Foil will get a brisket through the stall, but it can steam the bark soft. Butcher paper is the gentler answer. It holds in enough moisture to keep the meat from drying out and still lets steam escape, and that is why it became the signature of Texas barbecue.
The trouble is that most rolls look alike, and most listings use the same words. What separates them is whether the maker states a heat limit, whether it confirms the paper is unwaxed and uncoated, and whether the roll is long or wide enough for how you cook. This guide sets those details out for seven rolls and marks where a maker says nothing.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a working kitchen looks for, product specifications and third-party guides, which we name. We have not used these products ourselves.
Quick verdict: which butcher paper to buy
The best butcher paper for smoking at most home smokers is Oklahoma Joe’s Peach Butcher Paper: it is unwaxed and uncoated, comes on a useful 100-foot roll, and carries a stated limit of 450°F, the highest of any maker here. For your first wrap, the Reynolds Kitchens Pink Butcher Paper has a slide cutter and clear guidance, but it stops at 300°F. Buy the Bryco Goods Pink Butcher Paper with Dispenser for a long roll in a box, and the DIY Crew 24-Inch Pink Butcher Paper for whole packer briskets.
One caution: we found no side-by-side test of these rolls by an independent reviewer. Most of what is online is affiliate lists, so the ranking here rests mainly on what each maker is willing to state.
Five butcher papers side by side
Five standout picks, one for each kind of cook, with details as each maker or listing states them. All seven rolls are reviewed in full below.
| Butcher paper | Best for | Roll size | Stated heat limit | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oklahoma Joe’s Peach Butcher PaperBest overall
|
Most home smokers | 18 in x 100 ft | 450°F | View on Amazon |
Reynolds Kitchens Pink Butcher PaperBest for first-timers
|
A first wrap | 18 in x 50 ft | 300°F | View on Amazon |
Franklin Barbecue Pink Butcher PaperPitmaster’s pick
|
Brisket fans | 17.25 in x 100 ft | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Bryco Goods Pink Butcher Paper with DispenserBest dispenser box
|
A long roll in a box | 18 in x 175 ft | Not stated | View on Amazon |
DIY Crew 24-Inch Pink Butcher PaperBest wide roll
|
Whole packer briskets | 24 in x 200 ft | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best butcher paper for smoking
Every pick here is a roll of butcher paper sold for smoking meat. Six are stated by the maker or listing to be unwaxed or non-waxy, and Traeger’s is the one exception, as its entry explains. Freezer paper, which has a plastic coating, waxed deli paper, parchment and sublimation paper are different products, so they are left out. Where a maker says food grade, we report it. Where it does not, we say that too.
1. Oklahoma Joe’s Peach Butcher Paper – Stated Heat Rating to 450°F
Oklahoma Joe’s builds smokers, so it is no surprise that this roll is sold for exactly this job. What sets it apart is one number. The listing rates it as heat resistant up to 450°F, the highest limit stated by any maker on this page, and the only one that clearly clears a hot-and-fast cook.
The roll is 18 inches wide and 100 feet long, a sensible size for a home smoker. A large brisket needs two overlapping sheets at that width, and 100 feet gives you a good run of cooks. The listing calls the paper unwaxed, uncoated and unbleached for food safety, says it has no recycled content, and says it is manufactured in the USA.
It also explains why the paper survives a long cook. A sizing treatment gives it leak protection and wet strength, which is what keeps butcher paper from falling apart once brisket fat soaks in. The listing says it is breathable, which is the reason to choose paper over foil in the first place.
We searched for an independent test of this roll and found none, so the choice rests on the stated details. There is no box or cutter listed, so you will need a dispenser, or a sharp knife and a straight edge. Note the wording too: the listing says unwaxed, uncoated and unbleached for food safety, and it does not use the term food grade.
Why we like it
- Highest stated heat limit on this page, at 450°F
- Unwaxed, uncoated and unbleached, per the listing
- Sizing treatment for wet strength
- Made in the USA with no recycled content
Key specifications
| Model | 7844466P04 |
|---|---|
| Roll size | 18 in x 100 ft |
| Color | Peach |
| Stated heat limit | 450°F |
| Wax and coating | Unwaxed and uncoated |
| Food-contact wording | Unwaxed, uncoated, unbleached for food safety |
| Box or cutter | None listed |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits most home pitmasters, especially anyone who runs a smoker above 300°F or wants a maker’s number to rely on.
