Bread is undoubtedly one of the products most households buy on a weekly basis, whether sliced white, wholemeal or rolls.

Despite being an essential part of many people’s diets, more and more bread gets wasted each year, according to Sophie Trueman, an in-house food waste expert at Too Good To Go.

Many people opt to store their bread in the fridge, others opt for the kitchen side, and some go for a bread bin.

However, according to Sophie, cloth bags are actually the “best” way to store bread because they help to maintain its properties.

When bread is stored in a damp or overly warm environment, it can become a breeding ground for mould, posing a risk for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Britons were advised to place a potato inside the cloth bag to help prevent moisture loss. The expert said the bread would “last much longer” than it usually would.

The expert added: “Remember that if the bread is freshly made, you should not store it in an airtight bag, since it will not be able to breathe.

“You have to let it breathe so that it maintains its most optimal conservation. Storing it in a bread basket or a cloth bag, as mentioned, so that it cools at room temperature is always the best option.”

According to one expert, millions of Britons keep their bread in the fridge, but this isn’t recommended.

Sarah Lawson, a food safety expert at Storage Box Shop, said: “Almost half of the British population stores their bread in the fridge, aiming to extend its shelf life.

“However, refrigeration can cause bread to stale faster due to the process called retrogradation, where the starch molecules crystalise at colder temperatures.

“The ideal spot for your loaf is in a bread box or a cool, dry cupboard, where it’s protected from the main culprits of bread spoilage, excess moisture and heat.

“If you’re looking to prolong your bread’s freshness beyond a few days, freezing is a better option than refrigeration.”

If opting to freeze bread, let it defrost at room temperature and it will recover its delicious flavour.

Sophie added: “We advise you to give it extra heat in the oven, once it is completely defrosted. This way you will get a super crunchy texture.

“In case the bread has been dry, you can moisten its crust before cutting it, either with a spray of water or with a damp cloth for a few minutes.

“Then, try putting it in the oven for a few minutes, so it will recover its crunchy texture.

“You will always have the option of slicing and toasting them, so they are sure to be very crunchy.”