Buying bread is something most of us do often, even daily. Yet, there are a few supermarket tricks for shopping smarter that few people are aware of, and one of them involves the color of the twist tie on bread packaging. Whether you’re looking for a plain loaf of white bread, a sweet brioche, or a rustic sourdough, you’re probably trying to find the best loaf on the shelf.
Well, the easiest way to find the freshest bread is by checking the color of the twist tie. That's right, the plastic tag or metal tie that holds the packaging of bread together can tell you on which day of the week the bread was baked.
Related: 6 Practical Tips on How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Bread
According to Reader’s Digest, commercial bread is baked and delivered on a strict schedule. New loaves are baked and stacked on supermarket shelves every day. The reason why the bread packaging is color-coded is simple - this makes it easier for employees to know which loaves are stale and need to be removed from the shelf. Bakeries usually have Wednesdays and Sundays off, so there are only five colors to remember.
The most commonly used codes are as follows:
If you’re worried about getting mixed up when you’re at the grocery store, here’s an easy trick to remembering the code: the colors are in alphabetical order by the day of the week.
It should be noted that while this color code is the most widely used one across the US, this isn’t a foolproof system. Your local bakery may have its own way of determining freshness. When in doubt, you can always check the expiration date. So there you have it, one more mystery of life solved, and hopefully, it will come in handy the next time you’re looking for that perfect loaf of bread.
Cover image source: Shibuya246 / Flickr
Share this shopping tip with others!
Potatoes Are SO Versatile - 4 Simple and Yummy Recipes
Potatoes are good no matter how you serve them, and there are so many different ways to do it! Here are 4 delicious recipes.
What Makes Sandwich Bread so Different than Bakery Bread?
The imminent differences between sandwich bread and bakery bread has an effect on your health.
11 Clever Ways to Present Food Like a Chef
If you want to add that extra bit of glamour to your next homemade dessert, the plating tips in this video are exactly what you need.
Knowing These Life Hacks Will Save You A LOT of Hassle
From a neat way to store spices to making the perfect skewers, these life hacks will save you a whole lot of hassle.
How to Easily Make Store Bought Pasta Sauce Taste Homemade
By learning a few easy tricks and adding a handful of ingredients, you can improve the flavor of a store-bought sauce and give it that homemade taste!
The Ancient Technique That Will Help You Memorize Anything
Memory palace, or the Method of Loci, is an ancient and effective memorizing technique. This is how it works.
Why This Sleep Condition Affects Our Cognitive Abilities
What is the link between sleep apnea and a reduction in cognitive abilities? Let's find out...
The Smart Weight-Loss Tips No One Ever Told You
These simple daily changes can bring an avalanche of goodness to your body. I'm sure you've never heard at least half of these tips, but each and every one of them will have a small and meaningful effect on your weight loss.
These 40 Incredible Kitchen Hacks Are Too Good to Be True
If you love cooking, but hate all of the stress and hassle that it can entail, then this video is perfect for you!
Got an Egg Slicer? Here's What You Can Use It For
Creative ways on what to do with your egg slicer. Impressive!
Keep Your Clothes Whiter with These 7 Tips
With these handy tips, you can make your whites last longer using simple household ingredients.
Maximize Bedroom Space With These Furniture Designs
Here is a look at some incredible furniture designs that will help maximize bedroom space.
12 Myths We've Been Told About Intercourse that Aren't True
It's time to expose some of the myths we've all been told but are actually boldfaced lies.
This Is How You Can Quickly Get out of a Sinking Car
If you ever find yourself in a sinking car, this is how you can escape. This video could one day save your life.
Have You Been Using Antiperspirant All Wrong?
Do you apply antiperspirant correctly? Here's an article that will teach you everything about proper antiperspirant application
Stay Away From These Common Items If You Value Your Life!
Here are 15 surprising things that could end up taking your life if you're not careful!
What Causes Large Pores, And What Can You Do About It?
Do you have large pores? This guide will tell you what you need to do to diminish them.
Smart! This Is How to Peel a Hard Boiled Egg
You can actually peel a boiled egg without even touching it! That's incredible.
