Introduction. Dennettia tripetala G. Baker (Annonaceae), or pepper fruit tree, is a well-known Nigerian spicy medicinal plant. The mineral, vitamin and nutrient composition of the fruit of Dennettia tripetala were determined. Materials and methods. Ripe fruits of Dennettia tripetala were analysed for proximate composition, and mineral and vitamin contents. Results and discussion. Our work showed that Dennettia tripetala contained crude protein (15.31%), total carbohydrate (62%), crude fibres (9.84%), crude lipids (3.47%) and moisture (8.0%). It had a calorific value of 480.24 g cal·100 g–1 of fresh fruit, and mineral content comprised: calcium (1.80%), phosphorus (0.33%), potassium (2.50%) and magnesium (0.42%). Trace elements included iron, copper, zinc and cadmium, but chromium was not detected. The water-soluble vitamins include ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Conclusion. Our work justifies the use of Dennettia tripetala fruits as food and a drug in herbal medicine in Southeastern Nigeria.