How to use Beeswax Wraps – Plus The 6 BEST Reusable Food Wraps!
Here at The Eco Hub, we are committed to finding the very best sustainable brands. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more here.
You can do many things at home to reduce plastic use, like switching from bottled shampoo to bars. Lots of sustainable swaps can be made in the kitchen, too. Ditching plastic cling wrap for reusable food wraps is an easy and low-cost alternative.
But when it comes to reusable food wraps, it's important to know how to use beeswax wraps. I've rounded up my top 6 picks for the best reusable food wraps. I'm so excited to share the buzz with you! 🙂
At the bottom of this post, I've got many tips and FAQs about how to use these properly. And if you want to learn more about how to reduce food waste at home, pick up my new book, SUSTAINED.
Best Beeswax for Fresher Food
The 6 BEST Reusable Food Wraps!
1. Earthology
Earthology is a female-owned small business based in Ontario, Canada. All of their reusable wraps are handcrafted with care and made using sustainable and organic ingredients, making the transition to a zero-waste life easy and beautiful.
Going all organic meant so much to the makers; after learning about the harmful effects of the textile industry on both workers and the environment, opting for organic material was a no-brainer.
"We have a responsibility to the wildlife we are working to preserve, the environment we impact, and the people who make the ingredients we use"- Earthology
One of the things I love most about this brand's reusable wraps is the smell. It's simply divine, and there's a reason for it. They use the MOST ethically sourced beeswax, partnering with a local and sustainable beekeeper who owns a small farm.
When it comes to bees, we need to ensure that the wax being harvested is done in a way with minimal impact on the bees. In this case, the bees are allowed to winter, they are not artificially awake outside of their natural cycle, and they only harvest the excess to "allow the bees to flourish." The wax is filtred in-house and is as pure as it can be!
The cotton itself is 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Their Vegan reusable wraps are made with organic jojoba oil and coniferous tree resin.
How to use beeswax wraps from Earthology?
It's so easy! With just a little warmth from your hands. Simply press the wrap-around bowls, jars, and dishes! They offer an XXL size that can wrap artisan bread, I love this so much that I could never find a wrap to fit.
You can take it to the farmer's market and have them wrap it for you right there. These are also great for casseroles and even half a watermelon! I mean, come on! It's the little things that get me going. LOL. Wash with cold water and a gentle eco-friendly soap when needed. Lay flat to dry. Never wring out your food wrap.
Choose from many patterns (love and want them all) and sizes. If you are just getting started, I suggest you try the variety pack, which comes with two small (7" by 7"), two medium (10" by 10"), and one large (13" by 13").
You can purchase their DIY re-waxing kit if you mistakenly wash your wrap in hot water. BRILLIANT! Each kit contains enough wax to freshen up three packs. The wax is their special formula designed to be used with their products.
2. SuperBee
SuperBee’s DIY Beeswax Wraps were so much fun to make. We loved the final result and recommend trying these out, especially if you are crafty or love making things yourself. This might make a great gift too!
The kit includes three squares of organic cotton fabric, a beeswax block (shaped like a flower), and instructions, with no plastic in sight.
The wraps are super simple, though you might need some elbow grease when shaving the lovely beeswax flower in the kit.
That said, the final result worked well to cover a glass bowl full of fennel fronds (to add to a salad rather than tossing them out), and it was a great experience to make our beeswax wraps right at home.
Check out this video for a quick look at the process. Our only tip would be to place an even layer of the wax shavings across the fabric for even coverage. You don’t need a lot of wax, just an evenly spread single layer.
3. BeeBAGZ
Founded by Kristi MacDonald and made in Canada BeesBAGZ is the first plastic-free beeswax wrap baggie developed to make kids' lunches healthy and, at the same time, be a part of the solution to the global crisis of plastic.
Their beeswax is 100% pure Canadian beeswax that is FDA certified and sourced from an Ontario cooperative. They buy from local beekeepers, who treat their hives like part of the family.
I love that BeeBAGZ offers an alternative to wraps by being designed in a bag format. They are super easy to use and provide convenience and functionality.
