You want to know if parchment paper has chemicals in it before you use it in your kitchen.
Most parchment paper sold today is made from cellulose paper treated to become heat-resistant and nonstick, with many brands using a silicone coating that is widely used for food-contact baking products.
But not every brand is the same, and a few use other coatings that raise more questions.
Parchment paper is a common tool for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and lining pans. It keeps food from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Because you place food directly on it, it makes sense to ask what it is made of and whether it is safe.
Some parchment papers have historically used a release treatment called Quilon, which is a chromium-based compound. Because Quilon differs from silicone, many consumers prefer parchment paper that clearly identifies its coating or uses silicone instead.
What Parchment Paper Is Made Of
Parchment baking paper starts as plain cellulose paper before it goes through a treatment process that makes it nonstick and heat resistant. The final product usually gets a coating, either silicone or a chemical treatment, to give it the properties you rely on in the kitchen.
Cellulose Paper and Wood Pulp
Parchment paper begins as wood pulp, the same base material used in most paper products. Manufacturers break down wood fibers into cellulose, then press and dry it into thin sheets.
This base paper isn’t nonstick on its own. It needs further processing to handle oven heat and repel grease.
The type of wood pulp used can vary by manufacturer. Some brands use bleached pulp to create a bright white sheet, while others use unbleached pulp that results in a natural brown color. Both types start as the same basic cellulose material before any special treatment is added.
Parchmentizing and Nonstick Treatments
After the cellulose paper is formed, it goes through a process called parchmentizing. This step involves passing the paper through a sulfuric acid bath, which changes the surface structure of the cellulose.
The acid treatment makes the paper denser and gives it some water resistance. However, this step alone doesn’t make the paper fully nonstick.
To finish the job, manufacturers add one of two treatments:
Silicone coating – a thin layer applied to both sides of the paper
Quilon treatment – a chromium-based compound used less often today due to safety concerns
Most parchment paper sold today uses silicone rather than Quilon, since silicone provides similar nonstick results without the same chemical concerns.
Silicone-Coated and Uncoated Papers
Silicone-coated parchment paper is the most common type you’ll find in stores. The silicone layer creates a smooth, nonstick surface that also handles high oven temperatures well.
The FDA considers food-grade silicone safe for contact with food, and it holds up to both freezing and high oven heat without breaking down the way paper can.
Uncoated parchment paper exists too, though it’s less common. It skips the silicone layer and relies only on the parchmentizing process for its properties.
Uncoated versions may not perform as well for sticky or wet foods, since they lack the extra grease-repelling layer that silicone provides. If you’re baking something like meringues or cookies with a lot of sugar, silicone-coated paper will likely give you better results.
Common Chemicals and Coatings to Understand
Parchment paper gets its non-stick, heat-safe qualities from a coating. The type of coating used, and whether the paper is bleached, makes the biggest difference in what ends up in your kitchen.
Silicone Versus PFAS
Silicone is the coating you’ll find on most parchment paper sold today. It’s a food-grade material called polydimethylsiloxane, and food safety regulators consider it safe for cooking within normal oven temperatures.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are different. These are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the body or the environment. Some parchment paper brands used PFAS in the past to boost grease resistance.
Here’s the key difference:
Coating
What it is
Main concern
Silicone
Non-fluorinated compound
Minimal, well-studied
PFAS
Fluorinated chemical group
Long-term buildup in the body
In February 2024, the FDA announced that manufacturers were no longer selling PFAS-containing grease-proofing substances for food-contact paper packaging in the U.S. market following the completion of a voluntary phase-out.
Bleached and Unbleached Options
Parchment paper comes in two colors: white and brown. The color tells you whether it’s been treated with chlorine bleach.
Bleached parchment paper is white because the paper pulp has been whitened during manufacturing. Modern bleaching methods vary by manufacturer, and white parchment should not automatically be considered less safe than unbleached parchment simply because it is bleached. This step is cosmetic. It doesn’t touch your food directly, since the paper is a barrier, but some people prefer to skip this step altogether.
Unbleached parchment paper is brown or tan because it skips the bleaching step. It performs the same way in the oven and holds up to the same temperatures.
Neither option is automatically safer or riskier for your health. The bigger factor is still the coating on top, whether it’s silicone or something else. If you want one less chemical process involved, unbleached parchment paper is the simpler choice.
Quilon, Paraffin Wax, and Other Treatments
Not all parchment paper uses silicone. Some cheaper brands use Quilon, a coating made with chromium, a heavy metal. There’s less public safety data on Quilon compared to silicone, and it’s worth checking the label if a brand doesn’t say what coating it uses.
