How Long Does Bread Last In The Fridge?

Storing bread is a much-versed challenge for many of us. There are so many options that it is hard to decide how to store bread the best way so it will last. Storing bread in the fridge is very provocative! It almost always causes an argument on social media. Some people have stored their bread in the fridge all their life, while others say it should not even be considered!

So to answer “can bread be stored in the fridge?” and “how long does bread last in the fridge?” I decided to clear things up.

The refrigerator is not the best place to keep bread. When bread is stored in the fridge, it becomes rock hard, often within 24 hours. Outside the refrigerator, bread lasts for three to five days. Small-crust bread, such as baguettes, should be eaten on the day of purchase.

Why does bread go stale?

As the bread cools, water in the starch moves to other parts of the bread to exit via the crust. Starch particles surrounding hardened gluten revert to their pre-baked crystallised structure. Starch retrogradation and water loss combine to make bread hard, dry and less palatable.

What happens when bread is stored in the fridge?

Whilst the refrigerator removes airflow to slow down moisture loss, cool temperatures accelerate starch retrogradation. This makes bread rock hard and dry in a few hours.

When should bread go in the fridge?

In an extremely warm and humid climate, bread can quickly turn mouldy at room temperature. In this case, the fridge might be the best solution to store your bread.

What is the best way for bread to last longer?

Keep bread away from damp or airy locations by wrapping it in a cloth or tea towel and store in a bread box. Bread continues to release water when cold so avoid plastic wrap or zip-top bags. Fully-sealed solutions speed up moulding. For bread to keep for more than two or three days, place it in the freezer.

How to make bread that stays fresh for longer?

When making bread, keep an eye on how long you bake it, especially in humid climates. A standard tin loaf of bread should bake for 32-37 minutes. If your baking times are too short, too much water will remain in your loaf, which speeds up starch retrogradation and can develop mould.

How to store bread dough in the fridge?

Instead of watching several loaves go stale on the counter, you might prefer to make enough dough for a handful of loaves and store it in the fridge. Does dough go bad in the fridge? Sure, if it’s left in there for a while! But you’ll be able to shape, proof and bake a fresh loaf of bread whenever you need!

How can I make bread last longer in a month?

Double-wrap it in plastic bags and put it in the freezer. Even store-bought bread containing preservatives turns mouldy within a month. Freezing reduces water loss and pauses starch retrogradation to keep bread lasting longer.

How long does bread last in the fridge after expiration date?

Bread stored in the fridge is unlikely to turn mouldy but will become hard and unpalatable in a matter of hours. Storing bread in the fridge will not extend freshness. If you wish to keep bread after its use-by date, use the freezer.