How Long Does Wheat Bread Last?

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Last Updated on August 14, 2022

Wheat bread is a popular choice among many families. However, if you keep this bread in your home, you may wonder, how long does wheat bread last? It is a perishable item, so it is important you properly store your loaf to ensure freshness.

Bread is one of the most versatile foods you can keep in your pantry. You can use it to make sandwiches or toast it and add your favorite spread. However, it is important to make sure that it has not gone bad because that can make you sick.

Common Ingredients In Wheat Bread

Wheat bread is one of the most popular types of bread in the world. You can buy it in grocery stores, some bakeries, or even make it yourself at home. There are only a few simple ingredients that go into making it.

Wheat bread contains whole wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water. It often contains other ingredients as well such as honey, milk, and butter to give it its delicious flavor. Store-bought bread often contains preservatives in order for them to last longer.

Does Wheat Bread Go Bad?

Like other types of bread, wheat bread does go bad. It is a perishable food that will go bad in a relatively short span of time.

Homemade wheat bread will typically last for three to four days before it will begin to be no longer good. Due to added preservatives, store-bought wheat bread will last longer than homemade. In general, store-bought wheat bread will last for seven to ten days if it is properly stored.

If properly stored, store-bought wheat bread can last two to three days past its best by date. However, any time after this it will likely begin to go stale.

How to properly store bread

The best place to store your bread is in the pantry, as this is where it will be the freshest. You want to keep it in an area that is not warm or humid, as water can ruin the bread. It is best to store it in a cool, dry area where it is away from the elements.

You should store your bread in an airtight container or plastic bag. It will go stale quickly if you leave it out uncovered. In addition, you can also keep it in a bread box, which does a great job of keeping it fresh.

Though you can keep your bread in the fridge if where you live is warm and humid, it is generally not ideal. Bread will dry out quicker in the fridge, so it must be kept tightly sealed. This is due to the fact that starch molecules in bread recrystallize quicker in cooler temperatures which in return leads to the bread going stale.

RoyalHouse Modern Metal Bread Box with Bamboo Lid

Can you freeze it?

You can keep your bread in the freezer to extend its shelf life. If properly stored, your bread can last in the freezer for around six months.

To freeze your bread, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then place your wrapped bread in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. Though you can place it in the freezer in the bag it came in, you risk your bread getting freezer burn.

To thaw your frozen bread, microwave it on a plate for 15-25 seconds at high power. In addition, you can also place your frozen bread directly into the toaster. You can also let it defrost at room temperature for around half an hour.

How To Tell If Wheat Bread Is Bad

The easiest way of how to tell if bread is bad is if there are any signs of mold. If you notice mold on your bread, you should throw it out as mold can make you sick. Be sure to keep any water away from your bread or what it is stored in as this can cause mold to grow.

In addition, if you notice that your bread has an off smell or off-taste, you will want to throw it away. Many people will also throw away their bread when it goes stale, however, it is generally still good to eat. As long as there is no mold, bad odor, or off-taste, you can eat stale bread.

Uses for stale bread

If you find yourself with stale bread that doesn’t have mold, bad odor, or off-taste, don’t throw it out just yet. There are several recipes you can use stale bread for so you don’t waste it. You will be amazed at how amazing it can taste in these delicious recipes.

Some of the most popular recipes you can use stale bread for include bread pudding, stuffing, and french toast casserole. You can also use stale bread to make croutons and breadcrumbs. It can even be great for adding to your favorite soup as well.

Understanding How Long Does Wheat Bread Last

Wheat bread, like other kinds of bread, is highly perishable. Homemade wheat bread generally lasts for three days, whereas store-bought typically lasts for around seven days. Ideally, you should store your bread in a cool, dry area such as a pantry.

Though the fridge can be a great place to store your bread if it is hot or humid, it is generally best to keep it at room temperature. If you are worried about not being able to eat an entire loaf before it goes bad, you can also freeze it as well. When properly stored, your loaf of bread will last in the fridge for up to six months.

If you notice mold on your bread, throw it away as it is no longer safe to eat. In addition, if there is a bad taste or smell, it is best to just discard it, as you don’t want to risk getting sick. Though many people throw out stale bread, it is still safe to eat and there are many great recipes you can use it for.

Do you have any questions on how long does wheat bread last? If so, please ask any questions regarding bread and bread storage in the comment section below.

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