Calories in Jackfruit: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Jackfruit is the world's largest tree fruit, with individual fruits weighing up to 80 pounds. It has a sweet, tropical flavor when ripe and a meaty, pulled-pork-like texture when unripe — making it a popular plant-based meat substitute. Jackfruit provides vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Calories by serving size:

Ripe jackfruit is higher in calories and sugar than many fruits due to its dense, starchy flesh. Young (unripe) jackfruit, used as a meat substitute, has fewer calories and less sugar because the starches have not yet converted to sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a cup of jackfruit?

One cup of sliced ripe jackfruit (about 165 grams) contains approximately 157 calories. It provides 38 grams of carbohydrates, 32 grams of natural sugar, and 2.5 grams of fiber. Jackfruit also supplies 19% of your daily vitamin C and about 15% of your daily potassium.

Is jackfruit a good meat substitute?

Young (unripe) jackfruit has become a popular plant-based meat substitute due to its shredded, fibrous texture that resembles pulled pork or chicken. However, jackfruit is not a significant source of protein — it has only about 2.8 grams per cup. When using jackfruit as a meat alternative, supplement with protein-rich foods like beans, lentils, or nuts to make a nutritionally complete meal.

Is jackfruit high in sugar?

Ripe jackfruit is relatively high in sugar, with about 19 grams per 100 grams — higher than most common fruits. This is because ripe jackfruit has dense, sweet flesh with less water content than fruits like watermelon or berries. Young, unripe jackfruit (used in savory dishes) has much less sugar as the carbohydrates are still in starch form.

What vitamins and minerals are in jackfruit?

Jackfruit provides vitamin C (11% DV per 100 g), riboflavin (11% DV), magnesium (7% DV), potassium (10% DV), and manganese (9% DV). It also contains B6 and small amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin A. The seeds are also edible when cooked and provide additional protein and minerals.

Can you eat jackfruit seeds?

Yes, jackfruit seeds are edible when cooked — never eat them raw, as they contain trypsin inhibitors that can interfere with protein digestion. Boil or roast them until soft (about 20 minutes). Cooked jackfruit seeds taste similar to chestnuts and provide about 6 grams of protein per ounce, making them more protein-rich than the flesh. They are commonly eaten roasted as a snack in Southeast Asia.