What is the best source of bromelain?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Bromelain is a group of proteolytic enzymes derived exclusively from plants in the Bromeliaceae family, with the pineapple plant being the most recognized source. This powerful natural compound is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, but where can you find the best source of bromelain to harness its full therapeutic potential?

Quick Summary

An analysis of bromelain sources reveals that pineapple stems and specific supplements offer the highest concentrations of the enzyme. While fresh pineapple fruit provides some bromelain, industrial supplements are often more potent and consistent for therapeutic use.

Key Points

Pineapple Stem is the Highest Source: Commercially available bromelain supplements are typically extracted from the pineapple stem, which contains the highest concentration of the enzyme.
Supplements are Best for Therapeutic Use: For targeted anti-inflammatory or digestive benefits, concentrated and standardized bromelain supplements are more reliable and potent than consuming fresh fruit.
Fresh Pineapple Contains Bromelain: You can get natural bromelain from eating fresh pineapple, especially the fibrous core. However, the concentration is lower and inconsistent compared to supplements.
Heat Destroys the Enzyme: Cooking or canning pineapple deactivates the bromelain enzyme. For active enzyme intake, always consume pineapple fresh and raw.
High-Activity Units are Key: When purchasing supplements, check for standardized units of measurement, such as GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units), which indicate the product's enzymatic potency and quality.
Fruit Bromelain Differs from Stem Bromelain: There are two types of bromelain, from the fruit and from the stem, with different compositions and enzymatic activity. Stem bromelain is generally more potent and used for supplements.

Understanding bromelain from the pineapple plant

Bromelain is not a single enzyme but a complex mix of protein-digesting enzymes (proteases) found in the pineapple plant, Ananas comosus. Depending on the part of the plant it is extracted from, its properties can vary. The two primary types are stem bromelain (SBM) and fruit bromelain (FBM). Historically, the pineapple has been used in traditional medicine across Central and South America for its healing properties. Today, bromelain is widely used in medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and fibrinolytic activities.

Pineapple parts contain varying levels of this beneficial enzyme. The stem contains the highest concentration, making it the primary industrial source for bromelain supplements. While the fruit, core, peels, and crown also contain bromelain, their concentrations are generally lower and can vary with the fruit's maturity. For example, studies have shown that bromelain extracted from pineapple peels can have significantly higher enzymatic activity than that from the cores, though basal stems may contain the highest activity of all.

The best natural source: The pineapple stem and core

For those seeking a natural dietary source, fresh pineapple is the only option. However, to maximize your bromelain intake from the fruit, you must consume the firm, fibrous core, where the concentration is highest, along with the fleshy fruit. The bromelain in pineapple is sensitive to heat, meaning canned or processed pineapple has little to no active enzyme left. When consuming fresh pineapple, you get a natural dose of bromelain, along with other vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C and manganese. The tingling sensation some people experience when eating fresh pineapple is a direct result of the bromelain interacting with the protein in your mouth.

The best therapeutic source: High-activity bromelain supplements

For therapeutic applications, such as managing inflammation from sinusitis, osteoarthritis, or surgery, the bromelain found in fresh pineapple is often not concentrated enough to produce a significant effect. In these cases, supplements are the best source. Commercial bromelain supplements are typically extracted from the pineapple stem, concentrated, and standardized for their enzymatic activity. Standardized units, such as Gelatin Digesting Units (GDU) or Milk Clotting Units (MCU), indicate the enzyme's potency. Stem bromelain is often favored for its higher and more consistent enzymatic activity compared to fruit bromelain, making it ideal for medicinal use.

Comparison: Natural vs. supplement bromelain


Feature	Fresh Pineapple (Natural)	Bromelain Supplements (Therapeutic)
Source	Entire fruit, especially core and stem.	Concentrated extract from the stem.
Potency	Inconsistent; low concentration in fruit flesh.	High, standardized potency (GDU, MCU).
Uses	General digestion, adding nutrients to diet.	Targeted therapeutic effects for inflammation, swelling, and pain relief.
Heat Sensitivity	Enzyme is destroyed by cooking or canning.	Formulated to preserve enzymatic activity.
Dosage	Varies widely based on part of the fruit consumed.	Specific, measured dosage for consistent results.
Cost-Effectiveness	Affordable for general nutritional support.	Can be more expensive but offers concentrated benefits.

