The Top 5 Paper Plates

Paper plates are a great alternative for quick and easy clean-up. From small family dinners to large events like barbeques and graduation parties, paper plates make it simpler to set-up and serve all types of foods from appetizer to dessert. Choose from our top five favorite paper plate styles to streamline your next dinner or occasion.

Glad Square Disposable Paper Plates for All Occasions

Paper Plates That Work for Every Occasion

This festive and functional paper plate can even be put in the microwave for ultimate versatility.

Best Overall

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These square paper plates are a reliable alternative to traditional plates. The thick style is microwaveable and cut-resistant so it can stand up to even the heartiest main courses. The design is also coated with a soak-proof coating so that messy foods can’t absorb into the plate and create sogginess and impact durability. The square style also features a colorful border to add a hint of color for any occasion.

Pros:

Microwavable
Soak-proof
Cut-resistant

Cons:

Only 50 per package

Dixie Basic 8.5″ Light-Weight Paper Plates by GP PRO

500 Paper Plates for Even the Biggest Parties

Host any event and never worry about running out of plates with this lightweight option.

Best in Bulk

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Slimmer and easier to store than styrofoam plates, this paper design is free of inks and dyes so you can feel safe and secure using them for any occasion. The sustainable, recyclable design is lightweight and easy to carry, making them convenient for meals at home or large-scale gatherings. The plates are also microwave-safe and cut-resistant so they can withstand wear and tear.

Pros:

Ink- and dye-free
Recyclable
Microwave safe

Cons:

Plain design

100% Compostable 9 Inch Heavy-Duty Plates [125 Pack] Eco-Friendly Disposable Sugarcane Paper Plates

A Compostable and Convenient Design

These paper plates are a great easy option that's also good for the environment.

Most Sustainable

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These paper plates are made from 100% bagasse sugarcane fiber. As a natural alternative to traditional plates, they are still sturdy and durable enough to use for any meal. The material is also 100% compostable and biodegradable, so you don’t have to worry about the environmental impact of opting for single-use plates.

Pros:

Compostable
Leak- and cut-resistant
Wide rim

Cons:

Plain design

Empress Uncoated Paper Plate

A Simple, Straightforward, Paper Alternative

This classic paper plate style is an easy swap for your normal plates.

Most Classic

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This traditional style of paper plates is perfect for any casual affair. A cost-effective alternative to other paper plate styles, these plates are uncoated which makes them equally great options for serving food as for at-home crafts and projects. The design is microwave-safe and made in the USA for the ultimate in simple and straightforward paper plate options.

Pros:

Affordable
Uncoated
Microwave-safe

Cons:

Not cut-resistant

Dixie Everyday Paper Plates

A Dinner Plate That Fits Your Whole Meal

At over 10 inches in diameter, these plates have enough space to fit your entire meal—and then some.

Biggest Design

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These plates have five individual layers to make them 50% stronger than the competition. The soak-proof shield ensures you can eat any type of hot or cold food from this plate, and the 10 1/16-inch diameter guarantees that you have space for every bite. Made in the USA, this design is also microwave-safe and cut-resistant for added durability.

Pros:

10 1/6″ diameter
Soak-proof
Microwavable

Cons:

Not compostable

Frequently Asked Questions

Are paper plates recyclable?

Most paper plates are not recyclable. Though they are technically made from paper, which is a recyclable material, paper plates have come into contact with food waste which means they can not be recycled. Unless specified on the packaging, they should be thrown in the garbage.

Are coated paper plates safe?

The coating on some paper plates may be unsafe when heated to high temperatures. If the coating is made from certain types of plastic, it can release chemicals when put into the microwave. Check the details of your specific paper plate to ensure that it can be safely reheated.

Are paper plates bad for the environment?

Because most paper plates are not recyclable, it is possible they will end up in landfills. If you are worried about the environmental impact of your paper plate usage, opt for a style that is compostable or biodegradable to prevent unnecessary waste.