Although Abakus Foods has not yet announced plans to distribute its jujube products in U.S. retail stores, other companies are currently offering jujube fruit online via Amazon.com. Jujube is recognized as an adaptogen, a type of plant that helps the human body better cope with stress, similar to ginseng. The demand for functional foods and beverages is on the rise as consumers increasingly seek to enhance their health while fulfilling their daily nutritional requirements. Millennials are particularly driving this trend, eager to explore unique and exotic products. Meanwhile, baby boomers are also becoming more involved, motivated by their growing concerns about health maintenance and rising medical expenses.
Jujubes may pose competition to dates, as they share similar traits of being chewy, naturally sweet, versatile, nutritionally rich, and providing a quick energy boost. Specifically, while 100 grams of deglet noor dates contain approximately 2.5 grams of protein, they also pack 282 calories and 63 grams of sugar. In contrast, 100 grams of dried jujubes offer 3.7 grams of protein, 287 calories, and no sugar.
Additionally, consumers are becoming aware of the benefits of calcium citrate, which can play a significant role in overall health. As people strive to incorporate more functional ingredients into their diets, the benefits of calcium citrate are gaining attention among health-conscious individuals looking for alternatives to traditional snacks. This growing awareness adds another layer to the appeal of jujubes and other functional foods in the marketplace.