In our household, the quest for the perfect toilet paper has become something of an epic saga. For years, we were loyal to the big-name brands—the ones that promise a cloud-like softness you can sink your fingers into. But a growing unease began to creep in. Every time we tossed a plastic-wrapped multi-pack into our shopping cart, we felt a pang of guilt about the trees being felled and the plastic waste destined for a landfill. This led us down a rabbit hole of “eco-friendly” alternatives. The problem? Most of them felt like a compromise. We tried recycled paper that felt more like sandpaper and other “green” options that disintegrated on contact. We were caught in a frustrating bind: do we choose planetary health or personal comfort? It felt like we couldn’t have both. This is the challenge that led us to investigate a product promising the best of both worlds: The Cheeky Panda 12 Family Rolls 3-Ply Toilet Paper.
- Bamboo Toilet Paper You Can Rely On - Our tissue paper is 3 ply, giving you the satisfaction that your paper won't tear on you during use. Bamboo is naturally stronger than paper!
- Biodegradable Toilet Paper & Packaging - We pride ourselves on removing plastic from everyday items. Our bamboo toilet paper comes in recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Zero Plastic, Zero Waste!
- Non Toxic Toilet Paper - We like to keep things natural at The Cheeky Panda. No scents, no lotions, just 100% natural, chemical free toilet paper. Keeping things kinder to your skin and the planet
What to Consider Before Buying Bamboo Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is more than just a disposable item; it’s a key solution for daily hygiene, comfort, and, increasingly, a reflection of our environmental values. A great toilet paper not only cleans effectively but also provides a comfortable experience without causing irritation, leaving behind residue, or wreaking havoc on our plumbing. The primary benefit of switching to a product like bamboo toilet paper is the significant reduction in your ecological footprint. Bamboo is a type of grass that grows incredibly fast, requires less water than trees, and doesn’t require replanting, making it a far more sustainable source material. Furthermore, brands in this space often prioritize plastic-free packaging and hypoallergenic formulas, which is a boon for both the planet and those with sensitive skin.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who is environmentally conscious and actively seeking to reduce their household’s reliance on single-use plastics and tree-based products. It’s also a perfect fit for individuals or families with sensitive skin, as bamboo paper is often free of the lotions, scents, and harsh chemicals found in conventional brands. However, it might not be suitable for those who consider pillowy, ultra-plush softness the single most important factor. While high-quality bamboo paper is strong and smooth, its texture is inherently different from premium, quilted tree-pulp paper. If you’re accustomed to the fluffiest Charmin or Cottonelle, the feel of bamboo may require a period of adjustment. Those on a very strict budget might also find some bamboo options priced slightly higher than bulk-bin recycled brands, though the value proposition often evens out due to higher sheet counts and greater durability.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Roll Size & Sheet Count: Don’t be fooled by the number of rolls in a pack. Look at the total sheet count. A “family-sized” or “mega” roll should offer significantly more sheets than a standard one, meaning fewer roll changes. The Cheeky Panda boasts 360 sheets per roll, which is substantial. Also, consider the physical dimensions of the roll to ensure it fits your existing toilet paper holder.
- Ply Count & Strength: Ply count refers to the number of layers per sheet. A 3-ply construction, as featured in this product, is designed to offer a balance of strength and comfort, preventing the dreaded tear-through. Performance is about more than just thickness; it’s about the fiber’s integrity. Good bamboo paper should be strong and absorbent without being overly thick.
- Materials & Sustainability: The core appeal here is the material. Is it 100% bamboo? Is the company transparent about its sourcing? Look for certifications like B Corp status, which indicates a commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance. The packaging is also key; true eco-friendly products should have plastic-free, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging.
- Flushability & Septic Safety: This is a non-negotiable factor. The toilet paper must break down effectively to prevent clogs in your home’s plumbing or septic system. While most modern toilet papers are designed to be septic-safe, the stronger fibers of bamboo can sometimes break down differently. If you have older pipes or a sensitive septic system, this is a critical point to verify.
