Butcher Paper Vs. Parchment Paper: Which is Suitable for Your Needs?

Many types of food packaging materials are used to make your food look classy when presented. Which material should you choose for wrapping and packing food in the world of culinary to prepare and serving? It is a common question that comes into the minds of food business owners.

Are you following the traditional dish-out practices to serve customers? Skip them. Instead, transform your dining and hearty reception into memorable moments with trendy butcher paper and parchment paper.

This blog discusses butcher paper vs parchment paper, following their types, differences, and strengths. So, let’s get started from scratch!

What is Butcher Paper?

A special and uncoated paper-type butcher paper is made from FDA-approved food-grade wood pulp material called Kraft. This food packaging material contains enough thickness to wrap raw meat and cut pieces of meat. It reduces flavor contamination and withstands moisture, blood, oil, and tearing.

The journey of butcher paper originated in the early 19s to help butchers wrap meat. Initially, its usage was less, but in the late 19s, it became popular due to its grease-resistant properties. The salesmen marketing products to butchers named this paper as butcher paper.

Today, this butcher paper is an exceptional choice if you need a packaging solution with higher absorbency for storing and keeping meat and other food items fresh for longer.

7 Popular Types Of Butcher Paper

Have you ever observed butcher paper rolls in various colors? Each color of butcher paper has unique characteristics and qualities for which you probably have no idea. The seven most common types of butcher paper are here.

1. Brown Butcher Paper

This butcher paper is made from unbleached virgin wood fibers that give it a naturally brown color. Its versatility and durability have made it a popular choice as it is eco-friendly and safe for direct contact with meat or food items.

It is a cost-efficient packaging choice to wrap meat, keep it fresh and hygienic, and preserve its flavor.

2. White Butcher Paper

White butcher paper is uncoated, FDA-approved, lightweight yet sturdy to wrap meat, subs, fish, and sandwiches. It allows heat and air to pass through the paper, which gives your meat a delectable smoky savor.

Further, you can use this paper to cover your tables or to protect your tabletops while serving guests food on the table or performing arts and crafts activities.

3. Pink / Peach Butcher Paper

This solid and uncoated paper, which is light tan to dark pink, is twinned with blood or meat color and absorbs meat juice. Its thickness prevents leaks and does not let meat become soggy.

It is ideal for wrapping smoking BBQ meats because it lets air and heat pass through and absorbs smoke flavor while preserving meat from contaminants.

4. Peach Treated Butcher Paper

Peach-treated butcher paper is produced from unbleached wood pulp and found in light pink or peach shade. It is a little expensive because it is water-resistant but durable enough to handle the weight of meat without tearing and preserving the quality and freshness of meat.

5. Gardenia Butcher Paper

Gardenia butcher paper is a prime and the highest quality paper known for its green color, offers extreme protection to meat, and resists moisture.

It keeps meat fresh and prevents meat oil or juice leakage. As a result, the meat retains its quality and does not become swampy. Consider this when wrapping raw fish and poultry, such as chicken.

6. Steak Butcher Paper

Steak butcher paper, made from wood fibers, comes in various sizes and colors, such as green, pink, black, white, and peach. It is durable, strong, and moisture-resistant and offers a clear view of the meat piece.

It is used to wrap and display meat pieces. You can wrap beef, steaks, and pork as it is a good fit for wrapping and sealing steak meat juices. It tightly envelops steaks, prevents meat color loss, and protects the meat from contaminants.

7. Freezer Butcher Paper

Also known as freezer paper, it is made with a thin, moisture-resistant plastic layer. It is ideal for wrapping and storing meat in the freezer. The plastic or wax coating on this paper keeps the meat from drying out, prevents freezer burn, and maintains the freshness of the meat.

Butcher paper has been covered. Get ready to understand the parchment paper next.

Also Read: Innovative Food Packaging: Shaping the Future of Food Industry

Uses Of Butcher Paper

The uses of butcher paper inside and outside the kitchen are here.

Inside Culinary:

Inside and outside of the kitchen and culinary, this heat-resistant butcher paper is brilliant for preparing food items. Its high absorbency permits you to roast meat and fish to keep them moisture-free in the kitchen oven. So, its uses depend upon the intent as it serves many purposes.

Outside Culinary:

The butcher paper is ideal for wrapping sandwiches, subs, and other food items. Furthermore, it is an alternative to bird cage liners and newspapers used in bird cages to keep the environment clean and tidy for pets. This paper can also be used as bins for bird worms. 

You can also use butcher paper as disposable liners for trays and tables. Plus, for gift wrapping, it is great. For school and DIY projects, this paper is an excellent choice.

What is Parchment Paper

A parchment paper - also called baking paper, is made from cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp. The silicon paper coating on this paper creates a non-stick surface, reduces slippery risks, and makes it resist heat around 420 to 450 °F in the microwave oven.

This paper, a playfellow of bakers and chefs, is durable and thick enough to enhance the baking experience. Its food-safe, non-toxic, greaseproof, heat and moisture-resistant material are exemplary for baking and grilling.

Therefore, cooks prefer this paper to prepare delicious baking items as it offers a smooth and unchallenging cleanup after baking or cooking.