Paraffin wax is another treatment you might see, mostly on wax paper rather than true parchment paper. Wax paper isn’t rated for oven heat, so using it in place of parchment paper can cause smoking or melting.
Other food contact materials sometimes appear in specialty papers, like clay coatings or acrylic-based finishes. When a package doesn’t list the coating, contact the manufacturer or choose a brand that discloses it clearly.
What PFAS Testing Can and Cannot Tell You
Lab tests on parchment paper usually measure fluorine, not PFAS itself. This matters because fluorine levels can point to a problem, but they cannot always prove one.
Organic Fluorine as a Screening Method
Most labs test for organic fluorine instead of testing for specific PFAS compounds. This method works as a screening tool, not a full identification test.
Organic fluorine testing checks for fluorine that is bound to carbon. Since PFAS chemicals contain carbon-fluorine bonds, this test can flag products that may contain these chemicals.
The test does not tell you which PFAS compound is present. It also does not tell you how much of any single PFAS chemical is in the product.
Groups like Mamavation have used this method to screen parchment paper brands. Their tests help identify products that need closer review, but the results are a starting point, not a final answer.
Total Fluorine Results and Detection Limits
Total fluorine testing measures all fluorine in a sample, including both organic and inorganic sources. One common method is total fluorine by oxygen flask combustion.
This process burns the sample in a sealed flask filled with oxygen. The fluorine released during combustion is then captured and measured, often using an ion-selective electrode.
Here is how the results typically break down:
Result Type
What It Means
Non-detect
No fluorine found above the lab’s detection limit
Trace detection
Small amount of fluorine found, close to the detection limit
High detection
Fluorine level well above the detection limit
Detection limits vary by lab and by testing method. An EPA-certified laboratory will state its detection limit, but this number differs from one facility to another.
Why Trace Fluorine Does Not Confirm PFAS
A trace amount of fluorine does not automatically mean a product contains PFAS. Fluorine occurs naturally in some materials, and testing equipment has limits on accuracy at very low levels.
Total fluorine testing also cannot identify the exact PFAS chemical, if one is present. It only shows that fluorine exists in the sample above a certain threshold.
To confirm specific PFAS compounds, labs need more advanced testing, such as mass spectrometry. This type of testing is more expensive and less common for routine product screening.
If you want PFAS-free parchment paper, look for brands that state this directly on the package. This label is based on testing done by the manufacturer, not just a general screening result.
How to Choose a Lower-Concern Parchment Paper
Choosing a safer parchment paper comes down to three things: checking what the coating is made of, looking at how open the brand is about its testing, and knowing what compostable labels actually mean. Paying attention to these details helps you avoid guesswork at the store.
Read Coating and PFAS-Free Claims Carefully
Most parchment paper today uses a silicone coating, not a fluorinated one. Silicone (polydimethylsiloxane) is what gives parchment its non-stick surface, and it’s different from PFAS chemicals.
Look for labels that say “silicone-coated” or “PFAS-free.” These terms tell you the manufacturer knows what’s in their coating and is willing to share it.
Be cautious with papers that just say “non-stick” or “greaseproof” without explaining how. This vague labeling can hide older coating methods, like Quilon, a chromium-based treatment that some manufacturers paired with fluorinated compounds in the past.
Consider Independent Testing and Brand Transparency
A brand’s willingness to share test results says a lot about its product. Companies that publish third-party lab testing for PFAS or heavy metals give you proof, not just promises.
Transparent brands often include:
Specific coating names (silicone, not just “non-stick”)
Country of manufacturing
Third-party certifications or lab reports
Clear statements about what the product does not contain
If You Care has built its reputation partly on this kind of openness about sourcing and manufacturing. Katbite and Reynolds also provide product details, though the depth of information can vary by product line.
When a company avoids specifics or uses only marketing language, that’s a signal to look elsewhere or dig deeper before purchasing.
Use Compostability Labels in Context
A compostable label doesn’t automatically mean a product is chemical-free. It means the paper breaks down under certain conditions, usually in an industrial composting facility.
BPI Industries and the Compost Manufacturing Alliance are two organizations that certify compostable food packaging, including some parchment papers. Their certification confirms the product meets specific breakdown standards, not that it’s free of every chemical of concern.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what these labels do and don’t tell you:
What It Confirms
What It Doesn’t Confirm
Material breaks down in industrial composting
Product is PFAS-free
Meets specific decomposition standards
No chromium-based coating was used
Tested by a certifying body
Safe for home composting (unless stated)
If compostability matters to you, look for the BPI or Compost Manufacturing Alliance logo directly on the box, and pair that with a separate check for PFAS-free or silicone-coated claims.