I have used beeswax wraps that did not maintain their stickiness and have left food exposed to air, drying it out and making it go bad earlier than it should; that will not happen with these bagz. It's genius.
These reusable beeswax bags will keep your food fresher longer, helping to reduce food waste. They are water-resistant and made with 100% cotton and a patent-pending seam. Your food will taste better than storage in plastic zipper-locked baggies, plastic wraps, or other containers.
They offer a selection of sizes to meet your needs. If you have used wraps before, I suggest starting with the family pack. These packs include three small (6.5" x 4.5"), two medium (6.5" x 8.5"), and one large (14" x 11") and are available in blue, green, grey, orange, and a random selection. If you are new to reusable wraps or bagz, I'd give the starter pack a go.
The starter packs include one small (wrap half of a lemon, the end of a cucumber, half of an onion, half of an avocado, carrot sticks, crackers, cheese, or other snack items, and one medium (perfect for storing a sandwich, baked good, cheese, or half of a cabbage or cantaloupe) and one large (store lettuce or kale in the fridge. Freshly baked bread lasts for days ).
I love their patterns, and they are designed by an artist named Scarlette Soleil. So fun and so whimsical perfect for any kitchen.
Looking for a great way to freeze food without plastic? You can use BeeBAGZ in the freezer; this has been a game-changer for me.
These Bagz are easy to use, load your favorite food, fold top-down and seal shut with the pinch of your fingers. Your food becomes sealed in seconds.
4. etee
etee is one of my fav eco shops in Canada. If you are looking for well-curated zero-waste alternatives for your home, this is the place. They pride themselves on being plastic-free!
Today etee has some of the most innovative products on the market. Their zero-waste dish soap is like nothing I have tried before, it comes in a beeswax pod, and you need to add water. Their first product was beeswax wraps.
They are made from organic cotton muslin, USDA-certified organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil, soy wax, natural resin, and organic essential oils. They have many sizes to choose from. If you are a newbie, I recommend the Beeswax Food Wrap Sampler. And if you are a pro, you can choose the Beeswax Complete My Kitchen Set.
5. EcoFreax
Is an online zero-waste retail shop based in Canada that strives for ecological responsibility? All of the items they sell are either reusable or biodegradable, eliminating the need for single-use plastics.
EcoFreax beeswax wraps come in a roll, which lets you decide how much of the wrap you need for your food storage. Cut as big or as little pieces as you like. I freaking LOVE this so much.
It's ingenious, especially if you have weird-shaped plates and bowls or want to wrap something tiny or super big!
I also find this is a really good option for people who love using plastic wrap that comes in roll form. If you can give people eco alternatives that look and work like their conventional items do, they will be more likely to make the switch and stick with it. It's easy to store, taking up little space.
For this post, I needed to ask the brands where the wax is sourced and how the bees are treated.
EcoFreax Beeswax is sourced from local honey farmers in China, who forage naturally.
Cleanliness and good housekeeping practices are being kept at the workplace and regularly inspected by the manufacturer of their beeswax wraps. Only the highest quality (cleanest) honeycombs are being used.
They have been on several video calls and sent pictures of the production facility (where the beeswax wraps are being manufactured), assuring that all employees are treated fairly, working in clean and safe facilities, and paid a fair wage.
They always keep in touch with their manufacturers, sharing family photos or stories; this helps to build better relationships, gain trust, and ensure they get high-quality, sustainably sourced products.
How to use these beeswax wraps?
In this case, rolls from EcoFreax: Easy peasy! Cut as big or as little pieces as you like and wrap your food using the warmth of your hands to make it stick. Cut into as many beeswax wraps sheets as you need and reuse them as often as you like. Make it your sandwich wrap, your bowl cover, or your snack bag.
Simply wash them in cold water and soap (eco-friendly, gentle ones with low alcohol content are best). They should last about a year, then like all the others, you can compost them! The roll is 13"x78.5" in size. And if you are looking for wholesale opportunities, they offer wholesale on all the coupleDots and EcoFreax products too!
