Papa John’s Keto Hacks: Enjoying Pizza on a Low-Carb Diet

The Ultimate Guide to Papa John’s Keto Menu

Is There a Papa John’s Keto Option?

🤔 Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific Papa John’s keto pizza option. However, if you find yourself at Papa John’s, one option could be to scrape off the toppings from your pizza and enjoy the meat, cheese, and sauce sparingly. Papa John’s also recently introduced crustless pizza bowls that are more suitable for low-carb diets.

Are you following a low-carb or ketogenic diet but find yourself yearning for a cheesy, mouthwatering pizza? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll unveil some ingenious keto hacks that will allow you to savor the flavors of Papa John’s pizza while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle.

While it’s no secret that traditional pizzas are typically laden with high-carb crusts and sugary sauces, there are ways to navigate the menu and make more intelligent choices. While we always encourage prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods on a ketogenic diet, we understand that occasional indulgences can be a part of life.

Although you won’t find an official Papa John’s keto pizza menu, worry not! We have the perfect solution. With clever strategies and ingenious hacks, you can indulge in a delicious slice without sacrificing your low-carb goals. Enjoy a satisfying and guilt-free pizza experience like never before!

In this article, we’ll guide you through the best approaches when ordering from Papa John’s, including ingredient substitutions, portion control, and even some creative techniques to transform your pizza into a keto-friendly delight. We’ll also provide insights into scraping off the toppings, choosing the right sauces, and alternative crust options that align with your dietary needs.

So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover how to navigate Papa John’s menu like a pro. Let’s dive into these Papa John’s keto hacks and unlock the delicious secrets that will keep you on track while relishing the joy of pizza!

Exterior of a Papa John's pizza restaurant
Exterior of a Papa John’s pizza restaurant

Table of Contents

Papa Johns pizza box with toppings: meats, tomatoes, and sauces
Papa Johns pizza box with toppings: meats, tomatoes, and sauces

Papa John’s menus may differ by location, so it’s recommended to verify the available options at your nearest restaurant. While exploring their general menu, you’ll discover delightful alternatives to pizza that are low-carb and equally enticing.

It is advisable to minimize dining out whenever feasible. Fast food establishments and chain restaurants strive to maintain low prices to stay competitive, often resulting in the usage of inexpensive ingredients and sugary sauces to enhance taste.

If you find yourself in a hurry and craving a quick bite on the go, consider trying the Crustless Pizza Papa Bowls at Papa John’s. These delicious bowls are crafted with the same pizza toppings you like, free from added carbs in crusts. Not only will you satisfy your hunger, but you’ll also nourish your body with protein and vegetables. It’s a fantastic option for a balanced and convenient meal on keto.

Chicken wings are an excellent choice for a satisfying and protein-rich meal that is low in carbs. Opt for roasted wings without sweet sauces, and steer clear of breaded or fried options.

If salads, sandwiches, and sides are available in your local Papa John’s, you can order from that menu for some satisfying carbs without excessive sugar. The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is an excellent option for a high-protein meal. For a lighter choice, explore their selection of fresh salads such as the Garden Fresh Salad or Greek Salad.

Tips for Ordering Papa John’s Keto Food

Menu at the cashier in a Papa John's restaurant
Menu at the cashier in a Papa John’s restaurant

If you happen to forget your lunch at home or find yourself in a situation where dining at Papa John’s is inevitable, fret not! These invaluable tips will help you indulge in a low-carb feast without compromising your dietary goals.

Ask About Your Options

The menu at Papa John’s may differ based on location. While some locations exclusively serve pizza, others provide a variety of options including sandwiches and salads. Don’t assume you’re limited to pizza only. Inquire about the available choices. If a salad isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to ask if they can prepare one for you.

When ordering a salad from your local Papa John’s, ensure that they are not premade. This will make it more challenging to customize your order without the dressing and croutons. If they only have a side salad available, opt for two servings and generously add your choice of meat, cheese, or bacon. 

