For generations, the debate has raged on—what is the best way to store sliced bread to maintain its freshness? Finally, Wonder Bread, an iconic brand in the bread industry, has decided to settle this discussion once and for all with expert-backed insights and scientific evidence.

Storing sliced bread might seem simple enough, but with so many different methods available—freezing, refrigerating, keeping in a bread box, or just leaving it in its original packaging on the counter—it can be surprisingly complex. Each method comes with its proponents and promises of extended freshness, but what does the evidence say?

According to Wonder Bread’s comprehensive research, the best way to store sliced bread is to keep it at room temperature in a dark, dry place inside an airtight container. This method strikes the perfect balance between maintaining moisture and preventing mould growth.

But why is this method superior? Firstly, unlike refrigeration, which can actually expedite the staling process by causing recrystallization of the starches in the bread, room temperature storage slows this progression. The key is preventing exposure to excessive air and light, which can both dry out bread and encourage mould.

The science behind it involves something called retrogradation, which is what happens when the starch molecules in bread begin to realign after baking. This process causes bread to harden or become stale. By storing sliced bread at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to minimize air exposure, retrogadation is slowed down.

Wonder Bread’s revelation isn’t just rooted in food science; they’ve taken into account convenience for consumers too. Most people eat their sliced bread within a week of purchase—the timeframe perfectly suited for this method of storage.

For those who buy their sliced bread in bulk or take longer to consume it, freezing is an advisable option. Frozen sliced bread can last months without significant quality loss. It’s essential, however, to protect it from freezer burn by using freezer-safe bags or wrapping slices individually before freezing.

In conclusion, storing sliced bread may have several schools of thought but backed by thorough research and scientific reasoning; Wonder Bread has provided what could be considered a definitive answer—store your sliced bread at room temperature in an airtight container away from light for optimal freshness. Now you can enjoy that soft slice of Wonder Bread just as it was intended—fresh and delicious!