6. Nature Bee
Nature Bee was founded in 2018 by Vancouver Island local and Queen Bee, Katie Gamble. What began as a final project at the end of her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Victoria quickly became much more. Now it's a full-fledged, local, woman-owned business that's transparent with its employees.
Each wrap is handcrafted, folded, and packaged right on the island, made from 100% cotton, Vancouver Island-sourced beeswax, pine tree resin, and jojoba oil. Which I am in desperate need to visit one day!
I LOVE that all of the ingredients used to make Nature Bee's reusable wraps are all-natural and hand-picked to ensure the best quality but also meet their sustainability and safety standards.
Their beeswax is sourced a few minutes from their production facility at a local family-run farm which cuts down their carbon footprint by sourcing it locally.
The bees are free to roam the surrounding landscapes and are raised in a seaside mountain meadow where they can produce pure, healthy, and rich beeswax. No cheap wax substitutes exist, and the wax is not treated with chemicals.
I’ve mentioned pine resin a few times in this blog post. It comes from a pine tree and is sourced from the USA, “where the resin is extracted from the trees using methods that respect the resin's regeneration time (including the use of fallen branches), and it is done in a way that provides a constant supply, with future yields unaffected by current methods.”
They use ethically sourced jojoba oil and cotton too. When you purchase these wraps, you are helping remove 900 to 3,600 pieces of plastic wrap from our oceans and landfills each year.
Let’s talk about their prints. They are so colorful and will be a fabulous addition to any home. They work with local artists to bring limited-edition collections to choose from. You will want them all. I can see how easy it would be to become a collector quickly.
If you are making the switch, I recommend the "Nature Bee Lovers Variety Set," inspired by all the amazing things bees do for us. You get one small (20" x 20), one medium (24' x 25"), and one large (35" x 35"). If you need a jumbo wrap, they’ve got you covered with one 45cm x 60cm. Great for wrapping large pans, casseroles, and even baking equipment.
If you are already a convert, I’d go with the “I want to try it all" pack; you’ll get one jumbo, two large, three medium, and four small, all random patterns, which I kind of LOVE!
Nature Bee also offers custom beeswax wraps which are brilliant if you are a small company and want to give something unique and sustainable. Contact them directly for details.
7. Abeego
I've been using Abeego in my home for almost ten years. They were one of the first eco-swaps that I made. I just went for it. I bought one in each size and have never looked back. I think I still have one from their original branding. Toni Desrosiers is the Queen Bee behind the brand and was a real pioneer in this space, being the OG of beeswax wraps.
Desrosiers founded Abeego on two principles: Firstly, it’s logical. It breathes. "If living food needed to be wrapped in an airtight wrap, the rind, peel, or skin would be airtight. It’s not. Secondly, it’s inspirational. It looks good, feels good, smells good, and fosters a healthier relationship with food", says Toni.
Abeego is made with a formula of beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin, all infused into hemp or organic cotton cloth. I am addicted to the smell and feel of these wraps. They source their beeswax from small local apiaries across the Canadian prairies that are sustainable, third-generation beekeepers whose practices they trust.
Toni is a prominent advocate for keeping food fresh, and learning to store your food correctly is the key to keeping it fresh and reducing food waste.
Abeego has conducted experiments showing that "naked" food kept in the fridge will cause it to lose 30% of its natural moisture in three days. Shopping for naked food reduces kitchen waste, but when you get home, you need to cover those foods to ensure freshness. That's where beeswax warps come in, as Toni puts it, "keep food alive."
Abeego wastes nothing. Whatever is left over is turned into something else. They created their version of the twist tie! GENIUS, I use these to tie cat food bags, chip bags, and more. They press anything left over into little bricks to be sold as fire starters.
These are beautifully packaged and branded. For the newbie, try the variety pack, which comes with one small (7” x 7”), one medium (10” x 10”), and one large (13” x 13”). They also have a giant size for a French loaf. Ooh, la la!
How to use beeswax wraps from Abeego, squeeze the wrap around anything and everything. It’s like a handshake – the firmer, the better. Wash as required (less is more). If it’s not soiled – fold it and put it away. The website site says it lasts up to a year.
