Jackfruit has gone from obscure tropical curiosity to one of the most talked-about plant-based foods in the United States. Whether you want the fresh whole version, canned young green varieties for savory recipes, or dried slices as a snack, knowing where to find it and what to look for saves both money and disappointment. This guide covers every major retailer, online source, and buying tip you need before your first purchase.
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What Is Jackfruit and Who Should Try It?
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tropical fruit native to India and Southeast Asia that grows on the largest fruit-bearing tree in the world. A single one can weigh anywhere from 10 to 80 pounds. The ripe version tastes sweet with notes of pineapple and banana, while the unripe or young green variety has a mild, neutral flavor and a stringy, fibrous texture that mimics pulled pork when cooked. That shredded quality is why the plant-based diet community adopted it as a popular meat alternative.
Home cooks experimenting with veganism, anyone looking for a versatile plant-based protein source, and fans of South and Southeast Asian cuisine all benefit from keeping it in the kitchen. It works in tacos, curry, barbecue sandwiches, stir-fries, and desserts. The flesh is also a decent source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
What to Look For When Buying Jackfruit
The right form depends entirely on how you plan to use it. Buying the wrong type is the most common mistake new buyers make. Here is what matters.
Fresh vs. canned vs. frozen. A fresh whole one delivers the best flavor but requires cutting through a sticky latex core (wear gloves and oil your knife). Canned green jackfruit in brine is the easiest entry point for savory cooking. Frozen arils, sometimes labeled as pods or jackfruit pieces, work well for smoothies and desserts. Dried slices make a chewy, sweet snack but is not suitable for cooking.
Ripe vs. unripe. Ripe product is yellow, fragrant, and sweet. It is eaten raw or used in desserts and ice cream. Unripe product (green, firm, no smell) is the variety used as a meat substitute in savory recipes. If the package says “young green,” that is the unripe, savory-ready version.
Brine vs. syrup. Canned product packed in brine or water is meant for savory dishes like pulled sandwiches and jackfruit tacos. Canned product in syrup is a sweet dessert item. Check the label carefully because the cans look almost identical.
Organic and sourcing. Most product sold in the U.S. is grown in India, Thailand, or the Philippines. Organic options cost roughly 20% more. The Jackfruit Company, one of the largest U.S. brands, sources from sustainable farms and labels its products as non-GMO.
Size and edible yield. A whole one yields about 30% to 40% edible flesh and seeds after removing the skin and core of the fruit. If you only need a small amount, buy pre-cut sections or canned varieties instead of committing to a 20-pound whole fruit.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Jackfruit
The biggest mistake new buyers make is grabbing the wrong product and ending up with a sweet variety when they wanted a savory option for cooking. A few minutes of label reading prevents wasted money.
Confusing ripe and unripe varieties. Sweet, ripe product will not shred into the right texture. If your recipe calls for a meat substitute, you need the young green variety specifically. The word “young” or “green” on the label is your signal.
Ignoring the packing liquid. Brine-packed and syrup-packed cans serve completely different purposes. Syrup-packed product in a savory taco is a recipe for disaster. Always read the ingredient list on the back, not just the front label.
Buying a whole fruit without preparation. A whole one produces an extremely sticky latex sap when cut. Without gloves and an oiled knife, cleanup becomes a serious chore. First-time buyers should start with canned or frozen varieties to learn whether they enjoy the flavor before investing in a whole one that can cost $50 to $75.
Mislabeled products at unfamiliar stores. Some smaller grocery stores occasionally stock items under incorrect labels. A product marked as jackfruit could be something entirely different. If the flesh inside is bright orange or red rather than pale yellow or white, it probably is not what you expected. Buying from established chains or specialty brands reduces this risk.
Where to Buy Jackfruit In Store
Fresh and packaged options are available at several national grocery store chains and local specialty markets across the country. Availability varies by region, with southern states and California offering the widest selection.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods often stocks both the fresh whole version and packaged varieties from brands like The Jackfruit Company. Ask the produce department to cut a smaller portion if you do not want an entire one. The store’s coupon booklets near the registers occasionally include discounts on fresh produce. Whole Foods also maintains a page with recipes and storage tips.
Asian and Filipino Grocery Stores
Asian grocery stores are often the best source at competitive prices. Many will cut a portion for you so you do not need to buy the whole thing. Filipino markets in particular tend to carry both fresh and frozen options year-round. If you live in a warmer part of the country, your local Asian market likely has a better selection than chain stores. Call ahead to confirm availability if you are making a special trip.
Local Farmers Markets
Farmers markets in southern states and California sometimes carry locally grown product, especially during summer months. The tree thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, so growers in Florida, Hawaii, and Southern California occasionally bring fresh harvests to weekend markets. Prices at farmers markets tend to be lower than chain stores for whole produce. Check your local market listings on Yelp or your county agricultural extension site.
