8 Different Types of Food Wrapping Paper (Uses & Benefits)
Paper food packaging made from paperboard is safe for contact with food. Why and how? It is because of the growing global demand for safe and sustainable food packaging.As per Global News Wire’s report, the Global Food Wrapping Paper Market was valued at $343.33 billion in 2021. It is set to surpass $562.3 billion by 2030.As an alternative to plastic, food-grade packaging is leading the race for sustainable commitment. That’s why businesses are shifting towards a greener approach not only to entice eco customers, but also show a commitment to a safer future.
Yet, not all food paper types are the same. Offering barrier properties, strength levels, and distinctive purposes, each type of paper is different and serves various needs. And picking the wrong packaging type or material can lead to making your food soggy or destroying the real flavor. This can result in jeopardizing your food market value. Don’t worry.
This guide will equip you with 8 different types of food wrapping papers. You will learn their unique features, applications, and benefits to help you make an informed decision and choose the right food wrap paper for your business needs.
1. Butcher Paper
Butcher paper made from kraft is a food-grade paper that was created for wrapping raw meat and seafood. Later, it expanded to a wider range of use. Made from virgin kraft pulp, this eco-friendly wrapping paper keeps the meat fresh as it is:
- Breathable
- Moisture-resistant
- Durable
- Customizable
- Tear-resistant
Offering sturdiness and strength, butcher paper is perfect for storing meat longer, meeting food safety compliance. It is commonly used for wrapping:
- Fresh or cooked meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- BBQ or smoked meats
Butcher paper comes in various varieties:
- Peach-treated
- White
- Gardenia
- Pink
- Natural brown
2. Cheese Paper
A thin food wrap created with a food-safe coating to keep cheese and dairy products fresh in their original flavor. Made from two-ply material, cheese paper balances moisture retention and oxygen exchanges, allowing cheese to breathe. The best option for:
- Storing cheese or milk products
- Preventing cheese from drying out and mold growth
- Extending the shelf life of cheese
- Enhancing cheese and charcuterie boards presentation
3. Freezer Paper
Made from heavy-duty paper and bleached kraft paper, freezer paper is a sturdy paper that keeps your food fresh in the refrigerator and freezer. Featuring a low-density polyethylene (PE) coating on one side and acting as a barrier against air and water vapor, freezer paper is a food-grade packaging paper and safe for food. Perfect for wrapping:
- Meat
- Perishable food items
- Fish
- Poultry
This parchment paper prevents freezer burn by blocking moisture and oxygen penetration. It is most commonly used in:
- Butcher shops for wrapping meats
- Storing food for long-term use in the freezer
- Meat processing plants
- Lining freezer-safe trays
- Home kitchens for wrapping fresh cuts of meat
4. Parchment Paper (Baking Paper)
Also known as baking paper, parchment paper is made from cellulose fiber to withstand high oven temperatures of up to 450°F and is designed to be:
- Safe paper
- Heat resistant
- Greatest resistant
- Non-stick
- Durable
Minimizing sticking food from trays or pizza pans and enhancing moisture-resistant properties, parchment paper keeps your food crispy and prevents oil absorption. Perfect wrapping paper for bakery shops. An excellent choice for:
- Baking
- Grilling
- Roasting
- Rolling dough
- Freezing food
- Steaming
- Cookies
- Oven foods
- Roasted meats
- Cakes
5. Sandwich Wrapping Paper
A grease-resistant and food-grade wrapping paper designed to wrap and protect fast foods. Keeping your food warm and preventing moisture leakage, this food wrap paper is ideal for restaurants and cafes. It is available in various colors and sizes with an eco-friendly material option. Also comes in a double-open design for wrapping flat food items. A popular choice for holding a variety of foods:
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Bratwursts
- Line food baskets
- Deli items
6. Greaseproof Paper
Made from wood pulp fiber, greaseproof paper is soft, dense, and oil-resistant. Chemically produced from cellulose pulp, this greaseproof paper blocks oil and fat penetration without wax or plastic coatings. Suitable for food packaging where direct contact with oily food is high or where hygiene is at risk. Fully compostable and recyclable food wrapping paper. A perfect choice for:
- Baked goods
- Storing oily and fatty foods
- Sandwiches
- Fried snacks
- Burgers
- Food packaging and takeouts
7. Foil Paper
Aluminium foil paper is a durable and pliable paper widely used to wrap food to keep the food’s temperature in control and prevent it from getting soaked. This wrapping paper sheet features odorproof properties and acts as a barrier to prevent food odors from entering the food paper bag or refrigerator. Highly resistant to temperatures up to 250°C. Suitable for:
- Wrapping food
- High-temperature food applications
- Covering dishes
- Preserving leftovers
- Lining baking trays
- Roasting & grilling food
8. Wax Paper
Treated with a thin layer of wax on one or both sides of the food paper to provide a smooth and moisture barrier surface, wax paper is a food-safe paper and is designed to prevent food items from sticking to it. Featuring heat resistance less than 100°C, wax paper is not a good choice for over-ready foods or roasting, where a non-stick and heat-resistant barrier is needed. Suitable for keeping food fresh and preventing it from getting soggy. A great option for wrapping:
- Sandwiches
- Burger
- Pastries
- Cold food
- Bread
- Cheese
Is Butcher Paper The Same As Wax Paper?
The simple answer is “No”. Butcher paper is a thick paper used to wrap meat or fish. Wax paper is thin paper with a paraffin wax coating. Let’s compare them by looking at the table.
| Features | Butcher Paper | Wax Paper |
| Properties | Thick & uncoated | Thin & coated with paraffin wax |
| Heat resistant | Yes | No |
| Moisture resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Breathability | Yes | No |
| Oven safe | Yes | No |
| Non-stick | No | Yes |
| Best for | Wrapping cooked meat, BBQ & fish | Lining baking pans, covering dishes in the microwave, & short-term food storage |
Where to Get Safe Paper for Wrapping Food?
It’s easy to find a way to buy wrapping paper for food for your needs. You can simply get it from:
- Online marketplaces
- Retail stores
- Restaurant suppliers
You can also get food wrapping paper rolls from trusted packaging suppliers like Wax Papers, which manufactures all types of wrapping papers using FDA-approved, eco-friendly packaging materials. Offering the lowest prices and bulk discounts with free shipping and faster turnaround time, they are your reliable packaging partner.
Conclusion
You are now fully aware of the top 8 types of food wrapping paper and familiar with their best applications and benefits. Whether you need food kraft paper for your soft pastries or greaseproof paper for greasy fries, by understanding your food’s nature and shelf-life requirements, you can make an informed decision not only in your food presentation and safety but also in building your brand persona and customer satisfaction.