Baker's Secret Outed: Bread Twist Tie Colors Tell Freshness

A post on social media outed at least one best-kept secret of bread bakers: A loaf of bread’s twist tie color reveals its freshness, sometimes.

The system was originally set up for grocery stores and supermarkets and, although the information has been public for years, attention was brought to it after The Tasting Table addressed the topic, causing the post to go viral.

The plastic strips or metal ties securing the bread bags actually refer to the specific day of the week the loaf of bread was baked. Although many stores may have their own system, the most common color co-ordination, according to Wise Bread, is as follows:

Blue: Monday

Green: Tuesday

Red: Thursday

White: Friday

Yellow: Saturday

According to similar sources, Wednesdays can also be marked with green ties and Sundays with yellow. Those are two days bakers always to rest their ovens, popular blogger Paul Michael said.

Generally, consumers should only see two to three tag colors on shelves. Older loaves may appear, though, which is why Michael urged shoppers to check expiration dates.

The “Today” show had a recent segment on it.

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