Different Kinds of Freezer Paper

Plastic Coated

• Plastic coated freezer paper is designed specifically for the challenges of long-term food storage. This type of freezer paper features a thick coating of plastic on one side of the paper. That plastic coating prevents food from sticking when you wrap it, and it provides long-term protection for the food once it is in the freezer. A number of manufacturers make this type of plastic coated freezer paper, and you can find cheaper, generic versions on the store shelves as well.

Wax Coated

• Wax coated freezer paper uses a thin coating of wax on one side of the paper. That coating of wax prevents the food from sticking to the paper and makes it easier to wrap your leftovers for freezing. Do not mistake wax coated freezer paper for regular wax paper. The two are not interchangeable. Wax paper has its uses, but wrapping foods for long-term freezing is not one of them. Use only freezer paper when wrapping your leftovers for freezing.

Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

• While aluminum foil is not suitable for long-term freezing, you can use heavy duty foil to store and protect foods in your freezer for shorter periods of time. If you plan to keep food in your freezer for eight weeks or less, you can wrap it securely in heavy duty aluminum foil then place it in a quality freezer bag with the air removed. Be sure to mark the bag with the date so you can use the food within the eight week time frame.

Unsuitable Substitutes

• When you freeze foods, you should use only paper specifically designed for use in the freezer. Do not substitute plastic wrap, ordinary aluminum foil, cellophane or wax paper. These materials can all let air in to the food, resulting in freezer burn and a loss of freshness. With freezer paper you can keep foods fresh for many months. Trying to substitute an unsuitable material could destroy those leftovers in a matter of days or weeks.