Wafer Paper vs. Icing Sheets:
A Guide to Edible Images
Have you ever wanted to add a personalized touch to your baked creations? Edible images are a fantastic way to do just that! But when it comes to choosing between wafer paper and icing sheets, it can be a bit overwhelming. Let's break it down for you.
What is Wafer Paper?
Wafer paper, also known as rice paper, is a thin, edible paper made from potato starch, water, and vegetable oil. It has a slightly translucent appearance and a subtle vanilla flavor. Wafer paper is great for printing images that will be placed on dry surfaces like cookies, cakes, and cupcakes.
What are Icing Sheets?
Icing sheets, on the other hand, are made from sugar and corn syrup. They are thicker than wafer paper and have a smooth, white surface. Icing sheets are ideal for printing high-quality images that will be placed on fondant-covered cakes or other moist surfaces.
Quality Differences
| Quality | Frosting Sheets | Wafer Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Pure White | Opaque Translucent |
| Smooth | Yes | No |
| Plastic Backing Layer | Yes | No |
| Taste | Sweet Vanilla Flavour | Tasteless |
| Cost | More | Cheaper |
| Print Quality | Very high & Saturated Colours | Duller appearance, Slightly blurred |
| Thickness | 0.45mm | 0.27mm, 0.40mm, 0.60mm |
| Uses | Cookies, Cakes, Chocolate Covered Oreos, Rice Krispy Treats, Candy Apples, Cake Pops, etc. | Cakes, Cookies, Jell-O's, 3D Patterns, Butterflies, Pre-cut wafer designs, Cake Pops |
| Ingredients | Tapioca or cornstarch, with added sugar and gums | Potato starch, oil, and water |
| Melts | Sheets "melt" onto the frosting | With moisture |
| Burns | No | Great for Burn Cakes |
| Storage | Up to 3 months | 12+ months |
Which One Should You Choose?
All in all, its honestly up to personal preference really.
Consider your budget, desired image quality, and ease of use. Both options have their merits, so choose the one that best suits you and the purpose you're using it for.
Both wafer paper and icing sheets are versatile and easy to use. Simply cut out the images and apply them to your baked creations with a bit of water or edible glue.
Whether you choose wafer paper or icing sheets, adding edible images to your baked goods is a fun and creative way to personalize your creations. Experiment with different techniques and designs to take your decorating skills to the next level!
Why not explore our selection of cake decor for your next project!