Breadfruit is an excellent dietary staple and compares favorably with other starchy staple crops commonly eaten in the tropics, such as taro, plantain, cassava, sweet potato and white rice. Complex carbohydrates are the main source of energy with low levels of protein and fat and a moderate glycemic index. It is also gluten free. 100 g fresh fruit provides 102 calories. Breadfruit is a good source of dietary fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium with small amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.
Some varieties contain small amounts of folic acid. Many varieties can be a good source of provitamin A carotenoids and flavonoids. While breadfruit tends to contain low levels of protein, it is a complete protein, providing all of the essential amino acids, so necessary to human health.