Can you eat expired bread?
Quick Answer
No, it’s not recommended.
Eating expired bread could lead to food poisoning, especially if it has mold. However, if the bread is only slightly stale and shows no signs of mold, it may be safe to consume after toasting or cooking.
What Is It?
Expired bread refers to bread that has passed its ‘best by’ or ‘sell by’ date indicated on the packaging. This doesn’t necessarily mean the bread is unsafe to eat, but it may not be at its peak quality.
How to Tell
- Visible mold, usually green, black or blue in color
- An off smell
- A stale or off taste
Why It Can Be Risky
Consuming expired bread can pose several health risks, especially if it’s moldy.
- Food poisoning
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory problems
Safe Method?
If the bread is only slightly stale and shows no signs of mold, it may be safe to consume after toasting or cooking thoroughly.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If the bread has visible mold, it should be discarded immediately. Mold can produce harmful toxins that aren’t eliminated by cooking or toasting.
Safe Alternatives
If you have expired bread, consider using it for recipes that call for stale bread, like bread pudding or croutons, provided it’s not moldy.
Storage Tips
Store bread in a cool, dry place’, ‘Freeze bread to extend its shelf life’, ‘Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator as it can make it go stale faster