Best Paper for Candy Bar Wrappers: The Complete Printing Guide

If you’ve ever printed a custom candy bar wrapper only to end up with dull colors, wrinkled paper, or a wrapper that just doesn’t look as polished as you imagined, you’re not alone. In many cases, the problem isn’t your template or your printer—it’s the paper you’re using.

After creating hundreds of printable party favors over the years, I’ve learned that choosing the right paper can make the difference between a DIY project that looks homemade and one that looks professionally printed. The right paper produces vibrant colors, crisp text, clean folds, and a smooth finish that instantly elevates your finished party favors.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly which paper I recommend for candy bar wrappers, why it works so well, the printer settings I use, and the simple printing tips that help me get professional-looking results at home every time.

Whether you’re making candy bar wrappers for a birthday party, baby shower, graduation, holiday celebration, or another special event, this guide will help you choose the best paper with confidence.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use and trust. “SEE FULL DISCLOSURE HERE“

Best Paper for Candy Bar Wrappers (Quick Answer)

If you’re looking for the short answer, here it is.

Recommendation	Best Choice
Best Paper	32 lb. Glossy Brochure Paper (approximately 120 gsm)
Best Finish	Glossy
Best Printer	Inkjet Printer
Recommended Printer Setting	Glossy Photo Paper or Brochure Paper
Print Quality	Best or High Quality
Paper Size	Letter (8.5″ × 11″)
Best Adhesive	Double-Sided Tape

If you want candy bar wrappers with bright, vibrant colors, sharp details, and a smooth, professional finish, 32 lb. glossy brochure paper is my top recommendation. It’s flexible enough to wrap neatly around a chocolate bar without cracking, yet durable enough to hold its shape and give your party favors a polished, store-bought look.

It’s the same type of paper I use for my printable candy bar wrappers, chip bags, popcorn boxes, treat bags, and many other DIY party favors because it consistently delivers beautiful results.

Table of Contents

Why Paper Choice Matters

One of the questions I hear most often is:

“Can I print my candy bar wrappers on regular printer paper?”

The short answer is yes—but if you want vibrant, professional-looking party favors, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Regular copy paper absorbs more ink, which can make colors appear dull and graphics look less crisp. It’s also thinner, so it wrinkles more easily when wrapped around a chocolate bar and doesn’t have the polished finish most people want for custom party favors.

Using paper that’s designed for printable party decorations makes a noticeable difference.

With the right paper, you’ll get:

Brighter, more vibrant colors
Sharper text and graphics
Smooth, clean folds around the candy bar
A polished, professional-looking finish
Better durability while assembling and displaying your favors

If you’re spending time customizing your wrapper in Canva, it’s worth printing it on paper that helps your design look its absolute best.

Why I Recommend Glossy Brochure Paper

After testing different papers, glossy brochure paper has become my go-to choice for candy bar wrappers.

Here’s why it consistently delivers the best results:

Produces bright, vibrant colors
Prints crisp text and sharp graphics
Creates a smooth, glossy finish
Wraps neatly around chocolate bars without cracking
Holds up well during assembly
Works with most home inkjet printers
Gives DIY party favors a polished, professional appearance

One of my favorite things about using glossy brochure paper is how well it showcases colorful designs. Whether you’re creating wrappers with photos, bright party themes, or bold graphics, the glossy finish helps every detail stand out.

It’s also versatile. In addition to candy bar wrappers, I use the same paper for chip bags, popcorn boxes, treat bags, Rice Krispies treat wrappers, mini cereal boxes, and many other printable party favors. Using the same paper across your entire party setup creates a coordinated look with consistent color and shine.

If your goal is to create DIY party favors that look like they came from a professional print shop, glossy brochure paper is the best place to start.

Party & Confetti glossy paper for printing professional DIY candy bar wrappers and party favors

Glossy Paper vs. Matte Paper for Candy Bar Wrappers

Both glossy and matte brochure paper can be used to print candy bar wrappers, but they create two very different finished looks.

The best option depends on the style you’re going for, but for most printable party favors, I recommend glossy paper because it produces brighter colors and a more polished finish.

Glossy Paper

Glossy brochure paper has a smooth, coated surface that reflects light and makes colors appear richer and more vibrant. Photos, colorful graphics, and bold designs look sharper because the ink stays closer to the surface instead of being absorbed into the paper.

