If you’re trying to cut down on single-use plastic in your kitchen, beeswax wraps are a great alternative to disposable products such as plastic wrap and tinfoil. Bee’s wax wraps are reusable, washable, and ideal for wrapping up half a lemon, covering bowls of leftovers, or taking a sandwich to work. Typically, these wraps are made of organic cotton fabric that has been infused with beeswax and other substances such as coniferous tree resin, soy wax, or jojoba oil. The warmth of your hands softens the wax, making it slightly sticky, so you can mold the wrap around containers or food items. A number of companies now make them by hand in small batches. If you’re crafty, can make these wraps yourself.

Because beeswax wraps are not impermeable to air, foodies say they’re great for storing things that need to “breathe,” such as hard cheeses and greens. But they’re not meant for hot foods (the wax will melt!) or for use in the microwave. Most companies don’t recommend them for storing foods in the freezer. Care is simple: Clean them with cool water and a drop of mild soap, then let air dry. They usually last about a year—more or less, depending on use. Because they’re biodegradable, you can add them to your compost bin once they’re no longer pliable or tacky.

Research shows beeswax has some antibacterial properties, possibly due to propolis, a sticky material bees use to seal holes in their hives. But it doesn’t have anti-viral or anti-fungal properties. Because you can only wash the wraps with cool water between uses, you definitely don’t want to use them to store raw meat, fish, or chicken. Sure, they’re not the perfect solution for every food, but they will help you reduce single-use plastics in your kitchen.

Here are our top picks for the best reusable beeswax wraps.

These wraps come in a variety of pretty prints, and are made from organic cotton, sustainable beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. Made in Vermont, they offer pre-cut sizes that range from small (for items like fruit or snacks) to extra-large (which accommodates a loaf of bread). Bee’s Wrap even sells their wax in a roll if you want to cut your own pieces to size. It has a pleasant waxy scent, which fades after a few uses, and the brand is widely trusted. Once the pieces lose their tackiness, you can compost them or use as a natural fire starter for your next camping trip.

Best Overall

Bee’s Wrap Assorted 3-Pack

The company, founded in 2012, is a certified B corporation and certified Green America company and supports 1% for the Planet, The Bee Cause, and other conservancy and environmental stewardship organizations.

Price at time of publish: $19

Etee’s wraps are woven from an organic muslin cotton, which is infused with USDA certified organic beeswax, soy wax, tree resin, organic jojoba oils, organic cinnamon, and clove essential oils.

Best Budget

Etee Organic Beeswax Food Wraps

These wraps also can be used in the freezer for 30 days or less. We like the pliability of the wraps and that the material adheres well to itself to make good seals. The company has a 90-day guarantee, so if you don’t like them, they offer a refund.

Price at time of publish: $48 for 9 Pack

Made in Canada with beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil that’s infused into hemp and organic cotton, these wraps fit everything from half an avocado to gigantic heads of cabbage. This variety pack includes three wraps in various sizes. It offers options for different storage sizes so that you’ll be able to keep produce fresher longer.

Best Variety Pack

Abeego Variety 3 Pack

Founded in 2008, this company was at the forefront of the beeswax wrap movement and is committed to zero waste, converting excess materials into other usable products such as fire starters. It is also a Certified B Corporation.

Price at time of publish: $18

Handmade in New Zealand from 100 percent cotton, beeswax, tree resin, and organic coconut oil, these wraps come in various sizes and fun and attractive patterns. They also sell small bags. The wraps adhere well to containers, are sturdy and hold up well over time.

Best for Bowls

LilyBee Wrap Organic Cotton Beeswax Wrappers

The company packages and ships items in recyclable kraft paper, jute twine, and boxes so there’s zero plastic usage. 

Price at time of publish: $8

These beeswax bags, made in Canada, come in three sizes and are made from 100 percent cotton and beeswax, with double-stitched seams to form a pouch. The company also makes beeswax wraps. You can fold over and pinch the top to make a seal for storing loose items such as carrot sticks, nuts, and crackers.

Best for Small Items

BeeBAGZ Family Pack

BeeBAGZ, founded in 2018, is a member of 1% for the Planet, and The Land Between, a conservation organization based in Ontario, Canada.

Price at time of publish: $37

Made from USDA Organic beeswax, these reusable bags are the perfect replacement for single-use plastic baggies. They’re useful for packing snack, school lunches, and storing small amounts of produce.

Best Sandwich Bags

Etee Reusable Beeswax Food Bags

The fabric is organic cotton muslin, colored with eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes. In addition to the beeswax, the waxy coating also contains coniferous tree resin, soy way, jojoba oil, and essential oils. The set includes one bag of each of three sizes: small (10.5 x 9.75 inches), medium (12.5 x 11 inches), and large (14.5 x 12 inches).

Price at time of publish: $25

If you’re a vegan who prefers to avoid bee products, this wrap uses only plant-based wax. It’s made from cotton and hemp infused with a blend of candelilla wax, soy wax, jojoba oil, coconut oil and tree resin. It will last for more than a year, but when it reaches the end of its useful life it’s fully compostable. These vegan-friendly wraps come in sets of three or four.

Best Vegan Wrap

Khala & Co Vegan Food Wrap

The company is certified 1 % for the Planet and Certified Green America. It’s shipped in post-consumer recycled paper and compostable wax paper.

Price at time of publish: $22

Why Trust Treehugger?

We studied the market and reviews and searched for companies that are sustainably focused with certifications such as 1% for the Planet, Certified B Corporation, or Certified Green America. Arricca SanSone is a health and lifestyle writer who specializes in home, shelter and gardening. She loves beeswax wraps for keeping cheese fresh and wrapping odd and ends such as a half-lemon.

Our top pick for beeswax wraps are the Bee’s Wrap. If you’re looking for more of a sandwich bag format, consider Etee Reusable Beeswax Food Bags.

  • How do you wash beeswax wraps?
  • It’s super-simple. Wash wraps or bags with cool water (never hot, which will melt the wax) and a drop or two of dish soap. Rinse well, then let air dry.If you notice mold, you may have stored the wrap before it was dry. Unfortunately, you’ll probably need to discard it (check with your manufacturer to see if it can be composted). Mold is usually impossible to remove and will taint the next food you try to store in the wrap.
  • What can you wrap with beeswax wraps?
  • Just about anything you’d store in regular plastic wrap or foil, including sandwiches, produce, baked goods, and cured meats (not raw because you will not be able to clean them properly to kill the bacteria that may be present in raw meat).
  • Is there anything you should you not store in beeswax wraps?
  • Hot foods (unless you like melted wax in your food!) and raw meat should not be stored in beeswax wraps.

It’s super-simple. Wash wraps or bags with cool water (never hot, which will melt the wax) and a drop or two of dish soap. Rinse well, then let air dry.

Just about anything you’d store in regular plastic wrap or foil, including sandwiches, produce, baked goods, and cured meats (not raw because you will not be able to clean them properly to kill the bacteria that may be present in raw meat).

Hot foods (unless you like melted wax in your food!) and raw meat should not be stored in beeswax wraps.