What Is Deli Paper? Explore The Uses Of Deli Paper

July 25, 2025 Food Packaging

The US food paper market has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. The market value is projected to reach $594.35 billion by 2023. Interesting, right? How can a small food paper contribute so much to the food market? With many diverse food paper options available, one solution that offers both protection and aesthetics is deli paper. Not only is it popular in the food world, but this paper also provides versatile uses and hacks for journaling, mixed media, art projects, and stamping.

If you are new to exploring different types of paper or specifically want to know what is deli paper, this blog will clarify all your ambiguities. Let’s explore how these simple sheets can make many of your everyday practices easier!

What exactly is Deli Paper?

Deli paper is a thin, translucent paper made from the base layer of bleached kraft paper. Its texture resembles tissue paper and may be slightly coated with dry wax for optimal grease and moisture resistance. The applications of deli paper extend beyond food wrapping, as it is popular for various creative purposes.

If you are guessing whether these sheets are safe for oven use, the answer is no. Deli paper is not intended for use in high temperatures. You can effortlessly in the freezer because they have minimal risk of freezer burn and prevent food from drying out over time.

Regulatory Compliance

According to the FDA, “Under federal law, a food contact substance that is a food additive must be authorized for that use before it is marketed in the U.S.” Therefore, it has become essential for brands to audit their paper before adding it to kitchen staples. Deli Paper Sheets are typically designed with industry regulations in mind. Sustainable kraft paper is used as a base, and a thin layer of PVC coating is applied, which completely complies with food regulations. Common certifications include:

Biodegradable Product Institute: BPI verifies packaging compostability.

Forest Stewardship Council: FSC ensures that products meet sustainable forestry practices.

Food and Drug Administration: Inspects the regulation and safe use of food, drugs, and cosmetics.

ISO 14001: Promotes an effective environmental management system.

Different Types Of Deli Paper

Let’s quickly delve into the versatile types of customized deli paper before unlimited uses. The main benefit of this paper is that brands or individuals (for personal use) can choose every feature customized to their needs, such as:

Custom sizes
Shapes
Materials
Coating options

Unlike wax paper, which is coated on both sides, custom deli sheets are typically coated on one side only. The following are some of the types differentiated in terms of coatings:

Dry wax paper: A dry waxing process is incorporated in which wax is embedded into paper fibres, leaving no residue.

Wet wax paper: Offers a high gloss and water-resistant surface as paper is immersed in a wax bath.

Poly-coated paper: Polyethylene coating is applied to one or both sides of the paper to provide a barrier against grease and moisture.

Available Styles

You will usually find custom deli paper in plain white color, or another common option is brown paper, which is achieved because of the natural color of kraft. Other solid color options are blue, green, yellow, and pink. If you want to stay unique, then different color combinations, such as red and pink with checkered designs or other festive patterns, are considered iconic in food settings.

Why The Food Industry Loves It

The food wrapping has been popular since the Middle Ages, when beeswax was used to coat paper. Its practical use started in the 19th century in Britain when special food items called “bap” became popular, wrapped in such paper. Since then, every restaurant, deli shop, and home kitchen feels incomplete without deli wrapping paper.

From wrapping burgers and sandwiches to being used as food basket liners and storing your wrapped food, the food industry cannot imagine its survival without this versatile paper. Furthermore, several advantages come with the usage that make people choose this option over others, such as:

Versatility
Practicality
Non-stickiness
Moisture-resistant properties
Customization
Cost-effectiveness
Speed in service
Hygiene and freshness
Ideal branding tool

The Home Kitchen’s Secret Weapon

Deli paper is among the common staples of the kitchen because of its ability to organize and protect food items. Whether you are running a small food stall or making delicious dinners for friends, this paper provides ideal cleaning and non-stick abilities. The following are the reasons why deli sheets are considered a hero of the kitchen:

Freezer Hero

If you store your leftovers and delis in the freezer without any wrap, the chances of food dehydrating and ice crystals forming are high. This can harm the nutritional value, resulting in leathery and dry food. To avoid this, deli wrap paper offers a practical and convenient solution to preserve the freshness and flavor of food items for longer in the freezer. You can prevent drying out food and freezer burn spots to achieve the perfect presentation and taste of your food, no matter how long you have stored it.