I've been able to have them for at least three years. It’s biodegradable and compostable, or it can be used as a fire starter for campfires, BBQs, or wood stoves.
What Are Beeswax Wraps?
Beeswax wraps are used instead of plastic wrap to cover and wrap foods like cheese, fruits, veggies, and sandwiches.
What are beeswax wraps made out of?
They are typically made from material like cotton (preferably organic) that is infused with either beeswax or plant-based (vegan) waxes like Candelilla wax or Carnauba wax, plus oils like coconut or jojoba and resin (tree sap) that give the wraps that tacky, sticky feel. Beeswax wraps can be molded to fit different foods and storage containers and are super grippable.
What makes beeswax wraps sustainable?
They are sustainable because you can use them repeatedly, helping to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our landfills and making them one of the best plastic-free storage containers. Once you are done with them, they can be composted, and they look way cuter than plastic. They are the perfect zero-waste option for your zero waste pantry!
How to use Beeswax wraps on different types of food
It's so easy! All you need is your little fingers. With just the warmth of your hands, you simply press the wrap-around bowls, jars, dishes, or food like cheese, vegetables, greens, bread, fruit, fresh herbs, and baked goods. They mold so quickly and are super simple to use.
Step 1 — unfold it.
Step 2 — I like to crumble mine just very gently, I find this helps to soften some that can feel a little hard when you first open them.
How to use beeswax wraps on different types of foods
There are so many uses for these, they are very versatile and can cover something as small as half an avocado or as big as a watermelon, here are some of my favorite way I use them in my home:
- I use the smaller, square or round sheets to wrap herbs and fruits and smaller chunks of cheese or baked goods. You can also cover small bowels or Tupperware or even mason jars.
- The larger sheets cover watermelons and even large casseroles with leftovers.
- They are perfect for keeping bread fresh.
- If you are a parent and want to create a litterless lunch, you can use them as beeswax sandwich wraps.
What should you not use beeswax wraps on?
You want to avoid anything hot when using a beeswax wrap. The heat will melt the wax and damage it. The same goes when you wash your beeswax wraps. Let the food cool before using it.
Because you can't wash them in hot water, you can't sterilize them, so it's best to avoid raw meat or fish. Cooked meats and deli meats are fine. You can freeze meat without plastic and use glass to store it. I am not a big fan of storing food in plastic.
People ask me if beeswax warps can go in the freezer. I have tried this before. It was okay for a short period. I don't suggest you do this often, though, as it will affect the integrity of the wrap over time.
Never use them in the microwave or dishwasher. Let dishes and foods cool down to room temperature before wrapping.
Common FAQs About Beeswax Wraps
Are beeswax wraps hygienic?
Yes, 100% beeswax wraps are hygienic. Beeswax is naturally antibacterial, helping to keep the wraps clean and preventing the spread of common bacterial organisms. They are also effective at repelling smells and odors. Make sure you are not using raw meat or fish. Once you wash your wraps, make sure they are completely dry before you store them.
How long do beeswax wraps last?
Most brands say between 6 and 12 months; I've had ones that have lasted way longer than that. It will depend on how well you care for them and how often you use them. I like to have extras, so I do not repeatedly use the same one or two. I recommend having at least 4 to start.
How do I care for my wrap after each use?
Each brand has specific instructions, but you can follow these simple steps. After you use it, wash your Beeswax Wrap with natural dishwashing liquid in cool water, and then let it hang to dry. Warm and hot water will melt the wax and ruin your wraps. There are times when I don't wash my wraps. If I wrap a piece of bread, I will wipe off the crumbs using a cloth. They can’t be cleaned in the dishwasher or used on the stovetop. Here's a 5 step guide on How To Clean Beeswax Wraps.
How should I store my reusable wraps?
We've chatted quite a bit about how to use Beeszwaz wraps, but storing them correctly is also crucial. Beeswax wraps can be stored and folded in a drawer. You can lay them flat if you have enough space so no crease forms. I keep a few gently rolled in a container on my kitchen counter so they are easily accessible. Keep away from direct sunlight and away from sources of heat.
