What Is Papa John’s Garlic Sauce Made Of?
Mostly vegetable oil with butter flavoring, salt and garlic, which is why it stays liquid and pourable. Despite the buttery taste, the sauce is not made from real butter.
The little cup of garlic sauce is as much a part of Papa John’s as the pepperoncini pepper in the box. John Schnatter started the chain in 1984 in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and the sauce became a signature early on. Many customers say they order Papa John’s for the sauce as much as the pizza.
Ingredients and how it is made
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Soybean oil | The base, which keeps the sauce liquid at room temperature |
| Water and salt | Body and seasoning |
| Natural butter flavor | Gives the buttery taste without real butter |
| Garlic | The main flavor |
| Emulsifier such as lecithin | Keeps the oil and water from separating |
| Color such as beta carotene | Creates the golden yellow color |
How much the garlic sauce costs
| Option | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cup included with each pizza | Free | About 150 |
| Extra cup of Special Garlic Sauce | About $0.89 | About 150 |
Papa John’s has also sold bottled versions of its garlic sauce at some grocery stores, though availability varies.
Is it vegan or dairy free?
Because the butter flavor is natural flavoring rather than butter, the sauce has often been described as dairy free, but recipes and suppliers can change. If you have a dairy allergy or follow a vegan diet, check the current allergen guide in the Papa John’s app before you order.
Calories
A single cup is about 150 calories, almost all from fat. That is about the same as half a slice of pizza, so dipping every crust adds up quickly. See full pizza and side prices on the Papa John’s menu.
Related Questions
Is Papa John’s garlic sauce real butter?
No. It is an oil based sauce with natural butter flavor, salt and garlic, which is why it stays liquid.
Is Papa John’s garlic sauce free?
Yes. One cup comes free with every pizza. Extra cups cost about $0.89.
How many calories are in Papa John’s garlic sauce?
About 150 calories per cup.
Can you buy Papa John’s garlic sauce in stores?
Bottled versions have been sold at some grocery stores, but availability varies by area.
Is Papa John’s garlic sauce vegan?
It has often been described as dairy free, but ingredients can change, so check the current allergen guide before ordering.
Why does Papa John’s put a pepper in the box?
The pepperoncini is a long running Papa John’s tradition, meant to add a tangy, slightly spicy bite between slices.
More on Papa John’s
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Papa John’s International. Ingredient details reflect the chain’s published ingredient lists, which can change. Always check the current allergen guide if you have a food allergy. See prices on the Papa John’s menu.
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