Does applesauce need a hechsher?

Answer: Plain: no (Star-K, cRc). cRc: flavored or sweetened needs one.

Reason: The agencies differ on sweetened applesauce.

Source:

• Star-K: its list of products that need no hechsher includes plain applesauce, “even with high fructose corn syrup and vitamins,” provided there are no additives and it is not a product of Israel.
• cRc: unflavored and unsweetened applesauce is acceptable without a hechsher; flavored or sweetened applesauce requires certification.

Related questions:

• Do canned fruits and vegetables need a hechsher? Yes (OK).
• Does fruit juice need a hechsher? Liquid juice: yes (cRc).

References: Star-K, “Approved Without A Hechsher” list · cRc (askcrc.org), “Apple sauce, unflavored and unsweetened” · cRc (askcrc.org), “Apple sauce, flavored or sweetened”