# Santa Cruz Organic Apple Sauce > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Santa Cruz Organic - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Canned & Packaged Goods - **Size:** 23 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/santa-cruz-organic-apple-sauce-23-oz - **Slug:** `santa-cruz-organic-apple-sauce-23-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods This is a processed food (NOVA 3): it's made from whole apples that are cooked and pureed with a small preservative (ascorbic acid) and pasteurized for shelf stability, without being reformulated into an ultra-processed product. ## Review Santa Cruz Organic Apple Sauce is a shelf-stable, spoonable fruit purée commonly found in the canned fruit/applesauce aisle or the natural and organic section of American supermarkets, often shelved near fruit cups, baby foods, and baking staples. Packaged in a clear glass jar with a screw-top lid and a bright, organic-branded label, it reads as a pantry-friendly, family-oriented product. Occasions for use range from packed lunches and after-school snacks to weekend baking and as a simple, single-ingredient condiment beside pancakes or pork chops. The brand positions itself toward health-conscious, eco-aware shoppers and parents who favor clean labels and organic certification; Santa Cruz Organic leans on heritage and simplicity rather than gimmicky kid branding. Label cues include the USDA Organic seal, Non-GMO Project Verified mark, and front-of-package claims like naturally fat free, gluten free, and simple ingredients, creating an immediate 'natural' and 'wholesome' halo. In plain processing terms, the apples are cooked and pureed and the jar is pasteurized for safety; a small amount of ascorbic acid is added to maintain color. Sensory notes: a smooth, glossy purée with a bright apple aroma, balanced sweetness and light tartness, and a silky, spoonable texture without added chunks. Rituals around this jar are casual and domestic—spooning straight from the jar, stirring into oatmeal or yogurt, or measuring into batter as an egg or oil substitute during holiday baking. Overall, it reads as a convenient, pantry-stable expression of simple, organic fruit. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free - Organic ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 cup - **Servings per container:** 5 - **Calories:** 60 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 15g (5% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 12g - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Organic Apples, Ascorbic Acid (to Maintain Color). ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, holiday-baking, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** wholesome, nostalgic, convenient, practical ## FAQ ### Is Santa Cruz organic apple sauce healthy? Absolutely! This apple sauce is made with just organic apples and ascorbic acid to keep that lovely color. It’s a wholesome snack option that’s free from added sugars and preservatives, making it a great choice for a quick fruit fix. Just remember, while it’s nutritious, it’s still a treat—balance it with other food groups for a well-rounded diet! ### Is Santa Cruz organic apple sauce vegan? Yes, it is! With only organic apples and ascorbic acid, you won’t find any animal products lurking in the ingredients list. So, feel free to enjoy this guilt-free snack whether you’re a full-time vegan or just trying to eat more plant-based! ### Is Santa Cruz organic apple sauce gluten-free? You bet! This apple sauce is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe snack for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It’s a great option to keep on hand for those who need to avoid gluten while still enjoying something sweet and fruity. ### Does Santa Cruz organic apple sauce contain seed oils? Nope, it doesn’t! You’ll find no seed oils in this apple sauce, which is great because some seed oils can be highly processed and inflammatory. Instead, you’re just getting pure fruit goodness—simple and straightforward! ### Does Santa Cruz organic apple sauce contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! This apple sauce is sweetened naturally by the organic apples themselves, so there are no sneaky artificial sweeteners in the mix. It’s a refreshing reminder that sometimes, nature knows best when it comes to flavor. ### Is Santa Cruz organic apple sauce high in sugar? It has a moderate sugar content, with about 12 grams of natural sugars per half cup. This sugar comes from the apples, not added sugars, so it’s a more wholesome option compared to many other sweet snacks. Just keep in mind that while it’s not overly sugary, it’s still good to enjoy in moderation! ### What are healthier alternatives to Santa Cruz organic apple sauce? While this apple sauce is already a healthy choice, you could try homemade apple sauce for a fun twist—just blend some cooked apples with a dash of cinnamon! Alternatively, fresh apples or other fruit purees can also be great options, but they might not have that same smooth texture. ### Can kids eat Santa Cruz organic apple sauce? Definitely! Kids love the sweet taste and smooth texture, making it a fantastic snack option for little ones. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some fruit into their diet without any fuss! ### Is Santa Cruz organic apple sauce good for weight loss? It can be a helpful part of a weight loss plan, especially as a low-calorie snack option at only 60 calories per half cup. Just remember, it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. ### Is Santa Cruz organic apple sauce ultra-processed? Not at all! This apple sauce is minimally processed, with just two ingredients—organic apples and ascorbic acid. So, you can feel good about it being a more natural choice compared to many other snacks that are loaded with additives and preservatives. ## Related products - [Geisha Bean Sprouts in Water](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/geisha-bean-sprouts-in-water-1450-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/geisha-bean-sprouts-in-water-1450-oz - [Dole In 100% Fruit Juice Pineapple Tidbits 4 ea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dole-in-100-fruit-juice-pineapple-tidbits-4-ea-4-pack) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dole-in-100-fruit-juice-pineapple-tidbits-4-ea-4-pack - [Del Monte 100% Juice Pineapple Chunks 20 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/del-monte-100-juice-pineapple-chunks-20-oz-20-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/del-monte-100-juice-pineapple-chunks-20-oz-20-oz - [Nissin Ramen Bistro Gourmet Sichuan Garlic Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup 3.1 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nissin-ramen-bistro-gourmet-sichuan-garlic-chicken-ramen-noodle-soup-31-oz-310-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nissin-ramen-bistro-gourmet-sichuan-garlic-chicken-ramen-noodle-soup-31-oz-310-oz - [Annie Chun's Korean Sweet Chili Noodle Bowl](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/annie-chuns-korean-sweet-chili-noodle-bowl-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/annie-chuns-korean-sweet-chili-noodle-bowl-8-oz - [Dole 4 Pack, Peaches in Strawberry Gel](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dole-4-pack-peaches-in-strawberry-gel-1720-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dole-4-pack-peaches-in-strawberry-gel-1720-oz - [Mott's Applesauce No Sugar Added Variety Pack Pouch 12 Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/motts-applesauce-no-sugar-added-variety-pack-pouch-12-pack-3840-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/motts-applesauce-no-sugar-added-variety-pack-pouch-12-pack-3840-oz - [Libby's Peach Slices, Yellow Cling 15 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/libbys-peach-slices-yellow-cling-15-oz-15-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/libbys-peach-slices-yellow-cling-15-oz-15-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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