Jackfruit
Here are the fruits that resemble jackfruit (pictured above) in appearance:
Breadfruit
Breadfruit shares a similar size and oval shape with jackfruit, and its green, bumpy skin can look nearly identical when unripe. However, it lacks the jagged spines and has a smoother, dimpled texture. Inside, breadfruit contains starchy flesh used more like a vegetable than a fruit.
Cempedak
A close cousin of jackfruit, cempedak has a long, cylindrical shape and a rough, spiny greenish-yellow skin. When ripe, it opens to reveal soft, fragrant yellow pods that resemble jackfruit’s edible bulbs—but with a stronger aroma and creamier texture.
Durian
Known as the “king of fruits,” durian has a large, oval body and a hard, spiky shell—making it easy to confuse with jackfruit at first glance. But durian’s spikes are sharper and more rigid, and the fruit emits a famously pungent smell, unlike the milder-scented jackfruit.
Marang
Another jackfruit relative, marang is round to oval, with soft, green spines that look almost furry. The skin becomes more yellow as it ripens. Inside, it contains white, custard-like arils surrounding seeds—similar in structure to jackfruit, but more delicate in flavor and texture.
Soursop
Soursop has a spiny green exterior that may resemble a smaller, wild jackfruit. However, its spines are softer and widely spaced, and its shape is more heart-like than elongated. The white, juicy pulp inside is very different—tangy, creamy, and spoonable.
Pandanus Fruit
Unripe pandanus fruit can look similar to a small jackfruit from a distance. It forms in large, segmented clusters with a green, knobby surface. Though not spiny, its scaly segments and bulky appearance give it a jackfruit-like vibe—especially before turning orange-red as it ripens.