Are you interested in sourdough bread? Bread made with sourdough has many advantages, such as improved digestibility for certain gluten intolerances. But whether you’re an individual or a professional, you may be asking yourself a crucial question about the preparation of this type of bread: its shelf life. To help you, BRO, an expert in the field, reveals in this article how long does sourdough bread last.

How long does sourdough bread last: the answer by french bakers

When you’re preparing sourdough bread, you may have a number of questions: why use sourdough, how to use it, how to optimize your work processes… But while all these questions focus on the making of the bread, you should also consider how long it will last after it’s been prepared. And with this in mind, you may be wondering how long does sourdough bread last.

BRO, a training organization specializing in sourdough bread, has the answer! We estimate that sourdough bread can be stored and consumed within around five days of production.

For the first 24 hours after baking, sourdough bread is at its best: crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. After this time, it may harden, but retain its flavor for several days. Note that you may need to toast the bread on the last few days of use.

Is there a difference between sourdough bread and yeast bread?

Now that you know how long sourdough bread lasts, you may also be wondering if there’s a difference between sourdough bread and yeast bread. And the answer is yes.

Sourdough bread can be kept for five days without becoming unfit for consumption. While it may harden, it will still be viable to eat. White bread, on the other hand, is considered to have a shelf life of three days.

Why can sourdough bread last so long?

The difference in shelf life between sourdough bread and white bread is explained by the acidity and microorganisms in the sourdough. During the fermentation process, sourdough produces lactic and acetic acid, which lowers the pH of the dough.

This natural acidity will then inhibit the growth of undesirable molds and bacteria, enabling the bread to last longer than white bread.

So, if you were wondering how long does sourdough bread last, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to keep it for three to five days, possibly using the toaster to ensure an optimal tasting experience. To find out more, read our article on panettone shelf life.

Want to find out more about sourdough and how it can help your business? BRO can train you!