Greaseproof Paper Vs Baking Paper: Which Is Better?

When it comes to baking and cooking, using the right type of paper can make a significant difference to the outcome of your culinary creations. Two popular options often found in kitchens across the globe are greaseproof paper and baking paper.

At first glance, they may appear similar but they possess distinct characteristics and are used for different purposes.

In this post, I’ll delve into the key differences between greaseproof paper and baking paper from their composition and thickness to how each holds up under heat.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which type of paper is best suited for various baking and food preparation needs.

Let’s get started with untangling the similarities and differences between these two baking essentials.

Greaseproof paper vs baking paper

What is greaseproof paper?

Greaseproof paper is a type of paper that is impermeable to oil or grease, hence its name. It is produced by refining paper pulp to create a sheet with minimal porosity. This process makes greaseproof paper resistant to moisture and grease, which is why it’s often used for wrapping food items like pastries, sandwiches or cheese.

However, it’s important to note that while greaseproof paper can handle moist and oily foods, it is not designed to withstand high oven temperatures, thus making it unsuitable for certain types of baking.

Uses of greaseproof paper

Greaseproof paper is most commonly used in food packaging and presentation due to its oil and moisture-resistant properties. It is ideal for wrapping fatty or moist foods like baked goods, sandwiches, cheeses and meats to prevent grease from seeping out.

In the realm of cooking, it’s often used to line cake tins or pastry dishes to prevent sticking and provide a smooth release. However, it should not be used for cooking methods that require high temperatures, such as roasting or baking in an oven, due to its lower heat resistance. Additionally, greaseproof paper can also be used in food decoration for piping bags, as well as in crafts and other creative projects due to its versatile and flexible nature.

Pros and cons of using greaseproof paper

Pros:

Greaseproof paper is excellent for wrapping fatty and moist foods, as it prevents grease from seeping out.
It provides a smooth release when used to line baking tins or pastry dishes.
Greaseproof paper is versatile and can be used in various food presentations and creative projects.

Cons:

It cannot withstand high oven or toaster temperatures, making it unsuitable for certain types of baking.
Greaseproof paper is not non-stick, so it may still require some form of greasing when used in baking.

Overall, greaseproof paper is an excellent option for food packaging and presentation purposes but has limitations when it comes to high-heat cooking methods.

What is baking paper?

Baking paper, also known as parchment paper, is a type of high-density paper that has been coated with silicone. This coating gives the paper its non-stick properties, allowing for easy release of baked goods from pans. It is also heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 450°F (232°C), making it moisture-resistant for baking and cooking purposes.

Uses of baking paper

Baking paper is widely used in the kitchen because it eliminates the need to grease pans, making clean-up a breeze. It also ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for achieving perfectly baked goods.

Additionally, its non-stick properties make it suitable for lining cake tins, baking trays and sheets, as well as wrapping foods like fish or vegetables for oven cooking.

Moreover, baking paper is often used in various cooking methods such as roasting, grilling and microwaving because of its high heat resistance.

It can also be used to make parchment bags for steaming foods or wrapping meats before they are frozen. Outside of the kitchen, baking paper has several other uses such as preventing tarnishing when storing silverware and for crafting projects like paper quilling.

Pros and cons of using baking paper

Pros:

Baking paper is non-stick, which means it eliminates the need for greasing when used in baking.
It has a higher heat resistance than greaseproof paper and can withstand temperatures up to 420°F (215°C).
The baking paper also helps with even baking and prevents the burning or sticking of food items.

Cons:

It may be more expensive than greaseproof paper, depending on the brand and quality.
Baking paper cannot be used for wrapping or packaging food items due to its non-porous nature.

Overall, baking paper is a great option for high-heat cooking methods like roasting and baking in an oven. It also offers the convenience of being non-stick, making it easier to release baked goods from pans without any added greasing.

Greaseproof Paper vs Baking Paper

Composition	Produced by refining paper pulp to create a sheet with minimal porosity	High-density paper coated with silicone
Heat Resistance	Not designed to withstand high oven temperatures	Can withstand temperatures up to 450°F (232°C)
Common uses	Used for wrapping food items like pastries, sandwiches and cheese. Ideal for lining cake tins or pastry dishes to prevent sticking	Used for lining baking trays and sheets, wrapping foods for oven cooking and in various cooking methods such as roasting, grilling and microwaving
Non-stick properties	Does not inherently have non-stick properties	Silicone coating gives it non-stick properties
Moisture resistance	Resistant to moisture and grease	Moisture-resistant for baking and cooking purposes
Versatility	Suitable for food packaging and presentation, as well as in crafts and other creative projects	Widely used in the kitchen for various cooking and baking purposes

Price comparison between baking paper and greaseproof paper

The cost of both baking paper and greaseproof paper can vary significantly depending on the brand and quality. Generally speaking, baking paper tends to be more expensive than greaseproof paper due to its silicone coating and high heat resistance.

For instance, a roll of high-quality baking paper can range anywhere from $25 to $40, whereas a similar roll of greaseproof paper might cost around $20 to $35.

However, costs can also fluctuate based on factors like quantity, size and whether the product is eco-friendly or compostable. It’s always recommended to compare prices and consider your specific needs before making a purchase. Overall, both baking paper and greaseproof paper are relatively affordable options for everyday kitchen use.

So, whether you’re a professional baker or someone who loves to cook at home, incorporating these papers into your culinary routine can enhance the overall cooking experience and make clean-up easier.

FAQs | Greaseproof vs Baking Paper

Can I use greaseproof paper instead of baking paper for baking?

While greaseproof paper can be used for certain baking purposes, it is not suitable for high-temperature cooking as it lacks the heat resistance of baking paper.

Also, it does not have the non-stick properties of baking paper, so greasing may be necessary.

Why is baking paper more expensive than greaseproof paper?

Baking paper is typically more expensive due to its silicone coating, which gives it non-stick and heat-resistant properties. These features make it more specialized and versatile in the kitchen compared to greaseproof paper.

Is it possible to use baking paper for wrapping and packaging food items?

Because of its non-porous nature, baking paper is not ideally suited for wrapping or packaging food items. Greaseproof paper, with its greater porosity, is generally better for these purposes.

Which type of paper is more environmentally friendly, baking paper or greaseproof paper?

Both types of paper have their environmental impacts. The baking paper uses a silicone coating, a resource-intensive process.

On the other hand, greaseproof paper doesn’t require this coating but may still have an environmental impact due to the refining process. It’s advisable to look for options that are sustainably sourced and recyclable.

Wrap Up

While baking paper and greaseproof paper may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct differences in terms of composition, heat resistance and uses. Baking paper is a versatile kitchen staple that offers non-stick properties and high heat resistance, making it suitable for various cooking and baking methods.

On the other hand, greaseproof paper is more suited for food packaging and presentation purposes due to its moisture-resistant properties. Nevertheless, both options are affordable and essential tools in any kitchen, making it easier to create delicious and perfectly baked treats.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, consider using baking paper or greaseproof paper for a hassle-free cooking experience.