Which Rolling Paper Material Is Right for You? Rice, Wood, and Hemp Compared

If you’re trying to figure out which rolling papers are the best for your style, it usually comes down to one thing: material. The best rolling papers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Rice, wood pulp, and hemp each bring their own feel, texture, and burn rate to the table. Some roll cleaner, some grip easier, and some just feel more natural.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how these three popular materials differ, what type of roller they suit best, and what to expect with each one. 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What each material is made from (and why it matters)

• How rice, wood, and hemp rolling papers stack up in rolling

• What to consider based on your experience level and preference

• Where to find reliable options from the Zig-Zag lineup

And if you're curious how paper materials have evolved, how we went from classic wood pulp to organic hemp, we’ve covered some of that in our history section. We’ve been doing this since 1879, so we’ve seen it all.

Rolling Paper Basics: What Makes a Material Matter?

You’ve probably noticed it: some papers crumple too fast, others don’t seal well, and a few burn faster than you can keep up. That’s not a you problem. It’s the paper. The material affects everything from how easy it is to roll to how much ash it leaves behind. So if you’ve ever said, “Why does this one burn unevenly?”, the answer probably starts with what it's made of.

Paper material impacts:

• Grip: Thinner papers like rice can slip. Thicker ones like wood pulp have more hold.

• Burn time: Some burn fast, others give you more time to enjoy.

• Taste: Materials can carry a neutral taste, or leave a bit behind.

• Durability: Trying to roll outside in the wind? Some papers handle that better than others.

• Sustainability: Some materials are more earth-friendly. Depends on how it's sourced.

Here’s a quick snapshot to compare before we go deeper:

Rice Rolling Papers: Thin, Flavorless, and Smooth

Rice rolling papers are super thin, burn slow, and barely leave a trace of taste. They're clean and subtle, but not always beginner-friendly.

Rice papers are the ones you grab when you want the paper to stay out of the way. Literally. They’re so thin you might double check if you even picked one up. That’s the point. They're meant to feel like almost nothing.

We’ve had folks tell us they love rice papers when they’re in a quiet space, somewhere they can focus, like a solo moment at home. But bring those same papers out to a windy rooftop or try to roll mid-convo? Yeah, it gets tricky fast. They’re light. 

If you’ve got a steady hand and some patience, rice papers are great. But if you're still figuring out your roll or in a rush? You might wanna think twice.

What rice papers are actually made from

Rice rolling papers are made from processed rice straw. That’s what gives them that ultra-smooth texture and translucent look. They don’t crinkle like regular paper. They feel kind of slick, almost like wax paper, but thinner.

Some think rice = healthy. Don’t go there. It’s just paper. 

Upsides:

• Barely any flavor (you taste more of your fill, less of the paper)

• Minimal ash (less mess)

• Slow, consistent burn when done right

• Slim profile (fits in small rolling kits or pockets)

Downsides

• Harder to roll if your fingers aren’t dry or you’re new

• Not great in humidity (they curl, fast)

• Can tear easily if you’re too rough

• Invisible when folded (you’ll probably lose a few at first)

Our go-to: Zig-Zag Ultra Thin

If you’re into rice-style thinness but want something with a little more grip, Zig-Zag Ultra Thin is where we usually start people. They’re minimal without being slippery. Think of it as rice paper with training wheels. But sleeker.

And if you're ready to level up your roll, our guide to rolling with ultra-thin papers can help. If you’re all about lightness and control, rice might be your pick. But if you want something easier to handle, you’ll wanna stick around for the next material.

Wood Pulp Rolling Papers: Classic Feel with a Bold Burn

Wood pulp rolling papers are thicker, grip better, and burn faster. They’re the easiest to roll, but they’re not the most subtle.

If you've ever grabbed a random pack at the gas station and it worked just fine, there's a good chance it was wood pulp. These are the old-school papers. Reliable, sturdy, and kind of like the jeans of the rolling paper world. 

