Papa John’s is one of the best mainstream pizza chains for vegans. With a solid selection of plant-based toppings, bases, and sides, it offers far more variety than many competitors.
That means if you follow a vegan diet, you don’t have to settle—you actually get to enjoy real choices when ordering.
However, navigating the menu can be confusing. Not all naturally vegan items are labeled as “vegan,” which means you might be missing out on great options simply because they are not highlighted.
This guide breaks it all down for you, from ready-made vegan pizzas to fully customizable options so you can build the perfect meal without any guesswork.
Quick Order: Pre-Made Vegan Options
If you want a fast and easy choice, check out the official vegan menu, which features pre-set pizzas, a side, and a dessert.
Vegan Pizzas
- Jackfruit “Pepperoni” Pizza – Classic pizza with vegan cheese and jackfruit-based pepperoni.
- Vegan Cheese & Tomato Pizza – A simple yet delicious cheese and tomato pizza made with vegan cheese.
Vegan Sides
- Cauliflower Wings – Crispy, seasoned cauliflower bites are available in different flavors.
Vegan Dessert
- Cinnamon Scrolls – Soft, sweet, and completely plant-based.
That covers the basics, but if you want more variety, there are plenty of additional options to explore.
Vegan Pizza Dough Options
If you are building your own pizza, the only vegan-friendly dough option at Papa John’s is the original hand-tossed dough.
While some may see this as limiting, it is one of the best choices available, offering a crispy yet fluffy texture that holds up well under toppings.
Non-Vegan Doughs to Avoid
- Stuffed crust – Contains dairy.
- Thin crust – Made with milk ingredients.
- Gluten-free crust – Contains eggs.
Stick to the original hand-tossed dough for a truly plant-based pizza.
Vegan Pizza Sauce Options
The classic Papa John’s pizza sauce is vegan-friendly. Here are the options to choose from:
Pizza Sauces
- Traditional pizza sauce
- BBQ sauce
Dipping Sauces
- Pizza dipping sauce
- Buffalo dipping sauce
- BBQ dipping sauce
- Garlic dipping sauce
Non-Vegan Sauce to Avoid
- Herb & garlic sauce – Contains butter.
These sauces add flavor and variety, whether as a pizza base or for dipping crusts and breadsticks.
Vegan Topping Options
Papa John’s offers plenty of plant-based toppings, making it easy to customize your pizza.
Vegan-Friendly Toppings
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Pineapple
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers (red and green)
- Banana peppers
- Black and green olives
- Jalapeños
Toppings to Avoid
- All meats (chicken, beef, bacon, pepperoni, sausage)
- Dairy-based cheese (ask for vegan cheese instead)
These toppings can be added to a pre-made vegan pizza or used to create a completely customized order.
Vegan Side Options
Papa John’s offers two official vegan sides, but there are also two additional sides that are not labeled as vegan but are completely plant-based.
Official Vegan Sides
- Vegan cheese potato tots – Bite-sized, crispy potato snacks with melty vegan cheese inside.
- Cauliflower wings – A plant-based spin on chicken wings, available in different flavors.
Hidden Vegan Sides (Not Labeled as Vegan but 100% Plant-Based)
- Breadsticks – No eggs or dairy, making them a crispy, dippable side option.
- Plain potato wedges – No animal-based ingredients, just crispy, seasoned potato goodness.
Since these sides are not officially labeled as vegan on the menu, many people miss out on them. Be sure to add them to your order for extra variety.
Vegan Dessert Option
Papa John’s only plant-based dessert is the cinnamon scrolls.
- Soft, warm, and covered in cinnamon sugar, these sweet rolls are a must-try.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to mainstream pizza chains, Papa John’s stands out as one of the best options for vegans.
With vegan cheese, plant-based “pepperoni,” multiple sides, and even a dessert, you do not have to feel like an afterthought when ordering.
Whether you go for a pre-made vegan pizza or build your own, you will find plenty of delicious plant-based choices that make eating vegan at Papa John’s both satisfying and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Papa John’s Potato Tots Vegan?
Yes. The potato tots themselves are vegan, and if you select the vegan cheese option and skip the bacon, they remain completely plant-based.
Allergy Note: While the tots do not contain dairy, they are made in facilities that handle milk products, so cross-contamination is possible.
Is Papa John’s Garlic Bread Vegan?
No. Papa John’s garlic bread contains parmesan cheese.
Alternative: Order breadsticks and pair them with garlic dipping sauce for a similar flavor without dairy.
Are Papa John’s Wedges Vegan?
Yes. The plain potato wedges are vegan. However, the cheesy wedges are not unless you specifically request vegan cheese.
Which Papa John’s Crust Is Vegan?
The only vegan-friendly crust is the original hand-tossed dough.
Non-Vegan Crusts: Thin crust, stuffed crust, and gluten-free crust.
Does Domino’s Have Vegan Pizza?
Yes, but Domino’s offers fewer vegan choices than Papa John’s. Many of their sides and desserts are not vegan-friendly, making Papa John’s a better choice for plant-based pizza lovers.
What Is Papa John’s Vegan Sausage Made Of?
Papa John’s vegan sausage is made from soya and flavored with Italian-style herbs and spices to replicate traditional sausage flavors.
