How Long Does Bread Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Opened or bakery bread keeps about 3–5 days in the cupboard. The fridge (USDA: 2–3 weeks) slows mould but dries bread out, so the freezer is the better way to keep it longer.
Storage tips for bread
- Fridge at 0–5°C. A fridge thermometer is the cheapest food-safety upgrade — many home fridges run warmer than their dial suggests.
- USDA lists 2–3 weeks refrigerated after opening, but the fridge makes bread go stale faster than the cupboard does. If you won’t finish a loaf in a few days, the freezer is the better place.
- Sealed supermarket loaves made with preservatives can keep longer: USDA lists 14–18 days from purchase for commercial packaged bread. In the UK, follow the best-before date printed on the pack, and once the bag is open or the loaf is from a bakery, aim to finish it within 3–5 days.
You can also check the calorie content of bread alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
Why this time limit?
The cupboard time here is 3–5 days, which is the USDA FoodKeeper figure for homemade bread and for commercially baked pre-sliced wholemeal bread. FoodKeeper gives a longer 14–18 days from purchase for sealed commercial packaged bread made with preservatives, so a supermarket loaf can last longer than a bakery or homemade one, but in the UK the best-before date on the bag is the figure to follow. Mould is the real risk with bread: the fuzzy surface growth you can see is only part of it, because the threads spread through the soft crumb, so a mouldy loaf should be binned whole rather than trimmed. The fridge slows mould but makes bread go stale faster, so the freezer is the better place to keep bread you will not finish; slice it first and toast or thaw slices as needed.
Bread and bakery: cupboard, fridge and freezer
| Item | Cupboard | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread (opened, bakery or homemade) | 3–5 days | 2–3 weeks | 3–5 months |
| Sealed packaged loaf with preservatives (USDA) | 14–18 days from purchase | — | 3–5 months |
| Cake | 3–7 days | 7–10 days | 6 months |
| Cake with frosting | 3–7 days | 7–10 days | 6 months |
| Cheesecake | — | 5–7 days | 3–6 months |
| Flour tortillas | 3 months | 3 months | 6 months |
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Store it properly
Fridge thermometer
These storage times assume 0–5°C — check what your fridge actually runs at.
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More storage essentials
Vacuum food sealer
Removes the air that speeds spoilage — extends shelf life by days.
Check Price →Airtight glass containers
Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
Check Price →Bread next to similar foods
| Food | Fridge time |
|---|---|
| Mincemeat Pies | 1 week |
| Cake | 7–10 days |
| Frosted Cake | 7–10 days |
| Bread | 2–3 weeks |
| Frosting or Icing | 2–3 weeks |
Of the 13 bread and bakery foods with a fridge time in this guide, bread keeps for longer than 9, the same time as 1 and less time than 2.
Bread: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Safe |
| In the freezer | Yes — freezes well (best quality for 3–5 months) |
| Left out overnight | Yes — generally fine |
| Past the date on the label | Yes — best before is about quality |
Common questions
How long does bread last in the fridge?
USDA FoodKeeper gives 2–3 weeks in the fridge after opening, but the fridge makes bread go stale faster than the cupboard does. At room temperature an opened or bakery loaf keeps about 3–5 days, so most people keep bread in a bread bin and freeze what they will not finish. Mould is the real risk: bin the whole loaf if you see any.
How can I tell if bread has gone off?
Fuzzy white, green or black spots mean mould. Its threads spread through soft, porous foods, so discard the whole item rather than cutting the spot out. Do not rely on this alone: the time guideline matters even when everything looks fine.
Can I freeze bread to keep it longer?
Yes. For best quality, freeze it for around 3–5 months; it stays safe beyond that because freezing halts bacterial growth, and only texture and flavour decline.
Can I keep bread out of the fridge?
Yes, for a short time only: around 3–5 days in the cupboard or at room temperature. Sealed supermarket loaves made with preservatives can keep longer: USDA lists 14–18 days from purchase for commercial packaged bread. In the UK, follow the best-before date printed on the pack, and once the bag is open or the loaf is from a bakery, aim to finish it within 3–5 days.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.