Regional Differences: US vs. UK Vegan Menus
While Papa John's has made significant strides in offering plant-based choices, the exact menu items available differ dramatically between regions, most notably between the United States and the United Kingdom. Understanding these differences is key to a successful vegan order.
Vegan Options in the United Kingdom
Papa John's UK menu features a wide array of dedicated vegan products, with a robust selection of pizzas and sides. These options go beyond simple cheese-less pizzas and include plant-based cheese, mock meats, and other specialty items. The brand uses Vegan Sheese® from Bute Island Foods as its dairy-free cheese alternative.
Ready-made vegan pizza examples include:
- Vegan Cheese & Tomato: A simple, plant-based take on a classic pizza.
- Jackfruit "Pepperoni": Features spicy, jackfruit-based mock pepperoni and vegan Sheese®.
- The Vegan Works: An award-winning pizza loaded with vegan Sheese®, jackfruit "pepperoni," vegan sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and black olives.
- Vegan Garden Party: Topped with vegan Sheese®, onions, green peppers, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Vegan Options in the United States
In the US, Papa John's vegan offerings are more limited and require customization, as the chain does not offer vegan cheese or meat alternatives nationwide. Instead, you must build your own cheeseless pizza. The good news is that the foundational ingredients—the Original Hand Tossed dough and Original Pizza Sauce—are vegan.
How to Build a Custom Vegan Pizza
For US customers or those in areas without a dedicated vegan menu, ordering involves a few simple steps to ensure your pizza is plant-based.
1. Choose a Vegan Crust
Not all of Papa John's crusts are vegan. Your safe options are:
- Original Hand Tossed Dough
- Thin Crust
- New York Style Dough Note: Avoid the Gluten-Free and Epic Stuffed Crusts, as they contain milk and/or eggs.
2. Select a Vegan Sauce
Choose from the following sauces to keep your pizza plant-based:
- Original Pizza Sauce (tomato-based)
- BBQ Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce
3. Load Up on Veggie Toppings
All standard vegetable toppings are vegan-friendly. Pile on as many as you like for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Available options include:
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Green Peppers
- Black or Green Olives
- Jalapeños
- Banana Peppers
- Pineapple
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
4. Special Instructions
When ordering online or in-store, add a note to your order requesting "no cheese." For those concerned about cross-contamination, also specify a "clean cut" to ensure the pizza isn't cut with a knife used on dairy or meat pizzas.
Vegan Sides and Dipping Sauces
Even with a simple cheeseless pizza, you can enhance your meal with several vegan side items and dips.
Dipping Sauces
This is where Papa John's truly shines for vegans. In many regions, all of their popular dipping sauces are confirmed to be vegan.
- Special Garlic Dip
- BBQ Dip
- Hot Buffalo Dip
- Garlic & Herb Dip
- Pizza Dipping Sauce
Sides
Side availability varies by location, but here are some examples:
- Original Breadsticks (US): Made with the vegan Original Hand Tossed dough, but be sure to order them without any cheese or parmesan seasoning.
- Vegan Sides (UK): Locations outside the US offer specialized vegan sides like Vegan Cheese Potato Tots, "Not-Chicken" Vegan Bites, and Cauliflower Wings.
Comparison of Vegan Menus: US vs. UK
This table highlights the major differences in vegan options offered at Papa John's in the United States and the United Kingdom.
| Feature | United States Menu | United Kingdom Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Vegan Menu | No | Yes, a full menu section |
| Vegan Cheese Option | No, must order cheeseless | Yes, uses Vegan Sheese® |
| Mock Meats | No | Yes, includes jackfruit "pepperoni" and vegan sausage |
| Standard Crusts | Original Hand Tossed, Thin, NY Style (vegan) | Multiple vegan crusts available |
| Desserts | No vegan desserts available | Yes, includes vegan options like Ben & Jerry's non-dairy ice cream |
| Sides | Plain breadsticks, pepperoncini | Vegan Cheese Tots, "Not-Chicken" Bites, Cauliflower Wings |
Cross-Contamination and Ordering with Care
For individuals with severe allergies or strict vegan dietary rules, it is important to be aware of the risk of cross-contamination in shared kitchen spaces. While Papa John's provides specific information on allergens, most ingredients are handled in the same area. Requesting a "clean cut" can help reduce the chance of contact with non-vegan products, but it is not guaranteed to eliminate all risk. For peace of mind, always check the most recent allergen guide from your local Papa John's.
Conclusion: Navigating Papa John's as a Vegan
So, is anything at Papa Johns vegan? Yes, with careful ordering, it is possible to find satisfying plant-based options at Papa John's, but the variety depends heavily on your location. For customers in the UK and other international markets, a dedicated vegan menu with cheese and mock meats makes ordering straightforward. In the US, a little customization is required to build a tasty cheeseless pizza with vegan crust, sauce, and a variety of vegetable toppings. Regardless of your location, the range of vegan-friendly sauces and sides helps complete a delicious, animal-free meal. Always double-check your local menu or the allergen guide for the most accurate information before placing your order. More details on the UK menu can be found on their official site.
Visit Papa John's UK Vegan Menu for more information on international offerings.
