Have you ever thought, is freezer paper the same as butcher paper? So, the answer is no, if freezer paper and butcher paper are placed in the kitchen side by side, they look similar. However, they are used for completely different reasons.
Freezer paper has a thin plastic or wax coating on one side to keep the paper from allowing air and moisture to get through. The wax coating prevents freezer burn, air and moisture from spoiling food. Butcher paper is uncoated and porous and is used for the wrapping, storage and preparation of raw meat.
Both paper can be used for a similar purpose sometimes but not interchangeably. In this blog you will learn what is freezer paper and butcher paper. Their differences, uses and cost.
What Is Freezer Paper?
Freezer paper is made using wax to repel moisture and air. Mainly used for food storage and wrapping, it's a durable paper. In storage, the coating helps protect food from the effects of freezer burn and helps to preserve the quality and flavor of the food.
Usually, the uncoated side is used to label the package with important information like food name or date. Freezer wrapping paper is the best paper for freezing meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and other food before storing.
This paper is less absorbent to moisture than other normal paper. But not like butcher paper. Because both papers serve for totally different jobs.
What Is Butcher Paper?
Butcher paper is uncoated food-safe paper mainly used to wrap and handle heavy food. It is usually made from kraft paper and available in pink, brown and white colours. Butcher paper is thick and durable. This paper can easily hold heavy food without being damage and tearing up.
Unlike freezer paper, food-grade butcher paper is uncoated. This is why it is breathable and useful for wrapping meat for cooking and storing without affecting its freshness. One popular use of butcher paper is smoking meat.
This paper allows smoke to reach the surface while cooking. Butcher paper is primarily used by butchers, restaurants and other food establishments for wrapping food. Before using paper, check if this paper is safe to use.
Freezer Paper Vs Butcher Paper: Key Differences
Freezer paper and butcher paper can be similar in appearance. But they are used for totally different purposes and have different features. Both papers are used for the same things, but cannot be substituted. Main differences are,
Coating
Freezer paper is coated with a plastic or wax on one side of the paper, which resists air and moisture from penetrating the paper. While butcher paper is not coated. This makes butcher paper breathable and allows airflow for food.
Purpose
The main purpose of freezer paper is wrapping and storing food for a long period of time. On the other hand, butcher paper is mostly used by butchers for wrapping raw meat. Butcher paper is also used for smoking food.
Moisture Resistance
Moisture resistance also makes them different. Freezer paper gives better moisture resistance and is a good choice for long-term frozen storage. Butcher paper is breathable paper, and is an excellent choice for cooking and smoking meat.
When To Use Each?
Freezer paper is very useful if you have food items you need to keep in the freezer for an extended amount of time. This specialty makes freezer paper useful to wrap meat, fish and other food for longer storage.
When your main concern is to protect food from freezer burn, then freezer paper is the best choice. The uncoated side can be used for labeling food.
Butcher paper is used to wrap fresh meat, cooking, especially smoking and barbecue. Because butcher paper is breathable, it allows airflow during smoking food, which keeps food fresh and does not affect its taste.
When you want breathability for your food, butcher paper is a good option. You will also find that freezer paper will be useful in creating a moisture barrier.
Cost, Availability, And Buying Tips
Freezer paper is a little more expensive than butcher paper because it has moisture resistance coating. But cost mainly depends on brand, size, quality and thickness of the paper. Butcher paper, especially in large rolls, is also less expensive than freezer paper.
Both types are easily available in every supermarket, stores, and kitchen supply shops. You can also customize both freezer paper and butcher paper from Wax Paper Store.
Before buying paper, check the intended use of the food wrapping paper. If you want to freeze food in the freezer for a long time, then choose freezer paper. But if you are looking for a food-grade paper to wrap raw meat smoking food then butcher paper is the best option.
Before buying, always check the size and quality of the paper.
Conclusion
Freezer paper and butcher paper, when placed side by side may look similar, but are used for different purposes. Freezer paper is moisture- and air-resistant, coated with plastic or wax on one side. It is the best choice to freeze a food for a long period of time.
Butcher paper is uncoated paper used to wrap raw meat, cooking and smoking food. Unlike freezer paper, butcher paper allows air to flow and is breathable. Choose food paper according to your plan on how you want to use it. Before buying food paper, check storage time, cooking method and moisture protection. And also check the product label for safe and suitable use.
Understanding these differences helps you to avoid using the wrong paper during cooking.
FAQs
Can I Use Freezer Paper For Smoking Food?
Freezer paper is not used to smoke food. Wax or plastic is applied to one side of freezer paper and it resists moisture. Don't use freezer paper for smoking or you will ruin your food.
Which Paper Is Better For Freezing Food?
For freezing food, freezer paper is the best choice. Freezer paper is coated on one side with wax or plastic. It makes freezer paper air and moisture-resistant.
Can You Interchange Freezer Paper And Butcher Paper?
No, freezer paper and butcher paper are not interchangeable! Freezer paper is moisture-resistant and coated on one side; butcher paper is uncoated. Interchanging them can spoil your food.