Jackfruit vs. Vegan Pulled Meat vs. Pulled Pork: Which Is Best?
For a natural, plant-based pulled pork, jackfruit is the best choice: it is minimally processed, organic and high in fibre. Vegan pulled meat has more protein but is highly processed, and pulled pork is tasty but fatty and hard on the planet.
Picture perfectly juicy pulled meat. Soft pieces melt in your mouth, full of the flavour of spices. You may be thinking of classic pork. But what if you could get a similar treat from plants?
Jackfruit has a stringy texture, and it is one of the best stand-ins for pulled meat. If you cook it the right way, it copies both the texture and the taste. There are also other vegan pulled “meats” that are high in protein. And then there’s the classic: juicy pork, often seen as the gold standard.
How do these three compare in taste, nutrition and uses? Let’s take a closer look. Then you can decide which one wins a place on your plate.
What are they made of?
Jackfruit: clean, natural ingredients with no artificial additives. It is organic and has no added preservatives. It is a natural source of fibre, but it is lower in protein.
Vegan pulled meat: a highly processed product made to be high in protein. It has additives to improve texture and taste.
Pulled pork: high in protein, but also high in fat and cholesterol.
How can you use them in cooking?
Jackfruit: it copies the texture of pulled meat in a natural way and works in all kinds of dishes.
Vegan pulled meat: a ready-made product with a meaty texture, good for quick meals. It has a strong meaty taste, which not everyone likes.
Pulled pork: classic taste and texture, often used in BBQ dishes.
What do they taste like?
Jackfruit: a neutral taste that takes on the spices and the dish.
Vegan pulled meat: a stronger meaty taste with artificial flavours.
Pulled pork: a typical meaty taste. It is greasier and high in calories.
Which is best for the planet?
Jackfruit: grown organically in nature. It is a sustainable product.
Vegan pulled meat: made in factories under controlled conditions. It harms the planet less than meat.
Pulled pork: has a large footprint because of pig farming.
Do you love trying new things and care about the planet? Then jackfruit is a great choice for you. It is natural and you can use it in lots of dishes, from wraps and soups to goulash.
So which one should you choose?
Do you want something natural, barely processed and kind to the planet? Then jackfruit is the clear winner. It goes with any seasoning, has a great texture and won’t let you down in the kitchen. You can also season it just the way you like. There’s no need to worry about artificial flavours or added preservatives.
Vegan pulled meat is quick to cook and high in protein. But keep in mind that it is highly processed. Pulled pork is a tasty classic. Still, its big footprint and high fat may put some people off.
Do you love plant-based food or just enjoy trying new things? Jackfruit will open the door to a world of great flavours. Just cook it the right way and add your favourite spices. Why not try it in tacos, a burger or a really spicy goulash?
TIP: Want more protein with your jackfruit? Make protein-packed jackfruit tacos! Add black beans, quinoa, tofu or tempeh to the pulled jackfruit. Then top it all with a nut or seed dip.
Enjoy your meal!
FAQ: Plant-based pulled pork
What is the best plant-based pulled pork?
Jackfruit is the most natural choice. It has a stringy texture and very little processing.
Does jackfruit have as much protein as pork?
No. Jackfruit has less protein, but you can add beans, quinoa, tofu or tempeh.
Does jackfruit taste like meat?
On its own it tastes neutral. With the right spices and sauce, it tastes a lot like pulled meat.
Is jackfruit better for the planet than pork?
Yes. Organic jackfruit has a much smaller footprint than pig farming.