Reynolds · Parchment Paper & Baking Liners
Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll
Unbleached paper likely uses silicone; PFAS risk unclear without disclosure.
Reynolds unbleached parchment uses silicone coating for heat and moisture resistance. Brand does not disclose PFAS presence or absence; silicone formulations vary widely in PFAS content.
The safe swap
Seventh Generation
Parchment Baking Sheets | 3 x 24 sheets
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Good.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
unbleached paper with silicone coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Silicone coating stability and thermal degradation
Silicone coatings can break down or migrate into food when subjected to prolonged high heat (above 450F) or repeated heating cycles. No test data is available for this specific Reynolds product, but degradation risk increases with age and use intensity.
PFAS
The brand does not disclose the silicone formulation or confirm absence of PFAS. Silicone coatings sometimes incorporate fluorine-containing compounds for enhanced repellency, raising PFAS exposure risk, assessed separately as Poor (25/100). Without testing or certification, this cannot be ruled out.
Source: ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Microparticle shedding
No reports of visible silicone particles or coating flaking from this product under normal use. However, degraded or worn coatings pose a theoretical risk of small fragments entering food, particularly if the product is creased, torn, or reused excessively.
Additives in paper bleach or sizing agents
Unbleached paper minimizes exposure to chlorine residues, but papermaking may still involve minor chemical processing (sizing, additives for smoothness). Reynolds does not disclose these agents. Risk is lower than bleached alternatives but not zero.
Mold or bacterial contamination from storage
Parchment paper rolls stored in humid environments may develop mold or microbial growth on the paper surface or within the roll. This is a storage and maintenance issue, not a manufacturing defect, but can occur if the product is left opened or in damp conditions.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper is cellulose paper (unbleached, so it avoids chlorine-based whitening agents) coated with silicone for non-stick and heat resistance. The silicone coating is the critical unknown: silicone itself is generally inert, but manufacturers sometimes use PFAS-containing additives to enhance water and grease repellency. Without third-party testing or brand transparency, the exact formulation cannot be verified. Unbleached paper may contain minor residual processing chemicals, but this is lower-risk than the coating composition.
The brand's record and disclosure
Reynolds Kitchens (owned by Conagra Brands) does not publicly disclose whether their parchment paper coating contains PFAS or fluorine-based substances. The brand has not published safety data sheets specific to PFAS content, nor has it obtained certifications like PFOA-free labeling. No major recalls or safety warnings have been issued for this product line. The silence on PFAS composition, however, leaves significant uncertainty for consumers seeking safer alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Unbleached parchment paper is generally preferred over bleached versions because it avoids chlorine residues. However, many parchment competitors (including some Reynolds lines and eco-brands) also lack PFAS disclosure. Alternatives such as silicone baking mats and uncoated kraft paper sidestep the silicone-coating question entirely, though they have different heat and reusability profiles. This product is middle-of-the-road for parchment; neither exceptional nor clearly riskier than standard brands in the absence of comparative testing.
If you buy it
Use this product for baking and moderate-heat cooking (up to roughly 420-450F per manufacturer guidance), not for high-temperature stovetop cooking. Replace the roll every 6-12 months or when visible degradation (discoloration, peeling coating) appears. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or coating breakdown. For extended high-heat applications, consider alternatives like silicone baking mats or cast iron. Avoid reusing pieces excessively, as repeated heating and folding can degrade the silicone layer and increase leaching risk.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Reynolds has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Parchment Paper & Baking Liners
Seventh Generation
Parchment Baking Sheets | 3 x 24 sheets
bleached paper with silicone coating
Silicone coating degradation and microparticles
Limited concern
Heat-induced breakdown of paper fibers
Limited concern
Lower concern. PFAS-free claim backed by MADE SAFE cert.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Seventh Generation
Zulay Kitchen 200 Pcs Unbleached Non-Stick Baking Parchment Paper Sheets for Oven
unbleached cellulose paper, silicone coating
Silicone coating degradation at high heat
Limited concern
Migration of coating additives into fatty foods
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding during handling or cooking
Limited concern
Lower concern. Unbleached parchment with silicone coating; PFAS risk lower than conventional brands.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Seventh Generation
Parchment Paper Roll
wood pulp with silicone-based coating
Silicone coating degradation under high heat
Limited concern
Ink or printing chemical migration
Limited concern
Lower concern. Seventh Generation's PFAS-free claim is credible but unverified.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More parchment paper & baking liners grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.