Selina

Written by Selina

Modified & Updated: 31 Jan 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Box of Papa John's pepperoni pizza with salami, cheese and tomatoes on black background.

From late-night cravings to family dinner solutions, Papa John’s has been a go-to pizza place for many. Its distinctive flavors and pizza menu are reasons why it remains one of the reigning pizza brands, next to Pizza Hut. However, its nutritional value remains slightly questionable. Is it truly the better pizza as claimed? Well, it’s time to pull back the curtain. Here, we’ll be unveiling the top 20 Papa John’s nutrition facts, revealing both the guilt and the glory of your favorite pizza indulgence.

Table of Contents

Calorie Count

Starting with the basics, an average slice of Papa John’s pizza contains around anywhere between 200-350 calories, and the count increases with each added topping. Therefore, it’s essential to keep track of the number of slices you’re consuming to stay within your daily calorie allowance.

Protein Content

Good news for protein lovers: a slice of Papa John’s pizza packs about 8-15 grams of protein. It’s a decent amount to contribute to your daily protein intake. That said, the value can vary depending on the add-ons you choose.

High in Fat Content

It is no surprise that Papa John’s pizzas have relatively high amounts of fat. A slice of pizza at Papa John’s has approximately 9-15 grams of total fat, of which about half are saturated fats. While fat is necessary for our bodies, the type of fat and its quantity matter to ensure overall body and heart health.

Pizza Margherita
Image from Adobe Stock

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are abundant in pizza, primarily from the dough. A slice of Papa John’s cheese pizza contains around 30 grams of carbs.

Low in Fiber Content

With about 1-2 grams of dietary fiber per slice, Papa John’s pizzas can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Opting for veggie toppings such as spinach, arugula, and bell peppers (one of the best superfoods) can further increase fiber content.

Sodium Levels

Fast foods are notorious for their high sodium content, and pizza is no exception. A slice of Papa John’s pizza contains approximately 550-700 mg of sodium – which easily takes up 25% of our daily sodium intake. It’s crucial to monitor your portion sizes. We’d recommend eating only 2-3 slices in a single sitting. 

Sugar Content

Papa John’s pizzas have approximately 3-6 grams of sugar per slice, mostly derived from the dough and the sauce.

Calcium and Iron

Pizza is a good source of essential minerals like calcium and iron. A slice of Papa John’s cheese pizza provides about 15% of daily calcium and 13% of daily iron needs.

Moderate Amounts of Vitamins A and Bs

The presence of meat and cheese contributes to the Vitamin A content (8%), as well as Vitamin Bs: B1 (44%), B2 (110%), B3 (22%), B6 (8%), B9 (23%), and B12 (33%). The exact amounts can vary based on the specific pizza type and toppings.

Pieces of pizza of different various types on old retro boards banner concept
Image from Adobe Stock

Gluten-Free Crust

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, Papa John’s offers a gluten-free crust option. This crust has slightly different nutritional content compared to the regular crust.

Vegan Options

While most of Papa John’s pizzas contain animal products, they’ve recently launched vegan options in select locations. These pizzas use vegan cheese and a variety of plant-based toppings. Even their dough is completely plant-based.

Pan Pizza

Papa John’s pan pizza offers a thicker crust, which means higher calorie, carb, and fat content than their regular crust.

Thin Crust Pizza

Prefer a lighter option? The thin-crust pizza at Papa John’s has fewer calories and carbs due to the thinner base.

Pizza Sauces

Papa John’s offers various sauces, each with different nutritional profiles. For instance, their special garlic sauce has 150 calories and 17 grams of fat per serving.

Nutritional Values of Papa John’s Sides

Cheese Sticks

Breaded mozzarella sticks
Image from Adobe Stock

As a popular side dish, Papa John’s cheese sticks pack quite a bit of calorie and fats. A single cheese stick contains about 85 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat.

Chicken Poppers

If you’re a fan of Papa John’s chicken poppers, be aware that a 6-piece serving contains 260 calories, 17 grams of protein, 10.6 grams of fat, and 22 grams of carbs.

Desserts

Papa John’s desserts can be quite heavy on calories and sugars. The Chocolate Chip Cookie contains 240 calories, 2 grams of protein, 23 grams of sugar, and 34 grams of carbohydrates.

Final Word

Papa John’s, like any fast food, can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Knowing these Papa John’s nutrition facts allows you to make informed decisions and enjoy your pizza guilt-free. After all, being mindful about what you eat doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in your favorite foods. Bon appétit!

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