Jackfruit chips are getting more attention than ever, especially since being crowned the latest snack du jour at Costco. They’re sweet. They’re crunchy. Kids love them. But could they be too good to be true? Let’s break it down: what is a jackfruit, and are jackfruit chips truly a healthy snack?
What Is Jackfruit, Anyway?
Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit native to South and Southeast Asia. It’s known for its spiky green exterior, massive size (sometimes over 50 pounds!), and sweet, fibrous flesh. Ripe jackfruit has a flavor somewhere between mango, banana, and pineapple, while unripe jackfruit is often used as a meat substitute thanks to its stringy texture. You may have tasted the unripe variety in a jackfruit curry or stir fry dish.
Not only is jackfruit delicious, but it’s also naturally rich in vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It also contains powerful phytonutrients with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Best of all, jackfruit is naturally sweetened, with no added sugars, and typically contains less total sugar than many other dried fruits on the market.
So What About Jackfruit Chips?
Jackfruit chips are made by slicing the fruit and frying or dehydrating it into a crispy snack. The good news is that jackfruit retains a good amount of dietary fiber through this process. Adding more fiber to your diet supports digestion and a general feeling of fullness. Not to mention, it’s a tasty way to make sure your kiddos are getting the daily fiber they need.
So what’s the catch? You’ve got to watch the labels. Many brands will sneak in added sugar instead of relying on jackfruit’s naturally sweet flavor, and may add additional artificial flavors and oils.
You’re in good hands with Pho’nomenal Foods. You won’t find any additives or hidden sugar in our Ripened Jackfruit Chips. Just the single, simple ingredient you are about to know and love, if you don’t already.
Final Verdict: Are Jackfruit Chips Healthy?
Yes! If you choose a brand with clean ingredients and minimal to no added sugar, jackfruit chips are a healthy choice of snack. They can be a tasty, fiber-filled snack that scratches the sweet and crunchy inch without the guilt.
If you’re reaching for jackfruit chips instead of ultra-processed cookies or potato chips, it’s definitely a step in a healthier direction.
Where to Buy Jackfruit Chips
Pho’nomenal Foods’ Ripened Jackfruit Chips can be found at select Costcos (if you can snag a bag before they sell out). Luckily, you can also stock up by shopping our online store!
Although jackfruit isn’t a household name across the United States (yet), it has always been a familiar comfort for Duke, founder of Pho’nomenal Foods. Deciding to bring ripened and dried jackfruit from his birth country of Vietnam to the United States was a no brainer. It’s just another delicious way that he’s introducing others to the Vietnamese culture, one bite at a time.