Papa John’s ditches artificial flavors, colors

papa johns pepperoni pizza

Not long after announcing its shift to antibiotic-free chicken, Papa John’s said that it has removed artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its full menu, including all pizza toppings and ingredients, as well as desserts.

The chain said it is the first national pizza brand to take this step, noting that efforts to clean up its menu cost the chain more than $100 million a year.

“We’re so proud to be able to show our customers how much we care about what they’re eating,” Sean Muldoon, Papa John’s senior vice president of research and development, said in a statement. “This exemplifies Papa John’s continued efforts to deliver high-quality products. It’s the right thing to do.”

Papa John’s joins a large chorus of chains working to remove additives from their products, including Panera Bread, which last week announced its line of soups is now free of artificial preservatives, flavors, sweeteners and colors.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

Crumbl may be the next frozen yogurt, or the next Krispy Kreme

The Bottom Line: With word that the chain’s unit volumes took a nosedive last year, its future, and that of its operators, depends on what the brand does next.

Technology

4 things we learned in a wild week for restaurant tech

Tech Check: If you blinked, you may have missed three funding rounds, two acquisitions, a “never-before-seen” new product and a bold executive poaching. Let’s get caught up.

Financing

High restaurant menu prices mean high customer expectations

The Bottom Line: Diners are paying high prices to eat out at all kinds of restaurants these days. And they’re picking winners and losers.

Trending

More from our partners