Free tool
How long does bread last? Work it out here
Choose your bread and where it is kept. You will see how long it lasts and how many days you have left.
Short answer
Homemade bread without preservatives usually lasts 2 to 3 days in a plastic bag and 1 to 2 days in a paper bag. Left bare in the fridge, it dries out within a day. In the freezer it keeps good quality for 2 to 3 months.
Would you like more days?
Put the bread in a Bivoks™ bread bag and keep it in the fridge: the cold slows mould, and the bag keeps the dry air out. On the counter the bread stays fresh for 7 to 10 days.
See the bread bagTable: all breads and places
| Bread | Plastic bag on the counter | Paper bag on the counter | Bread box | Bare in the fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade wholemeal bread | 2 to 3 days | 1 to 2 days | 2 to 3 days | 1 day | 3 months |
| Homemade white loaf | 1 to 2 days | 1 day | 1 to 2 days | 1 day | 2 to 3 months |
| Sourdough bread | 2 to 3 days | 1 to 2 days | 2 to 3 days | 1 day | 3 months |
| Rolls and buns | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | 2 months |
| Baguette | 1 day | 1 to 2 days | 1 day | 1 day | 1 month |
These are typical figures for bread without preservatives, not a guarantee. A warm kitchen means less time. Shop bread with preservatives lasts longer, 5 to 7 days. Always look at and smell the bread first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if the bread is too old?
Look and smell. Mouldy spots or a sour smell mean the whole loaf should go. If the bread is only dry, you can refresh it in the oven at 200 °C for 5 to 10 minutes.
Does bread last longer in the fridge?
Not bare bread: the dry air draws out the moisture within a day. In a bag that keeps the air out, the fridge works fine, and the cold slows mould.
How long does bread last in the freezer?
Good quality for 2 to 3 months when wrapped properly. After that the bread is still safe, but taste and texture fade.