Bread is one of the most popular foods around the world. It may even grow mold and become unsafe to eat, so it’s wheat pita bread without yeast to know how to keep it fresh for as long as possible. This article explains how long bread typically lasts, how to tell whether it’s safe to eat, and how to increase its shelf life.
What is the shelf life of bread? Many factors influence bread’s shelf life, which is the length of time it lasts before starting to go bad. 7 days but may vary depending on ingredients, type of bread, and storage method. Some common bread preservatives include calcium propionate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sorbic acid. Gluten-free bread is more susceptible to mold due to its higher moisture content and limited use of preservatives.
On the other hand, dried bread products, such as breadcrumbs or crackers, usually stay safe the longest because mold needs moisture to grow. Refrigerated dough for biscuits and rolls also eventually spoils because it contains oils that go rancid. Notably, most homemade breads don’t contain preservatives and may use perishable ingredients like eggs and milk. Some bakeries likewise avoid preservatives — you can check the ingredient list or ask the baker if you’re unsure. Bread is more likely to spoil if stored in warm, moist environments.
To prevent mold, it should be kept sealed at room temperature or colder. 4 days if it’s homemade or up to 7 days if it’s store-bought. If you choose this route, make sure your bread is sealed well to prevent drying and that there’s no visible moisture in the packaging. Frozen bread may last up to 6 months. SUMMARYBread’s shelf life largely depends on its ingredients and the storage method. You can boost shelf life by refrigerating or freezing it. Although many packaged foods have an expiration date, most breads have a best-by date instead, which denotes how long your bread will stay fresh.
Yet, best-by dates aren’t mandatory and don’t indicate safety. To determine whether your bread is fresh or spoiled, you should examine it yourself. Mold is a fungus that absorbs nutrients in bread and grows spores, producing fuzzy spots that may be green, black, white, or even pink. If the bread has visible mold, it’s best not to smell it in case its spores are harmful to inhale. If the bread doesn’t taste right, it’s probably safest to throw it away.