Jackfruit vs Soursop: What’s the Difference & Which One Is Better for You?

Jackfruit vs Soursop: What’s the Difference & Which One Is Better for You?

Jackfruit vs Soursop : Jackfruit and soursop are two tropical fruits that look a little alike from the outside—green, spiky, and unusual. But once you open them, you’ll see they are completely different in taste, texture, nutrition, and how they’re used in cooking.

If you’re curious about jackfruit vs soursop, this simple guide breaks down everything you need to know—without the confusing scientific language.

Quick Summary

• Jackfruit has more vitamins, minerals, protein, and calories than soursop.
• Soursop has 7× more sodium and 59% more Vitamin C than jackfruit.
• Soursop is lower in sugar, fat, and overall calories, making it better for weight-loss diets.
• Both fruits have health benefits, but they are very different in taste and nutritional makeup.

Where Do They Come From?

Jackfruit

• Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
• Native to: South and Southeast Asia
• Fun fact: It’s the largest tree-grown fruit in the world, reaching up to 100 lbs!

Soursop

• Scientific name: Annona muricata
• Also called: Guyabano, Graviola, Custard Apple
• Native to: Caribbean & Central America
• A typical soursop weighs up to 6–13 lbs.

Both fruits love tropical climates and warm, sunny weather.

Do They Taste the Same?

Not at all!

Jackfruit Taste

• Sweet and tropical
• Often described as a mix of banana, pineapple, and mango
• Stringy, meaty texture
• Great for both sweet AND savory dishes
• Popular vegan “meat” substitute (especially in pulled-pork style dishes)

Soursop Taste

• Sweet + tangy
• Creamy, yogurt-like texture
• More sour than jackfruit
• Perfect for smoothies, juices, desserts, and ice creams

So in the jackfruit vs soursop flavor battle, they are completely different.

Nutritional Comparison: Jackfruit vs Soursop

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Calories & Macronutrients

• Jackfruit is higher in calories, carbs, and fats.
• Soursop has more water and fewer sugars, making it lighter and easier to digest.

Per 100g:

Meaning:

• Jackfruit gives more energy and nutrients.
• Soursop is better if you want something refreshing and low-calorie.

Vitamin Comparison : Jackfruit vs Soursop

Jackfruit contains more overall vitamins, especially:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B6
• Folate

But soursop has a big advantage:

👉 Soursop has almost 60% more Vitamin C.

Vitamin C supports your immune system, skin health, and healing.

Mineral Breakdown

• Jackfruit is richer in potassium, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and zinc.
• Soursop contains more iron, copper, and phosphorus.

Potassium, which helps control blood pressure, is slightly higher in jackfruit.

Glycemic Index (Blood Sugar Impact)

This is important for people with diabetes.

• Soursop = Low GI → better for blood sugar control
• Jackfruit = High GI → raises blood sugar faster

 Acidity

• Jackfruit is more acidic (4.7–5.7 pH)
• Soursop is less acidic (around pH 7.5)

If you have acid reflux, soursop may be gentler.

 Weight-Loss Benefits

If you’re choosing between jackfruit vs soursop for weight loss, the winner is:

👉 Soursop

Why?

• Lower in calories
• Lower in sugar
• Lower in fat
• Higher in fiber
• Lower glycemic index

It keeps you full longer and helps prevent overeating.

Health Benefits of Jackfruit and Soursop

Both fruits offer powerful health perks.

1. Supports Healthy Blood Pressure

Both fruits contain potassium and antioxidants that:

• Reduce pressure on the heart
• Help balance sodium
• Improve blood vessel health

2. Good for Heart & Cholesterol

• Jackfruit’s Vitamin B6 helps lower homocysteine (a heart-risk factor).
• Both fruits may lower LDL “bad” cholesterol.

3. Skin Health Boost

• Soursop: High Vitamin C → younger, brighter skin
• Jackfruit: Vitamin E + B vitamins → nourished, hydrated skin

4. Bone Strength

Jackfruit has more magnesium, which works with calcium to protect bones.

5. Blood Sugar Control

• Soursop has a low GI and may help regulate blood glucose.
• Early studies show it may reduce blood sugar in animals.

6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Jackfruit contains flavonoids that reduce inflammation.
• Soursop has antibacterial properties that fight oral bacteria.

Risks & Side Effects

Jackfruit

• Possible allergies in people with birch pollen allergies
• Rare side effect: drowsiness

Soursop

• Can lower blood sugar too much if combined with diabetes medication
• Overconsumption may affect liver or kidneys
• Some studies suggest large amounts may affect nerve function
• No proven human evidence for cancer treatment

Moderation is key!

How They’re Used in Cooking

Jackfruit

• Vegan meat substitute
• Great in curries, tacos, sandwiches
• Can also be eaten sweet and ripe

Soursop

• Better for desserts
• Perfect in smoothies, ice creams, sorbets, and juices
• Creamy and refreshing

Growing Differences

Both need tropical climates.

Soursop

• Can grow in a pot indoors
• Low maintenance
• Might not fruit indoors

Jackfruit

• Hard to grow indoors
• Often dies early
• Needs a lot of space and warmth

Final Verdict: Jackfruit vs Soursop — Which Is Better?

It depends on your goals!

Choose Jackfruit if you want:

✔ More vitamins
✔ More minerals
✔ A filling, high-energy fruit
✔ A plant-based meat substitute

Choose Soursop if you want:

✔ Lower sugar
✔ Fewer calories
✔ Weight-loss-friendly fruit
✔ A creamy, tangy dessert ingredient
✔ Better blood sugar control

Both fruits are nutritious and delicious in their own unique way.