Vintage Beauty and Self-Care Tips We Should All Be Using
Here we feature 14 really effective, but often forgotten vintage beauty. Best of all, nearly all of these tips use items you have at home
5 Natural DIY Remedies for Blackhead Removal
In this article, we'll teach you to get rid of blackheads using 5 easy and effective at-home methods
Learn the Banana Tricks You Always Wanted to Know
You're Going to Love This Handy Banana Trick
10 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has an incredible amount of uses! Check out our top ten here.
WD-40: Here Are 12 Fantastic Uses You Never Thought Of
This is why you always need to keep a can of WD-40 on your property!
6 Harmful Types of Mold That Could Be Growing in Your Home
It’s important to identify and prevent these dangerous types of mold in the house.
20 Incredibly Helpful Things You Can Do With Vinegar
Here are some great tips on how to use vinegar around the house. Try out some of these solutions and vinegar will never just be a salad dressing again!
20 Gardening Tips That'll Turn Your Thumb Green
This video will help you grow just about anything.
14 Useful Charts and Guides You’ll Want to Save!
We prepared a list of 14 visual guides and charts that will come in handy at home, outdoors, and even when you’re searching for something online!
12 Surprising Ways to Use Your Box Grater
Did you know your box grater had such unique uses?
These 10 Fantastic Life Hacks Will Make Your Life Easier
These life hacks will allow you to get things done quicker and generally make your life easier. Watch this informative video now.
The Best AAA Membership Discounts You Haven't Been Using
Most people don’t know about these AAA benefits.
8 Super Handy Grocery Bag Tips You Have to Try
Whether you prefer paper or plastic, there are enough hacks here to really boost your bag usage. These tips will save you time, money and space. Perfect!
Here's Why You Should Never Wear Shoes Inside Your House
Here are 7 reasons why you should get into the habit of taking your shoes off before you enter your house!
A Coffee Filter Can Be the Most Helpful Item in the House...
Don't let their name fool you - coffee filters are some of the most useful things you can have around the house!
An Easy Guide to Preventing and Treating Wrinkles
A simple guide to understanding, preventing and treating wrinkles, plus 2 recipes for anti-aging face masks. Take a look!
Do You Store Your Eggs in the Door of Your Fridge? Don't!
If you store your eggs in the refrigerator door, you should stop. Here's why.
Have You Ever Tried These Nifty Tips in the Kitchen?
These helpful tips and tricks will save you time and money.
Solve 18 Cooking and Food Storage Problems With These Tips
These 18 food tips will teach you how to prevent food from spoiling and will show you how to save time and effort in preparing certain foods
We Bet You Never Knew Rubbing Alcohol Was This Useful!
Most people use rubbing alcohol for cuts or to cool a fever, but it has so many other fantastic uses. Here's 15 of them.
This Tip Collection is Amazingly Helpful!
You’ll be pleased to hear there are old wives' tales that are grounded in fact. This list of 9 true tales will help you get your house spic and span!
8 Everyday Activities That are Damaging Your Spine
Here's a list of everyday activities that harm your spine.
Step by Step – Learn 36 Interesting Facts About Walking!
What are the benefits of speed walking and how long would it take to walk around the planet? Learn this and much more now!
15 Smart Alternative Uses for Bubble Wrap No One Told You
Bubble wrap can do much more than help you move!
WARNING: Don't Keep This Product in Your Car
Hand sanitizers can be found in plenty of vehicles, maybe even in yours, but is it wise to store them there?
Did You Know You Shouldn't Store These Foods in the Fridge?
Contrary to popular belief, these 10 foods shouldn't be stored in the refrigerator for a variety of reasons. Read this post to find out more.
You May Have Been Washing Your Hair Wrong Your Whole Life!
This simple guide will explain why you haven't been washing your hair properly and how to do the right way to make sure your hair is healthy and strong!
Learn How to Grow Your Favorite Fruit and Veggies Indoors
All these plants are delicious, packed full of healthy nutrients and easy-to-grow even if you don’t have a yard or garden
Speed Up Your Laundry By Reducing Drying Time
Learn to speed up your laundry by reducing your drying time!