Whole food · Fruits and Fruit Juices
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Canned rambutan in syrup offers a burst of sweet, floral flavor and a uniquely slippery, grape-like texture that's both juicy and slightly chewy. This tropical treat is a convenient, ready-to-eat snack, providing a quick source of carbohydrates for energy with minimal fat.
Calorie split: 3% protein · 95% carbs · 2% fat
↓ Full nutritionPeople adore rambutan for its exotic, perfumed sweetness—a flavor often described as a cross between a lychee and a grape—and its fun, hairy exterior that makes it exciting to peel and eat. It's a beloved street snack and dessert ingredient across Southeast Asia, symbolizing tropical abundance.
The primary downside is the high sugar content from the packing syrup, which can lead to blood-sugar spikes. To counteract this, enjoy it in moderation, rinse the fruit to remove some syrup, or pair it with a source of protein or fat like yogurt or nuts. Those monitoring sugar intake should consider it an occasional treat.
The name 'rambutan' comes from the Malay word 'rambut,' meaning 'hair,' referring to the fruit's distinctive, soft spines.
| Water | 78.0 g |
| Energy | 82.0 kcal |
| Energy | 343 kj |
| Protein | 0.65 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.21 g |
| Ash | 0.23 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 20.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.90 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 22.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.35 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 7.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 9.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 42.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 11.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.08 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.34 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 4.9 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.02 mg |
| Niacin | 1.4 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.02 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 8.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 2.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 3.0 iu |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
How do you eat canned rambutan?
Simply drain the syrup, then use your fingers or a small knife to slit the soft, hairy skin and peel it away. The translucent, white flesh inside is ready to eat. You can also slice it to add to dishes.
Is canned rambutan healthy?
It's a source of fiber and vitamin C, but the canning process adds significant sugar from the syrup. It's best enjoyed in moderation as a treat, not a primary fruit source. Rinsing can reduce some surface sugar.
What's the difference between canned and fresh rambutan?
Fresh rambutan has a firmer, crisper texture and a more vibrant, floral taste. Canned rambutan is softer, sweeter from the syrup, and has a more uniform, slightly muted flavor profile. Canning makes it available year-round.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.26 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.