Think of 50gsm butter paper as the "goldilocks" weight for professional baking and food packaging. It’s thin enough to be translucent and flexible, but heavy enough to resist tearing when it comes into contact with moisture or grease.
Here is a breakdown of what that "50gsm" actually means for you:
What does "50gsm" mean?
GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It measures the density of the paper.
Comparison: A standard sheet of printer paper is usually 80gsm.
The Feel: 50gsm butter paper is significantly thinner and lighter than office paper, giving it that classic "crinkly" feel and semi-transparent look.
Key Features & Benefits
Grease Resistance: The primary job of butter paper is to act as a barrier. At 50gsm, it effectively prevents oil and fats from seeping through, making it perfect for wrapping burgers, sandwiches, or lining cake tins.
Non-Stick Surface: It has a smooth, low-friction finish. While not quite as "slippery" as silicone-coated parchment paper, it is excellent for preventing dough or baked goods from sticking to surfaces.
Heat Stability: It is designed to withstand oven temperatures (typically up to 220°C), though it’s always best to check the specific brand's limit.
Breathability: Unlike plastic wrap, 50gsm paper allows a tiny amount of steam to escape, which prevents fried foods or warm pastries from getting soggy.
Common Use Cases
| Industry | Typical Use |
| Baking | Lining trays for cookies, puffs, and sponges. |
| Food Service | Wrapping butter, cheese, or deli meats. |
| Art/Drafting | Used as a budget-friendly tracing paper due to its translucency. |
| Interleaving | Placing between layers of frozen meat or pastries to prevent sticking. |
Butter Paper vs. Parchment Paper
It’s easy to confuse the two, but there is a slight difference:
Butter Paper (50gsm): Usually "sulfuric acid treated" to be greaseproof. It’s great for wrapping and light baking.
Parchment Paper: Often thicker and coated with silicone. If you are baking something very sticky (like macarons or heavy caramel), parchment is the "heavy-duty" upgrade.
