Substitute for Jackfruit: 5 Best Vegan Meat Alternatives
Best Substitute
King Oyster Mushrooms (shredded)
2 cups shredded mushrooms per 1 can (14 oz) jackfruit
Shred lengthwise with two forks to create pulled-pork-like strands. Sauté until golden for a meaty texture. The closest match to jackfruit's stringy texture with natural umami flavor.
Flavor & Texture Change
Earthy, meaty umami flavor. More savory than jackfruit's neutral taste. Absorbs sauces well but adds its own depth.
When Not to Use
More expensive than canned jackfruit. Mushroom flavor is more pronounced, which may not suit all dishes. Shrinks significantly when cooked.
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Which Jackfruit Substitute Should You Use?
Best for Pulled Pork
King Oyster Mushrooms
Shred lengthwise for stringy, meaty strands with natural umami.
Best for Tacos
Hearts of Palm
Mild and shreddable. Absorbs seasonings perfectly.
Best for Fish
Banana Blossom
Flaky texture mimics fish. Popular in vegan fish and chips.
All Alternatives
Hearts of Palm (shredded)
1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm per 1 can (14 oz) jackfruit
Shred with two forks for a stringy, meat-like texture. Mild flavor absorbs seasonings and sauces. Popular in vegan fish and crab cakes too.
Flavor/texture:Very mild, slightly tangy. More delicate than jackfruit. Takes on the flavor of whatever sauce or seasoning you use.
Avoid when:Softer and less chewy than jackfruit. Can become mushy if overcooked. Higher in sodium from canning brine. Rinse well before using.
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Soy Curls (rehydrated)
1 cup dry soy curls (rehydrated) per 1 can (14 oz) jackfruit
Soak in warm broth for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid. Chewy, stringy texture that absorbs marinades exceptionally well. Very easy to work with.
Flavor/texture:Neutral when rehydrated in water. Absorbs any flavor you add. More protein-rich and chewy than jackfruit, closer to actual meat texture.
Avoid when:Soy allergen. Not gluten-free. Requires soaking before use. Can become rubbery if overcooked. Chewier than jackfruit.
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Artichoke Hearts (canned)
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts per 1 can (14 oz) jackfruit
Drain and shred with forks. The fibrous texture mimics pulled meat. Works well in Mediterranean and Mexican-style dishes.
Flavor/texture:Mildly tangy and earthy. More flavorful than jackfruit's neutral taste. Best in dishes where artichoke flavor complements the recipe.
Avoid when:Tangier than jackfruit with a distinct artichoke flavor. Not neutral enough for all dishes. Can be pricey depending on brand.
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Banana Blossom
1 banana blossom per 1 can (14 oz) jackfruit
Peel outer leaves and shred the inner layers. Flaky, fish-like texture when cooked. Popular in Southeast Asian cuisine and as a vegan fish substitute.
Flavor/texture:Very mild, almost neutral. Slightly floral. Takes on the flavor of seasonings and coatings. Better as a fish substitute than a pulled pork substitute.
Avoid when:Harder to find than canned jackfruit. Requires more prep work (peeling and trimming). Can darken when exposed to air, so work with lemon water. Less meaty and more flaky than jackfruit.
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Tips
For savory dishes, always use young/green jackfruit in brine or water, never in syrup. Drain and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking for better sauce absorption. Shred with two forks for a pulled-pork texture. Sautéing until golden before adding sauce gives the best meaty texture and flavor development.
How to Substitute Jackfruit
A large tropical fruit used in two stages: young/green jackfruit has a mild, neutral flavor with a stringy, meat-like texture ideal for savory dishes, while ripe jackfruit is sweet and fruity. Young jackfruit is widely used as a vegan meat substitute for pulled pork, tacos, and curries.
The best substitute for jackfruit depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is King Oyster Mushrooms (shredded) (2 cups shredded mushrooms per 1 can (14 oz) jackfruit), which works well for pulled pork, tacos, BBQ sandwiches.
If you need a different option, Hearts of Palm (shredded) (1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm per 1 can (14 oz) jackfruit) is another reliable choice. Shred with two forks for a stringy, meat-like texture. Mild flavor absorbs seasonings and sauces. Popular in vegan fish and crab cakes too.
When substituting jackfruit, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Sources & References
- Healthline
jackfruit nutritional profile and use as a vegan meat alternative
- USDA FoodData Central
jackfruit nutritional composition data
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of jackfruit for vegan pulled pork?
King oyster mushrooms shredded lengthwise are the closest substitute. They have a stringy, meaty texture and natural umami flavor. Sauté until golden, then toss in BBQ sauce.
Is jackfruit a good meat substitute?
Young green jackfruit has a stringy texture similar to pulled pork or shredded chicken. It is low in calories and absorbs sauces well. Use canned jackfruit in brine or water, not syrup, for savory dishes.
Where can I find jackfruit?
Canned young green jackfruit is available at most Asian grocery stores and increasingly in regular supermarkets. Look for it in the canned vegetable or international foods aisle. Choose jackfruit packed in brine or water for savory recipes.