The Sustainable Story Behind Thrive Market Organic Apple Sauce

Quality, taste, and sustainability. When we set out to source Thrive Market Organic Apple Sauce, we looked for a supplier that could deliver on those three values. “It was important for us to find a domestic supplier that could create a single-ingredient apple sauce that not only tasted delicious, but was also organic,” says Tina Downey, Thrive Market Product Innovator.

Our search led us to a historic apple cannery nestled in Sebastopol, California. With rolling hills and an idyllic Mediterranean climate, the region has long been famous for growing apples, plums, and—most recently—wine grapes.

The Secret to Our (Apple) Sauce

To develop our line of organic apple sauce, we went back to basics. Rather than rely on added sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives, we let our apples be the star of the show. “A lot of conventional products on the market add sugar because they’re using low-quality, mass-produced fruit that’s lacking in flavor,” Downey says. “We use organic apples that are picked at peak ripeness from local farms. It’s a difference you can taste.”

Each batch is made with USDA certified organic apples that are handpicked, washed, chopped, cooked, and blended to perfection. We use a combination of different apple varietals for a more intense fruit flavor and balanced acidity. This gives our apple sauce a wonderful sweet-yet-tangy taste without unnecessary additives. Not only is it incredibly pure, but it can also be enjoyed by anyone following a paleo, kosher, gluten-free, or vegan diet.

Stewards of Sustainability

In addition to organic growing practices, there are a few other ways we’re working to reduce our environmental impact in making our apple sauce:

• Traditional processing methods of sorting, peeling, and coring help us utilize the whole apple with little to no waste.
• Leftover apple pomace (the residue that remains after milling and pressing) is delivered to local farmers and dairies to use for organic animal feed.
• It’s produced in a facility powered by 42,000 square feet of rooftop solar panels—they generate more than 50 percent of the energy needs!

Discover the Entire Line

Our apple sauce is available in original and cinnamon flavors, and comes in a number of sizes. Choose from 24-ounce jars, convenient single-serve cups, or on-the-go pouches.

Ways to Use Apple Sauce

It’s an easy, healthy snack and pantry staple, no doubt about it. But apple sauce can do so much more! It can also be used as a versatile substitute for oil, eggs, and sometimes even butter in a number of recipes.

Apple sauce works best as a swap in sweet loaves, muffins, and dense cakes. While most people probably won’t be able to detect even a hint of the apple flavor, the apple sauce will actually enhance the taste and texture of the finished result.

When swapping Thrive Market Organic Apple Sauce, follow these guidelines:

• For oil: 1:1 substitution
• For butter: 1:1 substitution
• For eggs: ¼ cup apple sauce per 1 egg

Pro tip: To cut calories, you can also replace half of the butter or oil called for in a recipe with apple sauce. For example, if a recipe calls for ½ cup butter, use ¼ cup butter and ¼ cup apple sauce.

Recipes Using Apple Sauce

Love apple sauce? Get cooking with these tasty recipes.

Banana Bread With Applesauce

Love banana bread? Try swapping the eggs and oil with apple sauce and mashed bananas for a denser loaf. This recipe makes for an easy breakfast or quick snack.

Chai Granola Oats

Meet the breakfast that practically makes itself! These overnight oats bring together wholesome ingredients—like rolled oats, apple sauce, chia seeds, honey, and spices—to fuel your day.

Apple Cider Donuts

Skip the line at the bakery and whip up our simple DIY donuts. Apple sauce keeps every bite moist, while protein powder gives them an extra wholesome boost—plus they’re baked, not fried.

Vegan Fig Carrot Cake

This grain-free delight uses hearty substitutes like cassava flour, apple sauce, and cashews to deliver the same sweet satisfaction, minus the gluten and dairy.