Papa John's offers a gluten-free pizza crust, catering to customers with dietary restrictions. Understanding the components and processes related to this crust is essential, particularly for individuals with celiac disease.
Core Ingredients
The gluten-free crust uses ancient grains. The primary ingredients include:
- Water
- Sorghum Flour
- Modified Rice Starch
- Tapioca Starch
- Teff Flour
- Cage Free Egg Whites
- Whey Powder
- Shortening Flakes (Palm Oil, Natural Butter Flavor, Soy Lecithin)
- Quinoa Flour
- Amaranth Flour
- Canola/Olive Oil Blend
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Brown Flax Seed
- Salt
- Cultured Brown Rice
- Xanthan Gum
- Natural Flavors
The mixture is designed to mimic traditional pizza dough without gluten, using starches, gums, and egg whites as binders. The inclusion of whey powder and egg whites means the crust is not vegan and contains allergens.
Allergen Information and Cross-Contamination Risks
While the crust is made with gluten-free ingredients in a dedicated facility, there are risks. Papa John's states the crust is not recommended for customers with celiac disease. This is because the crust is handled in a kitchen environment with wheat-based flours, leading to cross-contamination.
Even a small amount of gluten can cause a severe reaction for someone with celiac disease. Papa John's takes steps to minimize contact, but these do not eliminate the risk. The crust also contains milk, egg, and soy.
Gluten-Free vs. Original Crust: A Comparison
| Feature | Gluten-Free Crust | Original Crust |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Flour | Sorghum, Teff, Amaranth, Quinoa | Enriched Wheat Flour |
| Texture | Thin and crispy | Chewy and soft |
| Ingredients | Water, flours, egg whites, whey, starches, flax seed | Enriched wheat flour, water, sugar, soybean oil, salt, yeast |
| Preparation Location | Separate facility; assembled in-store | Made and prepared in-store |
| Allergen Warning | Not recommended for celiacs | Contains wheat and potential for other allergens |
| Key Allergens | Milk, Egg, Soy | Wheat, Soy (in Thin Crust) |
Gluten-Free Preparation
The gluten-free dough is prepared in a dedicated, off-site, gluten-free facility. At the restaurant, the dough remains sealed until use. Employees follow protocols to reduce contamination, but the company is upfront that these steps do not guarantee against exposure.
Considerations
For those with mild sensitivity, the Papa John's crust can be a flavorful alternative. However, the high risk of cross-contamination makes it dangerous for those with celiac disease.
Is the Crust Right for You?
Deciding whether to order the gluten-free crust depends on health needs and tolerance for gluten. If you have celiac disease or severe allergies, the risks outweigh the benefits. Communication with the staff is critical.
Conclusion
The gluten-free pizza crust from Papa John's is made with ancient grains. While the dough is produced separately, the company warns of cross-contamination. This makes it a suitable choice for those with mild sensitivities but a hazard for those with celiac disease. For more information, refer to Papa John's ingredients list online.
Visit Papa John's official website for ingredient information
