Is Cheese Paper The Same As Wax Paper?

Are you confused about cheese paper and wax paper? If yes, then do not worry anymore, because we have discussed in detail about these wrapping papers. However, a quick answer to solve your query is they are not the same but have a few similar food wrapping properties that make them unique. Cheese and wax paper differ in coatings and moisture maintenance properties. So, continue to look at the key differences between these papers and reshape your food storage game. 

Cheese Paper Vs Wax Paper 

What Is Cheese Paper? 

Cheese wraps are the waxy sheets that are used to cover and store cheese. This sheet is coated with wax to preserve the aroma, freshness, flavor, and quality of the cheese. Its breathable surface allows the cheese to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Here is the purpose of using cheese rolls: 

• This paper allows the cheese to breathe by keeping in the moisture.
• The coatings wicks away the excess moisture and prevent mold formation. 
• It offers an ideal atmosphere for cheese wrapping.
• It also helps in brand promotion by adding your logos and brand elements onto the sheets to attract customers. 

What Is Cheese Paper Made Of? 

These sheets are made of two layers: an outer and inner layer. The outer layer blocks light and the inner offers a nonporous layer of wax to retain moisture. 

Like other food papers, cheese paper wrap is made from wood pulp that is cellulose-based and completely recyclable. However, different chemicals and coatings are utilized to make the paper suitable for cheese wrapping. The manufacturing process of cheese begins with pulp formation that is obtained from soft and hardwood trees. The pulp is then transformed into sheets then it is subjected to the next process. 

The next step involves wax coating, which creates a semi-permeable hindrance that allows the slightest moisture exchange and prevents the cheese from drying out. This breathable nature of cheese roll paper allows the release of gases like ammonia. However, for additional protection, you can use paraffin wax which is best for food wrapping but they are non-biodegradable. 

Another coating is Polyethylene, which can be used for the external coating of the paper to preserve the hard and semi-hard cheese. 

How To Wrap Cheese? 

Depending on the size of the cheese, there are different methods to wrap cheese. For small cheese pieces, you can follow the given steps: 

• First, place the cheese in the middle of the cheese wrapping sheet with the bottom edge parallel to the bottom of the paper. 
• Now, fold the sides of the sheet over the cheese and wrap it tightly. 
• You can use any of the wrapping techniques such as French wrap in which the ends of paper are brought up to the cheese and then make the descending folds until they meet the cheese.
• Another technique is a paper airplane in which one corner of the paper is folded over the cheese then tightly fold the paper against the sides and over the top. 
• Now the cheese is fully wrapped. You can also use tape to secure the folds. 

Size options for Cheese Wrap Sheets 

For cheese wrapping, different sizes of sheets are used. The standard size for cheese roll paper ranges from  12 to 36 cm in width and length ranges from 750 to 1500 inches in one roll. You can also search for cheese paper near me to get the custom size cheese rolls according to your requirements. Here are the size ranges of wraps according to the type of cheese. 

Types of Cheese Wrapping Sheet 

Different kinds of cheese need different wrapping sheets due to the nature and moisture absorbance properties. Here are the two commonly used cheese wraps: 

1.Clear Cheese Wrap Sheets  

These are clear, permeable, and transparent sheets, used to wrap cheese or other foods. They allow the easy exchange of moisture and gas while maintaining fresh air passage. These sheets offer a controlled environment for cheese to age and allow you to see the surface of cheese from its surface. These are made of cellophane which is perfect for mold-ripened and soft cheese. 

2.Two-Ply Cheese Roll Sheets

As the name indicates, these are two layered sheets that are breathable and used to store and age cheese. The two layers absorb the moisture from cheese during ripening and prevent excessive moisture loss. 

The inner layer is coated with paraffin that pulls the moisture away. However, the outer layer comprises a 20-micron opaque, micro-perforated polypropylene paper that allows gas exchange and controls moisture loss. 

What Is Wax Paper? 

Wax paper sheets are also called paraffin sheets. They are treated with a thin layer of wax that makes them grease and moisture-resistant. The wax sheets are widely used in kitchens for baking and cooking purposes. It is also preferred in arts and crafts projects. Different wrapping sheets such as Wax paper, butter paper roll, and sandwich sheets are manufactured with different coatings to make them durable and secure for food storage. 

Why Use Wax Paper? 

Wax paper is preferred due to its versatile features. It serves in the following ways to make your culinary experiences smooth and convenient. 

• These sheets have a non sticky surface, making them ideal for rolling dough, wrapping candies, or other food items. 
• Wax roll papers provide the moisture barrier that maintains the food texture and taste by preventing excessive moisture loss. 
• You can also use them to line countertops or clean the mess. 
• They also act as perfect freezer paper sheets when you need wrapping paper for your frozen items.

Production Of Wax Paper 

Wax wrapping paper is produced in a similar manner as other food papers. The manufacturing process of wax sheets involves paper formation in which the wood pulp is converted to sheets and dried. 

After sheet formation, the wax is applied onto the paper making it resistant against moisture. Paraffin wax is used for wax sheets. After the wax application, the paper is dried and cut into the required sheets according to the product’s needs. 

Coatings Used On Wax Paper And Cheese Roll Paper 

Cheese paper is coated with wax and polyethylene. These are biodegradable and do not cause any harm to the food. Plus they are FDA and FSA-approved for food packaging. Here are the details of coatings used on wax paper sheets and cheese wraps. 

PE coating: This is durable and offers resistance against moisture. Thus keeping the food fresh. They are ideal for wrapping foods to prevent any spoilage or other toxins. 

Wax coating: It offers grease and moisture resistance. This makes the paper perfect for oily and greasy food items that are highly prone to leakage or spills.  

Paraffin wax coating: This is derived from petroleum. It offers excellent moisture resistance and is a cost-effective option but can raise issues due to its non-biodegradable properties. 

Soy Wax coating: This is a nature-friendly option and offers resistance against moisture. Plus, it attracts eco-conscious consumers. 

Beeswax: This is a perfect alternative to the paraffin wax. Due to its biodegradable, nontoxic, and food-safe coatings. However, it is not preferred due to its high costs. 

How Do Custom Cheese And Wax Sheets Help In Brand Promotion?

Both of these papers are helpful in brand promotion. Different printing techniques are used for printing logos, slogans, or brand themes onto the wrapping sheets to increase brand perception and sales. Flexographic and Gravure techniques are used for printing these papers. 

For printed food wraps, food-grade inks are used to ensure that no toxins are mixed into the foods. The commonly used inks are water-based and soy-based. They give a unique look to the cheese wrapping paper and wax sheets. 

Cheese Paper Or Wax Paper – Choose The Best? 

Both of these papers have their unique properties and features. But for wrapping cheese, the best option is the cheese wrap sheet that keeps your cheese fresh and flavored. To save cost, you can also rinse the paper or air dry it for later uses. 

However, wax paper is no less a magical tool for the kitchen, you can use it for wrapping different food items, and the nonstick and moisture resistance properties make it perfect for freezer use. 

You can wrap your meats, vegetables, or other food items to prevent them from freezer burning or retaining moisture. If you want wholesale food wraps or cheese paper sheets, contact us at waxpapers to get the best customized with your brand themes and logos at affordable rates.