Food & Beverage

Papa Johns testing protein-infused dough

Photo: Papa Johns

January 16, 2026

Papa Johns is testing dough infused with protein. The Protein Crust Pizza is a limited, one-day-only release exclusive for Papa Rewards Members at one select Atlanta Papa Johns restaurant, according to a press release.

The Protein Crust Pizza is a personal 8-inch pizza with up to 55 grams of protein and topped with ingredients with no artificial flavors or colors. It's available in two options:

• The Meats (55g protein): Sausage and pepperoni with a six-cheese blend featuring real cheese made from Mozzarella, Provolone, Fontina, Asiago, Parmesan and Romano cheeses.
• The Veggie (49g protein): Mushrooms, green peppers, and onions paired with the six-cheese blend.

"People are thinking differently about how their favorite foods fit into their wellness-driven lifestyles," Shivram Vaideeswaran, SVP of brand marketing at Papa Johns, said in a press release. "The demand for meals that are satisfying and protein-packed has never been higher. This drop gives our most loyal fans a first taste of what we've been working on, and if they love it, they might see it on the menu soon."

Mark Gabrovic, Papa Johns VP of culinary, said what makes the dough special is that it delivers 23 grams of protein alone.

"From there, we layer on premium ingredients that pack the flavor punch and add even more protein. What we love about this pizza is that it delivers a more balanced, protein-powered, delicious meal — without compromising on the quality the consumer has come to expect from Papa Johns," Gabrovic said.

This one-day-only drop is happening exclusively for Papa Rewards members at one store only in Atlanta on Wednesday, January 21. Local Papa Rewards members will be notified through their Papa Johns app about the participating location and drop details.

Papa Johns has approximately 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.