Key Differences Between Deli Paper And Parchment Paper

Using the right tools can make all the difference in the outcome of the recipe. It can affect the texture, flavour and even the presentation of the final product. Among the kitchen essentials on which home or restaurant cooks rely, deli and parchment paper are two closely resembled papers on which many people commonly get confused. 

Both papers may look alike but there are some key differences between their composition, uses and benefits. This blog is all about marking the differences between these two papers and how one can use them in cooking efficiently without getting confused. So, just continue reading if you are eager to learn about the differences between these two kitchen staples!

What Is Deli Paper?

Deli paper is a thin food wrapping paper typically used in food wrapping and packaging. It is a versatile and common tool in the food industry that serves many purposes. This paper is weighted the same as wax paper and helps to keep food fresh and prevent contamination. Furthermore, this is a biodegradable option thus enabling eco-friendly food practices. Here are some characteristics this paper has to offer:

• Coated with a  thin layer of wax which makes it grease-proof
• The kraft base provides strength and durability
• Deli paper is breathable thus allowing moisture to escape
• Made from food-grade material ensuring safe food packaging

What Is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is a versatile cooking essential coated with a special silicone-based coating. It is commonly used in lining cakes and roasting pans. However, this paper can be used to make parchment packets for vegetables and other food items. Parchment paper has extended types including bleached, unbleached, Quilon-coated and silicon-coated papers thus giving versatile options. This paper typically has the following characteristics:

• Prevent food from sticking due to non-stick coating
• Able to withstand heat up to 420°F making it ideal for baking
• Moisture resistance prevents food from becoming soggy
• It’s a breathable cooking paper

Deli Paper Vs Parchment Paper

As we have discussed, both papers are key kitchen essentials for cooking and baking many food items. Knowing their difference is important for safer and more accurate use. Here are some key differences between custom deli paper sheets and parchment paper:

Coating

Coating is one of the main differences between deli and parchment paper. Deli paper is wax coated typically on one side only while on the other hand parchment paper is coated with silicon which makes it suitable for oven use.

Heat Resistant

As discussed before, customized parchment paper is coated with silicon which makes it heat resistant. Apart from silicon coatings, this paper is treated with sulphuric acid which further enhances its ability to withstand heat. As deli sheets are being coated only from one side, it does not make them suitable for the heating cooking process. However, it can be appropriate for light heat-related tasks such as adhering to painted papers with iron.

Non-Stick Properties

Again, due to the specialised coating and sulphuric acid treatment of parchment paper, it has more non-stick properties as compared to deli sheets. The deli paper can be prone to melting or sticking because it contains a thin layer of wax. 

Moisture Resistant

The one-sided wax deli paper can compromise moisture-resistant properties and cause it to become less effective. On the other hand, parchment paper is coated with silicone, a giant molecule that makes the parchment sheets an ideal choice for cooking that involves high moisture levels.

Uses

Both are versatile paper used in cooking but their uses may differ from each other. Deli paper is commonly used for wrapping sandwiches, packaging cheese, food storage, catering and take-out. On the contrary, custom parchment paper is the preferred choice for baking, roasting, grilling, steaming or cooking messy foods.

Material

The main material difference is that deli sheets are thinner and relatively translucent as compared to parchment ones. The base material is plant-based paper sheets, nonetheless, in both the papers the treatment of these sheets with different chemical and mechanical processing imparts distinct properties from the other. The sustainability factor depends upon the types of coatings applied to the paper. Wax coatings are less sustainable than silicones when. 

Appearance

Both the paper sheets are apparently almost the same. The surface area of deli paper is glossy from one side only, while custom printed parchment paper is coated with silicone on both sides which is why it has a shiny appearance from both the sides

Strength and durability

Parchment paper has high tensile strength, and excellent tear resistance while the deli ones have moderate tensile strength and limited tear resistance. Custom deli paper may be prone to punches when handling but parchment paper is more resistant to puncture due to sturdy construction.

Reusability

Deli papers are typically designed for single use and are not suitable to be used repeatedly. Parchment paper on either hand can be reused multiple times depending on the application. The wax coating of custom deli paper can degrade on repeated use in contrast the silicone cost of parchment makes it withstand repeated use.

Cost

Parchment papers are more expensive than deli ones due to higher quality and performance characteristics. However, the bulk purchase of deli paper can reduce more of its costs and low prices making it ideal for high-volume users such as custom deli paper for restaurants.

Tips For Effective Use Of Deli And Parchment Paper

Now you have understood how deli paper is different from parchment paper in many cases. They may be the boats of the same ocean but their routes are completely different from each other. This guide is not limited to highlighting differences but here are some tips on how to use these two wax wrapping papers more efficiently:

Mistakes To Avoid

Sometimes the wrong use of paper can bother our whole cooking process. For a better cooking and baking experience here are some mistakes you should avoid whenever using these two papers:

Last Remarks

In conclusion, both deli and parchment paper have distinct characteristics, uses and disadvantages. By understanding the key difference you can choose the right type of paper for the job you are going to perform. However, after all considerations one main difference between these two is coating. Deli paper is either uncoated or coated from one side on the other hand parchment paper contains a thick layer of coating. Just remember to follow best practices and if you need the best paper providers anytime waxpapers.ca is here to help!