Is Stale Bread Safe to Eat?

• Cut it up for panzanella (a salad that uses bread)

• Use it in sweet desserts, like custards or trifles

Stale bread’s firmness makes it great for soaking up sauces, broths, or dressings.

When Bread Is Truly Ba

If you see mold—green, black, or fuzzy spots—the bread is spoiled and should be thrown away.

Why? Because mold can spread inside the bread, even if you don’t see it everywhere. Cutting off the moldy part isn’t enough.

Some molds can cause allergic reactions. Others release toxins that can make you sick. Once bread is moldy, it’s no longer safe to eat.

The Bottom Line

• Stale bread = still safe, still useful

• Moldy bread = throw it out right away

Knowing the difference helps you waste less food and stay safe. Stale bread isn’t trash—it’s a great ingredient you can use in lots of creative ways. But if mold shows up, it’s time to let it go.