Skip it if you want a roll with a built-in cutter. The Reynolds is much easier to handle in a kitchen.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear heat rating
- Fair length for home use
- Stated USA manufacture
Cons
- No cutter or box listed
- No independent test found
- Listing does not use the term food grade
2. Reynolds Kitchens Pink Butcher Paper – Clear Maker Guidance, Slide Cutter
If this is your first brisket in paper, Reynolds makes it easy. The roll comes in a sturdy box with a built-in slide cutter, so you get clean, straight sheets with no extra gear, and grocery chains stock it too if you run out mid-season.
Reynolds also gives the clearest statement here. On its site it calls this FDA compliant, 100 percent food-grade paper, unwaxed and unbleached, 40-pound stock formulated without chlorine or BPA. It says the paper has added wet strength and resists leaks and tears even when wet.
Reynolds is also the most careful about limits. It recommends the paper for smokers at a maximum of 300°F. It says the paper should never be used on a grill or exposed to open flames or direct heat sources, and should stay out of broilers and toaster ovens. Take that seriously. If your smoker runs hot, or your fire is close to the meat, choose the Oklahoma Joe’s.
The roll is 18 inches by 50 feet, or 75 square feet, the shortest on this page. It will cover a few cooks and not much more. A 225-square-foot version exists if you like the box. We found no independent test of this paper, and retailer comments are brief and tell you little.
Why we like it
- Built-in slide cutter
- Maker says FDA compliant and food grade
- Added wet strength, per Reynolds
- Clear stated limits on heat and use
Key specifications
| Model | G80004 |
|---|---|
| Roll size | 18 in x 50 ft (75 sq ft) |
| Color | Pink |
| Stated heat limit | 300°F |
| Wax and coating | Unwaxed; coating not stated |
| Food-contact wording | FDA compliant, 100% food-grade, per Reynolds |
| Box or cutter | Box with slide cutter |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a first-time wrapper or a kitchen that smokes meat a few times a year and wants tidy storage in a drawer.
Skip it if you smoke above 300°F. That is the maker’s limit, and it should be treated as firm.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easiest to cut
- Strong maker statement
- Sold widely
Cons
- 300°F limit
- Shortest roll here
- No independent test found
3. Franklin Barbecue Pink Butcher Paper – The Austin Brisket Name
Aaron Franklin did a great deal to make pink paper famous. Smoked BBQ Source says a big part of its popularity traces back to him, and Franklin Barbecue now sells its own roll. If you want the paper with that name on the box, this is it.
Franklin’s shop describes a 100-foot roll, 17.25 inches wide, with a custom Franklin Barbecue print, in a box with a tearing blade. It calls it a custom-designed, non-waxy paper. The Amazon listing adds that it is durable, food-grade paper built for high heat use, breathable to help preserve the bark, and meant for wrapping during both smoking and resting.
Be clear about what you are buying, though. The print on the paper is part of the appeal, so this is the roll to choose if the look on the table matters. The width is a little under most rolls here, which you will notice on a large brisket.
Franklin’s site does not give a numeric heat limit, a country of manufacture or a statement on bleaching. One retailer calls it unbleached and made in the USA, but that is a retailer’s claim, so we list those as not stated. We found no independent test of this roll. The Amazon listing also does not give the size, so check that it matches the roll Franklin describes.
Why we like it
- From a well-known brisket restaurant
- Non-waxy, breathable paper
- Box with a tearing blade, per Franklin
- Custom print for the table
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Roll size | 17.25 in x 100 ft, per Franklin |
| Color | Pink with printed design |
| Stated heat limit | Not stated; listing says high heat use |
| Wax and coating | Non-waxy; coating not stated |
| Food-contact wording | Food grade, per the listing |
| Box or cutter | Box with tearing blade, per Franklin |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a brisket fan or a gift buyer who likes the Franklin name, and a cook who serves on paper at the table.
