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Durian vs. Jackfruit: Difference in Nutrition and Health Impacts

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Article author photo Zvart Movsisyan by Zvart Movsisyan | Last updated on June 17, 2023
Medically reviewed by Jack Yacoubian Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Jackfruit
vs
Durian

Summary

Durian is richer in fiber, copper, zinc, and vitamins B1 and B2. Durian has a lower glycemic index. In comparison, jackfruit is lower in calories, carbs, and fats. Durian has a pungent smell and intense taste

Introduction

Jackfruit and durian are king-sized exotic fruits widely spread in South-East Asia. They are not the same and are entirely different fruits. 

Durian and jackfruit have their specific smells. Durian has an intense smell, and jackfruit has a musky and fruity smell. 

Often durian fruit is considered the smelliest fruit in the world. This smell is due to different sulfur-containing compounds. 

General Differences

Both jackfruit and durian are tropical fruits, whereas jackfruit is related to the mulberry and the fig and belongs to the Moraceae family. In contrast, durian belongs to the Malvaceae family.

Jackfruit is the largest fruit growing on a tree; it can reach about 50kg or 110lb, while the largest durian can weigh 14kg or 30lb.

Jackfruit pods are covered by latex, and durian pods are not; they can be easily accessed and eaten.

Taste and Smell

Fully ripened jackfruit has a gummy and fibrous texture. It is often used as a meat substitute. The edible parts are grown in a custard-like pod inside the shell.  

Its flesh is crunchy and sweet. The flavor resembles a combination of bananas, pineapple, mango, or bubble gum. Unripe durian has a chicken-like flavor, which is useful in vegan diets. On the other hand, durian has a creamy and soft texture; the flavor is a mix of sweet and savory, or sweet cheese.

Nutritional Content

Macronutrients

Before passing on to the next part, I would like to mention that there isn’t a drastic difference in the nutritional content of jackfruits and durians.

Durian is higher in calories, fats, and dietary fiber.

Both have very low amounts of protein.

Minerals

From the viewpoint of minerals, durian wins hands down

Durian is significantly higher in copper and moderately higher in zinc, iron, and phosphorus. However, jackfruit is 4 times higher in calcium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Calcium +300%
Contains more Iron +87%
Contains more Phosphorus +85.7%
Contains more Zinc +115.4%
Contains more Copper +172.4%
Contains more Manganese +655.8%
Equal in Magnesium - 30
Equal in Potassium - 436
Equal in Sodium - 2
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 8% 9% 21% 9% 40% 1% 4% 26% 6% 0%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 2% 17% 22% 17% 39% 1% 8% 69% 43% 0%
Contains more Calcium +300%
Contains more Iron +87%
Contains more Phosphorus +85.7%
Contains more Zinc +115.4%
Contains more Copper +172.4%
Contains more Manganese +655.8%
Equal in Magnesium - 30
Equal in Potassium - 436
Equal in Sodium - 2

Vitamins

In the vitamin comparison, durian is the medal-holder again. Durian is richer in vitamin B9, vitamin B3, and vitamin C. 

Jackfruit is two times higher in vitamin A.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
5
Durian
Contains more Vitamin A +150%
Contains more Vitamin C +43.8%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +256.2%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +263.6%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +16.7%
Contains more Folate +50%
Equal in Vitamin B5 - 0.23
Equal in Vitamin B6 - 0.316
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 7% 7% 0% 46% 27% 13% 18% 15% 76% 18% 0% 0%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 3% 0% 0% 66% 94% 47% 21% 14% 73% 27% 0% 0%
Contains more Vitamin A +150%
Contains more Vitamin C +43.8%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +256.2%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +263.6%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +16.7%
Contains more Folate +50%
Equal in Vitamin B5 - 0.23
Equal in Vitamin B6 - 0.316

Health Benefits

Jackfruit and durian have apparent antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-lipidemic, and anticancer properties. That is why all parts (stem, seeds, roots, pulp) are being researched for health-beneficial properties.

Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory

Jackfruit has antibacterial properties against foodborne pathogens and urinary tract infections.  (1)(2)(3)

It also has anti-inflammatory effects (4). This benefit was also found in durian pulp extracts (5). 

Jackfruit contains potent antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. Research shows jackfruit and durian pulps are natural sources of these compounds (4).

Cardiovascular Health

According to different studies, the extract of jackfruit leaves noticeably reduces blood glucose and cholesterol levels and improves glucose tolerance (6,7). Research shows that durian rind extract can lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats (8). 

