Baking parchment paper is an essential tool for any baker, whether you're a novice home baker or an experienced pastry chef. It provides a non-stick surface for baking, making it easier to remove baked goods from pans without sticking or breaking. Various brands and types of baking parchment paper UK are available, each offering different features, sizes, and packaging styles. This guide will help you understand what to look for when selecting the best baking parchment paper for your kitchen.
What is Baking Parchment Paper?
Baking parchment paper (also known as baking paper) is a moisture- and grease-resistant paper that’s designed for use in the oven. It's coated with a thin layer of silicone, which gives it its non-stick properties and heat resistance. It prevents baked goods from sticking to baking sheets or pans, reduces the need for greasing, and simplifies cleanup. It's a versatile product, perfect for lining baking trays, wrapping food for steaming or roasting, and even for rolling dough.
Why Choose Baking Parchment Paper?
- Non-Stick Surface: Baking parchment provides an easy-to-remove surface for cookies, cakes, and pastries, making your baking process less stressful.
- Heat Resistance: Most parchment papers can handle temperatures of up to 220°C to 230°C (428°F to 446°F), making them suitable for most baking tasks.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Many brands now offer recyclable, compostable, and unbleached parchment paper, which is a great choice for environmentally conscious bakers.
- Convenience: Pre-cut sheets and rolls make it easy to fit parchment paper to your specific baking tray size, minimizing waste and saving you time.
Popular Brands of Baking Parchment Paper UK
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most well-known UK brands offering baking parchment paper, their features, and packaging options:
1. Lakeland
- Common Sizes: 5m, 10m, 20m rolls; pre-cut sheets (33 x 40 cm)
- Colours: Brown (unbleached), White (bleached)
- Packaging: Rolls or pre-cut sheets in a box
- Features: Non-stick, oven-safe up to 220°C, recyclable
- Why Choose Lakeland: Known for its high-quality, reliable products, Lakeland’s baking parchment paper offers great value for money. Its eco-friendly options are perfect for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
2. Bacofoil
- Common Sizes: 5m, 10m, 20m rolls
- Colours: Brown (unbleached), White (bleached)
- Packaging: Rolls
- Features: Non-stick, heat-resistant up to 230°C, silicone-coated for added durability
- Why Choose Bacofoil: Bacofoil is a well-known brand for all things kitchen-related, and its baking parchment paper offers excellent heat resistance and a durable non-stick surface. It’s a great choice for heavy-duty baking.
3. Tala
- Common Sizes: 5m, 10m rolls; pre-cut sheets
- Colours: Brown (unbleached), White (bleached)
- Packaging: Rolls or pre-cut sheets in a box
- Features: Non-stick, oven-safe up to 220°C, recyclable
- Why Choose Tala: Tala has been a trusted name in baking supplies for over a century. Its parchment paper is a reliable choice for both home bakers and professionals, offering consistency and quality.
4. Iris
- Common Sizes: 5m, 10m rolls
- Colours: Brown (unbleached)
- Packaging: Rolls
- Features: Non-stick, recyclable
- Why Choose Iris: A budget-friendly option, Iris parchment paper is perfect for everyday use. While it may not have the same range of sizes as other premium brands, its non-stick and recyclable properties make it a solid choice for most baking tasks.
5. Sainsbury's (Own Brand)
- Common Sizes: 5m, 10m rolls
- Colours: Brown (unbleached), White (bleached)
- Packaging: Rolls
- Features: Non-stick, oven-safe up to 220°C, recyclable
- Why Choose Sainsbury's: Ideal for everyday use, Sainsbury’s own brand offers high-quality parchment paper at a more affordable price point. It’s a great option for budget-conscious bakers without compromising on performance.
6. Waitrose (Own Brand)
- Common Sizes: 5m, 10m rolls
- Colours: Brown (unbleached)
- Packaging: Rolls
- Features: Non-stick, oven-safe up to 220°C, recyclable
- Why Choose Waitrose: Waitrose offers a premium, eco-friendly parchment paper option. Ideal for environmentally conscious bakers, this product provides great value while helping you reduce your carbon footprint.
7. Amazon Basics
- Common Sizes: 30cm x 45m roll
- Colours: Brown (unbleached)
- Packaging: Roll
- Features: Non-stick, oven-safe up to 220°C, recyclable
- Why Choose Amazon Basics: For those looking for an affordable, no-frills option, Amazon Basics offers a large roll of baking parchment that’s great for high-volume baking. It’s a reliable and cost-effective choice for frequent bakers.
8. Greenscapes (Eco-Friendly Option)
- Common Sizes: 5m, 10m rolls
- Colours: Brown (unbleached)
- Packaging: Rolls
- Features: Non-stick, eco-friendly, biodegradable, compostable, oven-safe up to 220°C
- Why Choose Greenscapes: A standout choice for environmentally conscious bakers, Greenscapes offers biodegradable and compostable parchment paper that’s perfect for reducing your kitchen waste while still delivering excellent performance.
9. Pre-Cut Baking Sheets (Various Brands)
- Common Sizes: 33 x 40 cm (pre-cut sheets)
- Colours: Brown (unbleached), White (bleached)
- Packaging: Box of pre-cut sheets (usually 50 or 100 sheets)
- Features: Non-stick, oven-safe up to 220°C, recyclable
- Why Choose Pre-Cut Sheets: These convenient, ready-to-use sheets save you time and effort, eliminating the need to cut your own parchment paper. Ideal for quick and easy baking, these sheets are perfect for smaller batches or frequent baking.
10. Doves Farm (Organic Option)
- Common Sizes: 5m roll
- Colours: Brown (unbleached)
- Packaging: Roll
- Features: Non-stick, organic, compostable, oven-safe up to 220°C
- Why Choose Doves Farm: Doves Farm’s organic parchment paper is perfect for eco-conscious bakers who prefer to buy sustainably sourced, compostable products. It’s ideal for those looking to reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying high-quality results.
How to Choose the Best Baking Parchment Paper for Your Needs?
When selecting the best baking parchment paper for your kitchen, consider the following factors:
- Size: If you bake large batches, consider a long roll (e.g. 20m or 30m). For smaller or occasional use, pre-cut sheets or a 5m roll may be more convenient.
- Colour: While most baking parchment paper is either brown (unbleached) or white (bleached), the colour doesn’t affect its performance. However, unbleached parchment is often considered more eco-friendly.
- Packaging: Rolls are versatile and can be cut to your desired size, while pre-cut sheets are convenient for quick use.
- Eco-Friendliness: If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact, opt for eco-friendly, biodegradable, or compostable options from brands like Greenscapes or Doves Farm.
- Budget: There are plenty of budget-friendly options available (such as Sainsbury’s or Amazon Basics), while premium brands (like Lakeland and Tala) offer extra durability and higher quality for those willing to invest a little more.
Conclusion
Baking parchment paper is an indispensable kitchen tool that can make your baking experience easier and more enjoyable. With so many brands available in the UK, there's a wide range of choices depending on your needs, whether you’re looking for eco-friendly options, high-performance paper, or convenient pre-cut sheets. The right parchment paper can help ensure your baked goods turn out perfectly every time, while also simplifying cleanup. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can find the best parchment paper for your baking projects and enjoy hassle-free, delicious results.
