Butcher Paper Vs Parchment Paper: Which One Wins

In the world of culinary, food preparation for serving and making them ready before customers is essential. For this, many food packaging material types are used to make your food look classy. Which material should we go with for packing and wrapping food? It is a common question that comes into the minds of food business owners. Fret not.

Stay away from traditional dishing-out practices using styrofoam or plastic to serve customers. Instead, transform your dining and hearty reception into memorable moments with the innovative and handy packaging your delicious treats deserve. Want to know what it is? They are butcher paper and parchment paper to keep your edibles fresh and safe.

Butcher paper and parchment paper are part of the kitchen. However, they are distinct in their strengths and properties and serve different purposes. Stick to this guide to learn about their types, differences, powers, and benefits. Let’s delve into this.

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.

Uses Of Butcher Paper Inside Culinary

Inside 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.

Uses Of Butcher Paper 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 the 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 contains enough thickness to enhance the baking experience. Its food-safe, non-toxic, greaseproof, heat and moisture-resistant material is 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.

Popular Types Of Butcher Paper Rolls

Have you ever observed butcher paper in various colors? Each color of butcher paper has unique characteristics and qualities for which you probably have no idea. Most commonly, types of butcher paper are seven.

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 is found in a light tan color to dark pink that 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. When wrapping raw fish and poultry, such as chicken, consider this.

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. This paper is durable, strong, 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 meat from contaminants.

7. Freezer Butcher Paper

Freezer butcher paper, also known as freezer paper, is made with a thin moisture resistant plastic layer. This paper 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.

Also Read: Carton Paper: Types, Uses, and Benefits

Common Types Of Parchment Paper

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

1. Bleached Parchment Paper

Bleached parchment paper is treated with a chlorine-based chemical to eliminate its natural color which results in a bright white color. Usually, a 4"x4” parchment paper sheet contains 55 lb thickness that 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. It is not treated with any chemical process therefore, it is non-toxic and comes in a natural brown and slight off-white color. This oven-safe and eco-friendly unbleached parchment paper is expensive but suitable for baking, wrapping meat, grilling, and food storage.

Is Butcher Paper and Parchment Paper The Same

The simple answer is NO. Uncoated butcher paper made from naturally brown Kraft is not the same as parchment paper and is suitable for cooking, crafts, and wrapping meats. Parchment paper is a butcher paper substitute coated with food-safe silicon that offers a non-stick surface to the paper and is ideal for baking.

Both types of papers serve in culinary but offer different balances in temperature forbearance. A parchment paper has a temperature tolerance capacity of 420- 450 °F in the oven. On the other hand, butcher paper has a higher forbearance of up to 500 °F.

Which Type Of Paper is Good For Your Environment

It is yet to be said which (butcher paper and parchment paper) is more eco-friendly because it depends on the production method and how it's made. For example, butcher paper with an aluminum lining may not be environmentally friendly. However, if there is no lining, it is biodegradable and earth-friendly.

Unbleached parchment paper made from wood pulp is a nature-friendly option. Bleached parchment paper is not compostable and planet-friendly due to chemicals or chlorine in its processing. It can harm the composting process and the overall ecosystem.

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.

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 customers to end up waiting 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 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 order@customproductpackaging.com and share your packaging requirements. Our customer care is available 24/7 for your help and quickly responds to your queries.

FAQs:

Q1. Can I use butcher paper instead of parchment paper for heat press in baking?

Ans: It is not recommended. Butcher paper is not for baking but can be used in cooking, wrapping, arts and crafts.

Q2. Is parchment paper the same as butcher paper we use for food?

Ans: Not really. Both papers are used in cooking however they have distinct properties and serve different purposes.

Q3. Can I put butcher paper in the oven?

Ans: Yes, but under a lower temperature of 300℉.

Q4. Is butcher paper safe to use in the microwave?

Ans: 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.

Q5. Could parchment paper possibly allow wrapped food to breathe?

Ans: Yes, it does allow food to breathe, providing a better option unlike foil paper and plastic wrap.