يمكن أيضًا استخدام عبوات رقائق الألومنيوم لتغليف المواد الغذائية لأنها مرنة للغاية: يمكن تحويلها بسهولة إلى رقائق ومطوية, توالت أو ملفوفة. رقائق الألومنيوم تحجب الضوء والأكسجين تمامًا (مما يؤدي إلى أكسدة الدهون أو الاضمحلال), رائحة ورائحة, الرطوبة والبكتيريا, وبالتالي يمكن استخدامها على نطاق واسع في تغليف المواد الغذائية والأدوية, بما في ذلك التغليف طويل العمر (aseptic packaging), for beverages and dairy products that can be stored without refrigeration. Aluminum foil containers and trays are used for scones, packaged takeaway meals, ready-to-eat snacks and long-life pet food.
Aluminum foil packaging is widely used for radiation shielding (barriers and reflectivity), heat exchangers (heat conduction) and cable linings (barriers and conductivity). Aluminum foil’s thermal conductivity makes it a common accessory in hookah equipment: a piece of aluminum foil with holes is often placed between the coal and tobacco so that the tobacco is heated without coming into direct contact with the burning coal.
Aluminum foil is also used for grilling delicate foods such as mushrooms and vegetables. Wrap food in aluminum foil and place it on the grill to prevent moisture loss, which can lead to a less appealing texture.
Like all metal objects, aluminum foil will react and put it in the microwave. This is because the electromagnetic field of the microwave induces an electric current in the foil and creates a high electrical potential at the tip of the foil. If the potential is high enough, an arc will be generated in areas of low potential, even in the air around the board. Modern microwave ovens are designed to prevent the reflection of microwave energy from damaging the cavity magnetron, and aluminum packaging for microwave heating is provided.
