Food & Beverage

Donatos adds plant-based pepperoni

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January 6, 2022

Donatos has introduced plant-based pepperoni in partnership with Field Roast in nearly 170 Donatos locations.

Field Roast Plant-Based Pepperoni is created with pea protein and traditional Italian seasonings — like garlic, black pepper, fennel, anise, cayenne, and paprika — and delivers the same taste of traditional pepperoni. The savory topping has 50% less sodium, fat and saturated fat compared to traditional pepperoni.

"There is no better time for us to introduce plant-based pepperoni to our menu, particularly at the start of a new year when many people resolve to make smarter food choices," Carol Pasquariello, senior vice president of marketing for Donatos, said in the release. "We have a really special way of crafting our signature pizzas, and the new Field Roast Plant-Based Pepperoni on our cauliflower crust will give even more people — from vegetarians to flexitarians — a reason to taste that magic for themselves and fall in love with us as so many others have. While this addition is a delicious alternative to our traditional pepperoni topping, it absolutely goes toe-to-toe in both flavor and substance, and we can't wait for people to try it."

The newest menu item is a first-time collaboration with Field Roast, a plant-based artisanal meat and cheese brand that pioneered the pea protein Plant-Based Pepperoni in 2021.

"Our Field Roast Plant-Based Pepperoni is a delicious, protein-packed substitute for traditional pepperoni, delivering an authentic, bold taste that continues to impress consumers who've had the opportunity to enjoy it," Dan Curtin, president of Field Roast parent company Greenleaf Foods SPC, said in the release. "We are delighted to partner with Donatos to continue to elevate the accessibility of this plant-based alternative to America's favorite pizza topping."

Donatos operates 377 locations in 22 states. Donatos and its franchise partners operate 169 traditional restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Donatos' products are also served in 208 non-traditional locations (197 locations with Red Robin, 10 sports and entertainment venues, and one REEF Kitchen).