If you’re creating candy bar wrappers for birthdays, baby showers, graduations, holidays, or other colorful celebrations, glossy paper helps your designs stand out and gives them a professional, store-bought appearance.

Benefits of Glossy Paper

Bright, vibrant colors
Crisp text and graphics
Smooth, polished finish
Excellent for colorful party themes
Professional-looking results

Matte Paper

Matte brochure paper has little to no shine, giving printed designs a softer, more subtle appearance.

It works well for rustic weddings, vintage-inspired parties, minimalist designs, or projects where you don’t want a reflective finish. While matte paper can produce beautiful results, colors usually appear less vibrant than they do on glossy paper.

If your design relies on bright colors or detailed graphics, glossy paper is usually the better choice.

Benefits of Matte Paper

Non-reflective finish
Soft, elegant appearance
Easy to write on with pens or markers
Great for rustic or vintage themes

Which One Should You Choose?

For most DIY candy bar wrappers, I recommend glossy brochure paper.

The brighter colors, sharper graphics, and polished finish help your wrappers look professionally printed without any extra effort. If your goal is to create party favors that really stand out on the dessert table, glossy paper is hard to beat.

Choosing the Right Paper Weight

The finish isn’t the only thing that matters. Paper weight also plays a big role in how your candy bar wrappers look and feel.

Even two glossy papers can perform very differently depending on how thick they are.

If the paper is too thin, your wrapper may wrinkle easily and feel flimsy after it’s wrapped around the candy bar. If it’s too thick, it can become difficult to fold neatly around the ends and may crack when creased.

After trying different options, I recommend 32 lb. glossy brochure paper (approximately 120 gsm) because it offers the ideal balance of flexibility and durability.

It’s sturdy enough to feel high quality while still wrapping smoothly around a standard-size chocolate bar.

Recommended Paper Weights

Paper Type	Weight	Recommendation
Regular Copy Paper	20 lb.	❌ Too thin
Glossy Brochure Paper	32 lb. (120 gsm)	⭐ Best Choice
Heavy Cardstock	65 lb. or higher	❌ Too thick

Choosing the right paper weight helps your wrappers fold cleanly, hold their shape, and create a polished finished product.

The Paper I Use

Over the years, I’ve tried different papers for printable party favors, but I always come back to Party & Confetti Glossy Brochure Paper.

I created it specifically for DIY party decorations because I wanted a paper that printed vibrant colors, dried quickly, and wrapped beautifully around candy bars without cracking or tearing.

It’s designed for most home inkjet printers and has become my go-to paper for everything from candy bar wrappers and chip bags to popcorn boxes, treat bags, and mini cereal boxes.

Why I Love It

Designed for inkjet printers
Bright, vibrant color reproduction
Smooth glossy finish
Fast drying to reduce smudges
Flexible enough to wrap neatly around candy bars
Durable enough for a variety of printable party favors

One of my favorite things about using the same paper throughout a party setup is that everything looks coordinated. Whether you’re printing candy bar wrappers, chip bags, popcorn boxes, or treat bags, using the same paper creates consistent color, shine, and quality across every favor.

*The glossy paper I use for vibrant candy bar wrappers, chip bags, popcorn boxes, and other printable party favors.*

Recommended Printer Settings

Even the best paper can’t deliver great results if your printer settings aren’t set correctly.

Before I print any candy bar wrappers, I take a minute to adjust a few settings. These small changes make a big difference in color, sharpness, and overall print quality.

My Recommended Printer Settings

Setting	Recommendation
Paper Type	Glossy Photo Paper or Brochure Paper
Print Quality	Best or High Quality
Paper Size	Letter (8.5″ × 11″)
Scale	100% or Actual Size
Borderless Printing	Off (unless your template requires it)

Selecting the correct paper type tells your printer how much ink to use. This helps produce richer colors while reducing the chance of smudging.

If your printer offers more than one glossy paper setting, print a single test page first to see which option gives you the best results.

Taking a few extra minutes to check your settings before printing can save paper, ink, and time—and helps ensure your finished candy bar wrappers look exactly the way you designed them.

Printing & Preparing Your Candy Bar Wrappers

Once you’ve chosen the right paper and adjusted your printer settings, you’re ready to print your candy bar wrappers.

