What GSM Greaseproof Paper Should I Choose?

If you are choosing greaseproof paper for a bakery, café or food brand, one of the first questions you may run into is GSM.

But what does GSM actually mean, and how do you know which paper weight is right for your application?

Choosing the right GSM greaseproof paper can affect how the paper feels, how it performs in service, how well it holds up around food, and how premium your finished presentation looks.

In this guide, we explain what GSM means in paper, how it relates to greaseproof paper, and how to choose the right option for your business.

What does GSM mean in paper?

GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is a standard way of measuring paper weight.

In simple terms, the higher the GSM, the heavier the paper usually is. In many cases, that also means it feels thicker, stronger or more premium in the hand, although finish and paper construction matter too.

For greaseproof paper, GSM can influence:

• how the sheet feels
• how rigid or flexible it is
• how premium it looks in presentation
• how suitable it is for wrapping or basket lining
• how well it supports branded printing

That is why GSM matters when choosing paper for hospitality, takeaway and food packaging applications.

Is higher GSM always better?

Not always.

A higher GSM paper may feel more substantial, but that does not automatically mean it is the best choice for every use case.

The right GSM depends on what the paper needs to do. For example, a lighter greaseproof paper may work well for simple food separation or wrapping, while a heavier sheet may be better for premium presentation, basket lining or branded service.

The best choice comes down to function, handling and brand presentation.

How GSM affects greaseproof paper choice

1. Feel and presentation

If presentation matters, GSM can make a noticeable difference. Heavier paper often feels more premium and can help create a stronger brand impression in cafés, bakeries and takeaway environments.

2. Flexibility and wrapping

Lighter papers are often easier to fold and wrap, which can be useful for sandwiches, pastries and grab-and-go food. Heavier papers may hold their shape better but can feel less flexible depending on the finish.

3. Print appearance

For branded greaseproof paper, GSM can influence how the paper presents your print and how premium the finished result feels. It is often worth balancing print quality, handling and cost rather than choosing by weight alone.

4. End use

A paper used for basket liners may need something different from a paper used for wrapping pastries or serving burgers. The right GSM should match the specific food service task.

What GSM greaseproof paper should I choose?

There is no single best GSM for every business, but here is a practical way to think about it:

• Lighter GSM can suit wrapping, interleaving and high-volume disposable use
• Mid-range GSM can work well for general food service, basket lining and all-round hospitality use
• Heavier GSM can be better when you want a more premium feel or stronger branded presentation

If your main priority is speed and practicality, a lighter option may be enough. If your main priority is presentation and brand perception, a heavier sheet may be the better choice.

How to choose the right GSM for your business

When comparing greaseproof paper options, ask:

• Will the paper be used for wrapping, lining or serving?
• Does it need to feel premium in the customer’s hand?
• Will it carry a printed design or logo?
• Does it need to fold easily around food?
• Is cost-efficiency or presentation the bigger priority?

The right GSM is the one that fits the job, not simply the highest number.

Does GSM matter for printed greaseproof paper?

Yes. If you are ordering printed or branded greaseproof paper, GSM can affect both appearance and feel.

For many food businesses, branded paper is part of the customer experience. A well-chosen paper weight can help your packaging feel more considered, more premium and more in line with your brand.

That is especially important for cafés, bakeries, sandwich shops and takeaway brands that want their packaging to do more than simply hold the food.

Should you choose paper weight by feel or by specification?

Ideally, both.

Specification matters because GSM gives you a useful baseline. But feel matters too, especially in hospitality and branded service where presentation influences perception.

If possible, compare GSM alongside finish, intended use and print requirements rather than using GSM alone as the decision-maker.

Final answer

So, what GSM greaseproof paper should you choose?

The right answer depends on how the paper will be used. GSM helps you understand paper weight, but the best choice comes from matching that weight to the job: wrapping, serving, lining or branded presentation.

If you need a practical everyday food-service paper, a lighter or mid-weight option may be ideal. If you want a stronger premium feel or better branded presentation, a heavier option may be the better fit.