Type "beeswax wraps" into Google and something interesting pops up. Right alongside the how-to guides, people are asking what's wrong with them. What are the downsides? Can bacteria grow in beeswax? Do they have microplastics in them? How long do they actually last?
They're fair questions. We make beeswax wraps, so you might expect us to skip past them. We'd rather give you the straight answers, because a wrap that gets used properly is a wrap that gets used for a long time.
What are the downsides of beeswax wraps?
There are a few. None of them are deal-breakers, but they're worth knowing before you buy.
1. They don't like heat
Beeswax softens when it warms up. That's actually how a wrap works: the warmth of your hands lets it mould around a bowl or a block of cheese, and it holds its shape as it cools. The flip side is that hot water, the dishwasher, the microwave and hot food are all off limits. Let leftovers cool before you cover them, wash your wraps in cool water, and keep them away from the stove and direct sun.
2. They're not for raw meat or fish
Because you can't wash a beeswax wrap in hot water, you can't clean it the way you'd clean a chopping board after raw chicken. We don't recommend using wraps for raw meat or fish. A lidded glass or stainless steel container is the better tool for that job.
3. They don't last forever
With regular use and good care, a beeswax wrap lasts around a year. Over time the coating wears thin and the wrap loses its grip. You can bring it back with a refresh (more on that below), but think of a wrap as a long-lived swap, not a lifetime one.
4. They're not airtight
A wrap clings, but it isn't a vacuum seal. That's deliberate. The breathable coating is what stops bread from sweating and cheese from going slimy in plastic. It does mean a wrap isn't the right choice for soups, sauces or anything that needs a completely sealed lid.
5. They cost more upfront than a roll of cling wrap
There's no getting around it. The difference is that a roll of cling wrap goes in the bin one sheet at a time, while a wrap gets rinsed and used again and again.
Can bacteria grow on beeswax wraps?
You'll see a lot of claims online that beeswax is naturally antibacterial. The research is more mixed than that, and we think you deserve the full picture.
A lab study of a commercial beeswax wrap found it did have antibacterial activity, but no noticeable effect on fungi or viruses. A University of Montana study that stored food in beeswax wraps found they didn't protect it from spoiling any better than the other wrapping options tested. And when Consumer NZ sent two used wraps to a lab, both had mould and bacteria on them, with the older, well-used wrap carrying a lot more than the one used only once.
So here's our honest take. Treat a beeswax wrap like any other reusable thing in your kitchen, the same way you'd treat a lunchbox or a tea towel. Don't rely on the wax to keep it clean.
- Use wraps for fruit, veg, herbs, cheese, bread, sandwiches and covering bowls of cooled leftovers.
- After each use, rinse in cool water and wash gently with a little mild dish soap.
- Let it dry fully before you fold it away.
- Retire a wrap when it's worn out, rather than stretching it well past its best.
Do beeswax wraps have microplastics?
Ours don't. SuperBee wraps are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton coated in beeswax, tree resin and coconut oil, with no plastic or silicone. If you're shopping around, check the fabric and the ingredient list, because not every wrap on the market is made the same way.
How long do beeswax wraps last?
Around a year with regular use and good care. When a wrap stops clinging, it's usually the coating that's worn thin rather than the fabric. You can re-wax it at home with our Beeswax Wrap Refresh Drops, or with the Repair & DIY Wax Bar, which is made from the same blend of beeswax, tree resin and coconut oil we use on our wraps.
When a wrap is truly finished, cut it into strips and add it to your compost, or use it as a fire starter. It doesn't need to go in the bin.
So are beeswax wraps still worth it?
We think so, but we'd rather you go in with your eyes open. A beeswax wrap is great for covering a bowl of leftovers, wrapping cheese and sandwiches, keeping half an avocado, or wrapping a loaf of bread. It's not for raw meat, hot food, liquids or the dishwasher. If that fits the way you cook, it's one of the easiest swaps you can make.
New to wraps? Our Beeginner Set gives you three sizes, so you can work out which ones you reach for most. And for step-by-step care, have a read of our guide to cleaning beeswax wraps.