At a Glance
- Papa Johns will sell two Protein Pizza flavors in Atlanta on January 21, 2026
- The Meats delivers 55 grams of protein; The Veggie has 49 grams
- Only rewards members can order, first-come, first-served
- Why it matters: The ultra-limited drop turns pizza into a high-protein post-workout option
Papa Johns is betting that gym-goers want their protein with a side of cheese. The chain announced it will release two Protein Pizza varieties for a single-day sale exclusive to Atlanta.
What Is Protein Pizza?
The pies start with pizza dough infused with whey protein. From there, the two flavors diverge:
The Meats
- Sausage
- Pepperoni
- Six-cheese blend: mozzarella, provolone, fontina, asiago, parmesan, romano
- 55 grams of protein per pie
The Veggie
- Mushrooms
- Green peppers
- Onions
- Same six-cheese blend
- 49 grams of protein per pie
Both use the protein-enhanced dough as the base, turning a traditionally carb-heavy food into a macro-focused meal.
How to Get It
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Location: Atlanta only
- Eligibility: Papa Johns rewards members
- Ordering: First-come, first-served through the chain’s app or website
No reordering, no rain checks, no second-batch promises. Once the daily allotment is gone, the pizzas disappear.
The Bigger Protein Menu Trend
Papa Johns joins a fast-growing list of chains adding protein-centric items:
Starbucks (September 2025 launch)
- Protein Lattes: coffee or matcha, hot or iced
- Flavors: caramel, vanilla, sugar-free caramel, sugar-free vanilla, plain
- Protein Cold Foam: 15 g protein per grande; flavors include banana, vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, brown sugar, plus seasonal sugar cookie and chocolate peppermint
- Customization option: Protein-Boosted Milk for any milk-based drink
Dunkin’ (winter menu, launched January 7, 2026)
- Protein Milk for any beverage with milk or non-dairy base
- Megan Thee Stallion collaboration: Megan’s Mango Protein Refresher
- Additional drinks:
- Strawberry Protein Refresher
- Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte
- Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte
- Iced Protein Latte with Sugar-Free Vanilla
Why Atlanta and Why One Day?
The company has not explained the Atlanta-only, single-day strategy, but the move mirrors streetwear and sneaker drops that create urgency through scarcity. By limiting the release, Papa Johns turns a menu experiment into a must-catch moment for fitness-focused foodies.
Key Takeaways
- Ultra-limited release: One city, one day, rewards members only.
- High protein counts: 55 g for The Meats, 49 g for The Veggie.
- Whey-infused dough: The base itself carries extra protein, not just the toppings.
- Part of a trend: Starbucks and Dunkin’ have rolled out similar protein drinks in recent months.
Mark your calendar for January 21 if you’re in Atlanta and want pizza that doubles as a protein shake.
