What is the best paper to wrap meat in for freezing?

Author: Prof. Nathaniel Jenkins  |  Last update: Friday, July 3, 2026

But our recommended method is actually to wrap the meat in butcher or freezer paper. This is a waxy coated paper (the waxy side should go towards the meat, with the paper side out). Wrap your cut of meat tightly in this paper, and tape it shut. Then wrap the whole package in an airtight layer of aluminum foil.

What paper is best for freezing meat?

Food grade materials, such as aluminum foil, heavy freezer-weight plastic bags, heavy plastic wrap and parchment or freezer paper are excellent choices. It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its supermarket wrapping, but this type of wrap is thin and lets air in.

What is the best thing to wrap meat in to freeze?

The trick to freezing meat, according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Meat Sciences department at Texas A&M University, is to wrap it twice, preferably in heavy duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or put the whole package inside a plastic bag.

What kind of paper do butchers wrap meat in?

Yes. Butcher paper is a food -grade kraft paper used for wrapping raw meat and fish from the butcher or market. It's also popular for smoking meat.

Should I use wax paper or parchment paper to freeze meat?

Use waxed butcher paper and not parchment paper. Wrap it tight. Should be good for a few months with no issues.

How to wrap any meat to last forever and prevent freezer burn!

Is wax paper or parchment paper better for meat?

If the application involves any kind of heat, use parchment paper. If the cool application involves moisture, use wax paper.

How long will meat last wrapped in freezer paper?

Why is freezer paper the best option for storing meat? Premium freezer paper, unlike any other kind of wrap mentioned above, accomplishes everything you need to keep meat fresh, colorful, and flavorful for up to 12 months in the freezer.

What is the difference between freezer paper and butcher paper?

Butcher paper is plain unlined paper and works well for wrapping up your brisket when you smoke it or to take meat home. Freezer paper has a lining to create a moisture barrier between your meat and the outside. This protects your meat from freezer burn and keeps it fresher.

Is butchers paper the same as parchment paper?

Both tolerate heat well but parchment paper can withstand higher temperatures. If you want to release moisture from the meat, use parchment paper. Butcher paper is better for retaining moisture. Butcher paper is also more resistant to moisture.

Is freezer paper the same as parchment paper?

Freezer paper is thick paper with a plastic or wax coating on one side. It differs from parchment, which has no wax coating, and wax paper, which has a wax coating on both sides.

What is the difference between wax paper and freezer paper?

The difference between wax paper and freezer paper is that wax paper is typically coated in wax on both sides while freezer paper is usually only coated on one side. Freezer paper is used to keep the juices of a cut of meat contained during the freezing and defrosting process.

Are Ziploc bags good for freezing meat?

Yes. You can use regular zip-top storage bags in the freezer. However, foods stored in these bags in the freezer might not hold up as well over long periods of time, and can be more prone to punctures and rips.

What is a good substitute for freezer paper?

Alternatives to freezer paper in the kitchen include aluminum foil, butcher paper, freezer bags and plastic wrap. For a better option with no waste, use plastic containers that you can wash and reuse for years to come. Any option that keeps the dry air of the freezer away from your food will work as an alternative.

What paper is best for freezing?

Reynolds Kitchens® Freezer Paper is ideal for wrapping foods for freezing.

What is the best wrap to freeze meat?

Wrap Your Meat When Freezing

While a vacuum-sealer is ideal for ensuring that meats are packaged correctly, you can get by just fine with double wrapping cuts of meat with freezer paper, aluminum foil or airtight zip-loc bags. The plastic wrapping from the store is designed for quick access, not freezing.

What can I use instead of butcher paper?

While all Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil products are grill-safe and smoker-safe , we recommend Reynold's Wrap® Pitmaster's Choice as a substitute for when you don't have butcher paper on hand.

Can I use parchment paper instead of butcher paper to freeze meat?

Food grade materials, such as aluminum foil, heavy freezer-weight plastic bags, heavy plastic wrap and parchment or freezer paper are excellent choices. It is safe to freeze meat or poultry directly in its supermarket wrapping, but this type of wrap is thin and lets air in.

Is Reynolds freezer paper the same as butcher paper?

Freezer paper starts out like butcher paper, simple uncoated paper on rolls, but then it is poly coated on one side. This poly coating provides a moisture and vapor barrier that is perfect for containing liquids and grease. They're also great for lining baskets that will hold French fries and chips.

What is a good substitute for parchment paper?

5 Substitutes for Parchment Paper
  • Silpat: Best for Lining Baking Sheets. ...
  • Wax Paper: Best for Room Temperature Storage and Makeshift Work Surfaces. ...
  • Greased Baking Sheet: Good for Baking. ...
  • Aluminum Foil with Oil: Good for Baking, Especially at Hotter Temperatures. ...
  • Nonstick Sheet Pans: Good for Baking.

What paper to use for freezing meat?

The most effective way for freezing meat is to use quality freezer paper that is waxed or poly-coated on one side. The coated side of the paper should go against the meat. To optimize the protection, you can fold a freezer sheets around the meat and then properly freezer wrap.

How long does meat wrapped in butcher paper last in the freezer?

Butcher paper — or even freezer safe zipper locking bags — are still great options for freezing beef. They're cost effective and will give you a solid three to six months in the freezer. When wrapping beef in butcher paper, it's important to get as much of an airtight seal as possible.

Is it better to freeze meat in paper or plastic?

For longer-term storage, definitely go with freezer paper. Start by removing the meat from its original packaging. If there are any parts of the meat you don't want, such as fat or bones, trim it and get rid of it.

Is 2 year old frozen meat safe to eat?

What happens to meat that's frozen too long? Food that is stored in a freezer at zero degrees will be safe to eat indefinitely.

What do butchers use to wrap meat?

Butcher paper is a high-quality, thick, and durable paper that food industry professionals use to wrap and package meat.

Previous article
What not to use on solid surface countertops?
Next article
Is it normal for memory foam to turn yellow?