Embracing a more sustainable lifestyle involves being attentive to how much you repurpose and recycle. Not all reusable products are created equal, but the goal is to stock up on those items that lessen one’s carbon footprint in addition to saving time and money long-term. One simple way to do that is by swapping out single-use cling film made out of plastic (or foil) for reusable beeswax wraps.
To help you figure out which beeswax wraps are best for your needs, we tested them side by side at home and evaluated each on design, size, durability, and overall value. Sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and loose snack items, such as pretzels, were stored to test the beeswax wraps' ability to keep food fresh and intact and, ultimately, make sure they are truly the best.
Best Overall
LilyBee Wrap Organic Cotton Beeswax Wrappers
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Our Ratings
Design
5/5
Size
4/5
Durability
5/5
Overall Value
5/5
What We Like
Excellent cling
Comes in different colors
Can transport delicate foods
What We Don't Like
Moderately pricier than others
Beeswax wraps are self-adhesive, so they can also be used in various capacities to help put food away. This set is made from 100 percent cotton along with a solution of beeswax, tree resin, and organic coconut oil. What’s also great about these wraps is that each is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. All six are vibrant and eye-catching and grip well to the sides of plastic and glass containers. Simply rub your finger along the edge of the container to form a seal.
As we discovered during testing, this wrap seals extremely well and isn't super thin, so you won't have to worry about what's inside potentially getting smashed. Better yet, out of all the options on this list, this was the only one that stayed properly closed and stuck together the whole time it was refrigerated or frozen. It's our number-one pick when it comes to wrapping, storing, or transporting any food, and although it's a little pricier than some competitors, high marks across the board justify the cost.
Color: Assorted patterns | Count: 3 | What’s Included: 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small
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What We Like
GOTS-certified organic cotton
Easy to clean
Attractive prints
Biodegradable
What We Don't Like
Doesn't adhere as well as others
Won't take shape around produce
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This set from Bee's Wrap includes three sheets—one small sheet (7 x 8 inches), one medium sheet (10 x 11 inches), and one large sheet (13 x 14 inches), each made from organic cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin.
This set stands out because of the included button and tie that can be used to make wrapped bundles more secure for transport. It’s also an economical choice for those who are looking for a starter set to try out. We noted that these wraps are more pliable than other wraps by other brands we've tried. They are also available in different prints in case the ability to incorporate a splash of color into packed sack lunches is appealing.
While the wrap was sufficient for storing a sandwich, it is a little harder to form around produce, and it's certainly doesn't adhere well enough to store loose snacks, like pretzels. Essentially, it works best with food that can remain at least partially in its original packaging. On the other hand, you could secure it with an elastic, string, or piece of tape for added security. When it comes time to clean, wash with warm water and soap. We confirmed during testing that this product retains its original level of stickiness and durability after washing and air-drying on the counter.
Color: Honeycomb print | Count: 3 | What’s Included: 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small
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Best for Produce
Abeego The Original Beeswax Food Storage Wrap
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Our Ratings
Design
4/5
Size
4/5
Durability
4/5
Overall Value
4.5/5
What We Like
Resistant to odors
Dries quickly after washing
Adheres tightly
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Because the Abeego wrap sizes are smaller than other brands—one small sheet (7 x 7 inches), one medium sheet (10 x 10 inches), and one large sheet (13 x 13 inches)—they work exceptionally well at storing sliced cheese as well as fruit and veggie slices. The individual wraps seal very tightly to themselves, too, so if it’s typical in your home to refrigerate leftover pizza slices, this wrap is an excellent alternative to disposable options, like plastic wrap.
This wrap was easy to shape around food, according to our tests. Forming a tight seal at the end of each wrap was no issue, and it didn't appear to loosen after being in the fridge for several hours. Impressively, it was able to cling to multiple different types of containers and adhered great to both plastic and ceramic bowls. After cleaning, these wraps retained the full firmness of their initial shape. They also dried the most quickly out of all the beeswax wraps we tested.