Skip it if you want hard numbers. The Oklahoma Joe’s and Reynolds both state a heat limit, and this roll does not.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong barbecue name
- Built-in tearing blade
- Custom print
Cons
- Heat limit not stated
- Slightly narrow for big briskets
- No independent test found
4. Big Tex by Alliance Pink Butcher Paper – 40-Pound Paper on a Long Roll
Big Tex is the paper-trade option here. It is a plain 18-inch by 175-foot roll on a 2-inch core, sold under the Alliance name, and the same brand appears in much bigger rolls through Costco’s business channel. If you already own a dispenser or wall bar, this is the kind of roll to feed it.
The listing is direct about the stock. It calls this 40-pound paper that is uncoated, unwaxed and unbleached, food grade and smoker safe, and made in the USA. Forty pounds is the same basis weight Reynolds gives for its roll, so you have a fair point of comparison for the paper’s weight.
At 175 feet, it gives you well over three times the Reynolds length, so it suits people who wrap ribs, pork shoulder and brisket through the whole season. Because there is no box, keep it dry and off the floor, and expect to make your own cutting arrangement.
The listing does not give a heat limit, so stay with moderate smoker temperatures and keep the paper away from flame. We found no independent test of it. The larger 24-inch by 350-foot version is the one to look at if you need width or run a small catering operation.
Why we like it
- Stated 40-pound stock
- Uncoated, unwaxed and unbleached, per the listing
- Long 175-foot roll
- Made in the USA, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 7811 |
|---|---|
| Roll size | 18 in x 175 ft |
| Color | Pink |
| Stated heat limit | Not stated |
| Wax and coating | Unwaxed and uncoated |
| Food-contact wording | Food grade, per the listing |
| Box or cutter | None; bare roll on 2-inch core |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits regular smokers who own a dispenser, and small operations that care more about the length of a roll than its packaging.
Skip it if you have nothing to hold the roll. A loose roll on a counter is awkward, and the Bryco’s box solves that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good length
- Stated paper weight
- Plain, simple format
Cons
- No box or cutter
- Heat limit not stated
- No independent test found
5. Bryco Goods Pink Butcher Paper with Dispenser – Long Roll in a Cutter Box
Bryco Goods is an Amazon-first brand, but it is also the name that appears most often in third-party coverage of butcher paper. BestReviews rates a Bryco pink roll its best of the best in a research-based guide, and bbqreport places this 18-inch by 175-foot dispenser version first in its list. Neither says it wrapped meat in the paper, so treat that as a popularity signal and not as test data.
The appeal is simple. You get a long roll in a box with a cutter, a combination none of the other long rolls here offers. The Reynolds also has a cutter, but it holds under a third of the paper.
The listing describes the paper as unwaxed, unbleached and uncoated, food-grade and made in the USA. It does not give a heat limit, so stay with moderate smoker temperatures and keep it away from flame.
BestReviews mentions two complaints: the paper can stick to meat, and it is not recommended for the freezer. If it sticks, peel it off while the meat is still warm, and use freezer paper for storage. Bryco sells many colors and sizes that look alike on Amazon, so make sure you have this pink dispenser listing.
Why we like it
- Long roll in a box with a cutter
- A Bryco pink roll is BestReviews’ Best of the Best
- Unwaxed, unbleached and uncoated, per the listing
- Made in the USA, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | BG-BP-B-P-18-175-DMY |
|---|---|
| Roll size | 18 in x 175 ft |
| Color | Pink |
| Stated heat limit | Not stated |
| Wax and coating | Unwaxed and uncoated |
| Food-contact wording | Food grade, per the listing |
| Box or cutter | Dispenser box with cutter |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits a frequent smoker who wants a long roll and the convenience of a box in one purchase.
Skip it if you run hot or want a maker’s stated limit. The listing gives no temperature.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long roll and box together
- Named often by reviewers
- Stated USA manufacture
Cons
- Heat limit not stated
- Can stick to meat, per BestReviews
- Amazon-first brand
6. DIY Crew 24-Inch Pink Butcher Paper – Wide Sheets for Big Cuts
Width is the reason to consider this roll. Every other paper on this page is 18 inches wide or close to it, and at that width a big packer brisket needs two overlapping sheets. A 24-inch roll gives you more paper across the meat for each wrap, and it helps with large pork shoulders and full racks.
