
Greaseproof Deli Paper for Restaurants: Uses, Benefits & Tips
Restaurants do not need paper that simply looks clean on the serving line—they need packaging that works with the food being served. Greaseproof deli paper can help restaurants wrap sandwiches, line baskets and trays, handle oily foods, and improve food presentation, but the right choice depends on the food, portion size, format, and intended use. The term “greaseproof deli paper” combines two ideas. Deli paper generally refers to the type of foodservice paper used for wrapping and lining, while greaseproof describes the paper’s ability to resist grease and oil. That makes it a practical option for many restaurant applications where ordinary paper can become saturated quickly. For restaurants evaluating food packaging, the important questions are straightforward: What is deli paper used for? Is it suitable for direct food contact? Which size should you choose? Are sheets or rolls better? And what should you check before ordering custom printed paper? What Is Greaseproof Deli Paper? Greaseproof deli paper is foodservice paper designed for uses where food can transfer oil or grease to the packaging. Restaurants commonly use this type of paper as a wrapper, liner, or presentation layer for foods such as sandwiches, burgers, fried foods, bakery items, and deli-style meals. The important point is that not all paper performs the same way. Paper intended for direct food contact should be selected for its specific intended use, including the type of food and conditions of contact. The FDA treats food packaging and substances applied to packaging surfaces as food contact substances and regulates relevant materials and components according to their intended use. FDA regulations include provisions covering components of paper and paperboard used with aqueous and fatty foods, as well as dry foods. For restaurant buyers, that means the label “greaseproof” alone should not be the only deciding factor. The paper should be appropriate for the intended food-contact application. Greaseproof Paper vs. Deli Paper: Are They the Same? These terms are closely related, but they are not necessarily identical. Deli paper describes a foodservice paper commonly used for wrapping, lining, serving, or separating food. Greaseproof paper describes a performance characteristic: resistance to grease and oil. A product can therefore be both deli paper and greaseproof paper. This distinction is useful when comparing packaging options. A restaurant might be looking for deli paper because of how it will be used, while grease resistance is one of the performance requirements that determines whether the paper is suitable for that job. A simple way to think about it is: Term What it tells you Deli paper How the paper is commonly used in foodservice Greaseproof paper A resistance characteristic of the paper Greaseproof deli paper Deli-style foodservice paper with grease-resistant performance The exact construction, treatment, and performance can vary by product, so restaurants should always review the supplier’s specifications and intended-use information. What Is Deli Paper Used For? One of the main advantages of greaseproof deli paper is flexibility. A single paper format can serve several functions in a restaurant, which can simplify packaging operations. 1. Wrapping sandwiches Deli paper is commonly used to wrap sandwiches for dine-in service, takeaway, and delivery. It can help contain crumbs, sauces, and surface grease while keeping the food presentation neat. For sandwiches with heavier fillings or sauces, the paper’s grease resistance becomes especially important. 2. Wrapping burgers Burgers produce a combination of heat, oil, moisture, and sauces that can challenge ordinary paper. A suitable grease-resistant sheet can be used as a burger wrap, partial wrap, or presentation layer. The best format depends on the burger size and the way the restaurant serves it. 3. Lining food baskets Deli paper basket liners can separate food from the serving basket and provide a clean presentation surface. This is especially useful in casual restaurants, burger shops, diners, cafés, and food trucks where baskets are part of the serving experience. 4. Lining trays Deli paper tray liners provide a simple way to improve presentation while creating a paper layer between the food and the tray. This can be useful for sandwiches, fries, fried foods, appetizers, and combination meals. 5. Wrapping fried food Fried foods release oil as they sit, making grease resistance particularly important. Deli paper can be considered for fried chicken, fries, fried sandwiches, onion rings, and similar menu items, provided the particular paper is intended for the food and conditions involved. 6. Takeout and food delivery Restaurants can use deli paper for takeaway presentation and as part of a larger food packaging setup. However, packaging decisions should consider hold time, food temperature, moisture, sauce content, and transport conditions. Paper that works well for a short serving period may not perform the same way after a longer delivery period. Why Restaurants Use Greaseproof Deli Paper The value of greaseproof deli paper is not simply that it resists oil. Its usefulness comes from several restaurant-level benefits working together. Better handling of greasy foods Grease-resistant food paper is designed to slow the transfer of grease and oil through the paper. That can help reduce messy handling and maintain a cleaner presentation. The FDA describes grease-proofing agents as substances used on paper and paperboard packaging to prevent leaking of grease, oil, or water. Cleaner food presentation A clean sheet can make a meal look more organized, especially when the paper is used as a basket liner or visible wrapping layer. More flexible foodservice applications A paper format that can wrap, line, and present food can be useful across different service styles. Branding opportunity For businesses that want packaging to do more than protect food, custom printed deli paper can turn an otherwise plain wrapping surface into a branded customer touchpoint. The Branded Paper offers custom deli paper for branded food presentation and packaging, allowing businesses to incorporate their logo or design into their packaging. How to Choose Deli Paper for Restaurants The right paper depends more on the restaurant’s actual workflow than on the word “greaseproof” printed on a product description. Use these criteria before placing an order. 1. Start with the








