Ocean Spray

Apple sauce

Barcode 5000214020899

Yes — Apple sauce is ultra-processed.

Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives: potassium sorbate (preservative), sodium metabisulphite (preservative), and added gelling agent pectins beyond what’s naturally present in fruit. These extracted preservatives and texturizers make it an industrial formulation according to NOVA, even though the base ingredients (apples, sugar, lemon juice) are simple foods.

Ingredients

1 ultra-processed marker

OK

apples (76%) (apples, preservative: sodium metabisulphite (sulphites))
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

lemon juice

The clear, acidic juice extracted from lemons, used for brightness and acidity in foods and drinks.
UPF

pectins (gelling agent)

Natural polysaccharide gelling agent derived from plant pectin; used to gel and set products. Often extracted and processed.
OK

potassium sorbate

A preservative used to inhibit mold, yeast, and bacteria in foods and drinks, typically added in small amounts.

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Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Apple sauce

Is Apple sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Apple sauce by Ocean Spray is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Classified as ultra-processed because it contains industrial additives: potassium sorbate (preservative), sodium metabisulphite (preservative), and added gelling agent pectins beyond what’s naturally present in fruit. These extracted preservatives and texturizers make it an industrial formulation according to NOVA, even though the base ingredients (apples, sugar, lemon juice) are simple foods.

Which ingredients in Apple sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags one ingredient in Apple sauce as an ultra-processed marker: pectins (gelling agent). See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.