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Papa Johns has announced a strategic foray into the functional food space, unveiling a limited-edition Protein Crust Pizza designed to align with the growing consumer demand for macronutrient-dense fast food options.

The new concept is currently entering a highly exclusive testing phase. The product will be available for a strict one-day-only "drop" on Wednesday, 21 January, exclusively at a single select location in Atlanta for Papa Rewards members.

Protein-Infused Dough

The core of the innovation lies in the proprietary dough formulation. According to the company, the crust alone delivers 23 grams of protein, positioning the pizza as a viable meal option for the "wellness-minded" consumer who typically avoids traditional delivery pizza due to nutritional concerns.

Mark Gabrovic, Papa Johns VP of Culinary, explained the technical achievement: “What makes this Protein Crust Pizza so special is that the dough alone delivers 23 grams of protein. From there, we layer on premium ingredients that pack the flavour 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.”

Menu Specifications and Varieties

The pilot features a personal 8-inch pizza format, topped with high-quality ingredients free from artificial flavours or colours. Two variants will be available during the test:

• 🥩 The Meats (55g Protein): Features savoury sausage and pepperoni, finished with a six-cheese blend (Mozzarella, Provolone, Fontina, Asiago, Parmesan, and Romano).

• 🍄 The Veggie (49g Protein): A meat-free option topped with mushrooms, green peppers, and onions, utilising the same six-cheese blend to maintain high protein levels.

The move reflects a broader industry shift where QSR brands are attempting to recapture health-conscious demographics.

Shivram Vaideeswaran, SVP of Brand Marketing at Papa Johns, commented on the market drivers: “People are thinking differently about how their favourite foods fit into their wellness-driven lifestyles. 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.”

Availability Mechanics

The limited release utilises a "drop culture" mechanism to drive loyalty app engagement. Local Papa Rewards members in Atlanta will receive notifications via the Papa Johns app revealing the specific participating location. The event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.