
Butcher paper and kraft paper are two types of paper that are often used for wrapping and covering surfaces, but they have some key differences. Butcher paper is made from a blend of wood pulp and other fibers, making it more durable and less prone to tearing than kraft paper.
Kraft paper, on the other hand, is made from wood pulp and is known for its strength and resistance to moisture. However, it's also more expensive than butcher paper.
One of the main benefits of butcher paper is its affordability, making it a popular choice for wrapping meats and other items in the meat industry.
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What Is It?
Butcher paper is a type of thick paper made from wood pulp, similar to most other paper packaging solutions.
It comes in a variety of forms, each with a unique color designation to indicate what properties it has.
Brown butcher paper is one option, but it also comes in white and pink.
High-quality butcher paper is essential, as low-quality paper can lead to leakage or print transfer onto the meat wrapped inside.
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Different Types
Butcher paper is a staple in many kitchens, and it's essential to choose the right type for your needs. There are several types of butcher paper to consider, each with its own unique characteristics.
Kraft paper is a common alternative to butcher paper, but it's not always the best choice for food handling. Kraft paper is not normally food-grade due to its ability to allow chemical filters, which can be a concern for food safety.
Butcher paper, on the other hand, is specifically designed to be flexible and food-grade, making it a safer choice for wrapping meats and seafood. It's also more expensive than kraft paper due to its use in the food industry.
The cost of butcher paper can be a concern for some, but it's worth the investment for food safety and branding purposes. Butcher paper is often used for wrapping meats and seafood, and it's generally used in kitchen settings where food handling is a priority.
Here are the key differences between kraft paper and butcher paper at a glance:
Uses and Applications
Kraft paper and butcher paper have distinct uses and applications. Butcher paper is ideal for wrapping sandwiches, burgers, subs, and covering meat before smoking. It's also great for tablecloths.
Butcher paper comes in different types, each with its own unique uses. White butcher paper is perfect for wrapping fish or meat before smoking. Pink butcher paper is great for covering raw meat for storing, as it masks blood and juices from a raw cut of meat.
Here are some specific uses for butcher paper:
Kraft paper, on the other hand, is often used for packing food, bakery or fast food bags, and wrapping gifts.
Application Scenarios
Butcher paper is a versatile tool with various uses in the kitchen and food service industry. It's especially useful for packaging meat due to its increased moisture resistance.
For wrapping sandwiches, burgers, and subs, white butcher paper is the ideal choice. It's also great for covering meat before smoking.

Pink butcher paper is perfect for covering raw meat for storing because it masks blood and juices from a raw cut of meat. It's also resistant to contaminants and leaks.
Peach-treated butcher paper is great for preserving or refrigerating fresh meat. This paper can keep the color of meat bright red and the quality fresh.
You can also use peach-treated and pink butcher paper to freeze meat like pork shoulder.
Kraft paper, on the other hand, is not suitable for wrapping up meat or fish to cook them afterward. It traps the moisture, which isn't a good thing while smoking a brisket.
However, kraft paper is strong and can be used for bakery or fast food bags. Brown kraft paper is also commonly used for wrapping gifts, covering tables, and even artworks.
But if you're looking for a safer alternative, consider using pink butcher paper instead of white kraft paper. Pink butcher paper is completely unbleached and safer for food packaging.
Best Paper for Food Service

When choosing the best paper for food service, it's essential to consider the safety and quality of the product. Butcher paper is 100% food-grade, making it the top choice for storing, cooking, and serving food.
Butcher paper is specifically designed for food items and aligns with food safety standards, ensuring it's safe for direct contact with food. In contrast, kraft paper is not as safe, especially when it comes to raw or uncooked items.
For food service, butcher paper is the clear winner due to its food-grade status and ability to withstand high temperatures. Kraft paper, on the other hand, may contain fluorescent agents, which can be a health risk if ingested.
Here are the key differences between butcher and kraft paper for food service:
In summary, butcher paper is the safer and more reliable choice for food service, while kraft paper is better suited for packing food after it's been cooked.
Comprehensive Comparison
Butcher paper is mainly used for food packaging and cooking, with its uses varying by type or color.
Butcher paper is 100% food-grade, making it a safe choice for storing, cooking, and serving food.
Kraft paper, on the other hand, isn't always FDA-approved, which means it's not the best option for food service.
Butcher paper is great for storing, cooking fish and meat, even if it's a little pricey.
Kraft paper can be used for packing food once it's done cooking, such as sending out cookies to customers.
One mistake with food service can make you lose customers, which is why comparing both papers is important.
Butcher paper takes the win in food service due to its food-grade quality and typical use in food-related issues.
Properties and Performance
Butcher paper and kraft paper have distinct properties that affect their performance in various applications.
Butcher paper is more prone to tearing than kraft paper due to its lower tensile strength.
Kraft paper's higher durability makes it a better choice for heavy-duty tasks.
Color Differences

