Should you store bread in a paper bag?
Andrew Rivera
Published Jan 17, 2026
Store in paper, never plastic
If you plan on devouring it right away, then keeping it in a paper bag on the counter is the move. While storing in plastic seems like the right idea, this actually encourages mold growth, resulting in the bread going bad much faster.Is it better to store bread in a paper or plastic bag?
Because paper lets air into the bag, keeping the bread dry and the crust crisp and delicious. If you store bread in a plastic bag, the moisture from the bread gets trapped in the bag making the crust soft. Storing in plastic will keep the bread fresh longer, but you'll lose the crust.What is the proper way of storing bread?
To save bread so it stays fresh longer, you can store it in plastic wrap, a reusable zip-top plastic bag, or a bread box. Avoid storing bread in damp, airy locations, which can speed up molding. If you're not going to eat the loaf in two or three days, the best option is to freeze it for later.Do brown paper bags keep bread fresh?
Rather, according to Reader's Digest, wrapping freshly baked bread loaves in that distinctive brown paper keeps air on the bread, which in turn helps to keep the crust crisp and delicious.Should I put bread in a bag?
Bread should be stored in a breadbox naked.Meaning not in any sort of plastic or paper bags.
How to Store Bread without Plastic (Linen Bread Bags)
How do you keep bread fresh in a bag?
Storing your bread in a linen bag leaves you with bread that stays fresher longer. Unlike plastic, which turns bread tough and soggy, linen lets the bread breathe. This means, your crust is still crisp and the inside of the loaf stays soft and fluffy.Do bread boxes prevent mold?
Bread BoxesBread boxes aren't just for looks (although some can definitely improve the look and feel of your kitchen). They're also ideal for storing bread to keep it from molding. Just place the loaf directly into the box without putting into a paper or plastic bag first.