Packaging & disposables

Types of food wrapping paper.

Six families of wrapping paper cover almost every kitchen and counter use. Here is what each one does, where it shines, and where it will fail you.

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Packaging & disposables6 min read
/ overview

What is food wrapping paper?

Food wrapping paper is any food-safe sheet or roll used to wrap, line, store, or serve food. The differences between types come down to the coating: a bare paper, a wax coating, a silicone coating, or a poly (plastic) coating each behave very differently around heat, grease, and moisture.

Picking the wrong one is a common — and expensive — mistake. Wax paper melts in the oven, freezer paper is overkill for a deli sandwich, and parchment is wasted money if all you need is a basket liner. Match the coating to the job and you spend less while keeping food in better shape.

/ types

The six families.

Choose by the two things that matter most: whether the paper sees heat, and whether it has to hold back grease or moisture.

Butcher paper

UncoatedBreathable

Heavy, uncoated kraft paper. Breathable, so it lets meat surfaces dry and form a bark — which is why pitmasters wrap brisket in the pink/peach variety.

Best for
Wrapping raw meat at the counter, BBQ, table covers, and craft serving.
Heat-safe
Yes — low-and-slow smoking, not direct oven contact.

Freezer paper

Poly-coatedMoisture barrier

Kraft paper with a poly (plastic) coating on one side. The coating seals out air and locks in moisture to prevent freezer burn for long storage.

Best for
Freezing meat, fish, and poultry for weeks to months.
Heat-safe
No — the poly coating is not oven-safe.

Deli paper

Grease-resistantSingle-use

Lightweight, grease-resistant sheets — often dry-waxed. Cheap, food-contact safe, and the everyday workhorse for counters and serving baskets.

Best for
Sandwiches, basket liners, separating slices, and grab-and-go.
Heat-safe
No — for serving and wrapping, not cooking.

Wax paper

Wax-coatedCold use only

Paper coated with paraffin or soybean wax on both sides. Moisture- and grease-resistant, but the wax melts and can smoke under heat.

Best for
Wrapping cold food, layering between items, and counter prep.
Heat-safe
No — never use in the oven or under a broiler.

Parchment paper

Silicone-coatedNon-stickOven-safe

Paper with a silicone coating that is non-stick and heat-stable. The only family on this list designed to go into a hot oven.

Best for
Baking, lining sheet pans, en papillote, and no-stick prep.
Heat-safe
Yes — typically rated to about 420–450°F.

Kraft paper

UncoatedRecyclable

Natural, unbleached brown paper. Sturdy and recyclable, with a craft look that reads well for sustainable and artisan brands.

Best for
Wrapping, basket liners, void fill, and branded serving.
Heat-safe
No — a serving and packing material, not for cooking.
/ how to choose

How to choose.

Run the job through these four questions before you order a single case.

Does it touch heat?

If the paper goes in an oven, only parchment is safe. Everything else can melt, smoke, or ignite.

Is it greasy or wet?

For greasy or moist food, reach for dry-wax deli paper, wax paper, or a poly-coated wrap. Bare kraft and butcher paper will soak through.

How long is storage?

For long freezer storage, freezer paper beats everything. For same-day service, deli or kraft is plenty and far cheaper.

Does it need to look the part?

Custom-printed deli sheets and kraft liners carry your branding at the table. Match the print spec to the supplier before you commit to a run.

/ faq

FAQ.

Is wax paper the same as parchment paper?

No. Wax paper is coated in wax and is not heat-safe — it melts and can smoke in the oven. Parchment is coated in silicone and is built for baking. They are not interchangeable when heat is involved.

Can you put butcher paper in the oven?

Uncoated butcher paper tolerates the low, indirect heat of a smoker, which is why it is used for brisket. It is not made for direct, high-heat oven contact — use parchment for that.

What is the difference between deli paper and wax paper?

Deli paper is a light, grease-resistant (often dry-waxed) sheet for serving and wrapping. Wax paper has a heavier wax coating on both sides for a stronger moisture barrier in cold applications. Deli paper is the cheaper everyday choice.

Why is some butcher paper pink?

Pink (or peach) butcher paper is unbleached and unwaxed, prized in BBQ because it breathes — it lets a brisket keep its bark while retaining moisture during a long wrap.

Which wrapping papers are recyclable or compostable?

Uncoated kraft and butcher paper are the most recyclable. Poly-coated freezer paper and wax-coated sheets are generally not curbside-recyclable. Check for a compostable certification if that is a program requirement.

What is the MOQ for custom-printed deli paper?

Most suppliers on the marketplace start around 10,000 sheets per design. Stock (unprinted) deli and kraft paper has no MOQ — order a single case to trial it first.

Now go
source it.

Compare suppliers, see live pricing, and place an order — all on the Aeros marketplace.

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