Most sliced loaves of bread from the supermarket are packaged in plastic bags, and once returned home, the loaf is either placed into a bread bin, a cool dark cupboard, or even the fridge.
Unless consumed within a few days, bread can quickly go stale, and mould can start to form.
Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to the experts at Tupperware on how best to store bread, and the iconic plastic pot brand spoke about its new container, BreadSmart.
BreadSmart is an “innovative” bread container that has a “CondensControl™ membrane located in the rim” of the lid and this “controls the environment of the container by carefully transferring excess humidity out and regulating air flow, ventilation and moisture.”
In turn, “this reduces mould growth and ensures the best conditions for the bread to stay fresh for longer”, and “in dry weather, the membrane also prevents the bread from drying out”.
The experts added: “Specially designed ribs on the base also help prevent contact with breadcrumbs, reducing mould formation and stale bread.”
In terms of how to use the container, Tupperware said: “Always remove all packaging from your bread or bakery products before placing them inside the BreadSmart container.
“When removing bread or bakery products from BreadSmart, replace the lid immediately. Leaving the lid off for long periods or repeatedly removing and replacing the lid will reduce its effectiveness.”
Inside the container, there is a divider and it “keeps the slices straight and it also makes it possible to store two different types of bread at the same time if needed”.
As for where the container should be kept to efficiently work, the plastic pot company said: The BreadSmart should be kept in a cupboard or a pantry, outside of direct sunlight.
“We don’t recommend placing BreadSmart in a fridge, as this will cause high humidity inside the container and reduce its effectiveness.”
So how much longer can a loaf of bread last if stored in BreadSmart? Tupperware revealed: “Room-temperature bread typically lasts three to four days if it’s homemade or up to seven days if it’s store-bought. Refrigeration can increase the shelf life of both commercial and homemade bread by three to five days.
“In BreadSmart, however, a loaf of bread can last up to two weeks if stored correctly.”
The container is not just for a loaf of bread, it is “perfect for storing all kinds of breads and bakery items, including sweet or savoury loaves, bread rolls, baguettes, bagels, teacakes, crumpets, muffins and pastries”.
BreadSmart can be purchased direct from Tupperware; Junior for £29.99 or Large for £49.99, or Bundle for £69.99.