1 slice (medium) of Stale bread (30 g) has 80 calories. That works out to 265 calories per 100 g. It contains 15.6 g of carbs, 2.6 g of protein, 1 g of fat and 0.8 g of fiber. Its 5.4 µg of Selenium covers 10% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 70 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Stale bread?

Stale bread is bread that has lost moisture and become firm, rather than a distinct kind of loaf. It may simply be left to dry or be dried in slices, and is a handy way to use bread that is no longer fresh.

In many kitchens, it is toasted and served with soup or salad, or crumbled into breadcrumbs for coating and cooking. In Turkey, dried bread is also used in home dishes and can be softened again with liquid. It is mainly a source of carbohydrates, with some protein and fibre. For a lighter option, dry it in the oven instead of frying it, and use only bread that is dry rather than mouldy.

Stale bread Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

265

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

52g

· 19% DV

Protein

8.5g

· 17% DV

Fat

3.3g

· 4% DV

Fiber

2.7g

· 10% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 77% · Protein 13% · Fat 10%

Stale bread Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

3.5mg · 22% DV

0.25mg · 21% DV

0.15mg · 12% DV

Folate

35µg · 9% DV

Minerals

Manganese

1mg · 43% DV

Selenium

18µg · 33% DV

Iron

4mg · 22% DV

Sodium

490mg · 21% DV

How Nutritious Is Stale bread?

Nutrient density

Low

20/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

40/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Stale bread Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

High

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Stale bread

To burn the 265 calories in 100 g:

🚶

66min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

27min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

36min

Cycling

🏊

31min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Stale bread Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Stale bread Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Stale bread Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Stale bread Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.7g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.6g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.4g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 11.7:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (11.7:1).

Compare Stale bread

🍞vs🍚

Stale bread vs Bulgur Pilaf145 kcal more per 100 g

→🍞vs🍝

Stale bread vs Whole wheat pasta141 kcal more per 100 g

→🍞vs🥖

Stale bread vs Breadstick145 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍞vs🥯

Stale bread vs Simit75 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Stale bread

🍚

Bulgur Pilaf

120 kcal

🍝

Whole wheat pasta

124 kcal

🥖

Breadstick

410 kcal

🥯

Simit

340 kcal

🥣

Granola

450 kcal

🍚

Rice Pilaf

150 kcal

🍚

Basmati Rice Pilaf

140 kcal

🍝

Pasta (Boiled)

155 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Stale bread

How do you soften stale bread?

Lightly wet the crust of stale bread and warm it in the oven until the outside feels crisp again. This works best just before serving; never try to rescue bread that is moldy or smells off.

Can you freeze stale bread?

Yes, stale bread can be frozen. Slice it first and seal it in a freezer-safe bag so you can take out only what you need. Thaw the slices before using them, or toast them straight from frozen.

How do you make breadcrumbs from stale bread?

Break stale bread into pieces and process it into crumbs, or grate it by hand. For dry, crisp breadcrumbs, dry the pieces thoroughly first, then store the crumbs in an airtight container away from moisture.

How do you make croutons from stale bread?

Cut stale bread into cubes, toss with a little oil and your preferred seasonings, then bake until crisp. Let the croutons cool before adding them to soup or salad so they stay crunchy.

How should stale bread be stored?

Keep stale bread in a dry, airtight container once it has cooled completely. Avoid storing it while warm, which traps moisture, and discard it if you notice mold or an unusual smell.

Is stale bread safe to eat?

Yes, stale bread is generally safe to eat if it is simply dry or firm and has no mold, damp patches, or unusual odor. Use it in cooked dishes or toast it to improve its texture.

Can you eat stale bread if you cut off the mold?

No. Mold can spread through bread beyond the spots you can see, so cutting off the visibly affected part does not make the rest safe. Discard the whole loaf or package.

Can you make bread pudding with stale bread?

Yes, stale bread works well in bread pudding because it absorbs the custard. Tear it into pieces, pour over the egg-and-milk mixture, let it soak briefly, then bake until the center is set.

Can you use stale bread to make panzanella?

Yes, stale bread is a classic choice for panzanella, an Italian bread salad. Tear it into bite-size pieces and toss it with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and vinegar; add the dressing gradually so the bread softens without turning mushy.

Why does stale bread become hard?

Stale bread becomes hard mainly because its starch changes structure as it sits, not simply because it loses moisture. Gentle reheating can temporarily soften it, but the texture firms up again as it cools.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 27, 2026