Opt for Roasted Wings

Papa John’s provides roasted wings as an option on their menu, allowing you to stick to a low-carb diet while avoiding pizza. The website displays the nutritional information of their food, enabling you to verify your carbohydrate consumption.

A serving of six roasted wings sans sauce contains 610 calories, 42g of fat, 3g of carbs, no sugar, and 50g of protein. Remember, even though the wings are served without sauce, there’s still a dipping sauce of your choice available. So, be cautious not to undermine this low-carb meal by dipping the wings in a high-carb sauce.

Eat Only The Pizza Toppings

Pizza slices with different toppings
Pizza slices with different toppings

Removing the toppings from your pizza might draw curious glances, but it could be an effective strategy to avoid carbs if you’re in a situation where pre-ordered pizza is the only option available. We suggest preparing a fork and a plate as things might get a little messy. One possibility is to remove the pizza toppings and place them atop a fresh salad. However, if there are no salad options, you’ll have to enjoy the pizza as it is.

When making your own pizza, go for a thin-crust pizza for its crispy texture and easy topping removal. Add plenty of tasty meats and cheeses, but watch the pizza sauce and carb intake. Enhance your creation with low-carb veggies like spinach, green peppers, mushrooms, and olives. 

Papa John’s has recently introduced Papa Bowls, three new menu items that feature pizza toppings served hot in a bowl without the crust. These crustless pizza options are favored by those on low-carb diets. While they are keto-friendly, it’s important to note that they still contain some carbohydrates, mostly from tomato sauce and vegetable toppings.

What to Order from Papa John’s Keto Menu

If you’re not at a catered lunch or dinner, and you have the opportunity to order from Papa Johns, we recommend choosing their oven-roasted, unsauced wings and pizza bowl. This delicious combo is sure to bring you delight and contentment.

If your location does not offer this option, consider ordering a sandwich without the bun and sauce. If all else fails and you find yourself compelled to have pizza, opt for one with generous amounts of meat, cheese, and low-carb veggies, and stick to eating the toppings only.

Remember that your options might vary depending on your location, so you’ll want to confirm what they have before ordering. For example, the Italian meats trio or garden veggie bowl is a good choice, but always look out for non-keto ingredients.

Regular pepperoni pizza from Papa John's Russia
Regular pepperoni pizza from Papa John’s Russia

Pizza Toppings

Enjoy the delectable pizza toppings without any sauce on the following pizzas.

  • Pepperoni
  • Cheese
  • Sausage
  • Double Cheeseburger
  • Pepperoni, Sausage & Six cheese
  • Spicy Italian
  • BBQ Chicken Bacon (no BBQ sauce)
  • Hawaiian BBQ Chicken (no pineapples)
  • Garden Fresh (add meat)
  • Chicken and Veggies
  • Grilled chicken and Canadian bacon
  • Mediterranean Veggie (add meat and hold the banana peppers if you’re on strict keto)
  • Spinach Alfredo (no sauce, add meat)

Papa John’s Keto Pizza Bowls

There are three Papa John’s Pizza Bowls: Chicken Alfredo, Italian Meats Trio, and Garden Veggie. You can also use their app or online ordering to customize your own Papa Bowl with sauces, meats, and toppings.

Indulge in the Chicken Alfredo Papa Bowl, an exquisite blend of chicken, alfredo sauce, and garlic parmesan, adorned with spinach, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes. Topped with a tantalizing trifecta of cheeses and kissed by Italian seasoning, this oven-baked masterpiece is a delight for the senses. With a mere 9 grams of net carbs per serving (15 grams of total carbs minus 6 grams of fiber), it’s a guilt-free pleasure that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

The Italian Meats Trio Papa Bowl is a true sensation for meat lovers. It features a delectable combination of pizza and Alfredo sauces, layered with pepperoni, Italian sausage, meatballs, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Topped with a three-cheese blend, sprinkled with a touch of Italian seasoning, this pizza bowl tastes just like a pepperoni pizza. It’s important to note that each serving of this irresistible dish contains 18 grams of net carbs (6 grams of fiber, and a total of 24 grams of carbs).

