Greaseproof Paper Bags: A Complete Guide for UK Food Businesses

Greaseproof paper bags are a quiet workhorse of the food counter. They keep pastries, sandwiches, doughnuts and chips from soaking through, look clean in the customer’s hand, and cost very little per item. This guide covers what greaseproof paper is, how it differs from other papers, which bag to use for which food, and how to store and use it well.

What is greaseproof paper?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines greaseproof paper as paper that does not allow oil through. It gets this property in manufacture: the wood fibres are refined (beaten) until they are very fine and pack tightly together, leaving little room for oil to pass through. Some grades also have a coating to boost grease resistance.

That dense structure is what makes it different from ordinary paper bags. A plain kraft bag is fine for bread rolls or dry goods, but warm, buttery or fried food will soon mark it.

Greaseproof, baking paper and wax paper: what is the difference?

• Greaseproof paper resists oil and fat. It is ideal for wrapping and bagging food to hand to customers.
• Baking (parchment) paper usually has a silicone coating for non-stick baking in the oven.
• Wax paper has a wax coating that resists moisture, but it is not meant for heat.

For bagging food at the counter, greaseproof paper is the right choice.

Which greaseproof bag for which food?

Our greaseproof paper bags come in plain and “Thank You” printed designs. Here is how the sizes usually match up:

• 5″ x 5″ to 6″ x 6″ plain bags: cookies, brownies, single pastries, small savouries and doughnuts.
• 7″ x 7″ to 8.5″ x 8.5″ “Thank You” bags: croissants, muffins, sausage rolls, toasted sandwiches and paninis.
• 10″ x 10″ and 12″ x 12″ “Thank You” bags: larger bakes, wraps, sharing portions and fish and chip orders.
• 14″ x 6″ x 4″ baguette bags: baguettes, subs and long rolls.
• 6″ x 4″ x 4″ gusseted chip bags: chips and fries. The gusset lets the bag stand and hold a portion.

The printed “Thank You” design gives a friendly finish without the cost of custom printing.

Why food businesses use greaseproof bags

• Clean presentation. No oily marks on the bag or the customer’s hands.
• Hygiene. Staff can hand over food without touching it, and each item is kept separate.
• Breathability. Paper lets a little steam escape, which helps pastries and chips stay crisper than in a sealed plastic container.
• Low cost. Greaseproof bags cost very little per item, especially bought by the case.
• Paper, not plastic. They give customers a paper-based option instead of plastic film.

Recycling and disposal

Greaseproof paper is made from paper, but used greaseproof bags are often not accepted in household paper recycling, because of the grease and food left on them and the treatment that makes them grease-resistant. Many councils, such as Worcestershire, ask residents to put it in general waste or food waste. It is best to suggest customers check their local council’s rules.

Using greaseproof bags well

1. Choose the right size. Food should fit without being squashed or sliding around.
2. Let very hot food rest briefly. A few seconds before bagging reduces condensation, keeping pastry and chips crisper.
3. Fold the top over. A simple fold keeps the food in and the heat in, without trapping all the steam.
4. Use a carrier for bigger orders. Pop bagged items into an SOS grab bag or carrier bag so they travel upright.
5. Store bags dry and flat. Keep cases off the floor, away from steam and heat, so bags do not curl or absorb moisture.

Food contact and safety

Any paper that touches food must be made for food contact and must not transfer harmful substances. The Food Standards Agency explains what food businesses should check. If you are unsure about a product, ask your supplier for its food contact information.

Frequently asked questions

Can greaseproof bags hold hot food?

Yes. They are designed for warm and hot food such as pastries, toasties and chips. For very wet or saucy dishes, use a container instead.

Is greaseproof paper the same as baking paper?

No. Baking paper usually has a silicone coating for the oven. Greaseproof paper resists oil and is used for wrapping and bagging food.

Do greaseproof bags keep chips crispy?

They help, because paper lets some steam escape. For the crispiest chips, serve them in an open chip box or a loosely folded bag and avoid sealing them in plastic.

What sizes do you stock?

Plain bags from 5″ x 5″ to 6″ x 6″, “Thank You” printed bags from 7″ x 7″ to 12″ x 12″, plus baguette and gusseted chip bags. See the full greaseproof bag range, sold by the case with fast UK delivery.