Some butcher papers have a coating on one side.
However, do not confuse the term "treated" or "sizing" with the term "coating". Treated butcher paper is usually in reference to a process called sizing. Sizing is a starch-based product added in the last step of manufacturing the paper. It is add for strength when the paper gets wet and also provides a slight leak resistance. Sizing is more commonly found in some 12", 15", and 18" rolls of paper, as they are more commonly used for raw meat wrapping, where most 24", 30", and 36" rolls of butcher paper are usually not "treated" or "sized". The "treated/sized" paper is still rated for direct contact with food and they still breath in the same manner as non-treated, the starch merely gives it a little more strength. Most importantly, it is a food grade starch, so you do not have to be worried about petrochemicals, wax, or plastics on this paper. The preferred butcher paper has no coating of any type and is thicker, denser, and heavier in weight. Uncoated butcher paper will allow the meat to breath while it speeds up cooking time and keeps that bark nice and firm.