DIY Crew is an Amazon-first brand, and it is the smallest name here. We kept it because it is not relying on its own listing alone. BestReviews includes the brand’s pink paper as a top pick in its research-based guide, and bbqreport lists an 18-inch DIY Crew roll in its roundup. Neither says it wrapped meat in the paper, so the support is modest, and BestReviews notes that it can stick to meat and may absorb moisture in some cases.
The listing calls it food-grade paper, unbleached, unwaxed and uncoated, made in the USA, and at 200 feet it is the longest roll on this page. It does not give a heat limit, so stay with moderate temperatures and keep the paper away from flame.
There is no box or cutter listed, and a 24-inch roll takes up more room than an 18-inch one. Measure your storage shelf and any dispenser first, since an 18-inch dispenser will not take it.
Why we like it
- 24-inch width for large cuts
- Longest roll on this page, at 200 feet
- Food-grade, unwaxed and uncoated, per the listing
- Named in BestReviews’ research guide
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Roll size | 24 in x 200 ft |
| Color | Pink |
| Stated heat limit | Not stated |
| Wax and coating | Unwaxed and uncoated |
| Food-contact wording | Food grade, per the listing |
| Box or cutter | None listed |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who regularly smokes whole packer briskets and wants one wide sheet that goes around in a single wrap.
Skip it if you mostly smoke ribs or small cuts. An 18-inch roll is easier to store and handle, and it comes from better-known makers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extra width
- Long roll
- Stated USA manufacture
Cons
- Smallest brand on this page
- Evidence is research-based, not test data
- Too wide for 18-inch dispensers
7. Traeger Pink BBQ Butcher Paper – Easy Add-On for Pellet Cooks
If you own a Traeger, this is the easy roll to add to the same order as your pellets. It measures 18 inches by 75 feet, somewhere between the Reynolds and the Oklahoma Joe’s, and the listing suggests it for covering brisket and for lining trays or tables.
Traeger’s own product page calls it FDA-approved paper, and it describes the paper as sealing in juices while staying breathable enough to protect bark and let in more smoke. The listing says much the same.
This is the thinnest maker statement on the page, and it deserves to be said plainly. Neither Traeger’s page nor the listing says whether the paper is unwaxed, uncoated or unbleached, and neither gives a heat limit or a country of manufacture. One retailer, Barbecue Galore, describes it as unwaxed, unbleached and uncoated, and Home Depot lists it as 40-pound stock, but those are retailer statements. We would like to see Traeger say so itself.
That is why it ranks last despite the well-known name. We found no independent test of it either. One oddity: the listing’s color field says brown, while its title says pink.
Why we like it
- FDA-approved paper, per Traeger
- Useful 18-inch width
- From a well-known pellet grill maker
- Suggested for lining trays and tables too
Key specifications
| Model | BAC817 |
|---|---|
| Roll size | 18 in x 75 ft |
| Color | Pink |
| Stated heat limit | Not stated |
| Wax and coating | Not stated by Traeger; a retailer says unwaxed and uncoated |
| Food-contact wording | FDA-approved, per Traeger |
| Box or cutter | None listed |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits Traeger owners who like to buy from one maker and want a roll sized for occasional cooks.
Skip it if you want the maker to confirm unwaxed, uncoated paper. The Oklahoma Joe’s and Big Tex listings both do.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Familiar maker
- Handy length
- Maker’s FDA statement
Cons
- Maker does not state unwaxed or uncoated
- Heat limit not stated
- No independent test found
How to choose butcher paper for smoking
Confirm that it is unwaxed and uncoated. This matters most. Wax and plastic coatings do not belong in a smoker. Be careful with similar-looking products: freezer paper is coated, and some white paper is sold for sublimation printing. One white kraft listing we read calls itself uncoated and then mentions a special coating for dye inks. Stick to rolls sold for smoking, and read the whole listing.
