Pulled out some stale bread from pantry. My mother-in-law says it’s wasteful not to use it, but it looks bad to me. What should I do?

We’ve all faced that moment—reaching for bread only to find it dry and stiff. While your first instinct might be to toss it, your mother-in-law’s voice echoes: “Don’t waste it!” Before you decide, here’s how to assess and revive stale bread like a pro.

🔍 Is It Safe to Eat?
Stale ≠ spoiled. If your bread is just dry or hard but has:
✔ No mold (fuzzy spots, discoloration)
✔ No sour or off smells
✔ No unusual texture (beyond firmness)
…then it’s perfectly safe! Moldy bread? Toss it immediately.

🌱 Why It Matters
Food waste is a global issue—1.3 billion tons are discarded yearly, with bread topping the list. Repurposing stale bread reduces waste and honors the resources (water, energy, labor) behind every loaf.GroceriesContinue reading…