’s Cinnamon Applesauce
The cinnamon flavor adds a hint of spice and warmth without excess sugar.
Mott’s Go Applesauce
These convenient applesauce packets are pre-portioned and easy to take on-the-go.
Mott’s for Tots Applesauce
The Mott’s for Tots line comes in easy-to-handle pouches with flavors and textures suitable for babies.
Mott’s Plus Fiber Applesauce
For extra fiber, the Plus Fiber variety has 5 grams of dietary fiber per serving, or 20% of the daily value.
How Mott’s Applesauce Is Made
Wondering how Mott’s transforms fresh apples into smooth, flavorful applesauce? Here is an overview of their process:
Apple Selection
Mott’s uses a combination of apple varieties, including McIntosh, Cortland, Jonagold, and Gala apples. These varieties provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
Washing and Sorting
The apples are thoroughly washed and sorted to remove any damaged or bruised fruit before processing.
Peeling and Coring
Machines quickly peel the skin off the apples and remove the core and stem.
Cooking the Apples
The apples are then cooked down into a soft pulp, which helps release more flavor and nutrients.
Refining the Texture
The cooked apple pulp is put through a sieve to remove peels and cores. It is then pureed to the desired smooth, creamy texture.
Adding Other Ingredients
Natural flavorings, spices, vitamin C, and other ingredients are mixed in depending on the variety.
Packaging
Finally, the applesauce is hot-packed into cups, pouches, or other containers before being sealed.
Pasteurization
Mott’s applesauce is pasteurized to ensure it is safe and shelf-stable. The products do not contain any preservatives.
Applesauce Recipe Inspiration
Mott’s applesauce isn’t just for snacking – it can also be used to create delicious recipes! Here are some ideas:
Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
Substitute applesauce for half the fat in cookie recipes like oatmeal cookies for added moisture.
Applesauce Cake
Make a dense, moist cake by swapping oil for applesauce. Top with cinnamon glaze.
Sweet Potato and Apple Mash
Mix applesauce with cooked sweet potato and spices for a healthy side dish.
Apple Bread or Muffins
Incorporate applesauce into banana bread, zucchini bread, or muffins recipes for flavor and moisture.
Fruit and Applesauce Smoothies
Blend applesauce with yogurt and fresh or frozen fruit for a filling breakfast smoothie.
Overnight Applesauce Oats
Make energy-boosting overnight oats with applesauce, oats, milk, cinnamon, and nuts.
Pork Chops with Applesauce
Serve boneless pork chops topped with warmed applesauce for a simple dinner idea kids love.
Applesauce Pancakes
Make fluffy pancakes by folding applesauce into the batter. Top with maple syrup.
Buying and Storing Mott’s Applesauce
Mott’s applesauce is widely available at most grocery stores and major retailers. Here are some tips for buying and storing it:
Where to Buy
Look for Mott’s applesauce in the canned fruit or baby food aisles at stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and more.
How to Identify
Check the packaging for the Mott’s brand and logo. Make sure the plastic cups or pouches are sealed properly.
Pricing
Applesauce is very affordable, costing $1-3 for a pack of 4 to 6 individual servings. Organic or larger sizes may cost a little more.
How to Store Unopened
An unopened package of applesauce cups or pouches can be stored pantry until the best-by date. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high heat.
How to Store After Opening
Once open, refrigerate leftover applesauce and use within 5-7 days. The cold temperature will help prevent mold.
How to Tell If Spoiled
Discard applesauce that smells off or shows any mold. Do not eat past the expiration or best-by date.
Is Freezing Possible?
You can freeze leftover Mott’s applesauce for up to 8 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Nutritional Alternatives to Applesauce
While applesauce is healthy, you may look for alternatives with different nutritional profiles at times. Here are some options:
Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium. It’s thicker than applesauce.
Pureed Fruit
Try pureeing fruits like banana, mango, prunes, or pumpkin for their unique nutrients.
Avocado
Mashed avocado provides heart-healthy fats and fiber. The mild flavor works well in baked goods.
Baby Food
Organic vegetable and fruit purees like sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, or bananas make an easy substitute.
Applesauce Substitutes
You can swap applesauce for oil, butter, or eggs in recipes. Benefits include fewer calories and better binding.
Mashed Banana
Ripe banana can provide natural sweetness and bind baked goods. It contains potassium and vitamin B6.
Prune Puree
Prune puree adds lots of fiber. It works well in chocolate treats and baked goods.
Silken Tofu
Blended silken tofu can replace eggs in many recipes. It provides protein and calcium.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Mott’s applesauce nutrition and calories:
Is applesauce good for you?
Yes, applesauce provides important nutrients like vitamin C and fiber. It makes for a nutritious snack in moderation.
Is applesauce low carb?
Plain unsweetened applesauce contains around 14g carbs per cup, so a 4 oz portion has 7g carbs. It is lower in carbs than many other fruits.
Is applesauce Keto-friendly?
Applesauce contains natural sugar, so it does not fit with a true ketogenic diet. But it can be part of a low-carb, high-fat diet in smaller portions.
Is applesauce gluten-free?
Yes, plain Mott’s applesauce is certified gluten-free, making it safe for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Can babies eat Mott’s applesauce?
Yes, the Mott’s for Tots line is specially made for babies 6+ months old. Always check with your pediatrician before introducing new foods. Start with a small amount and watch for any reactions.
Does applesauce need to be refrigerated?
An unopened package of Mott’s applesauce can be stored at room temperature. But leftover applesauce should be refrigerated and consumed within 5-7 days after opening.
Conclusion
Mott’s applesauce cups provide a tasty, kid-friendly snack that packs in beneficial nutrients. The calories and nutrition can vary based on the size and flavor. A standard 4 oz original Mott’s applesauce cup contains 70 calories and provides vitamin C, fiber, potassium and antioxidants without lots of added sugar. Incorporating applesauce into meals and snacks can take advantage of its many health perks. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as too much can lead to excess sugar and calories. Moderation and variety are key when enjoying this versatile fruit snack.