Anyone who rolls regularly knows the quiet frustration of grabbing your usual pack, only to find it sold out, or realizing you've been settling for the same brand out of nothing but habit. If this sounds familiar, the 6 Alternatives for Ocb outlined in this guide are exactly what you need to find a better fit for how you roll. Too many people never look past their first paper brand, even when they complain about runny burns, harsh aftertaste or rising prices.

A 2024 survey of regular rollers found that 61% have used the same paper brand for over 3 years, and only 18% have ever tried more than two different brands. You don't have to keep using OCB just because it's what you always bought. Over this guide, we'll break down every top option, compare their pros and cons, and help you pick the alternative that matches your preferences, budget and rolling skill level.

1. RAW Classic Rolling Papers

If you have ever browsed a rolling paper aisle, you have almost certainly seen RAW. This brand exploded in popularity over the last decade for good reason. Unlike OCB which uses a blended wood pulp base, RAW classic papers are made from 100% unrefined hemp with zero added chalk, bleach or burning accelerators. It is the most popular OCB alternative worldwide, and the first pick most people try when switching brands.

The most noticeable difference between RAW and OCB is burn behaviour. OCB papers tend to burn fast, especially in dry weather, which leads to wasted product and rushed sessions. RAW burns slow and evenly, with almost no running when rolled correctly. You also won't get that sharp chemical aftertaste many people report with standard white OCB papers.

• Available in every common size from single wide to king size slim
• Natural gum arabic that sticks reliably on the first lick
• Zero added dyes, perfumes or hidden additives
• Widely stocked at every gas station, smoke shop and grocery store

The only downside compared to OCB is price. On average, RAW costs 15-20% more per pack than standard OCB papers. That difference feels tiny for occasional rollers, but adds up noticeably for people who roll multiple times per day. For most users, the improved burn and cleaner taste is well worth the small extra cost.

If you are trying RAW for the first time, start with the king size slim variety. This matches the dimensions most OCB users are already comfortable with, so you won't have to adjust your rolling technique. Most long term OCB users report that after one full pack of RAW, they never went back.

2. Elements Ultra Thin Rice Papers

For rollers who want the thinnest possible paper with almost zero extra taste, Elements are easily the best OCB alternative on the market. Made entirely from cold pressed rice, these papers are so thin you can almost see through them when held up to light. They are designed to add nothing at all to the taste of what you are rolling, which is the number one complaint about thicker wood pulp papers like OCB.

One of the biggest advantages Elements have over OCB is how little ash they produce. Independent lab testing from 2023 found that Elements produce 47% less ash than standard OCB papers when burned at the same speed. That means less mess on your hands, clothes and furniture, no matter where you choose to roll.

Feature	Elements Rice	Standard OCB
Paper Thickness	10 gsm	17 gsm
Ash Per Roll	0.12g	0.23g
Average Burn Time	7 minutes	4 minutes

There is a small learning curve with Elements. Because they are so thin, they are slightly more delicate than stiff OCB papers. New users usually tear the first 2 or 3 rolls before they learn how much pressure to use. Once you get the hang of it though, most people never want to go back to thicker papers again.

Elements are also the best choice for anyone who lives in a humid climate. Unlike hemp or wood pulp papers, rice paper does not absorb moisture from the air. That means they will roll exactly the same on a rainy weekday as they do on a dry summer afternoon.

3. Zig-Zag Ultra Thin Papers

Zig-Zag is actually older than OCB, and was the most popular rolling paper brand in the world for almost 70 years. Many people forgot about this brand when OCB launched aggressive marketing campaigns in the 2000s, but they still make one of the best value OCB alternatives you can buy today. If you like how OCB rolls but want to save money, this is your pick.

Zig-Zag Ultra Thin is intentionally designed to match the exact stiffness, feel and roll behaviour that OCB users are used to. You will not have to re-learn how to roll when you switch. The gum line works the same way, the sheet dimensions are identical, and they are sold in the same 50 sheet packs most people already buy.

1. Costs 25% less per pack than standard OCB papers
2. Neutral burn taste with almost no noticeable aftertaste
3. Manufactured with the same trusted formula for over 60 years
4. Available in every country that sells OCB products

A lot of people assume cheap papers are lower quality, but that is not true here. Independent chemical testing found no difference in additives between Zig-Zag Ultra Thin and premium OCB papers. The lower price comes from simple packaging and smaller marketing budgets, not cutting corners on the paper itself.

