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The Best Butcher Paper for Food Storage and Display
Written By Review Team at the Kitchen Institute
Have you ever thought of using butcher paper in the kitchen? If not, it’s time to start. Butcher paper is a versatile and functional kitchen tool that can help you keep your food safe and fresh. It’s also great for things like wrapping gifts and making arts and crafts easier. But with so many different types of paper available, knowing which one will best suit your specific needs can be difficult. That’s why we’ve compiled an in-depth guide to the top butcher paper in 2025.
From 100% virgin fiber papers to eco-friendly recycled options, we’ll show you all the options available and discuss their individual strengths and weaknesses so you can pick the perfect paper for your needs. We’ll also provide helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your butcher paper to enjoy a smooth and successful project.
Detailing the Best Butcher Paper of 2025
Cave Tools Butcher Paper
Best Overall
The Cave Tools butcher paper roll is essential for any cook who wants to make the best of their grilling experience. This 18-inch x 175-foot roll is a food-grade option that does not contain any waxes, coatings, or bleaches, so you can guarantee your food will be flavorful and chemical-free. It can withstand temperatures up to 450F, so no matter what dish you prepare, it will remain safe and hold up against the heat. Not only is this butcher paper great for cooking, but it also helps release moisture from your food, so you don’t have to worry about soggy dishes due to trapped steam. It distributes heat evenly and keeps your food from getting too wet. The paper is also durable enough to withstand wear and tear from tools, grills, smokers, and foods. It stands out as the top choice due to its strength, heat-resistance capabilities, food-grade safety, and moisture-releasing features. It gives all the assurance that any consumer may need to ensure their meal is perfectly cooked.
Bryco Goods Butcher Paper
Most Adaptable Product
The Bryco Goods butcher paper roll is a great choice for anyone looking to make the perfect meal. With its ultra-durable and strong material, it does an excellent job of trapping smoke while releasing steam so that your food gets the perfect smoky flavor. The uncoated and unwaxed paper won’t leave any unwanted residue behind on your food, while the reinforced interior adds extra wet strength. It is also highly versatile — not only can you use it for serving, storing, cooking, and smoking meats, but you can also use it for other creative projects like sublimation. It’s also great for wrapping sandwiches and other foods since it keeps them warm but allows them to breathe. Overall, the Bryco Goods butcher paper roll is a great choice for anyone who needs reliable and high-performance paper when preparing their favorite dishes. Its strength and durability will last through many meals, and its uncoated and unwaxed paper ensures that nothing unwanted will remain on your food. Plus, the product’s versatility means there are plenty of creative uses for it as well.
Meat Hugger Butcher Paper
Best for Smoking Meats
When it comes to smoking meats, Meat Hugger’s butcher paper roll is the way to go. This 17.25-inch x 175-foot roll is the perfect size for various cooking needs. Its heavy-duty unwaxed, unbleached, and food-grade paper also makes it a safe choice. Plus, unlike other waxed butcher paper options, this one won’t affect the flavor of your protein as it’s cooking. It yields tender meat that is juicy and smoky with a crunchy, delicious Texas-style bark. The paper also keeps all juices in the meat and allows steam to escape, so you get an even cook every time. And when it comes to convenience and value, the easy-tear dispenser box ensures you can wrap up your prepared proteins quickly and efficiently. The superior strength of this heavy-duty paper means that it won’t fall apart while soaking in oil or food juices. No matter what kind of meat you’re smoking, it will stand up to whatever temperatures and moisture it encounters, so your food will always turn out perfectly cooked and flavorful.
YRYM HT Butcher Paper
Best for Sublimation
The YRYM HT kraft butcher paper is an excellent choice for those looking for natural, food-grade wrapping paper for their barbeque needs. The unbleached, unwaxed, and uncoated paper has a standard basis weight, making it incredibly durable and strong. Unlike foil, paper excels in trapping smoke while releasing steam to prevent soggy foods. In addition, this paper also has superior breathability and oil absorption for a clean taste experience, as it soaks up any excess oil from whatever you’re cooking. The large roll comes wrapped in plastic with no creases, so you don’t have to worry about it staying flat once you take it out of the package. Its versatile functionality also makes it great for crafts, tablecloth covers, sublimation projects, and more. It is truly a multi-purpose product that will suit your needs.
LiveWell Brands Butcher Paper
Budget-Friendly Pick
LiveWell butcher paper is a great solution for those who need safe, durable, and reliable paper for food service applications. Made in the USA from natural pure virgin pulps, this non-toxic paper conveniently supports safe food-grade use. With 40# paper weight, it passed tests for wet strength and durability, making it a highly reliable product. The 18-inch x 100-foot roll size provides you with plenty of paper for various applications. The brown color of this butcher paper is perfect for smoking and wrapping meat of all varieties. It’s also great for art projects, crafting, wrapping gifts, painting, drawing, and so much more! Thanks to its unwaxed and uncoated nature, it has a porous texture ideal for printing and art projects requiring paint or ink as it soaks up the pigments for vibrant coloring.
Butcher Paper: Buying Guide
Choosing the right butcher paper for your cooking or project needs can be difficult, as there are many factors to consider. Here is a buyer’s guide with detailed information on each important product feature.
