Rice paper wrappers are in the world food aisle of most UK supermarkets. Look in the South East Asian or Vietnamese section, usually near the rice noodles. For the widest choice of sizes and brands, a Vietnamese or wider South East Asian grocer is the best place to go.
Where to buy them
Ocado lists Blue Dragon Spring Roll Wrappers in a 134g pack. Blue Dragon is one of the most widely available brands in the UK, so check your local supermarket shelf in the world food section first.
Asda did not show a plain pack of rice paper wrappers on its online range when I checked. It does sell ready-made spring rolls and a Vietnamese style meal kit that includes rice paper sheets. If Asda is your usual shop, check the meal kit first, or check the Asda app for your branch.
Asian grocers usually carry more brands and sizes than the supermarkets, and the price is often lower than the supermarket own brand.
Online is a good option if you make fresh rolls often. Rice paper keeps well and posts easily, so a large pack lasts a long time.
Which wrappers to buy
Look for wrappers made from rice flour and tapioca starch. These give a softer wrapper that is easier to roll. Round wrappers around 22cm are the standard choice for fresh spring rolls and are the easiest to work with. Square wrappers make neater folded parcels, but they are harder to find.
Check the pack size before you buy. A wrapper that is too small for your recipe makes rolling much harder.
Rice paper or spring roll pastry?
They are different products. Rice paper is used uncooked, so it suits fresh spring rolls. It turns soft and chewy once dipped in water. Spring roll pastry is wheat based and is made to be fried until crisp.
How to use them
Dip each wrapper in warm water for a few seconds, then lift it out. It keeps softening after you take it out of the water, so do not leave it to soak, or it will tear.
How to store them
Keep the dry pack sealed in a cool cupboard, the same way you would store dried pasta. Once opened, keep the pack tightly closed. Old or very dry wrappers crack easily, so check for cracks before you buy if you can.
Are rice paper wrappers gluten free?
Most are made only from rice flour and tapioca starch, so they contain no wheat. A few brands differ, so always check the label.
Related guides
For the noodles to serve with fresh rolls, see our guide to where to buy rice noodles in the UK. For a dipping sauce, our guide to nuoc cham explains what it is and how to make it at home. If you are making fried rolls instead, read where to buy dumpling wrappers in the UK. If you are making fresh rolls with tofu, see where to buy tofu in the UK.