Nearly 11 million loaves of bread are sold each day in the UK, yet many may end up in the bin due to mould or staleness. Bread's shelf life varies depending on how it's stored and can sometimes only last a couple of days if it is kept in the wrong place. With 99.
8% of UK households buying bread, finding ways to prolong its shelf life could help tackle one of the nation’s most common sources of food waste. According to waste management specialists at Wheeldon Brothers , a few small changes to how you store your bread can make a major difference. “Bread is one of the most frequently wasted foods in UK households,” a spokesperson for Wheeldon Brothers said.
“But by making a few simple adjustments, like controlling moisture and temperature, you can extend its life and reduce the amount that ends up in the bin.” The experts have revealed four clever ways to keep bread fresher for longer — potentially saving households money and reducing food waste. This lesser-known method could extend the shelf life of a loaf by up to a week.
“Celery gives off moisture, which helps prevent the bread from drying out without encouraging mould,” the spokesperson explained. “It’s a clever way to maintain the softness of bread while storing it in the fridge.” A popular hack shared online involves making tiny cuts in the bread bag to allow moisture to escape, which prevents condensation and reduces mould growth.
“Moisture trapped in a sealed bag creates the perfect environment for mould to grow,” the expert added. “Making a few small holes helps reduce that risk — just be careful not to overdo it, or the bread will dry out too quickly.” Using an airtight container can help maintain the ideal storage environment for your loaf.
“A sealed container adds an extra barrier against external moisture and fridge odours,” said the spokesperson. “Keeping the bread in its original bag and placing it inside a container with a tight-fitting lid is a great way to keep it fresher for longer.” Bread freezes well, and individual slices can be defrosted quickly or toasted straight from the freezer.
“Freezing bread is one of the most effective ways to preserve it,” the expert said. “By freezing sliced bread, you can use exactly what you need, when you need it — reducing both waste and cost.” “With the right storage methods, bread can stay fresh and mould-free for up to three weeks,” the spokesperson concluded.
“It’s a simple but powerful way to cut waste and get the most out of every loaf.”.
Food
Bread will stay fresh for a week and won't turn mouldy if you store it with 1 vegetable

Prolonging the shelf life of bread can often be tricky, but experts have shared the best ways to keep it fresh, soft and free of mould.