Where to Buy Jackfruit – Stores, Online Shops & Markets

Ten years ago, finding jackfruit in the United States required a trip to a specialty Asian grocery store. Today, you can pick up a can at Walmart, grab a frozen bag at Trader Joe's, or order a case online with next-day delivery. The challenge isn't finding jackfruit anymore – it's knowing which store carries which form and where to look once you're inside. This guide maps out every major retail option so you can find jackfruit near you, regardless of where you live.

Major Supermarkets That Carry Jackfruit

Most large US grocery chains now stock at least one form of jackfruit. Here's what to expect at each retailer and exactly where to find it on the shelves.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is arguably the best mainstream source for jackfruit in the US. They carry two products worth knowing about:

• Green Jackfruit in Brine (canned, ~$1.99) – Found in the canned goods aisle alongside other international canned vegetables. This is young, unripe jackfruit perfect for savory cooking. One of the best-value canned jackfruit products on the market.
• Frozen Jackfruit (~$2.49) – Located in the frozen vegetable section. These are pre-cut young jackfruit pieces that thaw quickly and have slightly better texture than canned. Excellent for stir-fries and tacos.

Trader Joe's does not sell fresh whole jackfruit. Their products are consistently high quality, and the prices are lower than almost any competitor. The main limitation: no online ordering, and inventory varies by location. If your store is out, ask a crew member when the next shipment arrives – they're usually happy to check.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods offers the widest jackfruit selection of any mainstream US grocery chain. Depending on the location and season, you may find:

• Fresh whole jackfruit in the produce section (seasonal, typically summer)
• Pre-cut fresh jackfruit in the refrigerated prepared foods area
• Native Forest Organic Young Jackfruit in the canned goods aisle ($3.50 – $4.50)
• Upton's Naturals pre-seasoned jackfruit in the plant-based/vegan section ($4.49 – $5.49)
• Dried jackfruit chips in the snack aisle

Prices at Whole Foods are higher than average, but the quality and selection compensate for it. If you want to see, smell, and choose a fresh jackfruit in a mainstream store, Whole Foods is your best bet. Their produce staff can also help you select a fruit at the right ripeness stage.

Walmart

Walmart stocks canned jackfruit in most of its Supercenter locations. Look in the international foods aisle – specifically the Asian section – rather than the regular canned vegetable aisle. Common brands include:

• Chaokoh Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (~$2.00 – $2.50)
• Walmart's Great Value brand (select locations, ~$1.75)

Walmart also carries canned jackfruit on walmart.com with free shipping on orders over $35, including brands like Native Forest that may not be stocked in physical stores. Fresh jackfruit is rare at Walmart, though some locations in Florida and Texas carry it seasonally.

Kroger (and Subsidiaries)

Kroger, along with its subsidiaries (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Harris Teeter, Fry's), carries canned jackfruit in the international foods aisle. The selection is smaller than Whole Foods or Trader Joe's – typically one or two brands. Check the Asian food section first, then the natural/organic aisle.

Kroger's online ordering and curbside pickup service includes canned jackfruit, making it convenient if you don't want to hunt through aisles. Search "jackfruit" on the Kroger app to check availability at your local store before making the trip.

Costco

Costco's jackfruit availability is inconsistent. When they carry it, it's typically a multi-pack of canned young jackfruit at a significant per-can discount. Some locations have stocked Upton's Naturals variety packs. The challenge is that Costco rotates its specialty items frequently – a product you see one month may not return for six months.

If you find jackfruit at Costco, buy it. The bulk pricing is excellent (often 30 – 40% less than buying individual cans at other stores), and canned jackfruit has a 2 – 3 year shelf life, so there's no risk of waste.

Target

Target carries a limited selection of canned jackfruit, usually in the international or natural foods section. Native Forest and Upton's Naturals are the most commonly stocked brands. Prices are comparable to Whole Foods. Target's same-day delivery through Shipt includes these products, which is convenient for pantry restocking.

