Stop Throwing Away Butter Wrappers And Give Them New Life In The Freezer

Butter is a staple ingredient used in cooking, baking, and even in coffee. But its uses don't stop at ways to consume it. The wrap can also be used to make freezing your food easier. Those butter wrappers are more than mere packaging — they prevent food from sticking together in the freezer and can help you avoid freezer burn on chicken and other foods. 

Getting this hack down is a breeze. Once you've finished a stick of butter (whether you've unwrapped it for a recipe or popped it into a butter holder), save the wrapper. Flatten the butter wrapper out and store them in a resealable bag before placing them in the fridge or freezer until you need them again. This keeps them fresh and ready for action so you can freeze food like a pro.

The wax lining is perfect for separating items like cooked chicken, making it easy to grab a few pieces without prying them all apart. No one wants to wrestle with a frozen chicken thigh. So, the next time you finish a stick of hand-rolled butter, don't toss the wrapper — upcycle it for your freezer food.

You might be surprised at how handy butter wrappers can be. You can use them to line baking sheets instead of reaching for spray or foil, for example. That's because, when the wrapper is removed, some of the butter remains on it. This means the wrapper is essentially "pre-greased" and ready to use without having to reach for extra baking supplies. Simply take the room temperature wrapper, spread the butter remnants onto the pan, and add your ingredients to the now-greased cookware.

The wrappers are best stored in the fridge or the freezer until use because the butter solidifies. If left out, the butter remains at room temp and can melt easier. Additionally, leaving butter wrappers in the pantry can lead them to going rancid. If you use raw or unpasteurized butter, the wrappers must go in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth — be sure to research the risks before choosing unpasteurized milk or butter. 

Butter wrappers have many uses, but they're perfect for protecting food when storing it in the fridge, too. They can be placed over leftovers as a replacement for lids, saran wrap, or beeswax wraps. The wrappers allow for a tight seal that helps prevent air from leaking in and spoiling your food.

These waxy wonders prevent sticking, they make meal prep and single servings easy to manage, and help you cut down on waste. So, whether you're freezing meals or greasing pans, remember to give those butter wrappers a second life. They're the unsung heroes of the kitchen and can help you keep your kitchen environmentally green while you save a little cash in the process.