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."
Snackable Hemp Sticks
Papa Johns' Hemp Sticks are Sprinked with Superfood Seeds
Trend Themes
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
Industry Implications
1. QSR - QSR brands that focus on offering plant-based, flexitarian, and healthy options can meet the growing demand for healthier fast-food alternatives
2. 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
3. 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