DIY Vegan Wax Food Wraps
Reusable wax wraps are a great alternative to single use plastic wrap and plastic baggies, and you can store just about any food in them. Wax wraps are a great way to carry hiking snacks while backpacking or camping.
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The zero waste movement has made these wraps super popular, however most are made with beeswax, which is not vegan *sigh*
But not to worry! I did some research and it is still possible to make you very own wax wraps that are 100% vegan. Just replace beeswax with a combination of candelilla wax (a plant-based wax derived from the leaves of the shrub native to northern Mexico) and Pine Resin.
You can find Candelilla wax easily online, but I found it in bulk locally from a supplier here in Portland called Shay and Company.
Pine resin (also called pine rosin) is basically tree sap. It oozes from the tree when it’s been wounded or cracked. You could go into the woods and chip some off of a branch, but you can also buy it online or find it locally.
Here are links to a few sellers on Etsy who carry candelilla wax and pine resin in bulk:
Pine Resin: Creekwood Naturals
Candelilla Wax: Real & Pure
How to Make DIY Vegan Wax Food Wraps
For Your DIY Vegan Wax Food Wraps You Will Need:
- 60g Candelilla Wax
- 5g Pine Resin
- 1 Teaspoon Jojoba Oil
- 12″x12″ square of 100% cotton fabric
- Parchment Paper (Baking Paper)
Create the Resin Mixture
Using a double boiler, mix together the candelilla wax, jojoba oil, and the pine resin. Allow all of the ingredients to slowly melt together – about 10 minutes. The pine resin may take longer to melt. Use small pieces of resin to speed up this process.
When the mixture has liquefied completely, remove it from the heat and quickly pour it onto a sheet of parchment paper. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify – about 10 minutes.
Heat the oven to 250 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the Fabric
Next, break up the wax mixture into small, dime-sized pieces. Lay the cotton fabric onto a piece of parchment paper and spread the pieces evenly across the surface.
Place the parchment paper and fabric on to a baking sheet and set it in the oven for about 5 mins. Keep an eye on the sheet of fabric and remove when the pieces have melted completely.
Hang it to cool and dry – about 10 minutes.
Enjoy Your Vegan Wax Food Wraps!
When the fabric has cooled completely, take it in your hands and give it a good squish! The wax wrap might be a bit stiff now, but it will become more playable the more you use it!
Did you make your own vegan wax food wraps? How did they turn out?! Let everyone know in the comments below and share your photos by tagging us @veganoutdoors_ on instagram!
Vegan Wax Food Wraps On Etsy
We know that not everyone has time to DIY their own vegan wax food wraps! Here are some of our favorite wax food wrap options online.
Serindipity Natural
Organic Plant-Based Food Wraps
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Need something to go with your new wraps? Make some Curry Roasted Chickpeas – the perfect hiking snack!
Hi! This is a great recipe. I would like to make myself.
Can I use soy wax and coconuts oil instead?
Thank you.
Hi! Yes you can use soy wax, however I’m not sure if coconut oil will have the same effect as the jojoba oil. If you try it let us know how it turns out!