Color: Light cream, garden pattern | Count: 3 | What’s Included: 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small
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What We Like
Nine different wraps per pack in three sizes
More than a dozen design packs to choose from
Affordable
What We Don't Like
Very sticky to the point of being hard to handle at first
Has a strong odor
This pack of nine wraps in three different sizes gives you a good amount of wraps for a reasonable price. They are made from organic cloth, beeswax, tree resin, and organic cold-pressed jojoba oil, which some users report gives off a strong odor at first. It should go away after a few washes though. Each of the three sizes has a different pattern so you can tell which size is which by the pattern. Plus, there are more than a dozen different patterned packs to choose from.
These beeswax wraps stick very well (sometimes they're even too sticky at first), allowing them to work wonderfully on bowls and fresh food alike. They are easy to clean, and the directions on the package clearly explain how to do so. They produce a tight seal that keeps food fresh for longer and are durable enough to withstand many washes. An added bonus is that the package is made from 100 percent recycled paper.
Color: Assorted patterns | Count: 9 | What’s Included: 5 small, 3 medium, 1 large
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What We Like
Already formed into self-sticking bags
No folding or molding to the food necessary
The company is a certified B Corp
What We Don't Like
Pricey
If you’re finding the sheets too stiff and difficult to work with in order to mold around your containers of food or you want to use beeswax wrap to keep many food pieces in one wrap, the answer may be these bags. A package contains three sizes, and all you need to do is drop the food inside and fold over the top, pressing to self-seal—no fancy folds required. Otherwise, they work the same as other beeswax wraps in terms of keeping food fresh and protected.
These bags are made from organic cotton and beeswax and have a double-stitched seam. They are a perfect replacement for plastic zip-top bags—you can place loose food items like pretzels as well as cut produce inside them without any items falling out, which sometimes happens with the flat wraps. This makes them perfect for school lunches and traveling.
Color: Green, blue, or orange pattern | Count: 3 | What’s Included: 1 small, 1 medium, 1 large
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Final Verdict
For the best of the best, LilyBee Wrap Organic Cotton Beeswax Wrappers has the clingiest seal when it comes to adhering to itself, bowls, and other containers. If you need access to a few different sizes, try Bee's Wrap.
How We Tested
We tesed six beeswax wraps in a home kitchen, where we used each to store and travel with sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, and loose snacks, such as pretzels, to determine which products are truly the best. Each beeswax wrap was rated on design, size, durability, and overall value. We then offered additional insights on each beeswax wrap's strengths and weaknesses.
How We Test Products
Other Options We Tested
- ENEY Premium Organic Beeswax Wraps: We liked the idea of this product because it comes with a wax bar to refresh worn beeswax wraps. Unfortunately, our tester found that it doesn't adhere well, wasn't suitable for travel, and started to show small signs of wear after its initial use and wash. When storing food items in the fridge, the longer the wrap was cold for, the less airtight it became. The food inside was OK, but our tester didn't trust the wrap to keep anything fresh for long.
- HoneyBee Kitchen Starter Wrap: While our tester thought this was the most aesthetically pleasing option of the bunch, she found that the material didn't seal very well. The thickness of these organic cotton wraps (infused with organic beeswax, organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, and natural tree gum products) makes it harder to get a true hold onto other objects, such as bowls. They adhere best to themselves. These were also the most difficult for our tester to clean, as it took more than one wash to get the few crumbs that were stuck on. Furthermore, they took the longest time to dry.
What to Look for in Beeswax Wraps
Size
Many beeswax wraps come in precut sheets in different sizes, and sets will often include a variety of them, ranging from small to extra large. Exact measurements vary, so make sure to check the dimensions of each before purchasing, to make sure they will properly fit the food you intend to store. Alternatively, you can get beeswax wrap in roll form, so instead of it arriving in precut sheets, it's just one continuous roll—similar to how plastic cling wrap and aluminum foil are packaged. This allows you to customize the shape and size of each sheet you need, to better fit the food and containers you wish to use it with.
Durability
Since beeswax wrap will likely replace your plastic cling wrap and aluminum—two kitchen essentials needed often—you'll want something that will stand the test of time and frequent use, so you don't have to replace them prematurely. In addition to the above insights, read customer reviews about how well certain products have held up over extended periods of time. Quality over quantity is definitely the better call when trying to decide whether a higher price point is worth it.
Generally, you can use them again and again for at least a year before they need recoating, although some will last longer than that.