Brand Results and What They Mean for Shoppers
Independent testing can provide useful information when comparing parchment paper brands, particularly when testing looks for fluorine as a screening indicator for possible PFAS.
However, fluorine testing does not identify specific PFAS compounds or prove that a product contains PFAS. Results can also vary between products, batches, and manufacturing periods.
Amazon Basics Parchment Paper on Amazon
Amazon Basics Parchment Paper is an affordable option for everyday baking. The 90-square-foot roll can be used to line baking sheets and pans, helping reduce sticking and making cleanup easier.
Amazon Basics Parchment Paper can be useful for cookies, roasted vegetables, fish, and other foods that benefit from a nonstick baking surface.
However, I could not verify a published independent fluorine test for this specific Amazon Basics product, so it would be inappropriate to claim that it is either PFAS-free or contains PFAS based solely on the available product information.
Interpreting Mamavation’s Reported Results
Mamavation has tested several parchment paper products for fluorine using laboratory methods that can screen for fluorinated substances. These tests measure fluorine rather than identifying individual PFAS compounds, so the results should be viewed as screening information rather than definitive proof that a product contains or does not contain PFAS.
The reported results included:
Brand
Reported Fluorine Result
If You Care
Non-detect
Katbite
Non-detect
Gifbera
Non-detect
Kirkland
12 ppm
Reynolds Parchment Baking Paper
14 ppm
“Non-detect” means that fluorine was not detected above the laboratory’s reporting or detection limit. It does not necessarily mean that a product contains absolutely zero fluorine or PFAS, because substances below the laboratory’s detection threshold may not be identified.
Reynolds Parchment Baking Paper had the highest reported fluorine level among the products listed above at 14 ppm. This result indicates that fluorine was detected in the tested sample, but it does not by itself establish that a specific PFAS compound was present.
If You Care and Katbite showed non-detect results in the reported Mamavation screening. This means fluorine was not detected above the laboratory’s reporting limit in those tested samples. It is useful information when comparing products, but it should not be interpreted as proof that the products are completely free of PFAS.
Why Formulas and Manufacturing Can Change
Parchment paper products can change over time. Manufacturers may change suppliers, paper materials, coatings, or production processes, meaning that a test performed on one product or batch may not necessarily represent every version sold in the future.
For this reason, an older non-detect result should not be treated as a permanent guarantee that a product will always produce the same test result. Similarly, a fluorine detection in one tested sample does not necessarily mean that every package of the same brand will have the identical result.
If PFAS or fluorine exposure is an important consideration for you, look for recent independent testing and current manufacturer information when choosing parchment paper. Product packaging and specifications can also change, so checking the current product information before purchasing is worthwhile.
Most importantly, avoid describing a brand as definitively “PFAS-free” based only on a non-detect fluorine result. A non-detect result is evidence from a particular test, not an absolute guarantee that no PFAS is present.
Safe Use, Reuse, and Practical Alternatives
Parchment paper is safe when you use it within its heat limit, check it for damage before reuse, and swap it out for other tools when a recipe calls for higher heat or direct flame. These three habits lower your risk of exposure to harmful substances while still giving you the non-stick results you want.
Follow Temperature Limits and Avoid Broiling
Most parchment paper is rated for oven use up to 420-425°F. Exceeding the manufacturer’s temperature rating increases the risk of scorching or burning, so always check the package before using parchment at high temperatures.
Never use parchment paper under the broiler. Broilers use direct, high-intensity heat that can cause parchment paper to catch fire, even if the oven temperature setting is within the paper’s normal limit.
Check the box or manufacturer’s website for the exact temperature rating before you use a new brand. Ratings can vary between brands, and unbleached or recycled parchment sometimes has a lower limit than standard white parchment.
If a recipe calls for high-heat roasting or broiling, use a metal baking sheet without parchment, or switch to a silicone baking mat rated for those temperatures instead.
When to Reuse or Discard a Sheet
You can usually reuse a sheet of parchment paper two or three times if it’s still flat, clean, and free of tears.
Check for these signs before reusing a sheet:
Dark brown spots or scorch marks – the paper has been overheated and should be thrown out
Brittle or cracked texture – the paper has lost its structure and may flake into food
Grease saturation – heavy oil soak-through means the coating has broken down
Torn edges or holes – food can stick directly to the pan through the gap
If a sheet still looks clean and smooth after baking, wipe off any crumbs and use it again for a lower-heat task, like lining a pan for cookies or toasting nuts. Once it shows any of the signs above, throw it away rather than risk food coming into contact with degraded paper.