Aldi

Aldi has carried canned young jackfruit as an "Aldi Find" (limited-time special buy) several times. When it appears, the price is typically $1.49 – $1.79 per can – the cheapest you'll find at any mainstream retailer. The problem is unpredictability. Aldi Finds are announced weekly and sell out quickly. Follow Aldi's weekly ad and social media accounts to catch jackfruit when it drops.

Publix

Publix stores in the Southeast carry canned jackfruit in the international aisle. Some Florida locations also stock fresh whole jackfruit during summer months, sourced from local Florida farms. If you're in a jackfruit-growing region, Publix is worth checking for domestic fresh fruit at competitive prices.

H-E-B

H-E-B in Texas stocks canned jackfruit in the international foods aisle and occasionally carries fresh jackfruit in stores near the Mexican border and in Houston's more diverse neighborhoods. H-E-B's Central Market locations have a much wider selection, including pre-cut fresh jackfruit and specialty dried varieties.

Asian Grocery Stores

If you want the best prices, the widest selection, and the freshest product, skip the mainstream chains and head straight to an Asian grocery store. This is where jackfruit shopping gets serious.

What You'll Find

A well-stocked Asian grocery store typically carries five or more forms of jackfruit simultaneously:

• Whole fresh jackfruit – Often multiple fruits in the produce section, especially in summer. Prices range from $1.00 – $2.00 per pound, significantly cheaper than mainstream supermarkets.
• Pre-cut fresh jackfruit pods – Ripe, golden yellow pods in plastic containers, ready to eat. Usually $3.00 – $6.00 per pound.
• Frozen jackfruit – Large bags (1 – 2 lbs) of both ripe and unripe varieties. Brands like Buenas, Goya, and local importers. $4.00 – $7.00 per bag.
• Canned jackfruit – Multiple brands, multiple sizes, in both brine and syrup. Often cheaper than mainstream stores. $1.50 – $3.00 per can.
• Dried jackfruit chips – Vacuum-fried or air-dried, imported from Thailand, Vietnam, or the Philippines.
• Jackfruit paste and puree – Used in South Asian desserts. Found in the baking or sweets section.

Major Asian Grocery Chains

These chains operate across multiple states and are reliable sources:

• H Mart – Korean-focused chain with locations across the East Coast, West Coast, and Texas. Excellent fresh produce section with whole and pre-cut jackfruit in season.
• 99 Ranch Market – Chinese-focused chain across California, Nevada, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest. Strong canned and frozen selection year-round.
• Patel Brothers – Indian grocery chain with stores across the US. Carries canned jackfruit, frozen jackfruit, and jackfruit-based ready meals. The best source for jackfruit seeds and jackfruit flour.
• Seafood City – Filipino-focused chain in California, Nevada, and select other states. Carries frozen ripe jackfruit, canned jackfruit in syrup, and fresh fruit in season.
• GW Supermarket / Great Wall – Chinese chain in the mid-Atlantic region. Good prices on canned and frozen jackfruit.

Where to Look Inside the Store

Asian grocery stores organize differently from mainstream supermarkets. Here's where to look:

• Fresh whole jackfruit: Near the entrance or in the tropical fruit section, often displayed on the floor due to size and weight.
• Pre-cut jackfruit: Refrigerated section near the prepared fruits and deli area.
• Canned jackfruit: Canned goods aisle, usually grouped by country of origin (Thai, Indian, Filipino sections).
• Frozen jackfruit: Frozen fruit and vegetable section, or in dedicated freezers for tropical products.
• Dried jackfruit: Snack aisle or near the checkout registers.

Specialty and Health Food Stores

Beyond the major chains, several types of specialty retailers carry jackfruit products that you won't find elsewhere.

Natural Food Co-ops

Food cooperatives and natural grocery stores like Natural Grocers, Sprouts Farmers Market, and local co-ops typically stock organic canned jackfruit (Native Forest, Edward & Sons) and pre-seasoned products (Upton's Naturals). These stores cater to plant-based and vegan shoppers, so jackfruit is a staple rather than a novelty item.

Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts consistently stocks 2 – 3 brands of canned jackfruit in the international or plant-based section. They also carry dried jackfruit snacks and occasionally have fresh jackfruit in their produce section during peak summer season. Sprouts prices on organic brands are often 10 – 15% lower than Whole Foods.

