Papa John’s launches hemp stick appetizers in select countries

Hulled hemp seeds – a great source of nutrients and high-quality protein – are on the menu in a new appetizer available at Papa John’s in certain corners of the world. This move continues to demonstrate a growing interest in the mainstream restaurant market for the benefits of hemp and hemp seed as a food source.

Papa John’s is testing limited-edition hemp sticks at select restaurants in multiple countries. While the new oddity isn’t quite available in the US and Canada just yet, you can now find it in select restaurants across the UK and Russia. Papa John’s UK announced the new product on social media on February 7th.

The product launch marks Papa Johns’ first major product innovation of 2022 as the company touts its “Better Ingredients.” Better Pizza” commitment to superior food.

“Introducing our brand new and delicious hemp sticks,” tweeted Papa John’s UK, “made with delicious cheese and our garlic pizza stick base, topped with hemp seeds. Have you tried this superfood yet? Let us know what you think today!” A representative from Papa John’s UK confirmed the new menu item to High Times.

While few details have been released about Papa John’s new product, both the UK and Russian versions feature garlic sticks sprinkled with peeled hemp seeds, with a slight variation on the recipe.

The Hemp Sticks are made with the brand’s fresh, never-frozen six-ingredient dough, the Russian Hemp Sticks feature the brand’s signature garlic sauce and a sprinkling of shelled hemp seeds, while the British recipe swaps the signature garlic sauce for garlic butter sauce and also includes mozzarella.

Why Hulled Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds are high in plant-based protein, vitamins, and other nutrients — which is why they’re often referred to as a superfood.

When used in edibles, hemp seeds are sometimes dehulled to become hulled hemp seeds or hemp hearts. The main difference between hemp seeds and hemp hearts is the crunch. Hemp hearts are not crunchy, while hemp seeds are used with the husks in crunchy snacks.

Hulled hemp seeds in general are becoming increasingly popular as a dietary source of fatty acids and very high quality protein. Hemp seeds are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids – linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). They also contain gamma linolenic acid, which is believed to offer several health benefits.

But one of its best perks is that hemp seeds are a top contender as a source of protein, as over a quarter of total calories come from high-quality protein — making it more logical as a source of protein than similar foods like chia seeds or flaxseed. The calories from these seeds are only 16-18 percent protein.

Hemp seeds are also a great source of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Marketing by Papa John

The Street reported on how big pizza chains like Papa John’s and Domino’s are conquering the niche market, targeting groups like night shift workers and college students. Papa John’s, Domino’s and Pizza Hut offer a case study of the best marketing techniques.

You’ve probably seen “Papa John” Schnatter on TV in slick commercials before. Schnatter started the chain in a closet in 1984, selling his ’71 Camaro to buy the necessary equipment to start a business. Through his vision, which was implemented over the next few decades, the franchise rose to become the fourth largest pizza chain in the US and one of the dominant pizza chains.

There are now thousands of locations and expanding to Europe, India, Latin America and Asia.