Check the heat limit against your smoker. Few makers state one. Oklahoma Joe’s says 450°F, and Reynolds says 300°F and warns against open flame. Most low-and-slow cooks run under 275°F, so either works, but hot-and-fast cooks need the higher number. Paper is still paper, whatever the limit: keep it away from flame and hot metal near a firebox. A grill thermometer at grate level tells you what your smoker is really doing.
Choose by width and length. An 18-inch roll handles ribs and pork shoulder well, and it takes two overlapping sheets for a large brisket. A 24-inch roll saves that step. For length, count your cooks. Reynolds’ 50 feet suits a few cooks, and 100 feet or more makes sense if you smoke most weekends.
Read the words pink, peach and white carefully. Pink and peach usually mean the same thing in barbecue. Smoked BBQ Source explains that the paper is pink because it is not bleached, and that peach is a colloquial name for it. Peach has no connection to the fruit. White paper is bleached. Brown kraft is sold for smoking too, but read its listing as carefully as any other.
Treat food-grade wording as a claim. Reynolds, Bryco, DIY Crew, Big Tex and Franklin’s listing say food grade, and Traeger says FDA-approved. We cannot check those statements ourselves, so we report the words each maker uses and do not add to them.
Think about handling. A cutter box is useful in a kitchen, and a bare roll is best on a dispenser. You will wrap with greasy hands at some point, so choose a setup that lets you tear a clean sheet quickly.
How we picked these seven rolls
We have not used these products ourselves. We started from the butcher papers sold on Amazon and kept in-stock rolls from identifiable makers. Oklahoma Joe’s, Reynolds, Franklin Barbecue, Big Tex and Traeger came first because their names stand behind the product. We read each listing, plus the maker pages from Reynolds, Franklin and Traeger, for heat limits, wax and coating, food-contact wording and origin.
Paper touches your food, so we would not fill the list with thin brands. Search results are full of look-alike rolls that we skipped. Bryco Goods and DIY Crew are the only Amazon-first brands here, and they were kept because BestReviews and bbqreport cover them. Both of those guides are research-based, not side-by-side tests, and we say so in each entry. Pit Boss, Weber, Grilla and Oren International were on our list too, but their rolls were low in stock, unavailable or not found when we checked. We searched the CPSC recall database by brand name and found no recall of a butcher paper from any of these makers.
Butcher paper questions, answered
What is pink butcher paper?
It is a strong, unbleached paper treated with sizing so that it stays intact when wet. Smoked BBQ Source describes it as an alternative to foil that lets the meat breathe a little. The color comes from the fact that it has not been bleached.
Is butcher paper better than foil for brisket?
It depends on what you want. Foil seals in more moisture, while paper lets some steam escape, so the crust stays firmer. Smoked BBQ Source warns that foil can over-steam meat. Our guide to the best smoker covers the machines themselves.
When should you wrap brisket in butcher paper?
Wrap once the bark has set. Reynolds says pitmasters often wrap at the stall, around 160°F to 170°F, and Smoked BBQ Source warns against wrapping too early because that can stop the crust from developing. A wireless meat thermometer lets you watch the temperature without opening the lid.
Can you use butcher paper on a grill?
Be careful. Reynolds says its paper should never be used on a grill or exposed to open flames or direct heat sources. Follow your own maker’s limit, and use paper only in indirect heat, well away from any flame.
Can you use waxed paper in a smoker?
No. Wax melts and belongs nowhere near a smoker. Every roll here is either stated to be unwaxed or, in Traeger’s case, marked in the entry as not confirmed by the maker.
Our final pick for smoking meat
Buy the Oklahoma Joe’s Peach Butcher Paper if you want one roll for most cooks, since it pairs a useful length with the clearest heat rating. Choose the Reynolds for a tidy first roll, the Bryco for a long roll in a box, and the DIY Crew if you need a wide sheet. If you are still choosing a cooker, start with our best smoker for beginners guide, and match your fuel with our best smoker pellets guide.
Slow-cooked meat has a long history in Mexico as well, and our guide to what barbacoa is explains that tradition. And if you would rather someone else did the smoking tonight, see the menu or call to order.