Deli paper is one of the smallest items on your packaging list, and one of the most visible. Every sandwich, charcuterie board, and basket of fries that leaves your counter passes through a sheet of it. Yet most food businesses pick up a generic roll without thinking about the impact it could have on their brand.
This guide covers what deli paper is, the types available, and what to look for when buying custom printed deli paper for your food business.
Quick summary: what you need to know
If you’re short on time, here are the key points covered in this post:
- Deli paper is a lightweight, food-safe paper used to wrap, line, and serve food with.
- It comes in white or kraft, in pre-cut sheets or rolls, and in standard sizes like 12×12 and 15×15.
- High-quality printing keeps your branding sharp and consistent.
- Durable, grease-resistant paper performs in real food service conditions.
- Flexible customization options match your brand.
- A reliable specialist supplier balances cost with long-term value.
What is deli paper?
Deli paper is a lightweight, food-safe paper made for direct contact with food. It’s used to wrap sandwiches, line baskets, separate sliced meats and cheeses, and present food on serving trays. The name comes from its long history of use in delicatessens, but you’ll find deli paper in food trucks, cafes, bakeries, burger joints, and fine-dining restaurants today.
Most deli paper is around 30 to 40 gsm (grams per square meter), which makes it light enough to wrap easily but strong enough to hold its shape under a hot or greasy item. It can be white or kraft brown, and is usually sold as either pre-cut sheets or rolls. Our deli paper is also highly grease resistant, making it suitable for lining baskets and trays during cooking and serving.
Types of deli paper
Once you know you need deli paper, the next decision is what style. Most food businesses choose based on what they’re wrapping and the look they want.
White vs kraft deli paper
White paper gives a clean, modern look and shows off color printing well, especially fine logo detail and lighter brand colors. Kraft paper has a natural brown tone that suits artisan, rustic, or sustainability-led brands. Both perform equally well in food service, so the choice usually comes down to your branding.
Sheets vs rolls
Pre-cut sheets are faster for high-volume service. Staff can grab a sheet, wrap, and move on without slowing the line. Rolls give you flexibility on size and work well in for large charcuterie spreads where the whole table is covered. For most takeout and quick-service operators, sheets are the better choice.
Sheet sizes
Common sheet sizes include 12×12, 15×15, and 18×18 inches. Twelve-inch sheets handle smaller items like cookies, pastries, and half sandwiches. Fifteen-inch sheets are the workhorse size for full sandwiches, burgers, and burritos. Eighteen-inch sheets give you room for larger wraps and large sharing platters.
Plain vs custom printed
Plain deli paper does the job. Custom printed deli paper does the job and works as a marketing tool at the same time. Every time a customer unwraps a sandwich at home, sees a takeout order at their desk, or shares a photo online, your logo earns another impression. For most food businesses, the cost difference is small and the marketing benefit is huge.
Why custom printed deli paper matters
For delis, food trucks, cafes, and restaurants, packaging is part of the product. Customers notice how their food is wrapped, served, and presented, especially in a world where social sharing is common.
Branded deli paper:
- Increases brand visibility with every order.
- Creates a more premium, professional appearance.
- Reinforces your brand identity consistently.
- Turns takeout orders into marketing opportunities.
Compared to plain deli paper sheets, custom deli paper offers an affordable way to lift your brand without significantly increasing costs.
Print quality and brand presentation
One of the first things to look for is how well your design will translate onto the paper. High-quality custom printed deli paper should:
- Produce sharp, clear logos and patterns.
- Maintain consistent print across all sheets.
- Use food-safe inks that don’t smudge or transfer.
If your branding looks faded or unclear, it can undermine the premium feel you’re trying to achieve. When choosing a supplier, look at their social media accounts and website to see real life photos of their product being used. Our Branded Food Wraps Instagram showcases a wide range of custom deli paper and custom printed food paper, giving you a clear idea of print quality and real-world results.
Clean, well-defined printing helps your packaging stand out and build trust with your customers.
Paper quality and performance
Not all deli paper sheets are created equal. The material needs to perform well in real food service conditions.
Look for grease resistance to prevent leaks and mess, durable paper that holds up during handling, and suitable pliability for wrapping, lining, or serving. For example, our branded deli paper isn’t just for presentation, it’s also oven safe up to 392°F, freezer safe, and microwavable. This makes it a versatile kitchen tool that supports both food prep and service.
Whether you are using deli basket liners, wrapping sandwiches, or serving pastries, the paper should protect both the food and the customer experience.
Customization options
Flexibility in design is key when choosing a supplier so a strong custom deli paper provider should offer:
- Full custom printing with your logo or pattern.
- Multiple size options.
- A full range of color options.
- White or kraft paper options.
- Free design services.
These services should be standard, not expensive add-ons, as a good supplier embraces the creativity and individuality of each brand.
Some examples of different customization options we’ve printed are a simple black logo on kraft paper for this charcuterie board:
Single color pale blue background with white text for this burger wrapping:
Full color logo on white paper for this Nigerian jollof rice burrito wrap:
Two color logo in green and orange for serving these deli bagels on:
Sustainable branded deli wraps
Customers value food businesses that are transparent about their environmental impact and disposable packaging often has a reputation for being wasteful.
