Is the bread going straight on the table, or do you want a bag you can open again for the next breakfast? Start there. Paper, plastic and fabric suit different routines. Here you get help choosing by the bread, the space you need and how you want to clean the bag.
Three questions that make the choice easier
- What needs to fit? Think about the shape of the bread you usually buy or bake.
- When will it be eaten? Distinguish between the trip home, storage between meals and portions for the freezer.
- How do you want to wash it? Waxed fabric needs a cold hand wash; other bags may have other washing advice.
Paper bag: from the bakery to the table
If the bread is going straight home and onto the table, the bakery's paper bag may be enough. Paper is light to carry and needs no washing. For storage over several days, also consider the closure and how well the paper limits drying out. Read more about why bread goes hard.
Plastic bag: holding on to moisture
Plastic can limit moisture loss. Let the bread cool before wrapping it, so you avoid trapping steam from warm bread. For freezing, choose packaging made for it. See also the guide on why homemade bread goes mouldy.
Unwaxed fabric bag: choose the fabric and the washing routine
A fabric bag can be used many times. Check how tightly the fabric is woven, how the opening closes and what the care label says. If you want to machine wash it, look for a bag where the maker explicitly allows it.
Waxed fabric bag: open, slice and close again
With the VOKSHUS Bivoks™ bread bag you put cooled bread in the bag, fold the top and fasten the clip. At the next meal you take out the bread, slice what you need and put the rest back. You keep the same bag throughout the routine.
Cotton and linen with beeswax on the inside make this a different choice from unwaxed fabric. Choose it if you want a bag for repeated use and a cold hand wash suits your everyday life. When the coating wears, read the current advice on renewing the wax.
Care and storage in one place
The VOKSHUS bag: shake out crumbs, hand wash when needed with cold water and mild soap, and air dry. Avoid hot water, the washing machine and the dishwasher. Follow the maker's washing advice for other bags.
How long bread keeps varies with the type of bread, temperature and handling. Freeze portions you will not have time to eat. Throw away bread that has gone mouldy. If you have a bread bin, keep it clean and dry; read about bread bin or bread bag to plan your storage.
Will the bags be used in a café or a bakery?
Describe whether you want bags for your own use or for resale, roughly how many and where they should be delivered. On VOKSHUS for businesses you can send a request with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Which bag is best?
Do I have to replace my bread bin?
How do I know if the bread will fit?
Find more advice in the complete guide to storing bread.
Ready for a bag for your next loaf?
See the VOKSHUS Bivoks™ bread bag, compare the size and choose how many you need. The current price and pack contents are on the product page.
See the bread bag →- Cotton and linen
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- Closes with a clip
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- Reusable
Source for the advice on mould: Mattilsynet (the Norwegian Food Safety Authority) on mouldy bread