Is Papa John's Pizza Crust Gluten-Free?

As of 2025, Papa John's has offered a Gluten-Free Crust made from ancient grains for several years. This crust is crafted from naturally gluten-free ingredients, but it's important to understand the preparation process and the potential for cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

Papa John's provides an Ancient Grains Gluten-Free Crust, but the company does not recommend it for customers with celiac disease due to high cross-contamination risks during preparation in their kitchens.

Key Points

• Ingredient Composition: Papa John's Gluten-Free Crust is made from naturally gluten-free ancient grains like sorghum, teff, amaranth, and quinoa.

• Cross-Contamination Risk: The company warns that high risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen makes the crust unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.

• Preparation Process: While the crust is made in a separate facility, it is prepared alongside other pizzas in the restaurant, exposing it to gluten.

• Not for Celiacs: Due to potential exposure to wheat flour and shared equipment, the crust is not recommended for those with serious gluten intolerances.

• Alternative Options: Individuals with severe sensitivities may need to seek out restaurants that offer a certified gluten-free option with dedicated preparation areas.

• For Mild Sensitivities: The crust may be a suitable option for customers with mild non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Understanding the Papa John's Gluten-Free Crust

Papa John's introduced its Gluten-Free Crust made with ancient grains to expand its menu offerings. The crust uses a blend of naturally gluten-free sorghum, teff, amaranth, and quinoa. This option can be suitable for individuals with a simple gluten sensitivity, providing a thin and crispy texture. However, for those with more serious intolerance like celiac disease, the preparation environment is a key concern.

The Critical Issue of Cross-Contamination

Although the crust is made in a separate, gluten-free facility, the in-store preparation carries a significant risk of cross-contamination. Papa John's explicitly states that their gluten-free pizzas are not recommended for customers with celiac disease.

Cross-contamination can occur due to the use of shared surfaces, airborne flour, and shared utensils.

How to Evaluate Risk Before You Order

Assessing risk is vital for those with severe gluten intolerance. While those with mild sensitivity might consider ordering, celiac patients should heed the company's warning. Unlike some competitors with external gluten-free certification and stricter protocols to prevent cross-contamination, Papa John's does not have this certification. This difference highlights varying approaches to catering to high-risk customers.

Comparison of Papa John's Gluten-Free Options

Feature	Papa John's Gluten-Free Crust	Competitor A (Certified GF)
Crust Ingredients	Ancient Grains (sorghum, teff, etc.)	Certified gluten-free flour blend
Preparation	Prepared in a separate, external facility	Prepared in a dedicated, allergen-safe space
In-Store Handling	High risk of cross-contamination	Strict protocols to minimize cross-contamination
Recommended For	Mild gluten sensitivity	Both mild sensitivity and celiac disease
Allergy Guarantee	No guarantee for celiacs	Certified safe for celiac disease

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Whether Papa John's gluten-free crust is suitable depends on your level of sensitivity. For non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it might be an acceptable option. However, for celiac disease or severe intolerance, the company's stated risk of cross-contamination is a significant concern. Seeking a restaurant with certified gluten-free options and strict preparation protocols is the safest approach for those with severe sensitivities. Always check official information and consider your health before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Papa John's Gluten-Free Crust safe for people with celiac disease?

No, Papa John's does not recommend its Gluten-Free Crust for customers with celiac disease due to the high risk of cross-contamination during the in-store preparation process.

What is the Papa John's gluten-free crust made of?

The crust is made from ancient grains, including sorghum, teff, amaranth, and quinoa, which are naturally gluten-free.

Where is the gluten-free crust prepared?

The crust is initially made in a separate, gluten-free facility but is then prepared and cooked in Papa John's kitchens, which are not gluten-free environments.

How does cross-contamination occur at Papa John's?

Cross-contamination can happen through shared prep surfaces, airborne wheat flour in the kitchen, and shared utensils during the pizza-making process.

Is the Papa John's gluten-free crust certified by an external organization?

No, Papa John's gluten-free crust is not certified by a third-party organization like the Gluten Intolerance Group, unlike some competitors.

Can I request special handling for my gluten-free pizza?

While you can request special precautions, such as a clean cut, the high risk of cross-contamination cannot be fully eliminated in a shared kitchen environment. The company's official stance remains that it is not safe for celiacs.

Is the ancient grain crust healthier than the regular crust?

The ancient grain crust may have a more robust flavor and texture, but for overall health, it's best to consider nutritional information and personal dietary needs.