Do beeswax bread bags work?

First, what exactly are beeswax bread bags?

Beeswax bread bags are a popular and common method right now, especially in sourdough communities, for storing your sourdough bread in.

Unlike single-use plastic bags, beeswax bread bags are a healthier and sustainable solution for storing bread and other various items in.

These are bags made out of cloth, and typically have a drawstring closure. There is a coating of beeswax and oil mixture that covers the fabric. The purpose of the beeswax and oil on the fabric is to provide a “seal” to keep the bread inside fresh which helps to lock the moisture in.

Instead of using regular plastic bread bags, having this type of reusable bread bag in your kitchen is a great resource to have- they are cost effective, eco friendly, resourceful and much more! Feel good about eliminating plastic and other unnecessary chemicals from your home. 

Whether you are a home baker or shop at your local bakery, storing your bread in a safe and healthy way is a great idea! 

Why do beeswax bread bags work?

Did you know that storing your homemade bread in plastic can actually cause it to mold faster?

Plastic can hold excess moisture in your bread, causing mold to grow.

The coating of beeswax and jojoba oil on the fabric creates a breathable climate, while yet the antibacterial properties in the beeswax can help slow down the growth of mold, bacteria and fungi, hence extending the life of your bread.

Beeswax also acts as a barrier against too much air and keeps the bread fresh and from drying out. Bread bags will typically keep a loaf of bread fresh and from drying out for up to 3-5 days. 

There are several variables that determine how long your bread will likely stay fresh: the temperature of your house, the moisture level content of your bread, whether your bread is sourdough or yeast based, and so much more. 

Beeswax bread bags hold round (Boule) shaped laoves, regular sandwich loaves, and other shapes depending on the size of the bag. 

Check out this video to watch a beeswax bread bag get tied!

Why are beeswax bread bags so popular?

Every baker and bread buyer has their favorite and preferred methods of storing bread and each has their own pros and cons.

Some prefer reusing plastic bags, like from store bought bread. Others purchase special bread loaf size plastic bags to use. There are also those who recommend a bread box like this one or those that love easy-to-use storage containers that fit bread in.

Increasingly of late, beeswax bags are becoming a common recommendation for storing homemade bread, specifically sourdough loaves, and many are eagerly giving them a try.

There are many reasons that beeswax bread bags are so common right now, especially in the sourdough communities and homes.

If you are skeptical about their use, if they will keep your bread fresh, whether they will mold or not and much more, then keep reading! Hopefully many of your answers will be in this article!

Plus you are saving money in the long run instead of purchasing plastic bags to store bread in regularly. Those that are looking for sustainable, healthy and eco friendly options, should give beeswax bread bags a try!

Do beeswax bread bags keep the bread fresh?

A loaf of uncut bread will typically stay fresh for up to 5 days in a bag. Only the outside crust will be hard. However, other factors play a role, like the moisture content in your bread, the type of bread, baking time, humidity in the house etc.

Once a loaf is cut into, the moisture in the loaf will not hold as long, perhaps 1-3 days.

Take away: Most people cut off a slice as needed:)

Please pin this post to reference later on and share with your friends!

Do beeswax bread bags work for whole wheat bread?

Whole wheat loaves have been noted to have the need to be used sooner or be transferred sooner to the fridge or freezer in a plastic bag. This is because the wheat grain is denser and dries out faster.

What size do the bags come in?

The medium size beeswax bread bag holds a loaf of sourdough boule, or regular shaped loaf, and a large bag size will generally hold two regular shaped loaves or a larger loaf of bread. The large size will definitely hold one of my largest loaves of bread!

There are sizes for a baguette/French bread, an extra large or small/individual size that come in handy for more specific items. The small is great for transporting a sandwich, or just in general using as a lunch bag in place of a brown paper bag. The extra large holds multiple loaves of bread.

Tips for success with using beeswax bread bags

Allow your homemade bread to cool to room temperature before placing and storing in your beeswax bag. Then set out on your kitchen counter and admire your beautiful bag and the fresh bread inside that you worked hard and prepared yourself!