Mess-Free Baking And Prep

The direct use of deli paper in the oven is not recommended due to its lightness and thinness. But you can make use of it in other ways, such as lining the surface under your baked cookies to prevent excessive oil and greasiness. Moreover, deli paper can be used as a lining for fryers’ baskets to reduce the risk of breakage and to avoid mess.

Wrapping Expert

Deli paper sheets are an excellent option for wrapping a variety of food items. We apply a thin layer of wax on the paper to make it moisture resistant. This ability of the paper makes it a perfect wrapping option for products that are liable to be damaged by become soggy due to moisture.

Lunch Packing Made Easy

Are you a busy mom looking for mess-free lunch packaging solutions that help you save time? If yes, then choose this versatile deli paper without a second thought. When you are using something on a daily basis, a cost-effective option is the first to consider. Deli wrapping sheets do not cost more than tissue paper, but the benefits they provide are worth experiencing.

Kitchen Safety Hack

Deli paper is not designed for high temperatures, but it can be used for direct contact with hot food. If you are looking for safer and heat-resistant paper, then parchment paper is one of the available choices.

Use Deli Paper for Art? Absolutely!

At first glance, you cannot guess that deli paper can be used for arts and crafts, but the truth speaks for itself! The smooth surface is one of the main reasons for the art industry adopting this paper. The following are some of the intended uses:

Mixed media and gel plate printing: Most commonly used as the “pick up” surface, meaning picking the inks from the plate surface and transferring them to other surfaces.

Art journaling and collage: Adds textures to collages that can easily blend with other layers. Not very water-absorbent, but it can create an interesting texture due to its thin nature.

Easy to paint and stamp: The unwaxed or dry paper is usually considered ideal for painting and stamping as it offers good ink absorption. Wet wax paper can cause sticking, which may damage the look of the paint and stamp.

Hacks You Didn’t See Coming

Did you think the uses of deli paper are limited to the kitchen and art projects? This paper offers many more everyday hacks that will make life easier and budget-friendly. Here are some hacks you definitely did not know before:

Beauty mixing palette: Its ability to easily tear off and discard makes it ideal for a beauty mixing palette, especially for liquid products such as foundation.

Packaging helper: Unwrapped food in your delivery bag not only spoils the presentation of your food but also brings a negative brand image. Deli wraps are your true packaging helper to shine in the competitive market.

Closet organizer: Offers great wrapping for individual garments and can be layered, placed between clothing to prevent clinging.

Kid-friendly craft: A safe option for kids’ art and craft projects. Its flexible and thin nature enables it to handle various media.

Stuffing handbags and shoes: Can be placed into handbags or shoes for stuffing and keeping the original shape until they reach the customer’s door.

Is Deli Paper Eco-Friendly or Not?

The use of recyclable paper and food-grade ink makes our deli sheets non-toxic and sustainable. Even you can use the paper as a sustainable alternative to tradition; cling paper can reduce the carbon footprint significantly. Some of the important considerations for you are as follows:

The downside: Polycoated deli rolls may not be approved for all recycling procedures.

Pro tip: Always check certifications like FSC, FDA, and BPI if you are looking for compostable and recyclable deli paper sheets.

Thinking Of Buying Some? Here’s What To Look For

Well, you cannot just blindly go for custom papers unless you know their types and correct applications. Always seek expert guidance, search online, and then spend your money on the right type of paper. Here are a few recommendations while choosing the accurate deli wrapping and packaging sheets:

Need	Type of Deli paper
Greasy burgers	Poly-coated or wet wax-coated
Pastries and light snacks	Dry wax
Arts and crafts	Dry wax or uncoated sheets
Brand marketing	Printed/custom designs
Eco-conscious uses	Unbleached/ compostable version

Why Does Deli Paper Deserve Appreciation?

The versatility and usefulness of deli paper in several industries make it deserving of appreciation. Food and gift wrapping are the common applications, but several other industrial usages are also present. From handling messy culinary situations to facilitating clear and accurate printing results, this paper has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. If you are one of those looking for high-quality, then contact Custom Boxes Market. We create papers that not only allow you to promote your brand efficiently but also enhance the overall value of whatever you do.