Why Is Butter Wrapped in Wax Paper?

Wax paper helps keep butter fresh and odor-free.

Wax paper is usually the packaging of choice for butter, whether it is used for a bulk block or as smaller blocks. The other packaging material used for wrapping butter is aluminium foil.

Moisture

Wax paper helps maintain the quality of the butter as it is moisture-proof so water, oil and grease are unable to get through it. Butter does not stick to wax paper as it does to other types of paper.

Modern demands

Another benefit for the consumer over paper-backed foil is that it is possible to microwave the butter in the wax paper. Land O Lakes says that there seems to be no difference in quality between foil-wrapped and wax paper-wrapped butter, so long as it is stored properly.

History

Paraffin is used as a coating for wax paper. In Milton. E Parker's "Princely Packets of Golden Health," he cites some of the reasons for using paraffined cartons including the prevention of undesirable odors; the preservation of quality and flavor and the convenience of handling.

References

• Transport Information Service: Butter
• Washington Post:
• Princeley Packets of Golden Health (A History of Butter Packaging) by Milton. E Parker