Pros & Cons of Beeswax Wraps
PROS of Beeswax Wraps
Reduce food waste
Aside from keeping plastic out of your environment, beeswax wraps help reduce food waste, but you have to understand how to store your food correctly to succeed.
Nature is pretty amazing. All of its "wraps" are breathable (think peel, skin, and rind), whereas plastic is airtight and does not allow food to breathe. If you've ever bought herbs in those little plastic containers, you know they get "wet" in the fridge thanks to the condensation that forms on them due to the natural gas they omit.
That condensation then collects on the herbs, making them spoil faster. Because reusable wraps are breathable, it helps to prevent this from happening. It protects food from air and moisture while letting it breathe, much like a lemon peel, onion skin, or cheese rind works.
If you think this is a modern-day invention, think again. The Egyptians were the first to use beeswax-coated fabric to preserve food, providing a versatile opening for clay and glass vessels.
In other cultures, they've used hide covered in beeswax to bury meat in the ground over winter. Historically we can see that there have been many successful ways of storing food before the invention of plastic in the 1950s.
Protect Wildlife
We've all seen the terrible images of wildlife trapped or entangled in plastic waste that litters our environment. Opting to reduce plastic use helps keep it out of our lakes, rivers, oceans, and parks while protecting wildlife simultaneously. #winning
Natural and Biodegradable
Unlike plastic, which takes hundreds of years to break down, beeswax wraps are biodegradable, which means "the ability of things to get disintegrated (decomposed) by the action of micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi biological (with or without oxygen) while getting assimilated into the natural environment. There's no ecological harm during the process." And as a result, they can be composted!
CONS of Beeswax Wraps
My readers always address a few things when I talk about beeswax wraps. They are not accessible to everyone. We are seeing more shops and grocers carry them, but it's still an item you must find online or in a specialty store.
Yes, they are more expensive, making them inaccessible to people on a budget. But it's an upfront cost that will save you money in the long run. This applies to most eco-friendly products.
The other complaint I get is a beeswax wraps can retain certain smells. Hello, onions! Yes, this can happen.
How to use beeswax wraps on onion
Using a gentle, non-toxic dish soap, wash them a couple of times and give them a few days to air out so the smell does go away. For smelly foods, you can wrap the onion in half, so the wrap isn’t touching the cut side of the onion using a pouch or dumpling-style fold. I have two older wraps that use for onion and garlic.
The pros far outweigh the cons! Don't you agree?
How To Use Beeswax Wraps in Different Ways?
I've outlined all the ways you can use reusable wraps for all different kinds of food. But there are other FUN ways I use wraps in my home: In a jam for a funnel, roll up a small size to create a funnel, it works like a charm to fill jars and containers;
Giving flowers as a gift? Instead of using plastic, bring an extra-long sheet to the florist and have them use it. What a great gift to give.
- In the summer, I use them to cover the top of bottles to keep the bees away.
- Got a tight lid on a jar? Use a beeswax wrap
- Make twist ties by cutting up worn-out wraps into strips
- Got a tight lid on a jar? Use a beeswax wrap. It's amazing. Give it a try
- When I travel, I used to wrap my shampoo bars
A final word on How to Use Beeswax Wraps
Using beeswax wraps is an easy thing to do in the home to curtail the amount of waste you generate. Our kitchens are one of the biggest waste producers, but you can do many things in the kitchen to reduce that.
One of them is opting for more eco-friendly food storage solutions, which will have you well on your way to making your fridge plastic-free.
Have you ever tried beeswax wraps? How do you use them in your home? Share your journey in the comment section.
If you found this post helpful, please help someone by sharing this article – Sharing is caring 🙂 ! And if you need more plastic-free alternatives, buzz over to the brand directory.
Jenna
says:Thank you for sharing this post! Beeswax wraps are an awesome alternative to plastic wrap. My parents actually bought me some for my Christmas present this year, and it was such a thoughtful gift. Can’t wait to try them out!
Jenna ♥
Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin