Will Jackfruit Save the Plant-Based CPG Industry?

The plant-based CPG industry is maturing. The explosive growth from 2019 to 2021 has cooled, and while early trend-chasers may have moved on, core plant-based consumers remain committed. The challenge now? Elevating taste, convenience, and authenticity—especially in shelf-stable formats that fit modern lifestyles and grocery shopping habits.

Retailers are trimming SKU counts and clearing out underperforming “me-too” alt-meats. In their place, they’re prioritizing globally inspired, clean-label, culturally rooted products that deliver culinary credibility and real-world convenience—especially those that fit naturally into center-store categories like meal kits, shelf-stable entrees, and globally flavored pantry staples.

Amid these shifts, jackfruit is emerging as a standout ingredient. With its naturally meat-like texture, flavor-absorbing ability, and clean-label simplicity, jackfruit is perfectly positioned to thrive in this new evolution of plant-based eating.

The New Reality of Plant-Based CPG

The novelty phase of the plant-based boom is over. Consumers—and retailers—are getting more selective. The biggest opportunities now lie in three key areas:

Taste & Texture Still Rule Flexitarians, the industry’s largest audience, want flavor-forward options that don’t sacrifice satisfaction. If the taste doesn’t deliver, the repeat purchase won’t happen.

Clean Label Wins Consumers are turning away from hyper-processed, lab-engineered “meats.” They want recognizable ingredients, global flavor, and better-for-you nutrition.

Center Store is the New Power Play While frozen still holds strong, retailers are making room for globally inspired, pantry-friendly solutions that offer longer shelf life and everyday convenience—without compromising quality.

Jackfruit: The Clean-Label Powerhouse

Jackfruit answers the modern consumer's wishlist:

✔ Naturally Meaty Texture Its fibrous structure mimics pulled meats like carnitas, shredded chicken, or BBQ—without needing to fake it.

✔ Global Flavor Sponge Jackfruit soaks up sauces, marinades, and spice blends beautifully, making it ideal for authentic tacos, curries, and more.

✔ No Heavy Processing Required Jackfruit is a minimally processed whole-food ingredient that fits the clean-label narrative perfectly.

✔ Eco-Friendly by Nature Jackfruit grows in abundance, requires little water, and produces high yields—making it one of the most sustainable plant-based ingredients on the planet.

Shelf-Stable Jackfruit Is the Evolution of Plant-Based Convenience

The next wave of plant-based innovation isn’t only in the freezer—it’s happening in the center of the store.

Shelf-stable jackfruit-based products like globally inspired taco fillings, heat-and-eat pouches, and pantry meal kits offer:

• Longer shelf life

• On-the-go convenience

• Easy prep for busy consumers

• Clean-label simplicity

• Globally rooted flavor profiles

These products bridge the gap between convenience and culinary appeal, giving retailers a standout alternative to frozen meals and heavily processed meats.

How Plant-Based Brands Can Win With Jackfruit

To ride the next wave of plant-based growth, brands should:

🌮 Innovate in Shelf-Stable Formats Globally inspired, ready-to-use jackfruit meals, sauces, and fillings give shoppers more ways to enjoy plant-based without the freezer.

🌿 Lead With Clean Label Highlight jackfruit’s whole-food identity to differentiate from synthetic proteins and lab-grown meats.

♻️ Champion Sustainability Jackfruit is one of the most eco-conscious plant-based options—consumers care, and it shows in their baskets.

🌎 Tell a Global Story  Root your products in real cultural culinary traditions to stand out and build deeper loyalty with

The Pivot North Consulting Edge

At Pivot North Consulting, we help visionary brands bring restaurant-quality products to the retail shelf—with speed, strategy, and sell-through support. Our Menu to Market program accelerates the path from test kitchen to checkout lane.

A prime example? We helped Las Vegas fan-favorite Tacotarian bring its jackfruit-based taco filling from the restaurant to retail, offering a shelf-stable product that delivers authentic flavor, clean ingredients, and modern convenience—all without the need for refrigeration.

Jackfruit isn’t a trend—it’s a solution. As plant-based matures, the brands that win will be the ones that go beyond imitation and offer real ingredients, real culture, and real convenience. Jackfruit does it all—and shelf-stable jackfruit products are the future-forward answer retailers and consumers demand.

Ready to bring jackfruit to center store and win shelf space with purpose? Let’s talk.

References

1. Lombard Odier. "Jackfruit Leads the Cash-In on Healthy and Sustainable Food." Retrieved from Lombard Odier.

2. VegNews. "Is Jackfruit the Affordable and Sustainable Meat Alternative of the Future?" Retrieved from VegNews.

3. Food Dive. "Plant-Based Meat’s Next Hero Ingredient: Jackfruit." Retrieved from Food Dive.

4. ResearchGate. "The Application of Jackfruit By-Product on the Development of Healthy Meat Analogue." Retrieved from ResearchGate.

5. The Pharma Journal. "Jackfruit as a Potential Source for Plant-Based Meat Analogues." Retrieved from The Pharma Journal.