Deli paper and greaseproof paper are both widely used in the culinary world. However, their similar applications often lead to confusion: Are deli paper and greaseproof paper the same? In this guide, we’ll help you clearly understand the differences between these two types of paper.
1. Get to know the Deli Paper and Greaseproof Paper
Deli Paper and Greaseproof Paper are types of specialty papers commonly used in food handling and packaging, but they have distinct characteristics and purposes:
1.1 Deli Paper
Definition: A lightweight, often wax-coated or lightly treated paper designed primarily for wrapping or separating food items.
Purpose: Prevents sticking and provides a barrier for moisture or grease. It's commonly used in delis for wrapping sandwiches, burgers, or cheese, and as a liner for baskets and trays.
Features:
- May have a waxy or plastic coating to provide a degree of moisture resistance.
- Lightweight and disposable, suitable for short-term food contact.
- Often printed or patterned for branding or aesthetic purposes.
- Not designed for heat-resistant applications.
1.2 Greaseproof Paper
Definition: A denser, more durable paper treated to resist grease and oil, making it suitable for wrapping or cooking with greasy foods.
Purpose: Acts as a non-absorbent barrier for grease and oil, used in both food packaging and baking.
Features:
- Non-porous and grease-resistant due to a special process (like supercalendering or coating).
- Heat-resistant, making it suitable for use in ovens as a liner or wrapper.
- Typically plain or unprinted, though colored varieties are available.
- Commonly used for baking pastries, lining trays, and wrapping fried foods.
2. Key Differences and Similarities Between Deli Paper and Greaseproof Paper
2.1 The Key Differences Between Deli Paper and Greaseproof Paper
2.1.1 Material
Deli Paper:
- Often made from lightweight paper with a wax or plastic coating for slight resistance to moisture and grease.
- The base paper is less dense, allowing flexibility for wrapping food.
Greaseproof Paper:
- Made from denser, heavily calendered paper treated during manufacturing to create a natural grease-resistant barrier without coatings.
- Sometimes it has additional treatments to enhance durability, making it more robust.
2.1.2 Use Case
Deli Paper:
- Primarily used in delis and fast food settings for wrapping sandwiches, burgers, or separating food items.
- Functions as a disposable, aesthetic liner in baskets or food trays.
- Not suitable for oven or heat-intensive cooking.
Greaseproof Paper:
- Used in baking and cooking as a liner for trays, pans, and molds due to its heat resistance.
- Ideal for wrapping greasy foods like pastries, fried items, or cheeses to prevent oil seepage.
- Suitable for both packaging and cooking applications.
2.1.3 Resistance to Grease
Deli Paper:
- Provides moderate grease resistance due to its coating but can absorb oils over time, especially if exposed for long periods.
- Not fully impermeable to heavy grease.
Greaseproof Paper:
- Designed to be highly grease-resistant, preventing oils from seeping through even with prolonged exposure to fatty or oily foods.
- Maintains integrity under heavy grease loads.
2.1.4 Resistance to Moisture
Deli Paper:
- Offers some moisture resistance due to its wax or plastic layer, which can repel liquids for short periods.
- However, it is not as robust against wetness as greaseproof paper.
Greaseproof Paper:
- Has strong moisture resistance, preventing water or grease penetration even under higher stress, thanks to its dense structure and treatment.
- Retains properties better in humid or moist environments.
2.2 Similarities Between Deli Paper and Greaseproof Paper
Despite their differences, deli paper and greaseproof paper share several key characteristics that make them useful for food-related applications:
a. Food-Safe Materials
Both are made from food-grade paper, ensuring they are safe for direct contact with edibles.
b. Grease Resistance
Both provide a barrier to grease to some degree:
- Deli paper: Moderate resistance (via coatings like wax or plastic).
- Greaseproof paper: High resistance (via treated, dense material).
This makes both suitable for handling or wrapping greasy foods.
c. Moisture Resistance
Both have some level of moisture resistance to prevent liquids from quickly soaking through:
- Deli paper’s wax/plastic coating repels light moisture.
- Greaseproof paper resists moisture more effectively due to its dense structure.
d. Disposable
Both are single-use papers, designed to be discarded after use, promoting hygiene in food handling.
e. Versatile Use in Food Handling
Both are used in foodservice industries for packaging, presenting, or serving food items, such as:
- Wrapping sandwiches, burgers, or greasy foods.
- Lining baskets, trays, or plates.
f. Customization
Both can be custom-printed for branding purposes (logos, patterns, or colors), making them attractive for commercial foodservice applications.
g. Environmental Impact
Both are often made from biodegradable materials (depending on coatings for deli paper), making them environmentally friendly compared to plastic alternatives.
3. Comparison of Preferred Scenarios
| Senario | Deli Paper | Greaseproof Paper |
| Wrapping a burger/sandwich | Preferred | Not necessary |
| Baking cookies | Not suitable | Ideal |
| Lining a basket for fires | Sufficient | Possible but overqualified |
| Wrapping fried chicken | Can leak grease over time | Ideal |
| Separating deli meat | Convenient | Overqualified |
| Wrapping moist pastries (eg. croissants) | Absorbs grease over time | Best choice |
4. Available Alternatives
| Use Case | Deli Paper Substitue | Greaseproof Paper Substitute |
| Wrapping sandwiches/burgers | Wax paper, parchment paper | Parchment paper, aluminum foil |
| Baking in the oven | Not applicable | Parchment paper, silicone mat |
| Lining baskets or trays | Brown kraft paper, butcher paper | Wax paper, aluminum foil |
| Wrapping greasy foods | Wax paper, freezer paper | Parchment paper, aluminum foil |
| Separating sticky items | Wax paper, parchment paper | Parchment paper |
Both papers are versatile for their specific roles, but greaseproof paper is better for heavy-duty and heat-intensive applications, while deli paper is a convenient, cost-effective solution for short-term food handling and packaging.
FAQ
Q1. Are deli paper and greaseproof paper made of the same material?
No, deli paper and greaseproof paper are not made of the same material, although they share some similarities. Deli paper is typically a lightweight wax-coated or sometimes plastic-coated paper, whereas greaseproof paper is specially treated to be grease-resistant without the need for coatings. The specific materials and treatments differ, resulting in distinct properties.
Q2. Are deli paper and greaseproof paper both resistant to grease or moisture?
Yes, both deli paper and greaseproof paper are resistant to grease, but their resistance levels differ. Deli paper's wax or plastic coating provides a moderate barrier to grease and moisture, making it suitable for short-term use. Greaseproof paper, on the other hand, undergoes a mechanical process to create a dense structure, providing higher resistance to grease and moisture without the need for coatings.
Q3. Can deli paper and greaseproof be used for similar purposes (e.g., food wrapping, baking)?
They can be used for similar purposes, but their applications vary slightly. Deli paper is commonly used for wrapping sandwiches, burgers, or lining baskets, as its coating helps keep food fresh temporarily. Greaseproof paper is often used for baking (e.g., as a lining for trays) or wrapping oily foods, as it can withstand higher temperatures and has better grease resistance for prolonged use.