The Availability Depends on Your Location
For anyone following a vegan diet or avoiding dairy, understanding the regional differences in menu options is crucial when ordering from large chains like Papa John's. The most important fact to know is that what is offered in one country may not be available in another, and this is especially true for vegan cheese. While some international branches have fully embraced plant-based options, U.S. stores have taken a more limited approach to their menu.
Vegan Cheese Availability in the UK
For residents in the United Kingdom, the vegan menu at Papa John's is extensive and includes a dedicated vegan cheese. Since its introduction in 2019, Papa John's UK has partnered with Bute Island Foods to offer vegan Sheese, which is used on several pre-designed vegan pizzas.
Here are some of the vegan-friendly items you can find in the UK:
- Vegan Cheese & Tomato Pizza: A simple classic featuring tomato sauce and vegan Sheese.
- Vegan Garden Party Pizza: Topped with a variety of vegetables and vegan Sheese.
- The Vegan Works Pizza: An award-winning pizza loaded with multiple plant-based toppings, including vegan sausage and jackfruit 'pepperoni'.
- Vegan Cheese Stuffed Crust: A popular option to add even more cheesy goodness to any vegan pizza.
- Vegan Sides: Options like Vegan Cheesy Potato Tots and Vegan Cheese & Marmite Scrolls are available.
Vegan Options in the United States
In stark contrast to its UK counterpart, Papa John's in the United States does not offer vegan cheese as a menu option. While this is a significant limitation for dairy-free diners, it is still possible to construct a delicious vegan pizza. According to the company's own guidelines, the original dough and sauce are vegan.
To order a vegan pizza in the US, you can follow these steps:
- Choose the Original or Thin Crust dough, as other crusts may contain dairy or eggs.
- Select the Original Pizza Sauce or BBQ sauce, and then select the 'No Cheese' option.
- Pile on the vegetable toppings, such as onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and black olives.
- Consider asking for a "Clean Cut" to minimize cross-contamination with non-vegan products.
What Kind of Vegan Cheese Does Papa John's Use?
In the regions where it is available, Papa John's uses Sheese, a dairy-free and award-winning cheese alternative made on the Isle of Bute by Bute Island Foods. Sheese is a popular plant-based product with a texture and melt that closely mimic traditional cheese, making it an excellent option for pizza. Its recipe typically includes ingredients like coconut oil, starches, and other plant-based components to achieve its creamy texture and tangy flavour profile.
Comparison: Papa John's Vegan Offerings by Region
To highlight the clear differences, here is a comparison of Papa John's vegan offerings in the UK versus the US.
| Feature | UK Menu | US Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Cheese | Yes, Sheese | No |
| Standard Vegan Pizzas | Yes, multiple options like 'The Vegan Works' | No, must be custom-ordered cheeseless |
| Vegan Stuffed Crust | Yes | No |
| Vegan Meat Alternatives | Yes, Jackfruit 'Pepperoni', vegan sausage | No |
| Vegan Sides | Yes, Cheesy Tots, Marmite Scrolls | Yes, Breadsticks, sauces (check for egg/dairy) |
Tips for Ordering a Vegan Pizza at Papa John's
Whether you are in a location with or without vegan cheese, a little preparation ensures you get a delicious and satisfying meal.
How to Order in the US (Without Vegan Cheese)
- Select the Right Crust: Stick to the Original or Thin Crust, and consider requesting a "Clean Cut".
- Confirm the Sauce: The Original Pizza Sauce and BBQ sauce are typically vegan, but it is always wise to double-check on your order form or with the store.
- Go Big on Veggies: With no cheese to hold you back, load up on all your favourite vegetable toppings to add flavour and texture.
- Check the Dips: The garlic dipping sauce in the US is often vegan, but this can sometimes vary. In the UK, however, some garlic sauces contain eggs. Always verify the ingredients of side sauces.
How to Order in the UK (With Vegan Cheese)
- Explore the Vegan Menu: The dedicated vegan menu has several pre-designed pizzas that make ordering simple.
- Go for the Stuffed Crust: If you want to maximize your cheesy experience, the vegan cheese stuffed crust is a popular addition.
- Try Vegan Meats: If you crave a 'pepperoni' or 'sausage' pizza, Papa John's UK offers plant-based alternatives that are very popular.
- Discover Vegan Sides: From cheesy tots to cauliflower wings, the UK menu provides many side options to complete your meal.
For a complete list of UK vegan offerings, you can visit the Papa Johns UK Vegan Menu directly. For other international locations, it is recommended to check the specific country's website or app.
Conclusion
While the answer to whether Papa John's has vegan cheese is a definitive "yes" in places like the UK and Ireland, it is an equally definitive "no" in the United States. This major regional divide means that vegan diners must adapt their ordering strategy depending on their location. In regions with vegan cheese, Papa John's offers a wide and appealing range of options, including Sheese pizzas and sides. In the US, however, the vegan experience is limited to cheeseless vegetable pizzas on a vegan-friendly crust and sauce. As the plant-based movement grows, it is possible that vegan options will become more standardized internationally, but for now, checking your local menu is the most reliable approach.
