How Long Does Bread Last In The Fridge? (+3 Storage Tips)

How long does bread last in the fridge? (+3 storage tips)

In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “How long does bread last in the fridge” as well as other related questions pertaining to the subject at hand, like how to maintain freshness of bread or how can you prolong the shelf life of bread.

How long does bread last in the fridge?

Bread can last in the fridge anywhere between 5-12 days. Some of the factors that affect the shelf life of bread are:

Temperature: Increased temperature means less half life. Temperature activates the yeast which causes enzymatic reactions within the bread.

Humidity/Moisture: Increased humidity promotes microbial growth. Therefore the chances of it being spoiled are increased in moist and humid conditions.

pH: pH change occurs as a result of change in temperature. Both temperature and pH go hand in hand since the yeast in bread causes fermentation. This in turn, affects the texture and taste of the bread.

Contamination: Contamination with other products is a likely cause, especially if bread is not properly sealed and stored in a separate place.

Type of Bread: The type of bread is also an important factor that plays a key role in determining the shelf life. Different kinds of bread are available in the market like Milky bread, Whole Wheat, Bran, Multigrain, Vitamin Enriched, and Gluten free. Commercial bread usually lasts longer in the fridge because it contains added preservatives as compared to homemade bread.

Storage Condition: Storage conditions like freezing and refrigeration are included.

How can I maintain the freshness of bread?

Most of you would be thinking that refrigeration is the preferred method of keeping your bread fresh. Well, you thought wrong! Why do you think bread is kept at room temperature in supermarkets and other shops?

To maintain the quality of your bread, it is better to just leave it on the kitchen shelf or at room temperature. It is also not a good practice if you leave the bread without covering it. This will just make the bread go dry and it will change its texture very quickly.

Should you store bread in the fridge?

It is not recommended to store bread in the fridge by most experts, since it encourages mould growth.

The answer to this question also depends on how much time is taken before you consume bread. A loaf of bread fresh from the bakery needs not to be refrigerated if you have the intention of consuming it within the next two-three days.

Your bread will stay fresh in a cool and dry place in the kitchen. Putting the bread in the fridge does increase its shelf life in some cases, but it changes the texture and flavour of the bread.

Other FAQs about Bread which you may be interested in.

Can you get sick from eating expired bread?

3 Easy ways to store bread

If you want your bread to last longer than 2-3 days while also keeping in mind the texture and freshness of bread, you can do that by following these simple bread storage hacks.

Use bread containers

Bread containers are an excellent way of storing your bread. Always keep in mind that they don’t need to be airtight. Airtight bread loafs are more susceptible to mould infection.

Similarly, if you allow too much air to enter, your bread will quickly turn dry and lose its texture. A good bread container is the one that has room for just enough air so that the moisture from within the container can escape into the surroundings.

Freeze your bread

When unsure, freeze for sure! Freezing is one of the best preservation techniques that works for almost every food product.

Frozen bread comes with its own downsides, but you can use it after heating it again in the oven. Or better yet – throw it in the toaster!

Freezing the bread can prolong its shelf life by as much as 6 months. Freezing temperature stops all enzymatic activity. This activity starts again while thawing.

Where you store your bread is critical.

Knowing where to store is just as essential as knowing how to store the bread. Plastic bagged bread if kept in the fridge will mould faster! Similarly, increased temperature will also decrease the shelf life of the bread. So what should we do then?

As intriguing as it sounds, bread is best stored in a cool and dry place. Avoid placing it on the kitchen shelf where cooking takes place or where you wash the dishes. The environment is an important factor that decides the shelf life of your bread.

Remember most fresh food packages say, “store in a cool dry place”? Well, they’re not printing that for no reason.

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we answered the question, “How long does bread last in the fridge” as well as other questions pertaining to the subject at hand, like how to maintain freshness of bread or how can you prolong the shelf life of bread.