Material
“My preferred type is the wrap made with beeswax, pine rosin, and jojoba oil," Dekeling says. "This combination gives the beeswax wrap a slight tackiness, which allows you to use it like cling wrap. It's also waterproof. The other type of beeswax wrap only has a coating of beeswax, so although it is waterproof, it doesn't have the clingability. This means you will need to use an elastic or tie to keep it in place.”
Whichever type of you choose, when a beeswax wrap is no longer usable, it can be composted.
FAQs
How do you use beeswax wraps?
Use beeswax wraps as you would plastic cling wrap or aluminum foil—simply take a sheet and mold it around a food item or adhere it to a container in which food is stored. To help shape beeswax wrap and aid it in sticking to either itself or a container, Raising Eco Minimalists podcast host and Reduce, Reuse, Renew founder Laura Durenberger shares this trick: Put the wrap around a container or food, and let the heat of your hand mold it for a tighter fit.
Are beeswax wraps reusable?
“Beeswax wraps are reusable for up to a year if cared for properly," Durenberger says. "One common mistake that can shorten the lifespan of a wrap is improper cleaning. It’s important, when cleaning your beeswax wraps, to use cold, soapy water instead of hot. Hot water can soften the wax and remove important ingredients needed for the wrap to work properly. You’ll want to use a dishcloth or the soft side of a sponge versus something that ‘scrubs’ for the same reason. Let them air-dry for the best results.”
If your wraps start losing their stickiness, the good news is that you can refresh them. To do this, Durenberger says you’ll need beeswax pellets, preferably from a local beekeeper, or a block of beeswax that you can grate yourself. If you want to add even more stickiness, Durenberger suggests pine resin. Here are some basic instructions on how to bring your beeswax wraps back to life:
- Set an oven to 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lay parchment paper on a sheet pan.
- Lay your wrap on the parchment paper.
- Lightly sprinkle the beeswax and pine resin (if using) over the wrap.
- Place the sheet pan into the oven for about five minutes.
- After five minutes, check on your wrap. If the beeswax hasn’t melted, put in for another one to two minutes until fully melted. You may need to spread the new mixture around a little bit to ensure that it is evenly distributed.
- Once your wrap is ready, take out the pan, and let the wrap fully cool before moving.
Are beeswax wraps airtight?
Beeswax wraps are cotton sheets of fabric coated in beeswax, oils, and resin, which makes them airtight (if the directions are properly followed on how to seal and clean).
How do you clean and store beeswax wraps?
“You clean beeswax wraps with cold to lukewarm water,” Sustainable Living's Dekeling says. “The most efficient way I've found to clean beeswax wraps is to flatten them out on a chopping board, and place under cold running water, gently wiping with a wet cloth. Then, repeat on the other side. After the beeswax wrap is clean, I hang it on a tea towel rack to dry. Once dry, it can be stored in a larger container with a lid to keep out the dust.”
Can beeswax wraps go in the freezer or microwave?
“I often use my beeswax wraps in the fridge and freezer,” says Master Gardener and Gather & Grow founder Brianne Dela Cruz. She also secures the wraps in the freezer with twine or a rubber band, because very cold temperatures can cause the wrap to separate from the object. That said, she warns that beeswax wraps should not be put into the microwave nor expected to endure overly hot temperatures, since that could melt the wax off of the wrap.With that in mind, it's always best to default to the manufacturer's instructions included with your product.
Can you cut beeswax wraps?
Beeswax wraps can easily be cut to whatever size is needed, then used to cover, wrap, or transport a variety of ingredients or prepared food.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Rachel Werner is a pro foodie who regularly writes consumer reviews of sustainable products. Her water bottle, reusable paper towels, and organic snack bag obsessions are taking over her kitchen cupboards. Rachel has bylines in a variety of regional and national publications, such as Fabulous Wisconsin, BRAVA, Hobby Farms Magazine, and PopSugar. She is a teaching artist at The Loft Literary Center and Hugo House and personally tested six products for this roundup.
Sources
- Laura Durenberger, Raising Eco Minimalists podcast host and Reduce, Reuse, Renew founder
- Emily Waddell, founder of The Honest Consumer and Give a Damn Goods
- Brianne Dela Cruz, Master Gardener and Gather & Grow founder
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