What is Butcher Paper? What are its Benefits And Use Cases?

The more common term when we talk about the food packaging industry is – “Butcher Paper”.  Generally, it is associated when it comes to wrapping meat or holding liquids but the special part is that it is neither waxed nor coated. The butcher paper is the ultimate choice for delis and butcher shops. It also makes a great table covering to protect linens. They are available in white, natural, or pink in color. 

The pink color butcher paper is the best option for smoking and handling meats in BBQ restaurants. Many BBQ restaurants still rely on foil to wrap meats on the smoker while pink butcher paper has the benefit of retaining heat, unlike foil that fails to trap moisture that can make the smoked meat barks soggy instead of crusty. 

What Exactly is Butcher Paper?

Butcher paper refers to the heavy kraft-style paper that is basically used by the butchers to wrap fresh meat. While talking about butcher paper – the most common style that comes to mind is a bright white butcher paper. It also comes in a pink color that is known as peach paper or natural butcher paper. Also, it comes in different size rolls as well as convenient, previously cut sheets.

The kraft paper and the butcher paper start with the same exact raw materials i.e wood fiber as butcher paper. The main differences between these papers are based on how they are processed beyond their raw materials and are best used. The entire manufacturing process determines the difference between the butcher paper and kraft paper in terms of certifying for food-grade use. Butcher paper is designed to resist blood and moisture much better than standard kraft paper. 

For those who find butcher paper and freezer paper as the same, it’s not. But the freezer paper almost starts out like butcher paper, the only difference is it’s cut to size and packed for shipping or sale, it comes with a polyethylene coating on either side. The coating gives the freezer paper the valuable moisture seal and vapor barrier makes it the best to secure the fresh meat or seafood from the freezer.

Key Benefits of Using Butcher Paper

Butcher paper is the most common thing that could be found in many foodservice establishments worldwide. It falls under the category of standard supplies that every restaurant or deli owner might need for different use cases. Many restaurants and delis prefer customized butcher paper in terms of size like sheets for easy and faster usability purposes. 

Are you using butcher paper to its full potential? Check out the best ways to use the butcher paper in your deli or restaurant?

1. Wrapping of Meat 

The very name – Butcher paper signifies its main purpose. It was invented for the same reason – to wrap freshly butchered meat. And, it works the best way for that purpose. Butcher paper is an amalgamation of thick, durable weight, and solid moisture holdout the paper, the best affordable wrap for fresh beef, pork, poultry, or fish. The paper wrap helps for easy transportation and handling hassle free. Additionally, it allows writing on the package for easy labeling, which is actually very convenient. Undoubtedly, butcher paper is the best fit for cutting and serving fresh meat for carryout.

2. Cover Sandwiches or Burgers

Butcher paper is far more beneficial than just having it fresh with its wrapping. As the paper is the perfect choice for wrapping fresh meat also it makes the ultimate choice for wrapping hot or cold sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, gyros, bagels, pizza slices, or other to-go food items that could actually make a mess while it is being transported from one place to another. As wrapped items are faster and easier to carry a large number of office or personal lunch orders makes butcher paper the best selection of busiest food trucks where to-go orders can easily get confused if there is no streamlined way.

3. Parcel the leftovers

Usually, some portion of food is left when we go to the restaurants to dine in. Butcher paper can be used as the best possible way to make a convenient wrap for leftovers they want to carry home along with them. The limitation is that the paper cannot be used for every dish on the menu. Whenever it is used it is pocket-friendly and faster as compared to packaging options that are reliable.

4. Affordable & Best for Table Covering

Those dining at restaurants frequently might have surely noticed the expense and hassle of traditional linen tablecloths. Also chosen for the crisp,and the best practical option.

The butcher paper table covers are economical and also do not need to be cleaned. They are also recyclable that lowers the effect of energy usage and reduces the waste created by laundering restaurant linens. Additionally, the butcher paper coverings can be ordered with custom printing for adding a branding element to the decor.

5. As a Tray Liner or Placemat

Considering the decor of your restaurant, the pre-cut sheets of butcher paper can be served as the perfect presentation for liners. Eventually, it has become a part of the trend in barbecue (BBQ) restaurants were pink colored butcher paper. In many scenarios, authentic barbecue does not use plates anymore. They simply serve up delicious savory specials right on the butcher paper tray liner for the customers to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

With so many significant benefits, butcher paper has been worthy enough as a staple supply in restaurant kitchens, delis, and butcher shops across the globe. Butcher paper has made food servings easy and hygienic simultaneously saving energy, time, and water resources. 

About McDonald Paper & Restaurant Supplies

McDonald Paper & Restaurant Supplies has been a trusted partner for many foodservice establishments in the New York metro area and beyond for over two decades. We provide thousands of restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, supermarkets, and catering companies with quality products at affordable prices. We offer an incredible selection of restaurant supplies, over 20,000 items, including commercial kitchen equipment and paper goods, exhibited in our 25,000 square foot showroom in Brooklyn, New York.