Vegan and Plant-Based Specialty Stores

If you live near a dedicated vegan grocery (like Orchard Grocer in NYC, Veggie Galaxy in Boston, or Vegan Supply in Vancouver), these stores typically carry the widest selection of pre-seasoned and prepared jackfruit products. You'll find brands and flavors that mainstream stores don't stock, including ready-to-eat jackfruit "carnitas," jackfruit "tuna" salad, and jackfruit jerky.

Buying Jackfruit Online

Online shopping is the most reliable way to buy jackfruit if local options are limited. You'll find better prices on bulk orders, access to specialty brands, and the convenience of doorstep delivery.

Amazon

Amazon carries the widest online selection of jackfruit products in the US. Key advantages:

• Bulk pricing: Cases of 6 – 12 cans are significantly cheaper per unit than buying individually. A 6-pack of Native Forest organic jackfruit often runs $18 – $22 ($3.00 – $3.67 per can vs. $4.50 in stores).
• Subscribe & Save: Set up recurring delivery and save an additional 5 – 15% on already-discounted bulk prices.
• Brand variety: Brands like Jackfruit Company, The Jackfruit Company, and smaller importers that aren't stocked in physical stores.
• Dried and specialty products: Freeze-dried jackfruit, jackfruit flour, jackfruit powder, and exotic preparations.

The downside of Amazon: shipping damage. Canned goods occasionally arrive dented, and freeze-dried products can get crushed. Order from sellers with high ratings and check reviews mentioning packaging quality.

Thrive Market

Thrive Market is a membership-based online grocery focused on natural and organic products. They carry Native Forest, Edward & Sons, and Upton's Naturals jackfruit at 25 – 35% below retail prices. The annual membership costs $59.95, which pays for itself quickly if you buy jackfruit and other plant-based staples regularly.

Thrive Market ships carbon-neutral and uses recyclable packaging, which matters if sustainability influences your purchasing decisions. They also offer auto-ship scheduling so you never run out.

iHerb

iHerb stocks organic canned jackfruit and dried jackfruit snacks at competitive prices, often with international shipping options that other retailers don't offer. If you live outside major metro areas, iHerb can be a reliable pipeline to brands that aren't available locally.

Specialty Jackfruit Retailers

A few online retailers focus specifically on jackfruit and tropical fruit products:

• The Jackfruit Company (thejackfruitcompany.com): Sells pre-seasoned jackfruit meals, plain young jackfruit, and jackfruit-based products directly. Their "Complete Meals" line includes jackfruit tikka masala, BBQ jackfruit, and teriyaki jackfruit.
• Exotic Fruits USA (exoticfruitsusa.com): Ships fresh whole jackfruit directly from Florida farms when in season (June – September). Prices are higher ($3.00 – $4.00 per pound plus shipping) but the freshness is unmatched if you don't live near a grower.
• Miami Fruit (miamifruit.com): Premium source for fresh tropical fruits including whole jackfruit. They ship overnight with cold packs. Expensive but excellent quality and customer service.

Walmart.com and Target.com

Both major retailers sell canned jackfruit through their online stores with free shipping on minimum orders. Walmart.com often has brands and sizes that individual stores don't carry, and Target offers same-day delivery through Shipt in many metro areas. Check online inventory before visiting a physical location to avoid wasted trips.

Farmers Markets

In jackfruit-growing regions of the United States – primarily South Florida, Hawaii, Southern California, and parts of Texas – farmers markets are an outstanding source of fresh jackfruit during summer months.

What to Expect

Farmers market jackfruit is typically harvested within 24 – 48 hours of sale, meaning it's significantly fresher than imported fruit in grocery stores. Farmers often sell both whole fruit and pre-cut portions, and they can tell you exactly when the fruit was picked and how to ripen it at home.

Prices vary but are generally $2.00 – $3.50 per pound for whole fruit. Pre-cut portions are $5.00 – $8.00 per pound. You may also find value-priced "seconds" – cosmetically imperfect fruit at a discount that tastes identical to premium specimens.

