Properties And Application Of Parchment Paper Vs Freezer Paper
November 19, 2024 Uncategorized
When it comes to cooking, baking, and food storage, parchment and freezer paper are the two options that come to mind. These two papers may appear alike but their properties differ from each other to a significant extent. In parchment paper vs freezer paper, the former is used in cooking while the latter is used in wrapping frozen food items.
These two custom papers are extensively used in kitchens, and knowing their proper usage and features is necessary to prevent any kind of mishap while storing or cooking food. In this blog, we will discuss the different features that the two custom wraps possess and their unique applications.
Mechanical Properties
Although the base material in both the custom greaseproof papers is the sane which is kraft paper due to the different manufacturing processes and coating, both the papers possess significantly distinct mechanical properties, such as:
Tensile Strength
There is a significant difference in the mechanical properties of the papers. Parchment paper has high tensile strength when you compare it with freezer paper. This is the reason why parchment paper is frequently used to line baking trays because durability is required to prevent the tearing of the paper. On the other hand, frozen paper can tear if stretched because its tensile strength is low.
Flexibility
The flexibility of parchment sheets is way much higher than that of freezer paper. This is the reason we can use parchment for various proposes on arts and crafts. On the other hand, freezer paper has a PE or wax coating that restricts its flexibility.
Parchment is 12 to 14 micrones thin which is the reason it is flexible. On the other hand, the thickness of freezer sheets is 20 to 25 microns which is why it is the best option to wrap frozen foods under freezing temperature where protection of the food is required from freezer burns.
Durability
The durability of both papers varies in different temperatures. Parchment works well in high temperatures as it has a silicone coating that prevents burning. On the other hand, freezer sheets work effectively in freezing temperatures due to their PE coatings and thickness.
| Property | Parchment Paper | Freezer Paper |
| Tensile Strength | High tensile strength; tear-resistant | Moderate tensile strength; can tear easily |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible; molds easily to shapes | Less flexible; stiffer structure |
| Thickness | Typically 12-14 microns | Typically 20-25 microns |
| Durability | Durable under high heat | Durable for cold storage |
| Elasticity | Low elasticity; maintains shape | Slightly more elastic than parchment |
| Opacity | Semi-transparent | Opaque |
Chemical And Structural Properties
The chemical and structural properties of paper play a significant role in their unique applications. What different types of chemicals are used in the manufacturing of custom parchment and custom freezer paper determine to what extent the paper can bear heat, moisture, and grease.
Base Material
Both the papers are manufactured with wood pulp. Nonetheless, in parchment paper, cellulose is used directly to manufacture the paper and in freezer paper cellulose goes through a process known as kraft to enhance its strength. In the same kraft process a plastic layer is also added so that the durability of the paper can be enhanced.
Coating
Parchment is coated with silicone that gives non-stick properties and makes the paper ready to bear the heat of the oven. You can also release your baked goods from the paper without the requirement of greasing it. On the other hand, polyethylene coating on the freezer paper acts as an excellent barrier against moisture and protects the food from freezer burns, however, this paper can not withstand high temperatures.
pH Level
The pH level of parchment paper is normal so that it does not interact with the food (either acidic or basic) while baking or cooking. When it comes to freezer paper, then the pH level is slightly acidic but this is not acidic enough to cause any contamination to the food. Your food reams are entirely safe when you store them in freezer paper, despite their slightly acidic nature.
Chemical Resistance
As parchment sheets are coated with silicone that is why this paper is resistant to moisture, grease, and heat. This resistance of the paper makes it suitable for various tasks of cooking or baking. Freezer paper has a PE coating that limits its usage to cold temperatures only.
Biodegradability
Parchment paper is biodegradable as the applied coating and the base material both are easy to compost. Even when you are using unbleached parchment paper then the composting becomes much easier. Freezer sheets have PE coating that is based on plastic and does not compost at all. Therefore in comparing both, the biodegradability of parchment is better.
Food Safety
Both the custom greaseproof papers are safe to use in direct contact with the food. The heat resistance of parchment does not allow any hazardous chemical to leach into the food. Similarly, freezer paper is also durable and does not leach any chemicals into the food even in the moist environment of the freezer. But if you use custom printed freezer paper sheets for hot food items then unwanted substances can be released from the paper which can degrade the quality of the food.
| Aspect | Parchment Paper | Freezer Paper |
| Base Material | Typically made from cellulose from wood pulp | Made from kraft paper with a plastic (usually polyethylene) coating |
| Coating | Silicone-coated for non-stick properties | Plastic-coated on one side to prevent moisture transfer |
| pH Level | Neutral pH, suitable for baking without reacting | Slightly acidic due to the kraft paper base |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to grease and moisture | Resistant to moisture but not to high heat |
| Biodegradability | Biodegradable | Less biodegradable due to plastic coating |
| Food Safety | Generally safe for direct food contact | Safe for wrapping and storage but not recommended for high-heat applications |
Temperature
Parchment paper is safe in all baking and cooking processes because it can handle high temperatures up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit or 215 degrees Celsius. Freezer paper, which does not possess this heat resistance, cannot be used in high-temperature settings and should only be used as freezer and cold storage paper.
Moisture
Moisture resistance of both the papers is at a different level. Excessive humidity is avoided in baking, ensuring baked products do not stick when using parchment paper. Freezer paper has higher moisture-resistant properties, which enable it to reduce or eliminate the transfer of moisture through freezing, which ultimately prevents freezer burn and maintains food quality.
Freezing
Although both papers can be utilized in freezing conditions, freezer paper is uniquely designed for freezing and it protects against freezer burn and moisture loss. Parchment paper can also be used when freezing but it is not much good at preventing moisture exchange over a long time.
Storage
The parchment is convenient whenever one needs to temporarily store food covered by parchment paper at room temperature or within the refrigerator. The exceptional quality of the Freezer paper to resist moisture penetration makes it the best for a long duration of food storage.
Reusability
Parchment paper is used only once, especially for baking, because the silicone covering may degrade or contact with other foods. You can defrost and reuse Freezer paper for more than one freezing cycle if it is clean and has not been torn apart.
| Resistance | Parchment Paper | Freezer Paper |
| Temperature | Heat-resistant up to ~420°F (215°C) | Not suitable for high temperatures; best for freezing and cold storage |
| Moisture | Moisture-resistant, prevents sticking | Highly moisture-resistant for freezing |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent for oven use, withstands direct heat | Limited heat resistance; may degrade in high heat |
| Freezing | Can be used in freezing but is less optimal | Specifically designed for freezing, prevents freezer burn |
| Cooking | Suitable for baking, roasting, steaming | Limited cooking applications due to coating |
| Storage | Suitable for short-term storage at room temperature | Ideal for long-term storage in freezer environments |
| Reusability | Typically single-use due to coating wear | Can be reused for multiple freezing cycles |
| Durability in Heat | Maintains integrity in high-heat | Degrades when exposed to high heat |
Read Also: Comparing Parchment Paper Vs Butter Paper
Conclusion!
The physical appearance of both parchment paper vs freezer paper may seem but both of them are quite distinct from each other when it comes to mechanical and chemical properties. You can pack your food in any of the two after understanding the suitability in different situations. You can get all the custom food wrapping papers by contacting Greaseproof Papers and enjoy the most pristine quality custom papers.
