Papa John’s delivers on dairy-free vegan options

Papa John’s has pleased vegans by introducing dairy-free vegan alternatives to their menu.

The new dairy-free additions enable customers to select pizzas and snacks topped with a cheese substitute, allowing vegans and lactose-intolerant customers alike to enjoy the pizza franchise’s tasty offerings.

The menu changes were brought in as part of Veganuary, which encourages people to try becoming vegan for a month, with the aim of boosting the number of people who turn vegan for good.

The cheese alternative, called Sheese, features in four Papa John’s dishes: Vegan Sheese and Tomato, Garden Party with Sheese, Hot Pepper Passion with Vegan Sheese and a vegan-friendly version of the brand’s Marmite and Cheese Scrolls.

Managing Director Liz Williams said: “We’re excited to expand our menu so those with plant-based diets or dietary restrictions can enjoy it too. We worked closely with PETA who helped us develop the recipes and find the best vegan products, so we expect that the new additions will be a huge hit.”

The changes came as a result of a petition asking for dairy-free cheese launched by the animal welfare organisation Animal Aid, and the magazine Vegan Food UK. The coalition claimed that Papa John’s was falling behind other national chains such as Pizza Hut, Pizza Express and Zizzi, the petition gained almost 30,000 signatures and caught the brand’s attention.

In recognising the UK’s ever-increasing vegan community, Papa John’s has overtaken its rival brands, and become the UK’s first pizza-delivery brand to supply dairy-free cheese throughout its national network.

Dawn Carr, the Director of Vegan Corporate Projects described the new menu additions as a true “game changer”, saying: "We applaud Papa John's for meeting the surging demand for vegan options and giving everyone the chance to enjoy the food they love."