Cancer

It seems essential to emphasize that jackfruit has powerful anticancer qualities. It is effective against colorectal, hepatic cancers, and leukemia (9.10).

Digestion

Section reviewed by gastroenterologist Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan

Durian contains twice as much fiber as jackfruit, which benefits gastrointestinal health. It may help with constipation and reduces the risks of colorectal cancer. In addition to that, fiber-rich foods are associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. (11,12,13). 

Downsides and Risks

As jackfruit and durian lower blood glucose levels, their combination with diabetes medications can cause hypoglycemia.

Jackfruit also has a soothing effect, so it should be avoided when doing activities that require high concentration and attention. It is also not recommended to consume jackfruit with sedative medications.

What about the side effects and interactions of durian? Since durian has a hyperthermic effect, it should not be used with paracetamol and alcohol. According to one study, the hyperthermic effect of durian consumption with paracetamol is insignificant, but it can notably decrease blood pressure (14). 

Article author photo Zvart Movsisyan
Education: Medical Biochemistry MD
Last updated: June 17, 2023
Medically reviewed by Jack Yacoubian

Infographic

Jackfruit vs Durian infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Protein +17%
Contains more Water +13%
Contains more Fats +732.8%
Contains more Carbs +16.5%
Contains more Other +20.4%
2% 23% 73%
Protein: 1.72 g
Fats: 0.64 g
Carbs: 23.25 g
Water: 73.46 g
Other: 0.93 g
5% 27% 65%
Protein: 1.47 g
Fats: 5.33 g
Carbs: 27.09 g
Water: 64.99 g
Other: 1.12 g
Contains more Protein +17%
Contains more Water +13%
Contains more Fats +732.8%
Contains more Carbs +16.5%
Contains more Other +20.4%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Jackfruit Durian
Lower in price ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Sodium Equal
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Jackfruit Durian Opinion
Net carbs 21.75g 23.29g Durian
Protein 1.72g 1.47g Jackfruit
Fats 0.64g 5.33g Durian
Carbs 23.25g 27.09g Durian
Calories 95kcal 147kcal Durian
Starch 1.47g Jackfruit
Fructose 9.19g Jackfruit
Sugar 19.08g Durian
Fiber 1.5g 3.8g Durian
Calcium 24mg 6mg Jackfruit
Iron 0.23mg 0.43mg Durian
Magnesium 29mg 30mg Durian
Phosphorus 21mg 39mg Durian
Potassium 448mg 436mg Jackfruit
Sodium 2mg 2mg
Zinc 0.13mg 0.28mg Durian
Copper 0.076mg 0.207mg Durian
Manganese 0.043mg 0.325mg Durian
Vitamin A 110IU 44IU Jackfruit
Vitamin A RAE 5µg 2µg Jackfruit
Vitamin E 0.34mg Jackfruit
Vitamin C 13.7mg 19.7mg Durian
Vitamin B1 0.105mg 0.374mg Durian
Vitamin B2 0.055mg 0.2mg Durian
Vitamin B3 0.92mg 1.074mg Durian
Vitamin B5 0.235mg 0.23mg Jackfruit
Vitamin B6 0.329mg 0.316mg Jackfruit
Folate 24µg 36µg Durian
Tryptophan 0.034mg Jackfruit
Threonine 0.086mg Jackfruit
Isoleucine 0.069mg Jackfruit
Leucine 0.103mg Jackfruit
Lysine 0.069mg Jackfruit
Methionine 0.034mg Jackfruit
Phenylalanine 0.052mg Jackfruit
Valine 0.086mg Jackfruit
Histidine 0.034mg Jackfruit
Saturated Fat 0.195g Durian
Monounsaturated Fat 0.155g Jackfruit
Polyunsaturated fat 0.094g Jackfruit
Omega-6 - Linoleic acid 0.015g Jackfruit
Omega-3 - ALA 0.079g Jackfruit

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Jackfruit Durian
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
19%
Jackfruit
28%
Durian
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
12%
Jackfruit
21%
Durian

Comparison summary

Which food is cheaper?
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is cheaper (difference - $0.5)
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Durian
Durian is lower in Sugar (difference - 19.08g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Durian
Durian is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.195g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Durian
Durian is lower in glycemic index (difference - 26)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Durian
Durian is relatively richer in minerals
Which food contains less Sodium?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sodium (2 mg)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Jackfruit - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174687/nutrients
  2. Durian - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168192/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.