Use parchment paper to line baking sheets and cake pans when baking. Plus, it is useful for wrapping fish and meat. Its heat, grease, and moisture resistance withstand high temperatures and prevent food, oil, and fats from adhering to the surface, making it suitable for baking.

Types Of Parchment Paper

There are two types of parchment paper used to serve many purposes.

There are two types of parchment paper used to serve many purposes.

1. Bleached Parchment Paper

Parchment paper, when bleached, is treated with a chlorine-based chemical to eliminate its natural color which results in a bright white color.

Thick and Durable Paper: A 4" x 4” parchment paper sheet contains 55 lb thickness. This offers balanced flexibility and durability in baking and cooking. It is a cost-efficient, non-stick, and heat-resistant option and is ideal for cooking and wrapping bakery items like pastries and macarons.

2. Unbleached Parchment Paper

This unbleached parchment paper is produced from fresh wood pulp and is chlorine-free with thickness ranging from 35 GSM to 45 GSM.

Oven-safe Paper: It is not treated with any chemical process; therefore, it is non-toxic and comes in a natural brown and slightly off-white color. This oven-safe and eco-friendly unbleached parchment paper is expensive but suitable for baking, wrapping meat, grilling, and food storage.

What is The Difference Between Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper?

Butcher paper and parchment paper are used in the kitchen for food preparation. There are some differences between them. How they differ and serve in culinary, the table below can precisely give you a clear idea to help you choose a material when you need wrapping paper in cooking, baking, and roasting.

You know the differences between parchment paper and butcher paper. Which one is more environmentally friendly? Let’s look into this.

Which Paper is More Eco-Friendly?

Both butcher paper and parchment paper are eco-friendly. Differences depend on the production method and how they are made.
Aluminum Lining: A butcher paper with an aluminum lining may not be environmentally friendly. However, if there is no lining, it is earth-friendly as it is made from wood pulp.
Unbleached Parchment Sheet: An unbleached parchment paper made from wood fiber is nature-friendly. 

Bleached Parchment Sheet: Bleached parchment paper is not planet-friendly due to chemicals or chlorine in its processing. It can harm the composting process and the overall ecosystem.

In short, butcher paper and parchment paper are planet-friendly. Parchment paper is more recyclable than butcher paper due to its grease-proof nature.

Choosing The Right Type of Paper For Your Food Business

Choosing the right cooking materials can substantially impact and impress your customers. While running a food business, you will be aware of your food presentation. You consider a persuasive presentation that can impress your customers at first glance and enhance their appetite because it urges them to wait for food.

If you are still confused, don’t worry. Our packaging specialists can help you design food wrapping paper in any color and size and food labels to fulfill your food brand needs. Having immense knowledge about food-safe butcher paper and parchment paper, we produce these types of paper that meet your needs.

Also Read: How Paper Tubes Are Made: A Comprehensive Overview

Final Observation!

After getting knowledge about butcher paper and parchment paper from this comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision and choose an appropriate material. If you want custom food wrapping paper for your food brand, look no further than Custom Product Packaging, the leading packaging manufacturer in the USA.

Join hands with us to get your designed food packaging and enhance your food supplies even better. Draft us an email at orders@customproductpackaging.com and share your packaging requirements. Our customer care is available 24/7 for your help and quickly responds to your queries.

FAQs:

1. Can I use butcher paper instead of parchment paper for heat press in baking?
It is not recommended. Butcher paper is not for baking but can be used in cooking, wrapping, arts and crafts.

2. Is parchment paper the same as butcher paper we use for food?
Not really. Both papers are used in cookingl. However, they have distinct properties and serve different purposes.

3. Can I put butcher paper in the oven?
Yes, but under a lower temperature of 300℉.

4. Is butcher paper safe to use in the microwave?
Yes, butcher paper has a high heat threshold. It can be used in an oven. But make sure the temperature does not exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Could parchment paper possibly allow wrapped food to breathe?
Yes, it does allow food to breathe, providing a better option, unlike foil paper and plastic wrap.

6. What can I use instead of butcher paper?
Parchment paper is an alternative to butcher paper for baking.

7. When should you not use parchment paper for baking?
Avoid using parchment paper for baking under a broiler when it is in direct contact with flame.

8. Can I use aluminum foil instead of butcher paper?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil to wrap and cook meat.

9. What is equal to butcher paper when wrapping food or meat?
Freezer butcher paper offers durability and thickness and can be equally used to wrap meat or food.

10. Can you grill on parchment paper?
Of course. It is easy to grill meat on parchment paper without sticking to its grate.

11. Is butcher paper just kraft paper?
Bucher paper is a type of kraft paper.

12. Can parchment paper go in the oven?
Yes! It can be placed in the oven.

13. Why do chefs use parchment paper?
Moisture-proof and heat-resistant parchment paper is ideal for chefs. It contains non-stick properties which makes chefs convenient to clean it up easily.

14. Is butcher paper and parchment paper the same?
No, they are not the same because butcher paper is uncoated and good for wrapping meat. While parchment paper coated with food-safe silicon offers a non-stick surface.