We’ve all faced it: a rock-hard loaf on the counter and the question—stale or spoiled? The good news is that stale bread, while dry and chewy, is usually safe to eat. Staling happens when starch molecules re-crystallize and push out moisture, changing texture but not safety. Instead of tossing it, revive stale bread by wrapping it in foil and warming it at 350°F (175°C), or turn it into toast. Better yet, use it as an ingredient. Stale bread makes excellent breadcrumbs, croutons, French toast, bread pudding, panzanella, or stuffing. Some recipes even work better with old bread.

Mold, however, is a different story. Unlike cheese, you can’t just cut off a moldy spot. Bread is porous, and spores spread invisibly throughout the loaf. Eating moldy bread can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or even food poisoning from mycotoxins. If you see green, blue, or black fuzz—toss it.

How fast bread molds depends on moisture, environment, and preservatives. Fresh bakery loaves mold in 2–3 days at room temp, while store-bought bread with preservatives lasts a week or more. Refrigeration slows mold but speeds staling, so freezing is best for long-term storage.

The bottom line: stale bread is safe and versatile; moldy bread is unsafe. Next time your loaf looks questionable, ask yourself: is it dry—or fuzzy? One makes great French toast. The other belongs in the trash.