Greaseproof vs. Kraft Deli Paper: Picking the Right Sheet
The sheet under the sandwich does more work than most owners realize: it controls grease, keeps baskets clean, and carries your logo onto every table and Instagram photo. Here is how greaseproof and natural kraft compare, and which menu items call for which.
What each paper is
Greaseproof paper is treated so oil cannot soak through — the sheet stays crisp and the print stays sharp under fried food. Natural kraft is untreated brown paper: rustic, compostable-looking, and cheaper, but it absorbs grease and darkens where hot food sits.
Match the paper to the menu
| Menu item | Best sheet | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fried chicken, fries, smash burgers | Greaseproof | blocks soak-through |
| Cold sandwiches, bagels, pastries | Natural kraft | rustic look, lower cost |
| BBQ trays, cheesesteaks | Greaseproof kraft | brown look + oil barrier |
| Charcuterie, bakery counter | Either | styling choice |
Print and food-safety notes
Both papers take custom printing with food-safe inks. On white greaseproof, colors reproduce brightest; on kraft, dark single-color prints (black, deep red, forest green) look best and hide grease shadows. Every sheet we print is FDA-compliant for direct food contact.
The practical answer for most kitchens
If your menu leans fried or hot, run greaseproof as your main sheet and keep kraft for bakery and cold items. If you are cost-driven and mostly cold, flip it. Many shops split an order across both papers with the same artwork — the brand stays consistent and each item gets the right sheet.
Design your custom deli paper
Tell us your sheet size, paper type, and artwork and we will send a free mockup and per-sheet pricing within one business day.