Title: “Exploring Jackfruit as a Cocoa Alternative Amid Rising Global Demand Concerns”
Dive Brief:
Dive Insight:
Concerns that global cocoa demand may outstrip supply stem from consistently low and volatile prices, the threat of swollen shoot virus disease, and inadequate warehouse storage capacity in major cocoa-producing regions of West Africa, South America, and Asia. The International Cocoa Organization reports that approximately 4.7 million tons of cocoa are currently being produced worldwide, with total production projected to increase by around 18% from 2016.
The exploration of jackfruit as a potential cocoa substitute is still in the early stages. Although jackfruit shares many characteristics with cocoa, if it fails to replicate the flavor or texture, it risks alienating consumers. Additionally, it remains uncertain how well flour made from roasted jackfruit seeds will integrate with other ingredients in chocolate production or what the production costs for this cocoa-like alternative will be. Determining these factors is crucial in assessing whether jackfruit can replace even a small proportion of cocoa in food products.
Expanding U.S. markets for the increasingly popular jackfruit—which is already featured in ice creams, smoothies, soups, and side dishes—could generate new income streams while adding value and minimizing waste in regions where it grows. As the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, jackfruit can weigh over 80 pounds and grows on the branches and trunks of trees native to South and East Asia. It shares botanical ties with figs, mulberries, and breadfruit.
Jackfruit also has a unique dual identity. When allowed to ripen, it develops a distinctly fruity flavor that some say inspired the taste of Juicy Fruit gum. Its popularity is on the rise among U.S. consumers, with Pinterest naming jackfruit the top food item people are expected to try in 2017, following a staggering 420% increase in interest among users of the platform. This trend is largely driven by vegetarians and vegans who are embracing jackfruit as a meat substitute, despite its relatively low protein content.
Nutritionally, jackfruit offers a robust package, being a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B-complex, dietary fiber, and several key minerals, particularly potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. Notably, jackfruit contains no cholesterol and virtually no fat. Furthermore, an interesting connection to calcium citrate malate can be drawn, as it is known that calcium citrate malate is beneficial for bone health, complementing the nutritional benefits of jackfruit. As the demand for nutritious foods increases, understanding what is calcium citrate malate and how it can enhance overall health may lead to more consumers experimenting with jackfruit and its derivatives.