They're a go-to for first-timers. We’ve seen people go from “wait, how do you roll this?” to a solid cone in under five minutes with these. Why? The paper actually helps you out. You feel where the tuck is. You see the seam clearly. You don’t have to baby it.

But wood pulp papers burn faster and leave more ash. If you're used to ultra-thin papers, it might feel like going from silk to cardboard. That’s not a knock. It’s just what they are.

What wood pulp papers are made of

Pretty much what it sounds like, wood pulp. These papers are crafted from tree fibers and pressed into a medium-weight sheet. You’ll notice the texture. They’ve got a bit of grain to them, which makes them easier to grip. That helps if you’ve got slightly damp fingers or you’re rolling outside and need the paper to stay put.

Upsides

• Easiest to roll (especially if you're just starting out)

• Sturdy feel (doesn’t fold on you mid-roll)

• Visible seams and edges make it beginner-friendly

• Familiar burn rate if you’ve used store-bought options before

Downsides

• Burns quicker (which isn’t ideal for slow sessions)

• Adds more taste (you’ll notice the paper if you’re used to rice or hemp)

• Leaves more ash (not a big deal unless you’re picky about cleanup)

• Thicker feel might not suit everyone

We get messages from longtime fans who still prefer our Original White or Kutcorners because, well, they just work. No slipping. No guesswork. And when you’re rolling with friends or in low light, that actually matters.

Some folks even use them when teaching others how to roll. The feedback is instant. You can see the paper react, which makes the learning curve feel way shorter.

Hemp Rolling Papers: Natural, Eco-Friendly, and Balanced

Hemp rolling papers are made from plant fiber, roll easily, and burn at a moderate pace. They're a solid middle ground if you want control without fuss.

Hemp papers get a lot of love. And not just because they look cool in green packaging. They strike a balance that actually works, light enough to roll with ease, but not so thin they fold up on you. 

Some folks assume hemp papers are only for seasoned rollers or, like, purists who compost everything. Nope. They're pretty forgiving. You don’t have to be a pro. If you’ve rolled even once or twice, you’ll probably do fine with hemp.

And unlike rice (which can feel slippery) or wood pulp (which feels a bit bulky), hemp sits right in the middle. There’s just enough texture to hold shape, and the burn stays steady without needing constant attention.

What’s in hemp papers?

They're made from the stalks of the hemp plant. If that sounds crunchy, don’t worry. It’s not rough. In fact, the paper usually feels soft with a slight grain. Easy to grip. Easy to roll. Some people choose hemp just because it’s not from trees. They’re thinking about impact. Others? They just like how it rolls. Either reason’s valid.

Upsides:

• Good grip (more texture than rice, less bulk than wood pulp)

• Neutral taste (you’ll barely notice it’s there)

• Steady burn (no flare-ups or fast ash)

• Plant-based (if that matters to you, it’s a win)

Downsides:

• Not as thin as rice (if you’re going for invisibility, this isn’t it)

• Still tears if rolled too tight or dry

• Slight earthy note (barely noticeable, but it’s there)

If you’re looking for a starting point, Zig-Zag Organic Hemp Papers are a good call. These are made with natural hemp fibers and come in that eco-forward green pack. Want a little more insight into how they’re made? Go deeper into the organic paper process here. 

Quick Comparison: Which One Suits Your Rolling Style?

If you want something slow-burning and thin, go rice. Need control and grip? Wood pulp’s the move. Want a balance of the two? Hemp hits that middle ground. Here’s where a side-by-side breakdown actually helps.

Not sure yet? Here’s how we usually explain it in conversation:

“If you’re rolling inside with time and no distractions, rice is great. But if you’re teaching someone or rushing? Wood pulp. Want a chill, dependable paper that just works in most situations? Hemp. Done.”