At Branded Food Wraps we source our paper from sustainable forests and ensure that all our paper is both recyclable and biodegradable. Our unique inks, which are exclusive only to us, are also plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and kinder to the planet than animal-derived alternatives.
Whether it’s a big part of your marketing positioning or not, being able to reassure your customers that the deli paper you use is environmentally friendly is a key selling point.
Cost vs value
With rising costs across the hospitality industry, it’s important to choose solutions that deliver real value. Deli paper is a low-cost way to increase the perceived value of your food, enhance presentation without expensive branded packaging, and promote your brand with every order.
Instead of viewing it as an added expense, think of it as a marketing tool. Every wrapped sandwich or lined basket becomes an opportunity to reinforce your brand and capture attention which is especially powerful when customers share your food online. Without context, your food looks incredible. With custom deli paper, everyone instantly knows where it comes from and how to find it for themselves.
Supplier reliability and expertise
Choosing where to buy deli paper is just as important as choosing the product itself. A reliable supplier should:
- Specialize in custom printed food paper.
- Offer consistent quality across orders.
- Provide clear communication and support.
- Understand the needs of food businesses.
Collaborating with a specialist ensures you get guidance on design, sizing, and usage, not just a generic product.
Why choose custom printed deli paper
Custom printed deli paper is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your packaging without overcomplicating your operations.
It helps you stand out in a competitive market with a cohesive, branded experience. This increases brand visibility with minimal effort and delivers a more premium experience to your customers. For independent food businesses, small changes like this can make a noticeable difference in how your brand is perceived.
Why choose Branded Food Wraps
When selecting a supplier, choosing a specialist like Branded Food Wraps makes a significant difference. We focus specifically on custom printed food paper and offer:
- High-quality materials designed for food service.
- Clear, professional printing that showcases your branding.
- Flexible options across custom deli paper sheets, wraps, and liners.
- Solutions tailored to food businesses of all sizes.
Our approach is built around helping businesses increase brand visibility through practical, affordable packaging. We make it easier to achieve a premium look without unnecessary complexity or cost.
How to get started
Getting started with custom deli paper is straightforward with Branded Food Wraps.
- Choose your preferred paper type, color options, and size.
- Upload your logo or design.
- Approve the proof we send you within 24 hours (business days only).
- Receive your order with free delivery.
If you’re not sure about a design or have questions about what we can do to make your brand stand out, contact our customer service team and we’ll happily answer your questions.
Custom printed deli paper frequently asked questions
What is deli paper made of?
Deli paper is made from food-safe, lightweight paper, usually around 30 to 40 gsm. Most deli paper today is dry-waxed, which gives it grease resistance without a slick or oily feel. Ours is sourced from sustainable forests, fully recyclable, and biodegradable.
What’s the difference between deli paper and parchment paper?
The two terms overlap a lot in everyday use. Traditionally, deli paper refers to a lightweight food-safe paper used for wrapping, lining, and serving prepared foods, while parchment paper is associated with heavier, oven-ready paper used in baking. In practice, the line between them has blurred and many food businesses use one paper for both jobs.
Our paper is engineered to handle either use. It’s grease-resistant, oven-safe up to 392°F, freezer-safe, and microwavable, so the same custom-printed sheet works whether you’re wrapping a sandwich at the counter or lining a baking tray in the kitchen. You can order it through our custom printed deli paper page or our custom printed parchment paper page depending on the use case you’re thinking of.
What size deli paper should I buy?
For most sandwiches, burgers, and burritos, 15×15 inch sheets are the standard. Smaller items like pastries, cookies, and half sandwiches, 12×12 works well. For larger wraps, charcuterie boards, or doubled-up wrapping, 18×18 gives you more room. If you’re unsure, our team will help you choose based on the items you serve.
What is custom printed deli paper used for?
To wrap food, line baskets, and serve items while highlighting your brand, combining functionality with marketing.
Is custom deli paper suitable for all types of food?
Yes. Our high-quality deli paper is designed to handle a range of foods, including greasy or hot items, while maintaining presentation.
How much does custom deli paper cost?
Costs vary depending on quantity and design. Find all our prices for custom deli paper here, with prices per unit decreasing as the quantity increases. The lowest-priced color option is single black at 4″ x 4″, with costs increasing as more colors are added and sheet size increases.
Can small businesses use custom deli paper?
Absolutely. Custom deli paper is ideal for boutique and family-owned delis, as well as independent food trucks, cafes, and small restaurants. It works well for any food business looking to improve branding without large investments.
Where can I buy custom deli paper?
Buy from specialist suppliers like us here at Branded Food Wraps. We focus on high-quality, cost-effective, and food-safe custom printed solutions.
Ready to add branded deli paper to your packaging?
Take a look at our full range of custom printed deli paper to see sizes, colors, and pricing, or explore related products like custom printed greaseproof paper and custom printed basket liners to complete your branded packaging set.