Making the right choice for your needs

The choice between a natural source like fresh pineapple and a therapeutic supplement depends on your health goals. For general digestive support and adding nutritional value to your diet, incorporating fresh, raw pineapple—especially including the fibrous core—is an excellent and delicious choice. However, for those needing a targeted and potent anti-inflammatory or anti-edema effect, a standardized bromelain supplement is the more reliable and effective option. When choosing a supplement, look for those with clearly labeled activity units (GDU) to ensure potency. For example, a quality supplement may contain 500 GDU per serving, a level far exceeding what can be realistically consumed from fresh fruit.

Conclusion: Which source is truly best?

Ultimately, the best source of bromelain depends on your specific needs. For general health and a delicious way to support digestion, fresh pineapple is an excellent natural option. However, for high-potency, targeted therapeutic benefits, a bromelain supplement derived from the pineapple stem is the superior and most reliable source. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended before starting any new supplement regimen to determine the appropriate dosage for your health goals. Regardless of your choice, bromelain offers a powerful pathway to improved health, courtesy of the humble pineapple plant.

Authoritative link: What is Bromelain?

How does cooking affect bromelain in pineapple?

Since bromelain is a heat-sensitive enzyme, cooking or canning pineapple effectively destroys its active properties. To get the most bromelain from fresh pineapple, it must be consumed raw.

Can you get enough bromelain from eating fresh pineapple for therapeutic benefits?

No, for targeted therapeutic benefits such as reducing inflammation from surgery or chronic conditions, the amount of bromelain in fresh pineapple is not sufficient. Supplements are necessary for high, consistent dosages.

Are there any foods besides pineapple that contain bromelain?

No, pineapple is the only significant food source of bromelain. The bromelain family of enzymes is exclusive to the Bromeliaceae family of plants.

Is there a difference between stem bromelain and fruit bromelain?

Yes, stem bromelain is the primary source for commercial supplements due to its higher and more consistent enzymatic activity, while fruit bromelain, found in the edible parts, has a lower concentration and different biochemical properties.

What should I look for when buying a bromelain supplement?

Look for supplements that list the enzymatic activity in standardized units like GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units). This indicates the enzyme's potency, which is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.

What is the best way to eat pineapple to maximize bromelain intake?

To maximize your intake, eat fresh, raw pineapple, including the fibrous core. The core contains a higher concentration of bromelain than the fleshy fruit.

Does bromelain from pineapple waste have any use?

Yes, bromelain can be extracted from pineapple waste, such as the peel and core, and repurposed for various industrial applications, including food processing and potentially cosmetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial bromelain supplements are primarily sourced from the stem of the pineapple plant, Ananas comosus. The stem contains a higher and more concentrated amount of the active enzyme compared to the fruit.

While eating fresh pineapple provides some bromelain, it is generally not an effective way to achieve therapeutic doses. The enzyme is not highly concentrated in the fruit's flesh, and the dosage is inconsistent. For targeted health benefits, supplements are a better option.

Yes, bromelain is a heat-sensitive enzyme, and cooking or processing pineapple, including canning and pasteurization, will deactivate and destroy its proteolytic activity.

Bromelain is found throughout the entire pineapple plant, including the fruit, stem, leaves, core, and peel. The highest concentrations are typically found in the stem, and the fibrous core contains more than the fruit flesh.

To choose a high-quality supplement, look for one that lists the enzymatic activity in standardized units, such as GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units). This ensures the product's potency and therapeutic efficacy.

Stem bromelain (SBM) and fruit bromelain (FBM) have different biochemical properties. Stem bromelain has a higher and more reliable proteolytic activity and is the standard source for therapeutic supplements. Fruit bromelain, while similar, has lower activity.

Fresh, unprocessed pineapple juice contains bromelain. However, pasteurized or canned pineapple juice has been heat-treated, which inactivates the enzyme. For active bromelain, opt for fresh juice.