Before you start assembling your party favors, taking a few extra minutes to prepare your printed wrappers can make a noticeable difference in the final result. Clean cuts, accurate sizing, and the right printer settings all help create candy bar wrappers that look polished and professionally made.

Here’s the same workflow I use whenever I print candy bar wrappers at home.

My Step-by-Step Printing Workflow

1. Download Your Template as a PDF Print File

If you’re using an editable Canva template, download your finished design as a PDF Print file.

This file type preserves the highest image quality while keeping your text and graphics sharp. It also helps ensure your wrapper prints at the correct size.

Tip: Avoid downloading your wrapper as a JPG if you want the best possible print quality.

2. Load the Paper Correctly

Place your glossy brochure paper into your printer according to your printer’s instructions.

Since every printer feeds paper differently, double-check that the glossy side is facing the correct direction before printing.

If you’re unsure, print a quick test page first to avoid wasting paper.

3. Double-Check Your Printer Settings

Before clicking Print, confirm that your printer is set to:

Glossy Photo Paper (or Brochure Paper)
Best or High Quality
Letter Size (8.5″ × 11″)
100% Scale or Actual Size

These settings allow your printer to apply the correct amount of ink and produce the vibrant colors glossy paper is designed for.

4. Print One Test Copy First

Even if you’ve printed candy bar wrappers before, I always recommend printing one test copy first.

A single test print gives you the opportunity to check:

Color accuracy
Print quality
Paper orientation
Overall sizing
Margin alignment

Making small adjustments now can save both paper and ink later.

5. Trim Along the Crop Marks

Once your wrapper has finished printing, trim it carefully using a paper trimmer or a pair of sharp scissors.

Taking your time during this step makes assembly much easier and gives your finished candy bar wrappers clean, professional-looking edges.

If you’re making favors for a large party, a paper trimmer can help you cut multiple wrappers quickly while keeping every cut straight.

6. Wrap Your Candy Bar

Place the trimmed wrapper around your chocolate bar and gently crease the folds.

The flexibility of glossy brochure paper allows it to wrap smoothly without cracking, making it much easier to achieve a neat, professional finish.

Once you’re happy with the placement, secure the wrapper using double-sided tape.

I prefer double-sided tape because it creates a clean, nearly invisible seam and holds the wrapper securely in place.

Step-by-step photos showing how to print, trim, wrap, and assemble a DIY chocolate candy bar wrapper using glossy paper.

Watch the Full Printing & Assembly Tutorial

Sometimes it’s easier to see the process than read about it.

If you’d like to watch exactly how I print, trim, and assemble my candy bar wrappers, I’ve created a step-by-step video tutorial using my Full Cover Chocolate Candy Bar Canva Template.

In the video, I’ll show you how to:

Print your wrapper using the correct settings
Trim it to the proper size
Wrap it neatly around a chocolate bar
Secure it for a polished, professional-looking finish

If you’re making candy bar wrappers for the first time, watching the tutorial can help you feel more confident before you start assembling your own party favors.

Tips for Professional-Looking Candy Bar Wrappers

The right paper and printer settings go a long way, but a few extra tips can make your finished wrappers look even better.

These are simple habits I follow every time I print party favors.

Always Print a Test Copy

Before printing multiple wrappers, print one test page.

This gives you a chance to check:

Color accuracy
Print alignment
Paper orientation
Overall sizing

Making adjustments before printing the rest can save time, paper, and ink.

Work in Batches

If you’re creating favors for a birthday party, baby shower, graduation, or another large event, you’ll save time by working assembly-line style.

I like to:

Print all of the wrappers.
Trim them all at once.
Wrap each candy bar.
Apply the double-sided tape last.

Working in batches helps keep everything consistent and makes assembling larger orders much more manageable.

Store Finished Wrappers Properly

Once your candy bars are assembled, store them in a cool, dry place until your event.

Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of them to help prevent wrinkles and keep the wrappers looking smooth.

If you’re assembling favors a few days in advance, storing them carefully will help them look just as nice on party day as they did when you finished making them.

Use the Same Paper for All of Your Party Favors

One of my favorite ways to create a coordinated dessert table is to print all of my party favors on the same glossy brochure paper.

