Wooden vs Paper Cutlery: Which Disposable Cutlery Is Best?
The DiscountTillRolls.ie TeamWooden cutlery is the cheaper, stiffer choice and works for most takeaway food. Heavy duty paper cutlery feels smoother in the mouth, which some customers prefer, and it copes well with most meals, though it can soften if left sitting in hot soup or sauce for a long time. Since single use plastic cutlery was banned across the EU in 2021, most Irish food businesses use one or the other.
People notice cutlery more than you'd think. A fork that snaps in a crispy chip is a bad review waiting to happen.
In this guide
- Wooden vs paper at a glance
- When wooden cutlery wins
- When paper cutlery wins
- Cutlery sets and pouches
- FAQ
Wooden vs paper at a glance
| Wooden | Heavy duty paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Stiff, good for cutting | Strong for most meals |
| Mouthfeel | Slightly dry, woody | Smoother |
| Long time in hot liquid | Holds up well | Can soften over time |
| Price per 1,000 | From €18.99 ex VAT | €42.99 ex VAT |
When wooden cutlery wins
- Chips, burgers and hot food where you need to cut or stab.
- High volume and tight margins. It is the lower cost option.
- Natural looking menus that pair with kraft and bagasse packaging.
Our range includes 160mm forks, knives, dessert spoons and teaspoons.
Stiff wooden forks for chips and hot food.
When paper cutlery wins
- Desserts, salads and bowls where the feel in the mouth matters.
- Customers who dislike wood. Some people really do.
- Premium takeaway where a smoother fork feels closer to the real thing.
See the heavy duty paper fork, knife and spoon.
Kraft paper forks with a smoother mouthfeel.
Cutlery sets and pouches
For deliveries and events, wrapped sets save time and look tidier. The 3 in 1 wooden cutlery set has a fork, knife and napkin in one wrap. The kraft cutlery pouch holds your own cutlery with a napkin.
Frequently asked questions
Is wooden or paper cutlery better?
Wooden is cheaper and stiffer. Paper feels smoother in the mouth. Both work for most takeaway food.
Is plastic cutlery banned in Ireland?
Single use plastic cutlery has been banned across the EU, including Ireland, since 2021.
Does paper cutlery go soggy?
Heavy duty paper cutlery handles most meals, but it can soften if left in hot liquid for a long time.
Do you sell wrapped cutlery?
Yes. The 3 in 1 wooden set includes a fork, knife and napkin in one wrap.
Cutlery that doesn't snap.
Wooden and heavy duty paper cutlery, dispatched from Dublin 12.
Shop cutlery →Free delivery across Ireland. Order before 1pm for same-day dispatch from Dublin 12.