Jackfruit, a massive fruit native to South Asia, is rapidly gaining traction among consumers and food manufacturers, particularly as demand for plant-based alternatives surges. With its fibrous, meat-like texture, unripe jackfruit is becoming a favourite ingredient in vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets.
The jackfruit tree, common in tropical regions like India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and China, bears the largest tree-born fruit in the world, sometimes weighing as much as 100 pounds. Known for its versatility, the ripe jackfruit offers a sweet flavour similar to a mix of banana and pineapple, while the unripe version mimics the texture of shredded meat. This quality makes it an ideal substitute for pulled pork, taco fillings, and BBQ-smothered chicken.
Food companies are increasingly incorporating jackfruit into their product lines. The Jackfruit Company, a leading player in this niche, secured $5 million in Series B funding this October to expand its range of packaged jackfruit products, including BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Tikka Masala flavors. Earlier in 2023, the company partnered with Smashburger to introduce a jackfruit patty in select locations across New York, New Jersey, and Colorado. Karana, another jackfruit-based food startup, offers ground meat alternatives, potstickers, burgers, and sausages.
The rising popularity of jackfruit coincides with a growing backlash against highly processed vegan products. Unlike many plant-based options, jackfruit can be purchased in whole or canned form, appealing to consumers seeking more natural meat substitutes.
Beyond its culinary appeal, jackfruit offers significant sustainability benefits. The jackfruit tree’s robust root system helps prevent soil erosion, while the plant itself sequesters carbon. Resilient to pests, diseases, and drought, the crop thrives in high temperatures and can produce hundreds of fruits over its decades-long lifespan. Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank, highlighted these advantages, calling jackfruit an “easy-to-grow” option that supports sustainable agriculture.
The crop also provides economic opportunities for farmers in the Global South. The Jackfruit Company, for example, collaborates with over 1,500 small-scale farmers, enhancing income streams and promoting crop diversity.
As the demand for sustainable, natural, and meat-free alternatives continues to rise, jackfruit is poised to remain a key ingredient in the evolving plant-based food market.