Where to Buy Jackfruit Online
Online retailers offer the widest selection of products, including forms that are hard to find in physical stores. Ordering online is often the only practical option if you live outside a major metropolitan area.
Amazon
Amazon’s grocery section carries canned varieties in brine, dried chips, frozen options, and occasionally the fresh whole version (typically around $50 to $75 for a whole one). Brands like Aroy-D, Native Forest, and others are all available. Prices vary significantly between sellers, so compare before buying. Prime members get free two-day shipping on most options. Browse the selection on Amazon #ad.
The Jackfruit Company
This brand sells directly through its website and also provides a store locator to find retail locations near you. They specialize in ready-to-eat meals and plain canned varieties sourced from sustainable farms. Sign up for their newsletter if you want to catch sales and new product launches. Some products do go in and out of stock online, so the store locator is worth checking as a backup.
Walmart.com and Other Online Grocers
Walmart’s online grocery section stocks several canned and packaged options for pickup or delivery. Target, Kroger, and Instacart also list products from various brands. If you want to try incorporating this ingredient into your cooking without committing to a case, single-can orders through these platforms are a low-risk starting point. Related tropical staple food items like plantains are often available through the same retailers.
Top Jackfruit Picks Worth Trying
These picks cover the most common use cases, from savory cooking to snacking. Each one is widely available and well-reviewed by buyers.
Best for savory cooking: Jackfruit Company Lightly Seasoned. Pre-seasoned and ready to shred for tacos, barbecue sandwiches, or curry. The texture closely resembles shredded meat without heavy processing. Around $4 to $6 per can. Check price on Amazon
Best budget option: Aroy-D Young Green in Brine. Plain canned product at a fraction of the cost of pre-seasoned brands. Works well in any savory recipe where you add your own spices. Roughly $2 to $3 per 20-ounce can. Check price on Amazon
Best for snacking: Mavuno Harvest Organic Dried. Chewy, naturally sweet with no added sugar. Good source of fiber and a portable snack. Around $5 to $7 per bag. Check price on Amazon
Best for smoothies and desserts: frozen ripe pods. Pre-cut ripe flesh, frozen at peak sweetness. Blends easily into smoothies or thaws for use in ice cream and tropical desserts. Typically $6 to $10 per bag at Asian grocery stores or online. Check price on Amazon
| Pick | Best For | Form | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackfruit Company Seasoned | Savory cooking | Canned, seasoned | $4 to $6 |
| Aroy-D Green Jackfruit | Budget savory | Canned, plain brine | $2 to $3 |
| Mavuno Harvest Dried | Snacking | Dried fruit | $5 to $7 |
| Frozen Ripe Pods | Smoothies, desserts | Frozen | $6 to $10 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackfruit
What does jackfruit taste like?
Ripe jackfruit tastes like a cross between pineapple, mango, and banana with a juicy, slightly fibrous texture. The young green variety has almost no flavor on its own, which is exactly why it absorbs sauces and spice so well. That neutral quality makes it a go-to option in savory dishes like pulled sandwiches and BBQ preparations.
Is jackfruit healthy?
Jackfruit is a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and plant-based protein relative to other produce. One cup of the raw product contains roughly 155 calories and 3 grams of fiber. It is low in fat and provides small amounts of calcium, iron, and B-carotene. For people following a plant-based diet, it fills the role of a whole-food meat alternative without the heavy processing found in many commercial products.
Can you eat jackfruit seeds?
Yes. Jackfruit seeds are edible when boiled or roasted. They have a starchy, chestnut-like flavor and are commonly eaten as a snack or added to curries in South and Southeast Asian cooking. Do not eat them raw because the raw seed contains compounds that can cause digestive discomfort. Roast them for 20 minutes at 400 degrees or boil for 30 minutes until tender.
What are the benefits of eating jackfruit?
Beyond its nutritional profile, this produce supports food security in tropical regions because a single jackfruit tree can produce up to 200 harvests per year. The high fiber content promotes digestive health, and the potassium content supports heart function. Studies on jackfruit also suggest the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin found in the flesh may support eye health. As a versatile ingredient, it works in both sweet and savory preparations.
Is jackfruit the same as durian?
No. These are two completely different species, though both are large, spiky, and native to Asia. Durian has a strong, divisive odor that gets it banned from hotels and public transit in some countries. Jackfruit has a mild, sweet smell. They do not taste alike, and their textures are different. The confusion comes purely from their similar exterior appearance.
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Last updated: April 2026.
Start with a single can of young green jackfruit in brine if you have never tried it. Season it yourself and see whether you enjoy the texture before buying fresh or frozen varieties. If you already know you like it, check your nearest Asian grocery store first for the best prices on fresh fruit, or order from Amazon if local options are limited. For more ideas on stocking your kitchen with hard-to-find ingredients, browse our guides on kefir and pistachio butter.