How long does a loaf really last? The answer ranges from one day to several months and depends on three things: the type of bread, the temperature and what you store it in. Here are guidelines for common types, together in one table.
The table: storage time by bread type
The counter estimates assume room temperature and storage that limits drying while allowing some breathability. Moisture trapped in plastic can encourage mould, while paper allows bread to dry. The recipe, room temperature and handling can shorten every estimate. Follow any pack instructions and discard mouldy bread regardless of its age.
| Bread type | On the counter | Best quality in the freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade wheat bread | 7 to 10 days in a wax-lined bag | 2 to 3 months |
| Sourdough bread | About 7 to 10 days | 3 months |
| Wholemeal and rye bread | 7 to 10 days | 3 months |
| Shop-bought bread with preservatives | About 5 to 7 days; follow the pack | 2 to 3 months |
| Baguettes and other crusty bread | 1 to 2 days | 1 month |
| Bread rolls | 2 to 3 days | 2 months |
| Sweet buns and yeast baking | 2 to 3 days | 2 months |
| Gluten-free bread | 2 to 4 days | 2 months |
| Crispbread | Several months in an airtight container | Usually unnecessary |
| Lefse and lompe, soft Norwegian flatbreads | 2 to 3 days | 2 months |
| Flatbrød, crisp Norwegian flatbread | Several months in an airtight container | Usually unnecessary |
| Sandwich bread | 4 to 6 days | 2 to 3 months |
Our detailed guides cover sourdough, wholemeal and rye bread, baguettes, bread rolls, crispbread, lefse and flatbread, and gluten-free bread.
What determines how long bread keeps?
Fat and sugar can help. Bread with a little oil, butter or sugar often retains moisture longer than lean dough. This helps explain why a baguette dries quickly while a richer loaf can stay soft much longer.
Sourdough can keep longer. Its acidity can help slow mould growth, while the recipe also affects staling. Read more in yeast bread or sourdough.
Whole loaves keep better than sliced ones. Every slice exposes another surface to drying. Cut from the middle and press the halves together, or read does sliced bread keep less well?.
Protect bread from dry fridge air. Bread left loose in the fridge can dry and stale quickly. A Bivoks™ bread bag can also be used in the fridge to protect the loaf. See bread in the fridge.
When should bread go in the freezer?
If you know you will not finish a loaf while it is fresh, freeze half on the day you bake or buy it. That preserves freshness instead of rescuing old leftovers. The method and thawing advice are in freezing bread properly and frozen bread straight into the oven.
Frequently asked questions
How long does bread keep on the counter?
How long does bread keep at room temperature?
How do I know whether bread is still good?
Less bread in the bin, more on the table
The Vokshus Bivoks™ bread bag is made from cotton and linen with a beeswax lining. It lets bread breathe while protecting it during storage.
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