Indulge in the Garden Veggie Papa Bowl, a delectable vegetarian option bursting with a delightful medley of spinach, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and banana peppers. This scrumptious pizza bowl is topped with cheese, infused with pizza sauce, and sprinkled with Italian seasoning. With only 15 grams of net carbs per serving (21 grams of total carbs minus 6 grams of fiber), it’s a guilt-free treat for the taste buds.

Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauce options at Papa Johns include buffalo, garlic, ranch, blue cheese, cheese, honey mustard, and barbeque
Dipping sauce options at Papa Johns include buffalo, garlic, ranch, blue cheese, cheese, honey mustard, and barbeque

At times, it’s delightful to add a burst of flavor to your pizza toppings. On other occasions, you may feel the need to explore new and exciting taste profiles. Here are the low-carb dipping sauce options you can try:

  • Blue Cheese – 160 calories and 0 net carbs
  • Garlic Butter – 150 calories and 0 net carbs
  • Cheese – 40 calories and 2 net carbs
  • Buffalo – 15 calories and 2 net carbs
  • Ranch – 100 calories and 2 net carbs
  • Pizza Tomato Sauce – 20 calories and 3 net carbs

Roasted Wings

When dining at Papa Johns, it is recommended to choose unsauced roasted wings if they are available. These wings contain about 3 grams of net carbs per six-piece serving. You have the option to complement them with a sauce of your choice from our selection mentioned above. 

Additionally, some stores offer Garlic Parmesan Wings and Buffalo Wings. You can have these on keto in moderation. However, it is advised to avoid BBQ Wings and Honey Chipotle Wings as they are loaded with carbs.

Papa John’s Keto Menu FAQs

Does Papa John’s Make Cauliflower Pizza Crust?

No, Papa John’s in the United States does not currently provide a cauliflower pizza crust option. It’s important to note that menus can differ from country to country. Although cauliflower crust might be available in certain global locations, it is currently not offered in the United States.

What is the Crustless Pizza at Papa John’s?

Papa John’s offers a scrumptious alternative to traditional pizza with their crustless pizza or Papa Bowl. This delectable bowl is packed with pizza toppings: from crisp vegetables to savory Italian meats like pepperoni and sausage, all generously smothered in cheese, but without the crust. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking to savor the delightful flavors of their favorite pizza while keeping their carb and bread intake in check. 

A stack of pizza boxes from popular pizza chains Pizza Hut, Domino's, and Papa John's
A stack of pizza boxes from popular pizza chains, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Papa John’s

Final Thoughts on Papa John’s Keto Menu

Enjoying pizza on a low-carb or ketogenic diet doesn’t have to be a distant dream, even when it comes to Papa John’s. While the popular pizza chain may not have an official keto pizza crust, our keto hacks and strategies can help you make smarter choices and still indulge in the occasional pizza delight.

By scraping off the toppings, choosing the right sauces, and practicing portion control, you can customize your Papa John’s experience to align with your low-carb goals. Remember, while it’s important to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods on a ketogenic diet, allowing yourself the occasional treat can help you stay on track in the long run.

Next time you’re in the mood for pizza, use these keto tips and confidently explore Papa John’s menu. You can indulge in a delicious slice without jeopardizing your low-carb way of life. With some creativity and smart choices, enjoy the flavors and satisfaction of pizza while staying on track with your health goals. And if you prefer Domino’s Pizza, we also have a guide on ordering keto-friendly options from there.

Embrace these tips, experiment with alternative options, and allow yourself to savor the taste of pizza guilt-free. Your low-carb journey just got a whole lot more delicious! Also try these keto pizza options or make your own almond flour crust, chicken crust, or fathead pizza crust.