Papa John’s is known for its cheesy, indulgent pizzas and crave-worthy sides, making it a go-to for comfort food lovers. While there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to your favorite slice now and then, some menu items pack an excessive amount of calories, saturated fat, and sodium that can quickly derail a balanced diet. Everything is acceptable in moderation, but if you’re trying to make healthier choices, it’s helpful to know which options are the worst offenders. From loaded pizzas to calorie-dense desserts, here are 12 of the unhealthiest items on Papa John’s menu that you may want to enjoy sparingly.
1. Pepperoni, Sausage & Six Cheese Pizza
Loaded with processed meats and a heavy cheese blend, this pizza is a sodium and fat bomb waiting to derail your diet. Each slice packs in excessive calories, thanks to the greasy pepperoni, sausage, and multiple layers of cheese. While the rich flavors might be tempting, the high saturated fat content contributes to heart health risks.
This pizza also contains preservatives and additives from the meats, making it a less-than-ideal choice for those aiming for balanced nutrition. Opting for a lighter topping combination, such as grilled chicken and vegetables, can be a smarter way to enjoy your pizza cravings.
2. Spicy Italian Pizza
If you’re a fan of bold, zesty flavors, the Spicy Italian Pizza might seem like an irresistible choice. However, behind its delicious kick hides a dangerous combination of high-fat meats and excessive sodium. The spicy Italian sausage and pepperoni contribute significant amounts of saturated fat, which can lead to long-term health issues if consumed regularly. Additionally, the processed meats in this pizza contain nitrates and preservatives that have been linked to various health risks. While the heat from the spices may be satisfying, it’s best to balance it with a healthier crust and leaner protein options.
3. Bacon Cheddarburger Pizza
This pizza merges the indulgence of a cheeseburger with the decadence of a pizza—at a serious cost to your health. A single slice is loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol from the cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and beef crumbles.
The combination of red meat and processed bacon increases the risk of heart disease and other health complications when eaten in excess. While the flavors may remind you of a juicy burger, the sodium content is alarmingly high, putting unnecessary strain on your cardiovascular system. If you’re craving a burger-inspired pizza, consider making a homemade version with leaner ingredients.
4. The Meats Pizza
For those who love a meat-lover’s feast, The Meats Pizza offers a protein-packed bite—but at a steep nutritional price. Topped with pepperoni, sausage, ham, beef, and bacon, this pizza is a powerhouse of unhealthy fats and sodium. A single slice delivers nearly half of the daily recommended sodium intake, making it a risky option for individuals monitoring their blood pressure. The combination of multiple processed meats also leads to an overload of preservatives and nitrates, which have been linked to various health concerns. If you’re looking for protein, a grilled chicken or veggie-loaded pizza would be a far better choice.
5. Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Cheesesticks
Cheese lovers might find it hard to resist these gooey, bacon-loaded breadsticks, but they are among the worst choices for a balanced diet. Each stick is packed with excessive calories and unhealthy fats, thanks to the rich cheddar cheese stuffing and crispy bacon bits. The refined flour in the bread adds empty carbohydrates with little nutritional benefit, leading to quick blood sugar spikes. The combination of high sodium and processed meat only worsens its health impact. If you’re craving a cheesy side, opting for a plain cheese bread with marinara sauce can be a slightly better alternative.
6. Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
While they may seem like a harmless side, these buttery breadsticks are deceptively unhealthy. Coated in garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, they are high in saturated fat and sodium. The refined flour base provides minimal nutritional value, making them a source of empty calories.
Additionally, the garlic butter adds unnecessary fats that can contribute to weight gain over time. These breadsticks are often paired with dipping sauces, further increasing their calorie and sodium content. Instead of indulging in these, consider a lighter option like whole-wheat breadsticks or a side salad to complement your meal.
7. Cinnamon Pullaparts
If you have a sweet tooth, Cinnamon Pullaparts might look like the perfect dessert—but they are packed with sugar, fat, and refined carbs. A single tray contains nearly 2,000 calories, making it a diet disaster. The dough is heavily coated in sugar and butter, resulting in a spike in blood sugar levels.
Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and diabetes. While the cinnamon flavor is comforting, there are healthier ways to enjoy a sweet treat. Opting for a fresh fruit bowl or a small portion of dark chocolate can satisfy cravings without the guilt.
8. Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
Dipping sauces may seem like a small addition, but they can add a significant amount of hidden calories and fat to your meal. Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce is particularly unhealthy due to its high-fat content from creamy mayonnaise and cheese. While it adds a tangy kick to pizzas and breadsticks, just one cup contains enough fat to rival an entire meal. This sauce is also high in sodium, which can lead to bloating and increased blood pressure. If you enjoy dipping, consider choosing a marinara or balsamic-based option for a lower-calorie and less fatty alternative.
9. Ranch Dipping Sauce
Ranch is one of the most popular dipping sauces, but it’s also one of the worst for your diet. Made with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and various seasonings, this creamy sauce is packed with calories and fat. While it enhances the flavor of pizza crust and breadsticks, the high saturated fat content can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels. Ranch dressing is also high in sodium, which can lead to water retention and other health concerns. Instead of drenching your food in this sauce, try a lighter alternative like a Greek yogurt-based dressing or a simple squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
10. Special Garlic Dipping Sauce
Papa John’s famous Special Garlic Dipping Sauce is a fan favorite, but it’s essentially pure butter and oil. Each serving is loaded with unhealthy fats that can quickly add extra calories to your meal. While the garlic flavor is addictive, the sauce lacks any nutritional benefits and is high in saturated fat.
Consuming it regularly can contribute to weight gain and heart-related issues. If you love the taste of garlic, consider adding fresh garlic or a drizzle of olive oil to your pizza instead. This way, you get the same rich flavor with fewer negative health impacts.
11. Chocolate Chip Cookie
A warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie sounds like the perfect way to end a meal, but Papa John’s version is a sugar-laden treat that packs on unnecessary calories. A single slice contains nearly 200 calories, while eating the entire cookie can add over 1,500 calories to your daily intake.
The combination of refined flour, sugar, and chocolate results in an unhealthy dessert with little nutritional value. Instead of indulging in this oversized cookie, consider a homemade version with whole-grain flour and dark chocolate chips for a slightly healthier alternative that still satisfies your sweet cravings.
12. Double Chocolate Chip Brownie
Chocolate lovers might be tempted by this rich brownie, but it’s one of the worst desserts on the menu. Each piece is loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates, making it a poor choice for those watching their diet. The high sugar content can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to energy crashes later. While it’s undeniably delicious, the brownie offers little in terms of nutrition and is best enjoyed in moderation. If you’re craving something chocolatey, a small portion of dark chocolate or a protein-packed chocolate smoothie can be a better way to indulge without the excess calories.
Leave a comment