Common questions

Do beeswax bread bags leave a residue?

No residue is left on your bread or anything else you choose to store in your bags.

Are beeswax bread bags washable?

Beeswax bread bags are like beeswax wraps and should only be washed by hand under cool water or with a damp wash rag. Most of the time beeswax bags will not require frequent washing unless you are storing something more messy in them like a bread with inclusions or something other then bread altogether like fresh garden produce (which might have some dirt already on it).

Never place your beeswax bag in the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher; always hand wash with lukewarm water.

How do you care for beeswax bread bags?

Wipe any dirt or residue on the inside or outside of the bag with a damp dishcloth. Always hand wash. Then set out to dry on a clean towel. 
Follow the above options for cleaning the surface of your bread bags. Always use cool or cold water (mildly warm is ok, too).

With proper care your beeswax bag can last for quite awhile depending on how much use it gets. I recommend using two, that way you can switch them out and you aren’t heavily using one over the other.

Who can use beeswax bread bags?

Anyone can use beeswax bags! If you are looking to eliminate excess use of plastic in your home, then I would encourage you to consider using Beeswax bags.

There are a variety of eco friendly and more sustainable alternatives for storing your bread in then plastic bags.

If you are concerned about the bread drying out then you can just use a regular plastic bag and then store the bag into the beeswax bag. You will have a pretty aesthetic then in your kitchen

What else can beeswax bread bags be used for?

This versatile bag can be used for many other things and food items besides sourdough bread. You can store things like: 

Bagels 

Muffins

Fresh produce, carrots, broccoli, apples etc

Foraging (gathering herbs outside)

What is the difference between beeswax bread bags and beeswax wraps?

While there is similaritites to both of these, there are also some major differences that make one stand out from the other.

Beeswax bags are “bags” made with a mixture of beeswax and jojoba oil and are ideal for storing bread, as well as other things as mentioned in a previous part of the article. Beeswax wraps are made with the additional ingredient of pine resin which adds a slightly tacky and sticky texture to help the beeswax wrap adhere to whatever you are covering or wrapping. (Similar to a plastic wrap idea). The warmth of your hands helps the wrap to adhere by softening the beeswax and making it moldable. 

What is the difference between a beeswax bread bag and a linen bag? 

Beeswax bags have a coating of beeswax and jojoba oil on them. (I often use organic jojoba oil). Linen bread bags are made of basic cotton fabric bag with no beeswax/oil. 

Things to not store in your bread bag?

Do not use your beeswax bag for things like raw meat, liquid items, hot food items (allow your bread to cool before placing in the bag) and other foods that are obviously not suitable.

Where to purchase beeswax bread bags

When it comes to sourcing this type of food bag, they can be challenging to find since they are in high demand currently. 

Please check out the inventory in my Etsy shop. 

There are photographs of each listing, a product description answering common questions, pricing info and much more.

Shop for yours today!

Important things to keep in mind

Keep in mind that in general, homemade bread and baked goods are not made with preservatives and will not have the shelf life of store bought bread. Do not expect your bread to stay fresh a week after baking! 

And please reach out to me directly with any questions and inquiries about beeswax bags through the messaging option in Etsy, on my blog, or by leaving a comment at the end of this post.

In conclusion…..

So, do beeswax bread bags work?

Basically it depends on the individual and their specific needs. I enjoy using them and being able to avoid excess use of plastic in my kitchen.

Many other home bakers that I know have resorted to using beeswax bread bags for their personal use and are completely happy with the results.

If I am wanting a loaf of bread to stay fresh for a longer length of time, I will put it in a plastic bag directly into the fridge. That way I can relax knowing I have a loaf safely stored away for later in the week when my company comes.

In my home, a loaf of bread in a plastic bag doesn’t last longer then 5 days anyway before my husband or I will notice little spots of mold beginning to grow. That’s about the same length of time beeswax bread bags will keep a loaf fresh, so I just use the beeswax bread bags instead. No loss there!

I hope this post was helpful! Please leave any additional questions or comments you have down below. Happy baking!