Notable Jackfruit Farmers Markets

• Robert Is Here (Homestead, FL): Iconic South Florida fruit stand with fresh jackfruit from local trees, typically June through September.
• KCC Farmers Market (Honolulu, HI): Saturday market with Hawaiian-grown jackfruit year-round.
• Hollywood Farmers Market (Los Angeles, CA): Occasional jackfruit from local growers, primarily summer.
• Hilo Farmers Market (Hilo, HI): Year-round tropical fruit market with some of the best jackfruit in the US.

Where to Look Inside Regular Grocery Stores

One of the most common frustrations when buying jackfruit is simply not being able to locate it in the store. Jackfruit isn't shelved where you'd instinctively look. Here's a practical aisle-by-aisle guide.

International / Asian Foods Aisle

This is the #1 place to check. Canned jackfruit is almost always shelved in the international foods section alongside coconut milk, curry paste, soy sauce, and rice noodles. Look for it near Thai or Indian products specifically. If the store separates Asian foods by country, check the Thai section first – most canned jackfruit brands are Thai imports.

Plant-Based / Vegan Section

Stores with a dedicated plant-based section (Whole Foods, Sprouts, many Kroger locations) may shelve pre-seasoned jackfruit products here alongside plant-based burgers, tofu, and tempeh. Upton's Naturals pouches are almost always in this section rather than the international aisle.

Canned Vegetables Aisle

Some stores shelve canned jackfruit alongside canned artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, and other specialty canned vegetables. This is less common but worth checking if you can't find it in the international section.

Frozen Aisle

Frozen jackfruit is typically with frozen fruits and vegetables, not in the international freezer section. At Trader Joe's, look for it in the frozen vegetable area. At Asian grocery stores, check the dedicated frozen tropical fruit freezer.

Produce Section

Fresh whole jackfruit, when available, is usually near other tropical fruits – next to mangoes, papayas, and dragon fruit. Due to its size, it's sometimes displayed on the floor rather than on shelves. Pre-cut fresh jackfruit may be in the refrigerated prepared-fruit section near the deli.

Price Comparison Across Retailers

Jackfruit prices vary substantially between stores. This table compares common products across major retailers to help you find the best deal.

Retailer	Canned (per can)	Fresh (per lb)	Frozen (per bag)
Trader Joe's	$1.99	–	$2.49
Whole Foods	$3.50 – $4.50	$2.49 – $3.49	$3.99 – $4.99
Walmart	$1.75 – $2.50	Rare	–
Kroger	$2.50 – $3.50	Rare	$3.49 – $4.49
Target	$3.00 – $4.00	–	–
Aldi (when available)	$1.49 – $1.79	–	–
Asian Grocery Store	$1.50 – $2.50	$1.00 – $2.00	$4.00 – $7.00
Amazon (6-pack)	$3.00 – $3.67	–	–
Thrive Market	$2.49 – $3.29	–	–

Best value overall: Trader Joe's for canned, Asian grocery stores for fresh, and Amazon Subscribe & Save for bulk canned orders. If an Aldi near you stocks jackfruit, that's the absolute lowest price you'll find at a brick-and-mortar store.

Regional Availability Guide

Your location within the US significantly affects what forms of jackfruit you can find locally. Here's a realistic assessment by region.

West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)

The easiest region for finding jackfruit. Dense populations of Asian grocery stores (99 Ranch, H Mart), multiple Trader Joe's and Whole Foods locations, and a strong farmers market culture. Fresh whole jackfruit is available most of the year in Southern California. Canned and frozen jackfruit is ubiquitous.

Northeast (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania)

Excellent availability in metro areas thanks to diverse immigrant communities and well-stocked Asian grocery stores (H Mart, Patel Brothers). Major cities have multiple options for fresh jackfruit. Rural areas in New England may rely on online ordering or canned products from mainstream chains.

Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas)

Florida is a jackfruit-growing state, making it one of the best places to buy fresh domestic jackfruit. Texas has strong availability through H-E-B, Fiesta Mart, and numerous Asian grocery stores. Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh have expanding Asian grocery scenes. Publix carries canned jackfruit throughout the region.

