In my home, there’s an ongoing debate regarding the “right way” to use aluminum foil. I’ve always believed that the shiny side is the one to use, while my husband insists on the dull matte side. I thought the answer to this debate would always be a mystery until I spotted an article about it on The Kitchn. The story explains exactly why aluminum foil is shiny on one side and clarifies which side you actually need to use.
Why Is Aluminum Foil Shiny on One Side?
As per the article, there is a specific reason the two sides look different, and it all comes down to the manufacturing process. To create foil, manufacturers melt aluminum, cool it into slabs, and press those slabs between rollers to thin them out. Eventually, the aluminum becomes so thin that it must be doubled up to withstand the pressure of the rollers without tearing. After the final pass, the layers are separated and rolled onto the tubes you get at the store.
The result? The side that comes into direct contact with the heavy rollers becomes shiny, while the side that is pressed against the other layer of foil remains matte. It’s that simple!
Does It Really Matter Which Side You Use?
According to Reynolds Brands, the manufacturer of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil, “the performance of the foil is the same, whichever side you use.” Mystery solved: You can use both sides interchangeably!
However, there is one exception to this rule, and it involves nonstick foil. This variety has a special coating on only one side to prevent food from sticking, so in that specific case, the side you choose does matter.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether you’re using your aluminum foil correctly, fret not. Unless it’s the nonstick variety, it doesn’t really matter which side you use.