Color differences between butcher paper and kraft paper are more than just a visual distinction. Butcher paper used to be known for its white color, while kraft paper was brown. However, both papers now come in a variety of colors.
The color of butcher paper has changed significantly, and it's now available in many different hues. Two common colors of butcher paper are white and pink.
White butcher paper is 40 lb in weight and contains bleached impurities. It's not as widely available as other colors.
Pink butcher paper, on the other hand, is 40-50 lb in weight and unbleached. It's widely available in stores and is a popular choice for cooking meat or fish.
Kraft paper, meanwhile, is available in mostly brown and white colors. White kraft paper is 40-50 lb in weight and made from bleaching pulpwood.
Here's a comparison of butcher paper and kraft paper colors:
Sizing and Finishing Treatments
Butcher paper and kraft paper have distinct sizing and finishing treatments that set them apart. Kraft paper typically undergoes minimal additional treatments after pulping, allowing for a range of paper weights and finishing options.

Butcher paper, on the other hand, requires additional sizing agents to achieve food-safe properties. These agents enhance moisture resistance and the ability to resist oil and grease.
The production process for both papers starts with wood preparation, where wood logs are chipped into small pieces.
Here's a comparison of the two papers' production processes:
These differences in production processes result in distinct properties and performance characteristics for each paper type.
Food Safety and Quality
Butcher paper takes the win when it comes to food safety and quality, as it's 100% food-grade and typically used for issues related to food.
You don't want to risk compromising the quality of your food by using a non-food-grade material, which is why butcher paper is the better choice.
Kraft paper, on the other hand, isn't always FDA-approved, which means it's not as safe to use for wrapping food items.
However, glazed kraft paper is an exception, as it's 100% FDA approved due to its matching pH level, sulfur, and acid content to butcher paper.
Using butcher paper for wrapping food items ensures that you're providing your customers with a safe and high-quality product.
In the end, the extra cost of butcher paper is worth it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your food is wrapped in a safe and non-toxic material.
Return
Butcher paper is a great option for restaurants, especially barbecue joints, because it's durable and tear-resistant against moisture. This makes it perfect for wrapping meat and seafood.
Butcher paper is also a popular choice for handling and serving food, and it's made from bleach kraft pulp with a smooth surface on both sides. This helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps food fresh.
It's commonly used to pack seafood and wrap meat because it maintains moisture, which is essential for keeping food fresh and preventing spoilage.
Similarities and Differences
Butcher paper and kraft paper may seem like interchangeable terms, but they have some key similarities and differences.
Both butcher paper and kraft paper are made from wood pulp and have a textured surface, which makes them ideal for drawing and writing.
However, butcher paper is typically made from a combination of wood pulp and cotton linters, giving it a softer and more pliable texture than kraft paper.
What Is the Difference Between
Butcher paper and Kraft paper may seem like interchangeable terms, but they have distinct differences. Butcher paper is specially engineered for food-grade use and is treated to be stronger and more moisture-resistant than Kraft paper.
The main difference between the two is not just color, as many people assume. While brown Kraft paper is common, it actually comes in a variety of colors, including white and custom shades. Butcher paper, on the other hand, is most commonly white, but it's also available in other colors, like pink.
Both papers start out as identical twins, made from the same wood pulp base. However, the treatments applied during the finishing process give them unique properties. Butcher paper is FDA-approved for direct food contact, making it ideal for wrapping and storing meat, seafood, and other foods.

Kraft paper, while not typically used for direct food contact, is versatile and can be used for packaging, crafts, and more. Its durability makes it perfect for a wide range of applications.
Interestingly, the term "Butcher paper" was coined by creative salesmen who sold it to butchers for wrapping and storing meat and seafood. Today, it's still a staple in food service, but it's also found in other applications like craft projects, gift wrapping, and more!
Similarities Between
Kraft paper and butcher paper share some surprising similarities. Both are crafted from wood pulp through the kraft process, making their manufacturing processes identical.
One key similarity is their durability. Kraft paper has a high tensile strength, while butcher paper is highly durable and resistant to tearing against moisture. This makes them both reliable choices for various applications.
Butcher paper is commonly used for handling and serving food, while kraft paper is used in packaging and wrapping products. Both types of paper are also resistant to high temperatures and oil absorption, although butcher paper has a unique ability to maintain moisture and resist bacterial growth.
Here's a summary of the similarities between kraft paper and butcher paper:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use kraft paper as butcher paper?
No, kraft paper is not suitable for food handling and serving due to potential FDA non-compliance. Instead, use specially designed butcher paper for safe food contact.
What is so special about butcher paper?
Butcher paper is a breathable wrapping solution that prevents suffocation of meat, preserving its natural temperature and texture. Its unique properties make it ideal for wrapping various types of meat for smoking.
Sources
- https://noissue.co/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-butcher-paper/
- https://waxpapers.ca/kraft-paper-vs-butcher-paper/
- https://www.spicysaltysweet.com/butcher-paper-vs-kraft-paper/
- https://www.possupply.com/blog-what-is-the-real-difference-between-kraft-paper-and-butcher-paper
- https://www.smoked-meat.com/forum/forum/general-information/24928-
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