Making an informed choice ensures you find a product that aligns with your values without sacrificing the performance you need for your family.
While the The Cheeky Panda 12 Family Rolls 3-Ply Toilet Paper is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- WHAT’S INCLUDED — 12 Double Rolls of Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper, 1-ply, 231 sheets per roll, 291.60 square feet total (12 double rolls = 24 regular rolls)
- SHIPMENT CONTAINS: 30 Rolls with 350 2-ply sheets per roll for a total of 10,500 sheets
- Packaging Information: our package contains 4 rolls of Christmas themed toilet paper, our Christmas toilet paper is made of three-ply toilet paper, soft and durable, moderate thickness, the paper is...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Panda
Our package of The Cheeky Panda 12 Family Rolls 3-Ply Toilet Paper arrived in a simple, recyclable cardboard box. The first thing we noticed—and appreciated—was the complete absence of plastic. Each roll is wrapped in paper printed with soy-based inks, featuring the brand’s adorable panda mascot. It immediately sets a positive, eco-conscious tone. Several users noted how much they “liked the informative and paper packaging,” and we wholeheartedly agree. It feels intentional and aligned with the brand’s mission.
Upon unwrapping a roll, the texture is the next thing you notice. If you’re expecting the airy, fluffy feel of a premium brand like Charmin, you will be surprised. The paper isn’t plush in that way. Instead, it feels smooth, dense, and tightly wound. It doesn’t have the deep quilting of luxury brands, but it also doesn’t feel rough or cheap like gas station TP. Our initial thought was that it struck a balance, feeling more substantial and less “linty” than many competitors. The rolls themselves, while boasting a high sheet count, did appear slightly smaller in diameter than the “mega” rolls we were used to, a point some users also raised. However, the density of the roll suggested it might last longer than its size implied.
What We Like
- Made from 100% sustainable bamboo
- Completely plastic-free, recyclable packaging
- Hypoallergenic: no scents, lotions, or harsh chemicals
- Strong and durable 3-ply construction
- Generous 360 sheets per roll
- Minimal to no lint or paper residue during use
Potential Drawbacks
- Not as soft or fluffy as premium tree-pulp brands
- Some reports of it not dissolving quickly, posing a risk for older plumbing
A Deep Dive into The Cheeky Panda’s Performance
After several weeks of using this toilet paper in a busy family household, we’ve moved beyond first impressions to form a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a product with a distinct personality, one that excels in certain areas and presents a clear trade-off in others. We analyzed it across four key criteria: sustainability, practical performance, skin sensitivity, and the all-important flushability.
The Sustainability Factor: A Genuinely Green Choice
The Cheeky Panda’s biggest selling point is its impeccable environmental credentials, and in our testing, this promise holds up completely. The choice of 100% bamboo is the foundation. Unlike trees that take decades to mature, bamboo is a grass that can be harvested annually without being uprooted, regrowing to full size in a fraction of the time. This drastically reduces deforestation. As a Certified B Corp, The Cheeky Panda is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s a verified commitment. We found this commitment extends to every aspect of the product, particularly the packaging. The zero-plastic approach is a breath of fresh air. So many “eco” products still come wrapped in a thin layer of plastic, which feels counterintuitive. One user’s comment, “I really love that there is zero plastic! Paper packaging,” perfectly captures the satisfaction of receiving a product that is green from the core material all the way to its shipping box. This commitment makes using The Cheeky Panda 12 Family Rolls 3-Ply Toilet Paper feel like a meaningful, positive choice rather than just a routine purchase. It’s a product that allows you to align your daily habits with your values effortlessly.
