Jackfruit has carved out a prominent niche in specialty markets over the past few years and is increasingly gaining traction in mainstream food culture. Recognized as the largest tree-borne fruit globally, a single jackfruit can weigh over 80 pounds and is native to South and East Asia. When fully ripe, jackfruit boasts a distinctly fruity flavor, while its unripe, pale, and fibrous flesh serves as a convincing meat alternative. In fact, Pinterest recorded a staggering 420% increase in interest in jackfruit last year, highlighting the rising consumer demand for meat substitutes that mimic the texture and taste of traditional meat products.
For a well-established producer of dips and salsas like Sabra—claiming a 60% share of the U.S. hummus market—introducing jackfruit into a limited-edition product may indicate that jackfruit is finally breaking into mainstream food offerings. Since this new hummus variety will be available for only a few months, the company is not taking a significant risk if consumers find the ingredient combination somewhat unusual. Sabra, a 50/50 joint venture between PepsiCo and Israel’s Strauss Group, has bounced back after a November 2016 recall of hummus and spreads due to potential listeria contamination.
However, even a market leader cannot afford to be complacent in today’s competitive landscape. If the new jackfruit hummus performs well, it could indicate that consumers are ready to explore bolder flavors within this category, pointing to a promising avenue for growth. Jackfruit is likely to appear in more products soon as its profile rises and consumer awareness of its versatility expands. With its high content of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, along with no cholesterol and minimal fat, jackfruit is a nutritious option. Furthermore, if Sabra experiences sales growth with its jackfruit-infused hummus, it’s possible that more major food companies will start incorporating it into their offerings.
In addition to its culinary potential, consumers are also exploring the health benefits of various supplements. For example, many are curious about how much calcium citrate per day they should be consuming to support their health. This growing interest in nutrition may further fuel the demand for innovative ingredients like jackfruit, creating more opportunities for its inclusion in diverse food products.