Reynolds · Grease-Resistant Butcher & Deli Paper
Reynolds 75 Sq. Ft. Freezer Paper
Freezer paper often uses PFAS-based waterproofing; Reynolds discloses nothing.
Freezer paper typically requires grease and moisture resistance, historically achieved with PFAS coatings. Reynolds provides no ingredient disclosure or PFAS-free claim, leaving composition unclear.
The safe swap
Sam's Club
Member's Mark Heavy Duty Food Service Foil
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Paper with moisture-resistant coating (type unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Reynolds Freezer Paper is paper substrate with a plastic moisture-resistant coating on one side, designed to repel water and prevent freezer burn. The coating chemistry is proprietary and undisclosed by Reynolds. Freezer papers in this category historically use fluorochemical (PFAS-based) water repellents, though some manufacturers have begun transitioning to non-fluorinated alternatives. The paper itself presents minimal hazard; the coating is the material of concern.
The brand's record and disclosure
Reynolds has not publicly disclosed the specific chemical composition of its freezer paper coating or confirmed whether PFAS are used. The company has faced scrutiny over PFAS in other product lines (aluminum foil, plastic wraps) but has made limited commitments to reformulation or transparency. No major recalls or safety violations are on record for this specific product. Reynolds' silence on freezer paper coating chemistry reflects a broader industry pattern of non-disclosure for food-contact coatings.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional freezer papers (including major store brands) use similar moisture-resistant coatings with uncertain or likely PFAS content. Butcher paper without plastic coating avoids the coating hazard but offers less freezer protection. Parchment paper is often marketed as an alternative but is not optimized for long-term freezing. Few freezer paper brands explicitly market PFAS-free status, making Reynolds typical rather than distinctive in this regard.
If you buy it
Use freezer paper for its intended purpose (wrapping foods for freezing) and do not use it for direct contact with hot foods or in ovens above 350F, as heat can degrade the coating and increase leaching. Replace wrapping if the coating shows cracks, peeling, or visible wear. Store rolls in cool, dry conditions. Washing and reusing is not recommended; the coating degrades with moisture exposure over time and single-use is safest.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in moisture-resistant coating
Freezer papers historically rely on fluorochemical coatings for water repellency. Reynolds discloses nothing; industry standard suggests PFAS probability is high but unconfirmed for this specific product.
Coating degradation and leaching
Moisture, heat, and time can compromise the plastic coating, potentially releasing coating particles or chemicals into food. Risk is low during normal freezing use but increases with temperature abuse or aging.
Microplastic migration
Repeated freezing cycles and mechanical stress can cause the plastic coating to fragment. Direct migration into fatty or acidic foods is theoretically possible but not well documented for freezer paper at normal use temperatures.
Heavy metals in coating pigments
No reports of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Reynolds freezer paper coatings. Coating is typically white or translucent with no evidence of colored pigments that would trigger this hazard.
BPA or BPS in coating
Freezer paper coatings are not typically polyester-based and do not require BPA cross-linking. No established reports of BPA/BPS in this product category, though full ingredient disclosure would be needed to rule out entirely.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Grease-Resistant Butcher & Deli Paper
Sam's Club
Member's Mark Heavy Duty Food Service Foil
Aluminum foil
Lower concern. Plain aluminum foil typically PFAS-free.
⚠Risky category by default
Sam's Club
Idl Packaging White Butcher Paper 18" x 12000" Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
unbleached natural kraft paper
Lower concern. Uncoated paper unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Butcher Paper (generic/store brands)
Bryco Goods Pink Kraft Butcher Paper Roll 18 Inch x 175 Feet
kraft paper, uncoated or minimal coating
Lower concern; plain kraft paper has minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More grease-resistant butcher & deli paper grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.