Performance in Practice: Strength, Absorbency, and the “Lint-Free” Promise
When it comes to performance, the The Cheeky Panda 12 Family Rolls 3-Ply Toilet Paper presents an interesting paradox. The 3-ply construction is evident, yet the sheets are not particularly thick. Some users even mistook it for single-ply upon a cursory glance. However, where it truly shines is in its strength. The bamboo fibers create a paper that is remarkably durable. We found that it “does not fall apart” during use, a sentiment echoed by multiple users. This strength means you can use less paper per visit, which helps offset the potentially higher cost and smaller-looking roll. As one parent noted, “The kids only need two pieces to wipe efficiently.” This is a testament to its effectiveness. Furthermore, one of the most celebrated features in our household, and confirmed by user feedback, is its “lint-free” quality. We were tired of premium brands that left behind a trail of paper dust and residue. As one reviewer eloquently put it, “It’s soft and does not stick or leave paper residue on your butt. Yes I said it.” This clean, residue-free experience is a massive advantage that many people don’t realize they’re missing until they try a product like this. It’s strong, it’s absorbent enough for minor spills, and it leaves you feeling genuinely clean.
The Softness & Sensitivity Debate: A Matter of Expectation
Softness is arguably the most subjective and debated aspect of this toilet paper. If your definition of soft is synonymous with “fluffy,” “pillowy,” or “quilted,” then The Cheeky Panda will not meet your expectations. Several users found it “a little rough” or comparable to “cheap toilet paper you expect to encounter at work.” However, we feel this comparison is slightly unfair. While it lacks fluff, we found the paper to be very smooth. It glides rather than buffs. The real story here is its benefit for sensitive skin. The paper is completely free of scents, lotions, chlorine, and other chemicals commonly used in the manufacturing process of traditional TP. When we performed a tear test, just as one user described, we confirmed that unlike major brands which released a cloud of “tiny visible fibers,” The Cheeky Panda tore cleanly. This lack of airborne particulates and chemical additives makes it an outstanding choice for those with allergies or skin sensitivities. One user noted, “I do believe that cheeky’s bamboo caused less of an allergic reaction than either a or c [Angel Soft and Charmin].” So, while you’re trading pillowy softness for a smoother, firmer texture, you’re gaining a hypoallergenic product that is kinder to your skin. For many, this is a trade worth making. You can check its full hypoallergenic specifications and decide if it’s the right fit for your family.
The Clog Conundrum: A Closer Look at Flushability
This is the most critical area of concern we encountered, prompted by a detailed negative review. One user reported that the paper did not dissolve well, leading to a serious clog in their sewer pipes that required professional intervention. They even provided photographic evidence of a home dissolution test where, after 70 minutes in water, the bamboo paper remained largely intact while a “normal” paper had dissolved into pieces. We take such reports very seriously. Bamboo fibers are inherently stronger than wood pulp, which is what gives the paper its excellent durability during use. However, this same strength could mean it takes longer to break down in water. While we did not experience any clogs in our modern plumbing system during our testing period, this user’s experience highlights a significant potential risk, especially for homes with older pipes, low-flow toilets, or sensitive septic systems. The claim that it “flushes down easily” was made by other users, suggesting that the performance may be highly dependent on the specific plumbing system it’s introduced to. Because of this starkly contrasting feedback, we would advise caution. If your plumbing is even remotely temperamental, it might be wise to perform your own dissolution test (soaking a few sheets in a jar of water) before committing to this as your regular brand.
What Other Users Are Saying
The user sentiment for The Cheeky Panda 12 Family Rolls 3-Ply Toilet Paper is quite polarized, which aligns perfectly with our own findings. On the positive side, there is widespread praise for the brand’s mission. Customers consistently celebrate the plastic-free packaging and the sustainability of using bamboo. Many, like one user who was “fed up with the Cottenelle and Charmin higher cost… with lower quality,” found it to be a superior alternative that is strong, lint-free, and lasts a long time. They feel good about their purchase and appreciate the clean wipe it provides.
On the other hand, the negative feedback is just as passionate and centers on two key issues: softness and value. Multiple users felt the product was “nowhere near soft enough to justify the size and price.” They compare the texture to industrial or institutional toilet paper and feel the rolls are too small for the premium price point. The most alarming piece of feedback, however, is the detailed account of the paper allegedly causing a severe plumbing clog. This single, well-documented review raises a significant red flag for potential buyers with older homes or septic systems, making flushability a major point of contention.