Alternatives for Baking, Cooking, and Food Storage
Silicone baking molds made from food-grade silicone are a common substitute for parchment paper. The FDA considers food-grade silicone safe for contact with food, and it holds up to both freezing and high oven heat without breaking down the way paper can.
Other options depend on what you’re making:
Task
Alternative
Notes
Baking cookies or pastries
Silicone baking mat
Reusable hundreds of times, dishwasher safe
Roasting vegetables
Lightly oiled metal pan
No paper needed, works at any oven temp
Lining a cake pan
Butter and flour
Traditional method, no coating concerns
Food storage
Glass or stainless steel containers
Avoids contact between food and any coated paper
Wrapping sandwiches
Beeswax wrap
Reusable, washable, no plastic or coating
For food storage specifically, skip parchment paper altogether. Glass containers with lids or stainless steel containers keep food fresh without any paper or coating touching your meal over long periods.
FAQ: Does Parchment Paper Have Chemicals?
Parchment paper is treated during manufacturing to give it its nonstick, heat-resistant, and moisture-resistant properties. The exact materials used depend on the product and manufacturer.
Does Parchment Paper Have Chemicals?
Yes. Parchment paper is not simply untreated paper. Most baking parchment is made from paper that has been processed and coated or treated, commonly with silicone to create its nonstick surface.
Is Silicone-Coated Parchment Paper Safe for Baking?
Yes. Food-grade silicone-coated parchment paper is designed for baking and is generally considered safe when used according to the manufacturer’s temperature recommendations.
What Is Parchment Paper Coated With?
Most modern baking parchment is coated with silicone, which gives it its nonstick and heat-resistant properties. Some products may use different manufacturing treatments, so checking the packaging is the best way to identify the coating.
Does Parchment Paper Contain PFAS?
Some grease-resistant food packaging products have historically used PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), but parchment products vary. If you want to avoid PFAS, look for packaging that specifically states PFAS-free.
Does Parchment Paper Leach Chemicals Into Food?
When used correctly within its recommended temperature range, food-grade parchment paper is designed for direct food contact. Avoid using products beyond their stated temperature limits, as excessive heat can cause the paper to degrade or burn.
Is Parchment Paper Safer Than Aluminum Foil?
They serve different purposes, so one is not automatically safer than the other. Parchment paper provides a nonstick surface and is particularly useful for baking, while aluminum foil is better suited to applications requiring greater heat resistance.
Can Parchment Paper Go in the Oven?
Yes. Parchment paper specifically manufactured for baking can be used in the oven within its stated temperature limit. Do not allow it to touch an oven heating element or open flame.
Is Brown Parchment Paper Chemical-Free?
Not necessarily. Brown or unbleached parchment is still processed to give it its baking properties and may still have a silicone coating. Unbleached does not mean chemical-free.
What Is the Safest Parchment Paper to Use?
Choose a food-grade parchment paper from a reputable manufacturer, check its maximum temperature rating, and look for certifications or labeling such as PFAS-free if avoiding PFAS is important to you.
Can Parchment Paper Be Used at High Temperatures?
It depends on the product. Many parchment papers are rated for temperatures around 420–450°F (215–230°C), but the manufacturer’s stated limit should always take priority. Avoid using parchment under a broiler unless the product specifically permits it.
Parchment baking paper starts as plain cellulose paper before it goes through a treatment process that makes it nonstick and heat resistant. The final product usually gets a coating, either silicone or a chemical treatment, to give it the properties you rely on in the kitchen.
Parchment paper gets its non-stick, heat-safe qualities from a coating. The type of coating used, and whether the paper is bleached, makes the biggest difference in what ends up in your kitchen.
Lab tests on parchment paper usually measure fluorine, not PFAS itself. This matters because fluorine levels can point to a problem, but they cannot always prove one.
Choosing a safer parchment paper comes down to three things: checking what the coating is made of, looking at how open the brand is about its testing, and knowing what compostable labels actually mean. Paying attention to these details helps you avoid guesswork at the store.
Independent testing can provide useful information when comparing parchment paper brands, particularly when testing looks for fluorine as a screening indicator for possible PFAS.
Parchment paper is safe when you use it within its heat limit, check it for damage before reuse, and swap it out for other tools when a recipe calls for higher heat or direct flame. These three habits lower your risk of exposure to harmful substances while still giving you the non-stick results you want.
Parchment paper is treated during manufacturing to give it its nonstick, heat-resistant, and moisture-resistant properties. The exact materials used depend on the product and manufacturer.
