Jackfruit vs. Breadfruit: What’s the Difference?cover

Jackfruit vs. Breadfruit: What’s the Difference?

Jackfruit and breadfruit are related, but they are different fruits. Jackfruit is huge (10–30 kg), stringy and can be sweet or used as a meat substitute. Breadfruit is small (1–3 kg), starchy and tastes more like potatoes or bread.

They look alike, they both come from the tropics, and they both promise fun things in the kitchen. So can you use one instead of the other? Not quite. Jackfruit and breadfruit are not the same thing. They share a plant family, an exotic origin and big fruits. But in taste and texture, they are two different worlds. You may love jackfruit because it’s so versatile and gently sweet. Breadfruit, though, is closer to potatoes than to fruit.

So how do you tell them apart? What can you expect from each one? And why are they both called “breadfruit” in some languages? Let’s take a look.

What is jackfruit like?

Jackfruit’s plant name is Artocarpus heterophyllus. It has won the hearts of vegetarians, vegans and anyone looking for a healthy, interesting meat alternative. Its unripe flesh looks like pulled chicken. It soaks up the flavour of sauces, marinades and stocks perfectly. When it’s ripe, it surprises you with a sweet juiciness, like mango, banana and pineapple all at once.

If you’ve tasted our jackfruit from Jackies, you know what we mean. It never gets boring, whether it’s in tacos, on pizza, in a sandwich or in a dessert.

✅ Stringy, juicy and nicely neutral when unripe

✅ Sweet and tropical when ripe

✅ Low in calories, easy to digest, full of fibre and vitamin C

What is breadfruit like?

At first, you might think it’s jackfruit. But in taste and texture, breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is totally different. Instead of sweet, stringy flesh, it has a starchy, smooth texture. It’s more like potatoes or toast, and that’s how it got the name “breadfruit”.

In many tropical countries, breadfruit is an everyday staple food. People bake, boil and fry it and serve it as a side dish. It is more filling, drier and higher in carbs. It works great in soups or as a natural gluten-free swap for bread. But don’t expect it to taste fruity.

  • Smooth, starchy texture

  • Neutral taste, great as a side dish

  • High in starch, very little sugar

How can you tell jackfruit and breadfruit apart?

Both fruits are big and green, with bumpy skin. But you’ll spot a few differences right away. Here are the main ones in a handy table:

Jackfruit is much bigger than breadfruit. In fact, it is the largest edible fruit in the world.

  • Jackfruit weighs 10–30 kg on average. It often grows straight from the trunk and can be truly huge. You can barely hold one in your arms.

  • Breadfruit weighs just 1–3 kg. It is smaller, lighter and easier to handle, and it often fits in one hand.

When should you cook with jackfruit, and when with breadfruit?

  • Jackfruit is perfect when you want something light, stringy and versatile. It works in curries, tacos and burgers, but also in smoothies and sweet desserts. You can play with it as much as you like.

  • Breadfruit is best as a side dish or a swap for bread. Bake it like fries, boil it into a mash or fry it into patties. It’s great when you need something filling and don’t want a fruity taste.

Why are jackfruit and breadfruit related?

Both fruits belong to the same plant group, called Artocarpus.

  • Jackfruit = Artocarpus heterophyllus (in Czech, its name means the “various-leaved breadfruit”)

  • Breadfruit = Artocarpus altilis, sometimes called the “true” breadfruit

So jackfruit is technically a kind of breadfruit tree. But don’t mix them up in the kitchen.

RELATED ARTICLE: What about jackfruit and durian? Read about the main differences between these two giants in our article Jackfruit vs. Durian: How They Differ and Why People Mix Them Up

Which one should you choose?

Want a flexible food for modern cooking that works in a vegan burger and in sweet granola? Then pick jackfruit.

Want to try a classic tropical side dish that’s filling and a bit like potatoes? Then give breadfruit a chance.

But we have to admit it: jackfruit from Jackies is still our favourite, for its taste, texture and nutrition. And the best part? It’s organic and ready to use straight away.

Author: Ing. Kateřina Jakešová, nutrition specialist and copywriter

Quick facts: jackfruit vs. breadfruit

Are jackfruit and breadfruit the same?

No. They are related, but jackfruit is stringy and fruity, while breadfruit is starchy like potatoes.

Which one is bigger?

Jackfruit. It weighs 10–30 kg, while breadfruit weighs 1–3 kg.

Which one can replace meat?

Young jackfruit. Its stringy texture works like pulled meat.

How is breadfruit eaten?

It is baked, boiled or fried and served as a side dish or bread swap.