Can You Safely Eat Stale Bread? Key Facts Explained

A loaf of bread sitting on the counter often raises a familiar question: is it simply stale or has it truly spoiled? Bread dries out quickly, but hardness alone does not make it unsafe. When a loaf becomes firm, it is usually due to moisture loss through a natural process called retrogradation. Although the texture changes, it remains safe to eat as long as no mold is present.