Breadfruit, From Traditional Snack to Global Future Food

RRI.CO.ID, Cirebon - Once known mainly as a traditional snack in many tropical regions, breadfruit is now gaining international attention. By 2026, this starchy fruit, called sukun in Indonesian, has emerged as one of the most promising “future foods", seen as a potential answer to global food security challenges.

Breadfruit has a carbohydrate-rich texture and a mild, neutral flavor, making it highly versatile for a wide range of culinary uses. In fact, in several tropical countries, it has long served as a staple food, replacing rice or bread.

One of the key reasons breadfruit is considered a future food is its resilience to increasingly extreme climate change. Research shows that breadfruit can thrive even under drastic shifts in climate, proving more tolerant than many staple crops such as rice or corn.

This adaptability makes it suitable for cultivation across tropical regions vulnerable to changing weather and soil conditions. Beyond resilience, breadfruit is also packed with fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Its gluten-free nature adds to its appeal for modern lifestyles that prioritize healthy eating.

As a staple ingredient or flour substitute, breadfruit offers a local alternative to imported wheat and rice, which dominate food consumption in many countries. Its popularity continues to rise worldwide.

In Europe, for example, breadfruit is increasingly appreciated for its uniqueness as a “tropical breadfruit” that can be transformed into a variety of nutritious dishes. On social media, videos of culinary creators tasting ripe breadfruit straight from the tree have gone viral, sparking curiosity among younger consumers.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, researchers are actively promoting breadfruit diversification, such as developing cereals, breadfruit flour, and other innovative food products, as part of efforts to strengthen national food security. 

With the global population steadily increasing and environmental challenges intensifying, breadfruit is being recognized as one of the solutions for the future.

Its ability to grow across diverse tropical soils, combined with rich nutrition and culinary flexibility, makes breadfruit more than just a passing trend. It is increasingly seen as a vital component of global food strategies. (Misni Parjiati/Sri Wahyuni)