I’ve Used Bee’s Wrap in My Kitchen for Years—Here’s What To Know Before You Buy

We've been testing Bee's Wrap at The Spruce Eats since 2020. It's been reviewed in multiple households and for countless purposes. Our original reviewer noted a few concerns that I'll address below, but it's safe to say, this is a tried-and-tested (and then tested again and again) product.

When I came across my first pack of Bee’s Wrap years ago, I was skeptical (but hopeful) about whether or not this eco-friendly solution could replace single-use kitchen products like plastic wrap and plastic food bags. I’d tried similar products in the past, but they were either too much of a hassle to keep clean or wouldn’t stick.  

With thousands of positive reviews and plenty of accolades in the sustainable design community, Bee’s Wrap has made a positive name for itself for good reason. The company (started in 2012 by a mother in Vermont looking to cut down on her family’s plastic use) helps support the honey bee population by working with responsible beekeepers. As a 1% for the Planet member and 5 Gyres Institute partner, Bee’s Wrap also directly supports non-profit organizations working to control plastic pollution.

The brand started with a simple Honeycomb print as a subtle nod to the beeswax material but has since expanded to include various designs and patterns. Likewise, they’ve also listened to customer feedback over the past few years to add more targeted products like reusable produce bags, sandwich wraps, sandwich and snack bags, bread wraps, and bowl covers. For the DIYer, there’s even an extra large value roll that can be cut and customized to cover a broader range of needs.

The assorted starter pack includes one small wrap (7 inch x 8 inch), one medium wrap (10 inch x 11 inch), and one large wrap (13 inch x 14 inch). I’ve found that the smaller wraps are ideal for storing half a lemon or the end of a cucumber, while the medium-sized ones are good for covering jars and storing cheese. The large sizes are big enough to cover a bowl or wrap longer bunches of veggies like carrots. They’re all great for storing different types of produce that don’t fit into generic-shaped containers, such as half an avocado.

Since that first pack, I’ve added Bee’s Wrap to my kitchen’s regular rotation of sustainable food storage solutions. Here’s what I learned from years of trial and error. 

When it comes to performance, there’s a learning curve. You’ll want to use the warmth from your hands to soften the wax and activate the natural stickiness so it molds around the food or container. The wrap will hold its shape as it cools, which creates a breathable seal. For some added protection, secure the end with a piece of butcher’s twine or a rubber band to keep the wrap from opening. 

That said, it’s not going to work with everything. You can’t use them with hot or warm foods, and the brand doesn’t recommend them for use with raw meat or fish. Since the wraps don’t create an airtight seal, they’re better suited for foods requiring breathable storage (think cheese, vegetables, baked goods, fresh herbs, and bread). Sometimes you just can’t beat the convenience of a plastic food bag, tin foil, or plastic wrap, but Bee’s Wrap can help replace them in a lot of situations.

Bee’s Wraps can be rinsed and reused, but be careful. Wash your Bee’s Wrap in cool water with mild dish soap. Then, drape your wraps over a drying rack to air dry (if I’m handwashing multiple items like pots and pans, I’ll wash the wraps last with cold water and place them on top). If any food scraps get stuck on the wrap, I’ll gently scrub it with soap with either my hands or a soft sponge. Make sure the wraps are completely dry before folding them up and storing them in a dry, cool place like a kitchen drawer.

When they say to wash in cool water, they mean it. I actually ruined my first Bee’s Wrap by leaving it in the sink and accidentally running the hot water, which completely melted the wax and left the wraps pretty much useless.

Keep in mind that Bee’s Wraps aren’t meant to live forever, but one of their best qualities is their small to nonexistent carbon footprint at the end of their life. With proper care and regular use, my Bee's Wraps have lasted well over a year. Once one has worn thin and becomes very soft with trouble sticking to itself, you can add it to your compost pile or municipal compost bin (hot tip: it also makes a great fire starter).

Bee’s Wrap uses natural, limited materials in its design: GOTS-certified organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin. Vegan Bee’s Wrap contains candelilla wax (a plant native to the Southwest and Mexico with similar properties as beeswax), soy wax, organic coconut oil, and tree resin.

The company uses wax from honeycomb cappings, which is a byproduct of the honey extraction process; Bees seal their honeycombs with wax (the seals are known as “cappings”) and beekeepers cut off those cappings to help extract the honey. Removing the cappings keeps the rest of the honeycomb intact and allows them to be reused and sustained for several years. The beeswax isn’t chemically altered or bleached, and it’s tested by the USDA for 200 different pesticides and herbicides.

Certain people may be more sensitive to the distinct beeswax scent, but I actually really enjoy it. It’s cozy, slightly floral, and very mild. Some studies suggest that beeswax may have antibacterial properties that help keep food fresh, as well.

In the long run, Bee’s Wrap will help you save money by reducing your reliance on the tin foil or plastic wrap that it’s intended to replace. However, it’s only worth the investment if you take proper care of the wraps and hang on to them; I would be wary of putting them in a child’s lunch box, for instance, since they’re more likely to accidentally throw them away or leave them outside in the sun to melt. And as already mentioned, keep them away from hot water.