Still debating? Pick this if you…

• Hate tasting paper - rice or hemp

• Keep tearing your roll - wood pulp or hemp

• Need a paper that holds up in humid weather - wood pulp

• Want to feel closer to natural materials - hemp

• Don’t wanna overthink it and just need something that works - hemp again

If you’re the kind of person who likes to try before committing, our combo packs can help. You’ll get a few types to play with, no pressure. You don’t need to pick a “forever paper.” Try a few. Roll one. See what fits. You’ll know when it clicks.

Zig-Zag Rolling Papers: Options for Every Material Preference

Half the battle is figuring out what to try first. Maybe you’ve rolled before. Maybe not. Doesn’t matter. If you’re looking for something that feels right in your hand, doesn’t mess up your fill, and burns like it’s supposed to? You’re in the right place.

Here’s how our stuff breaks down.

If you’re into ultra-thin:

Try:Zig-Zag French Orange. These are the ones you might’ve seen in your uncle’s drawer. Or maybe your friend’s backpack. They’ve been around for a reason. 

Want something eco-minded but not flimsy?

Try: Zig-Zag All Natural Organic products. Made from organic hemp fibers, no extra dyes or weird coatings. The papers have just enough grain to help it hold shape, but they still rolls like a dream. 

Need something longer?

Try: King Size or King Slim . For those sessions that last a little longer, or when you’re passing it around. King Size gives you more room, which also means a bit more control over how you pack and seal it. Just make sure you’ve got enough fill. These aren’t for skimpy rolls.

What to Consider When Picking Your Papers

Don’t just grab whatever’s closest. Think about how you roll, where you’ll use it, and what actually matters to you.  This part’s personal. Everyone’s got preferences, habits, quirks. Maybe you roll slow with a coffee in hand. Maybe you roll fast because the wind’s got zero chill and you’re outside with friends. Either way, your paper needs to keep up with you, not the other way around.

So before you just grab another random pack, pause for a sec. Ask yourself a few questions.

1. Where do you usually roll?

If you’re mostly indoors, you’ve got more flexibility. Rice? Sure. Ultra thin? Go for it. But if you're often outside, in your car, at the park, wherever, you’ll want something that doesn’t fold the second a breeze hits. That’s where wood pulp or hemp makes more sense.

2. How confident are you with your roll?

Be honest. No shame. If you’ve ripped the paper more than once trying to get a tight tuck. Papers that give you a bit of grip, some texture to work with. Experienced rollers sometimes go back to thicker papers just for convenience. Because sometimes you don’t need the challenge. You just need the roll.

3. What kind of burn do you want?

Slow and steady or quick and done? If you’re the type to relax and take your time, rice and ultra thin papers are ideal. If you’re sharing or rolling during a short break? Wood pulp gets the job done quicker. Hemp splits the difference.

4. Are you paying attention to ingredients?

If you care about what’s in your paper, like if it’s tree-free or made without extras, hemp’s your best bet. Ours are made from organic hemp fibers and wrapped in green, recyclable packaging. 

5. Do you actually want to enjoy the taste of your fill?

Some folks don’t think about this until they roll with something that tastes... off. Not terrible. Just... papery. Rice papers give you the cleanest flavor. Hemp’s pretty neutral too. Wood pulp adds a little background flavor, it’s not bad, but it’s there.

6. Do you want pre-rolls or are you a DIY-only kind of roller?

Not everyone wants to hand-roll all the time. If you like skipping the process but still want control over your fill, Zig-Zag pre-rolled cones are clutch. Just stuff and go. No shame in keeping it simple.

Conclusion: The Right Paper Material Is a Personal Choice

There’s no single “best rolling paper.” The right one is the one that fits your habits, your hands, and your everyday setup.

You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to pick something that works for you. Maybe that’s rice because you like that clean, slow burn. Maybe it’s wood pulp because you need something that holds steady while you’re rolling in your car. Or maybe hemp, because it just does the job and feels better in your hand.

Point is: the more you roll, the more you’ll know what feels right.

And if you're ever in doubt or just want to explore more styles, you can always scroll through our full collection. We’ve got something for every hand, every level, every kind of roller.