Whether you’re making:

Candy bar wrappers
Chip bags
Popcorn boxes
Rice Krispies treat wrappers
Mini cereal boxes
Treat bags

Using the same paper gives every project consistent color, shine, and print quality, helping your entire party setup look professionally coordinated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print candy bar wrappers on regular printer paper?

Yes, you can print candy bar wrappers on regular copy paper, but I don’t recommend it if you want a polished, professional-looking finish.

Copy paper absorbs more ink, which can make colors appear dull and graphics look less vibrant. It’s also thinner, so it wrinkles more easily when wrapped around a chocolate bar.

For the best results, use 32 lb. glossy brochure paper. It produces brighter colors, sharper details, and a smoother finish that gives your candy bar wrappers a professionally printed appearance.

What is the best paper for candy bar wrappers?

My top recommendation is 32 lb. glossy brochure paper (approximately 120 gsm).

It’s flexible enough to wrap neatly around a standard-size chocolate bar without cracking, while still being durable enough to hold its shape. The glossy finish also helps produce vibrant colors, crisp graphics, and a polished look that’s perfect for DIY party favors.

Can I use cardstock for candy bar wrappers?

I don’t recommend using heavy cardstock.

While cardstock works well for invitations, cake toppers, and favor tags, it’s usually too thick to wrap neatly around a chocolate bar. It can crack along the folds and make assembly more difficult.

Glossy brochure paper is much easier to work with and creates a cleaner finished product.

Do I need a special printer?

No. Most home inkjet printers work beautifully for printing candy bar wrappers.

For the best results, make sure to:

Select Glossy Photo Paper or Brochure Paper in your printer settings.
Print using Best or High Quality mode.
Print at 100% or Actual Size so your wrapper fits correctly.

Should I laminate candy bar wrappers?

No. Laminating isn’t necessary and can actually make the wrappers too stiff to fold neatly around the candy bar.

Glossy brochure paper already has a smooth, polished finish, so adding laminate usually isn’t needed.

What size chocolate bar does this template fit?

My Full Cover Chocolate Candy Bar Wrapper Template is designed to fit most standard full-size chocolate bars.

Because candy bar packaging can vary slightly between brands, I always recommend printing one test wrapper before printing multiple copies.

What’s the best adhesive to use?

I prefer double-sided tape because it creates a clean, nearly invisible seam and holds the wrapper securely in place.

You can also use clear tape or glue dots, but double-sided tape gives the neatest, most professional-looking finish.

Can I use the same paper for other printable party favors?

Absolutely!

One of the reasons I love glossy brochure paper is its versatility. I use the same paper for many of my printable party favors, including:

Chip bags
Rice Krispies treat wrappers
Popcorn boxes
Treat bags
Mini cereal boxes
Water bottle labels
Juice pouch labels

Using the same paper throughout your party setup creates a coordinated look with consistent color, shine, and print quality.

Can I customize my candy bar wrapper before printing?

Yes!

If you’re using one of my editable Canva templates, you can personalize it with names, photos, colors, ages, and other party details before printing.

Once you’ve finished customizing your design, download it as a PDF Print file to maintain the highest print quality.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right paper is one of the easiest ways to improve the look of your DIY candy bar wrappers. Pairing quality glossy brochure paper with the right printer settings helps you create vibrant, professional-looking party favors without leaving home.

Whether you’re making candy bar wrappers for a birthday party, baby shower, graduation, holiday celebration, or another special occasion, using the right materials will help your finished favors look polished, colorful, and professionally made.

I hope this guide has given you the confidence to print your own candy bar wrappers and create party favors you’ll be proud to share.

Happy crafting!

Shop My Favorite Supplies

If you’re ready to get started, here are the supplies I use most often when creating printable candy bar wrappers:

Using quality supplies from the beginning makes the entire printing process easier and helps you achieve beautiful, professional-looking results.

Join the Hanging with the Kiddos Community

Looking for more DIY party inspiration?

Join the Hanging with the Kiddos® community and get creative ideas, printable templates, printing tips, and party planning inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

You’ll also be among the first to hear about new templates, seasonal collections, product launches, and helpful tutorials designed to make celebrating easier and more fun.

Whether you’re planning one special party or creating printable favors all year long, you’ll find plenty of ideas to inspire your next project.