Unjunked Recipes: (Episode 7) Unjunked Cranberry Sauce (Healthy, Homemade, No Refined Sugar)

Be honest… do you really love canned cranberry sauce?


Or is it just sitting on the table every year because it’s “tradition”?

That bright red cylinder - complete with can-shaped ridges - may be nostalgic, but what’s inside the can is far from real food. And once you see what’s actually in it, you’ll understand why making your own healthy cranberry sauce is one of the easiest (and most delicious) holiday upgrades you can make.

Let’s break it down.

What’s Actually Inside Canned Cranberry Sauce

Most store-bought cranberry sauces contain:

  • High fructose corn syrup

  • Corn syrup

  • Refined sugar

  • Water

  • Artificial flavors & preservatives

That means two forms of corn syrup before cranberries even show up on the label.

A typical ¼-cup serving contains:
➡️ 24g of sugar
➡️ mostly from refined sweeteners
➡️ very few antioxidants (lost in processing)

Basically, it’s candy pretending to be a side dish.

Why Make a Healthy Homemade Cranberry Sauce Instead?

Fresh cranberries are naturally:

✔ High in antioxidants
✔ Packed with vitamin C
✔ Great for immune support
✔ Anti-inflammatory
✔ Naturally tart and full of flavor

When you make your own, you’re getting:

👉 No refined sugar
👉 No corn syrup
👉 No preservatives
👉 Real fruit + real nutrients
👉 A flavor 100x better than canned

And the best part?
You can make it in 10–15 minutes, even quicker than a grocery store trip.

🍯 Healthy Unjunked Cranberry Sauce Recipe (Refined Sugar-Free)

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries

  • 2 small apples, peeled + chopped

  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

  • ½ cup water

  • Optional add-ins:

    • Orange zest

    • ½ tsp vanilla extract

    • Cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. 1. Add cranberries, apples, water, and sweetener to a saucepan over medium heat.

  2. 2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.

  3. 3. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring as the cranberries pop.

  4. 4. Add zest, vanilla, or spices if desired.

  5. 5. Taste and adjust sweetness.

  6. 6. Let cool, it thickens beautifully as it cools.

Variations

Simple Cranberry Sauce:
Skip the apples for a classic version.

Ginger Cranberry Sauce:
Add 1 tsp fresh grated ginger for a warm, spicy twist.

Make It Ahead

Homemade cranberry sauce keeps beautifully:

  • Refrigerate 3–4 days

  • Freeze up to 2 months

Perfect for meal prep, or spreading on turkey sandwiches the next day.

The Takeaway: You’ll Never Go Back to the Can

Tradition matters, but that doesn’t mean we need to stick to ultra-processed sides that leave us feeling sluggish.

This healthy cranberry sauce gives you:

✔ Real flavor
✔ Whole ingredients
✔ Less sugar
✔ A fresh, bright taste that elevates your entire holiday meal

Once you try it, the can doesn’t stand a chance.

Pro Tip:

Make extra. This is incredible on:

  • oatmeal

  • yogurt

  • toast

  • turkey bowls

  • roasted veggies

Your future self will thank you.

Ready to Unjunk Your Holiday Dinner?

Small, simple swaps can transform your holiday plate. For more nourishing recipes and better-for-you versions of classic dishes, download my Unjunk Your Favorite Meals e-book, packed with easy, family-approved versions of comfort classics like mac and cheese, casseroles, and even desserts.

👉 Grab your copy here and start unjunking your plate today!

Share It!

If you try this recipe, tag @UnjunkAmerica on Instagram or use the hashtag #UnjunkYourMeals, I’d love to see your creations!

Michelle Walker

a mom, former educator, and the founder of Unjunk America - a movement dedicated to helping families ditch processed foods, decode food labels, and reconnect with real food. With a warm, no-judgment approach, Michelle empowers parents to make simple, sustainable changes in their kitchens, one meal at a time.

Learn more or join the movement at UnjunkAmerica.com.