Midwest (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota)

Availability is more limited but improving. Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit have established Asian grocery stores with fresh jackfruit in season. Suburban and rural areas rely primarily on Walmart, Kroger, and online ordering. Meijer stores in Michigan and the Great Lakes region sometimes stock canned jackfruit.

Mountain West and Plains States

The most challenging region for fresh jackfruit. Asian grocery options are concentrated in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix. Elsewhere, canned jackfruit from Walmart or online ordering are the primary options. Trader Joe's locations in these areas reliably stock their canned and frozen products.

Tips for Finding Fresh Jackfruit Near You

If you're determined to find fresh jackfruit locally, these strategies will maximize your chances.

1. Search Google Maps for "Asian grocery store near me." Visit the largest one. Stores with the biggest produce sections are most likely to carry whole jackfruit.
2. Call ahead. Phone the produce department and ask whether they currently have fresh jackfruit and when their next delivery arrives. This saves you a trip if they're between shipments.
3. Visit Indian and Filipino grocery stores specifically. These communities have the strongest jackfruit culinary traditions and their stores prioritize stocking it.
4. Check during summer months. June through September is peak availability for fresh jackfruit in the US. Outside this window, canned and frozen are your best options.
5. Ask the produce manager at Whole Foods. They can often special-order whole jackfruit even if it's not regularly stocked at your location.
6. Join local vegan and plant-based Facebook groups. Members frequently share tips about where to find specialty ingredients, including jackfruit, in your specific area.
7. Try Instacart. Search "jackfruit" on Instacart to see which stores in your delivery area carry it. This is one of the fastest ways to survey local availability without visiting multiple stores.

Buying Jackfruit Internationally

If you're outside the United States, jackfruit availability varies by country:

• United Kingdom: Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda carry canned jackfruit. Asian grocery stores in London, Birmingham, and Leicester have fresh jackfruit regularly.
• Canada: T&T Supermarket (Chinese chain) is the best source for fresh jackfruit. Canned versions are available at Loblaws, Metro, and Walmart Canada.
• Australia: Woolworths and Coles stock canned jackfruit. Asian grocery stores in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane carry fresh fruit year-round due to Queensland's tropical climate.
• Germany: Asian supermarkets (Vinh-Loi, Go Asia) in major cities stock canned and frozen jackfruit. REWE and Edeka occasionally carry organic canned jackfruit in their international sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What section is jackfruit in at the grocery store?

Check the international/Asian foods aisle first – that's where canned jackfruit is shelved in about 80% of stores. If it's not there, check the plant-based/vegan section, or the canned vegetable aisle near artichoke hearts and hearts of palm. Fresh jackfruit is in the produce section near other tropical fruits.

Can I order fresh jackfruit online?

Yes, but it's expensive. Companies like Miami Fruit and Exotic Fruits USA ship fresh whole jackfruit with overnight delivery and cold packs. Expect to pay $40 – $80+ including shipping for a single fruit. It's a premium experience but worth trying at least once if you can't find fresh jackfruit locally.

Is jackfruit cheaper at Asian grocery stores?

Almost always, yes. Asian grocery stores typically sell canned jackfruit for 20 – 40% less than mainstream supermarkets, and fresh jackfruit for 30 – 50% less. The savings are most dramatic on fresh whole fruit, where Asian grocery stores often charge $1.00 – $1.50 per pound compared to $2.50 – $3.50 at Whole Foods.

How do I know if a store near me carries jackfruit?

The fastest method: search the store's website or app for "jackfruit." Most major chains (Walmart, Kroger, Target, Whole Foods) let you check inventory at your local store online. For independent stores, call the produce or grocery department directly. You can also search Instacart, which aggregates inventory from multiple stores in your area.

When is the best time of year to buy jackfruit?

For fresh jackfruit, June through September offers the best selection and lowest prices in the US. Canned and frozen jackfruit is available year-round with stable pricing. If you find a good deal on canned jackfruit at any time of year, stock up – it has a 2 – 3 year shelf life.