With its limited-edition Hemp Sticks, Papa Johns has become the first global QSR brand to spotlight hemp on its menu. This protein-rich superfood can be found as the coating on the fresh, never frozen sticks that are made with minimal ingredients. The six-ingredient dough is a texture-rich treat thanks to shelled hemp seed toppings and special garlic sauce or garlic butter sauce and mozzarella.
Since Gen Z and Millennials are driving the demand for better-for-you foods, Papa Johns has focused on building out its menu of plant-based, flexitarian and healthy options. The limited-edition Hemp Sticks, now available in the UK and Russia, bolster the brand's Better Ingredients. Better Pizza commitment.
The launch of this 2022 product from Papa Johns is accompanied by a retro-style campaign that tackles popular misconceptions, such as the fact that the Hemp Sticks are "all seed, no weed."
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Plant-based QSR Menus
- QSR brands are leveraging the growing demand for plant-based, flexitarian, and healthy foods, presenting opportunities to innovate in plant-based and healthier menus
- Hemp-based Foods
- The rise of hemp-based proteins as a nutritious, protein-rich superfood presents opportunities to innovate in hemp-based foods, especially in the QSR industry
- Better-for-you Snacks
- Increasing attention towards health and wellness among Gen Z and Millennials is driving demand for better-for-you snacks, creating opportunities to innovate in the snack industry
Industries Being Reshaped
- QSR
- QSR brands that focus on offering plant-based, flexitarian, and healthy options can meet the growing demand for healthier fast-food alternatives
- Health and Wellness
- The trends towards better-for-you foods and plant-based protein-rich superfood like hemp present opportunities for business professionals in the health and wellness industry to innovate in the food and beverage space
- Snack Foods
- The growing demand for better-for-you snacks and protein-rich superfoods presents opportunities for the snack food industry to create innovative snack products that meet the wellness needs of consumers
