Bread typically lasts around a week once opened, but it can spoil quickly if it isn’t being stored in the correct ways.
1. Add in a stick of celery
Consumer Expert Tom Church said: “If you’ve ever opened your loaf of bread to make a sandwich, only to discover that it’s gone mouldy, consider placing a stick of celery into the bread bag.
“It may sound odd, but the bread will absorb the moisture provided by the celery and, in turn, remain fresh.
“Your loaf won’t become dry and mouldy at the same rate, so your chances of getting a sandwich together will increase!”
According to the expert, shop-bought bread can last for up to three weeks using this storage tip.
2. Using a bread bag
Sophie Trueman, in-house waste expert at Too Good To Go, said: “Remember that if the bread is freshly made, you should not store it in an airtight bag, since it will not be able to breathe.
“You have to let it breathe so that it maintains its most optimal conservation. Storing it in a bread basket or a cloth bag, as mentioned, so that it cools at room temperature is always the best option.”
3. Putting it in the fridge
Sophie also recommended making use of the fridge, especially when it comes to sliced sandwich bread.
The expert said the loaf will “last much longer, extending its expiration date”.
Make sure to seal the bread up and don’t place it near any fruit or vegetables, especially bananas.
4. Freezing the loaf
Most bread can be frozen for up to three months and will defrost perfectly within a matter of hours.
Sliced sandwich bread can also be toasted directly from frozen, as can small pancakes and crumpets.
For any loaf you’re planning on freezing, it’s best to double-wrap it so it tastes fresh when it defrosts.
Make sure to write the date on a label as it’s best to use it within a few months to avoid any risk of freezer burn.