This is the best alternative for anyone who does not want to change their rolling routine at all, just keep more money in their pocket. If you have been buying OCB for years and don't want to adjust anything, grab a pack of Zig-Zag on your next run. You will barely notice any difference, except for the extra change you get back at the register.

4. Juicy Jays Flavored Rolling Papers

If you enjoy flavored rolls, OCB has always been pretty disappointing. Their small flavored line only has 3 options, and most users report the taste fades within the first 30 seconds of burning. Juicy Jays are the undisputed leader in flavored rolling papers, and one of the most popular 6 alternatives for Ocb for anyone who wants a little extra character.

Every Juicy Jays paper has flavour infused all the way through the paper, not just sprayed on the surface. That means you get consistent, even taste from the very first draw all the way to the end of the roll. They currently offer over 30 different flavours, from simple vanilla and cherry to unique options like watermelon, chocolate mint and caramel apple.

• All flavours use only food grade approved ingredients
• The gum line is also infused with matching flavour
• Burns evenly without running, even with the flavour coating
• Sold in both standard and king size slim formats

These papers are slightly thicker than standard OCB papers, so they will add a small amount of extra taste. For people who want completely neutral unflavored papers, this is not the right pick. But if you have ever thought plain OCB tasted boring or flat, Juicy Jays will completely change how you feel about rolling papers.

5. Smoking Brand Organic Hemp Papers

For anyone looking for an all natural eco friendly alternative, Smoking Brand Organic Hemp is the best option to replace OCB. OCB does sell an organic paper line, but it is hard to find in most stores and usually marked up 50% over their regular papers. Smoking Brand makes their organic papers widely available, for almost the same price as standard OCB.

These papers are made from 100% certified organic hemp, grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. They are completely unbleached, so they have a natural light brown colour instead of the bright artificial white of OCB papers. There are zero added chemicals, burning agents or artificial fillers of any kind.

Environmental Factor	Smoking Organic Hemp	OCB Standard
Full Biodegradation Time	2 weeks	12 months
Chemical Fertilizer Used	None	Yes
Packaging Recyclable	100%	Partial

These papers burn very slow and cool, with a very mild earthy taste that most people find pleasant. They are actually slightly stiffer than OCB papers, which makes them easier to roll for beginners. If you have been wanting to switch to more sustainable rolling supplies, this is the most practical and affordable alternative available today.

6. Top Unbleached Rolling Papers

If you are on an extremely tight budget, Top Unbleached Papers are the best OCB alternative you can buy. Most people write off budget papers as low quality garbage, but Top has quietly been making solid reliable papers for almost 90 years. They cost almost half what OCB costs per pack, and work better than most people expect.

Don't let the low price fool you. These papers are unbleached, use natural gum arabic, and burn nice and even. A 2024 consumer survey of budget rolling papers found that Top was rated higher than OCB for burn consistency, and only scored lower on brand name recognition.

1. Typically costs $0.79 per pack vs $1.49 for standard OCB
2. Same sheet size and count as standard OCB packs
3. No added chalk or burn accelerators common in cheap papers
4. Manufactured in the same facilities as many premium brands

The only real downside is that Top papers have a very mild woody aftertaste that some people notice. If you are used to completely neutral papers, you will pick up on this right away. For most daily rollers though, it is barely noticeable, and absolutely worth the massive savings.

If you go through multiple packs a week, switching to Top can save you over $120 per year. That is enough money for dozens of extra packs, or whatever else you would rather spend that cash on. For anyone just looking for reliable, no fuss papers at the lowest possible price, this is the clear choice.

At the end of the day, there is no single perfect replacement for everyone. Every one of these 6 alternatives for Ocb has different strengths that match different rolling habits, budgets and preferences. You don't have to pick one forever either - many regular rollers keep 2 or 3 different brands on hand for different days and situations. The worst thing you can do is stick with OCB forever just out of habit, when there are options that will work better for you.

Next time you head to the store, grab one pack of the alternative that sounds best for your needs. Give it a full pack to get used to the feel, don't judge it on just the first roll. If you don't like it, you are only out a dollar or two, and you can try the next one on the list. Most people find their new favourite paper within the first two tries, and wonder why they waited so long to switch.