How Does The Cheeky Panda Compare to the Alternatives?
To truly understand its place in the market, it’s essential to compare The Cheeky Panda not just to other eco-brands, but to the market leaders and commercial alternatives as well. Each serves a very different purpose for a different type of consumer.
1. Georgia-Pacific Angel Soft Professional Series Toilet Paper 750 Sheets
- PREMIUM QUALITY embossed toilet paper that provides soft, reliable performance
- CORELESS ROLLS let you use 100% of the toilet paper and eliminate stub roll waste
- HIGH CAPACITY roll drives fewer roll changes and lowers maintenance costs
The Angel Soft Professional Series is designed for a completely different environment. This is a high-capacity, coreless, 2-ply option built for commercial settings like offices or public restrooms. Its primary selling points are the massive 750-sheet roll, which minimizes the frequency of roll changes, and its value-oriented pricing in bulk. While it’s a functional product, it prioritizes efficiency over user experience. It lacks the 3-ply construction, the hypoallergenic qualities, and the sustainable bamboo material of The Cheeky Panda. Someone might prefer Angel Soft if they are stocking a high-traffic business and their main goal is cost-effectiveness and low maintenance, not personal comfort or environmental impact.
2. Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper 6 Mega Rolls
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Charmin Ultra Strong represents the peak of the traditional, tree-pulp toilet paper market. It is the direct opposite of The Cheeky Panda in philosophy and feel. Charmin’s focus is on maximum strength combined with a thick, plush, and quilted softness that many consumers have come to expect from a premium brand. It is exceptionally comfortable and effective. However, it is made from tree pulp, typically comes in plastic packaging, and is often criticized for being so thick that it can cause issues in sensitive plumbing systems. A consumer would choose Charmin Ultra Strong if their absolute top priority is a luxurious, cloud-like feel and they are less concerned with the environmental impact of their purchase.
3. Tork Mini Jumbo Toilet Paper 2-Ply
- Maximize hygiene with a dispensing system that protects the bath tissue from overexposure to restroom environment.
- Avoid running out of bath tissue with this compact commercial toilet paper dispenser that's perfect for high-traffic restrooms.
- Save time on refills and avoid run-outs with high-capacity mini jumbo toilet tissue rolls.
Similar to the Angel Soft product, the Tork Mini Jumbo roll is another contender from the commercial and industrial space. Designed for high-capacity dispensers, its “jumbo” size is all about reducing labor costs and run-outs in public facilities. It’s a 2-ply paper that is built for durability and function, not for a premium home experience. It isn’t made from sustainable materials like bamboo and doesn’t offer the chemical-free, skin-friendly benefits of The Cheeky Panda. The ideal customer for Tork is a facilities manager or business owner, not a family looking to make an eco-conscious choice for their home bathroom. It simply isn’t in the same category when it comes to user-centric design or mission.
The Final Verdict: Is The Cheeky Panda Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: The Cheeky Panda 12 Family Rolls 3-Ply Toilet Paper is an excellent product, but for a very specific consumer. If you are driven by environmental values, are seeking to eliminate plastic from your home, and prioritize a clean, lint-free, hypoallergenic experience over pillowy softness, then this is one of the best options on the market. Its strength is undeniable, and the high sheet count delivers good long-term value. It’s a choice you can feel good about every single day.
However, it is not a universal solution. If you are a devotee of ultra-plush, cloud-like toilet paper, the firmer texture of bamboo will likely be a disappointment. More importantly, the potential flushability issue, though reported by a minority, is a serious consideration for anyone with an older home, a septic tank, or sensitive plumbing. For the eco-conscious consumer with modern plumbing, this is a fantastic switch to make. For others, the trade-offs may be too significant. If you believe its unique blend of sustainability and performance fits your lifestyle, we highly recommend you check the latest price and give The Cheeky Panda a try.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API