Features To Consider When Shopping for Butcher Paper
Size
The size of the butcher paper is an important consideration since it will greatly influence how much you need to purchase and how it will fit your intended use. Some projects may require larger papers for wrapping and storing, while smaller papers may be more practical for crafting and artwork. Available sizes range from small rolls and sheets to large rolls and cut-to-measure sizes. Make sure to measure your project space carefully before selecting a size.
Quality
Quality is another key factor in determining which butcher paper to buy. The best quality butcher papers are heavier, more durable, and less likely to tear or rip during use. If you plan on using your butcher paper frequently, investing in a higher-quality product could save you money in the long run.
Color
Butcher paper comes in various colors, from popular shades like pink, black, and beige to more unique options such as blue, yellow, and green. Choose vibrant tones for art projects or neutral colors for food wrapping and storage.
Weight
The thickness of the paper is an important factor when selecting butcher paper. Thicker papers are more durable and last longer when used for heavy tasks, such as wrapping packages or lining industrial ovens. In addition to thickness, total weight may also come into play depending on the application, as heavier papers are often better suited for sturdier enclosures or ingredients that will weigh down the paper over time.
Type
Butcher paper comes in two main types: flat and waxed. Flat papers have a smooth surface without added wax or other coatings, while waxed papers have a light wax layer coating, adding extra moisture resistance and strength. Waxed papers are also commonly used for packaging food items because of their grease-resistant properties.
Absorbency
Absorbency is an important factor when it comes to paper used for wrapping jerky, meat, or other food products. Make sure to select a type of butcher paper with appropriate absorbency depending on what you plan on wrapping or packing into it.
Cost
Once you have narrowed down your list of requirements, determine how much money you are willing to spend on supplies. Prices usually increase with higher quality products. However, buying cheaper versions can be detrimental if they don’t meet your needs or don’t last long enough for frequent use. Decide how much you can afford and look for deals within that range.
Recycled material
Many types of butcher paper contain recycled materials, which makes them more environmentally friendly than traditional options. Consider purchasing recycled materials if possible to reduce your environmental footprint.
Texture
The texture of the butcher paper is another important factor to consider when deciding which type to purchase. Smoother papers are better suited to crafting projects and can preserve fine details, while rougher papers are better suited to wrapping and packing purposes. Be sure to select the texture that best meets your requirements before purchasing.
Acid-free
Acid-free butcher papers are best chosen for any artwork or project that needs protection from fading over time due to acids present in some papers. Make sure you pick an acid-free version when dealing with precious pieces or artwork that must last a long time without discoloration or yellowing.
Waterproof
Waterproof butcher papers provide extra protection against spills and moisture that could otherwise damage contents or affect project results. They’re also great for outdoor use where rain may be a factor in storage conditions. Indoor use usually doesn’t require waterproofing, but if necessary, look at water-resistant options that provide adequate protection without compromising flexibility or durability. Choose a waterproof option if necessary, depending on what exactly you plan on using it for.
FDA approved
If you plan on using butcher paper in a food-handling setting, check with the supplier that the product has FDA approval so you know it’s safe to use. Not all products meet these requirements, so it is best to confirm this before purchasing.
People Also Asked
What is butcher paper?
Butcher paper is a special type of paper that is useful for various tasks such as wrapping meat, seafood, produce, and other food items. It is generally thicker than standard wrapping paper and often has a slightly waxed or greasy coating to aid in moisture absorption.
How is it different from regular wrapping paper?
Butcher paper is thicker than regular wrapping paper and usually has a wax or grease coating that helps absorb moisture. It also has a lighter finish, making it easier to write on than regular wrapping paper, which may bleed when wet or written on.
What types of butcher paper are available?
Butcher paper comes in various colors and thicknesses to suit any need. Colored butcher papers, such as pink and white, are often used for presentation purposes, while the thicker white butcher papers are ideal for wrapping meat and seafood.
How is butcher paper used?
Butcher paper is commonly used for many different tasks, such as packing, storing, wrapping, protecting, and shipping food products such as meat, seafood, produce, cheeses, baked goods, and vegetables. It’s also ideal for art projects such as drawing, painting, or even printing images onto paper.
Is butcher paper waterproof?
No, butcher paper is not waterproof. It may withstand some moisture exposure without tearing or breaking but isn’t generally considered waterproof.
Is butcher paper food safe?
Yes, butcher paper is food-safe when used properly and correctly. The wax or grease coating applied to one side of the paper adds an extra protective barrier for any wrapped food item and ensures it will remain safe for consumption.
Are there any health benefits to using butcher paper?
Yes, butcher paper can help reduce cross-contamination of food items, protecting both the consumer and the producer from potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated food products. Butcher paper also helps maintain the freshness of food items by trapping moisture and preventing spoilage from outside air.
What are the advantages of using butcher paper instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil?
The main advantage of using butcher paper instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil is that it is thicker than either option, so it provides more protection against punctures or tears. It does not emit toxins when heated, it’s recyclable, and it does not cause static electricity like aluminum foil, which can attract dust particles onto the wrapped food item.
How long does butcher paper last?
The lifespan of butcher paper varies depending on how it is being stored and used, but typically, it should last up to a year if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, such as ovens or stoves.
Is it difficult to store and dispose of butcher paper properly?
No, properly storing and disposing of butcher paper should not be difficult as you can recycle or store it in an airtight container for future use.
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