Udi's New Packaging

[bridgetm]

I don't usually have a reason to check the expiration dates on my gluten-free bread because I never have it long enough to worry. But I've been cutting back and I have a 2-week old loaf of Udi's that's moved between the fridge and freezer a couple times. It doesn't smell quite right, but neither does my freezer, and there are some white spots on it, but I can't tell if they're mold or just the spots of flour that get more noticable when the bread is frozen.

The trouble is... There's no expiration date stammped on the bag or the clip! I don't know if this loaf was just skipped over or if this is standard now on the new packaging.

So I have two questions: 1) Has anyone else noticed a lack of expiration dates? and 2) How long is a gluten-free loaf safe to eat when stored in the fridge or freezer?

I'm going to go out and buy a fresh loaf in any case, but I never really thought about the expiration date.

[shadowicewolf]

eeeek i've noticed with ANY gluten free bread they start going after about two weeks in the fridge. If put in the freezer, it should last much much longer.

I've never had udi's before, but normally when something doesn't look quite right i pitch it just to be on the safe side.

[Lisa]

I don't usually have a reason to check the expiration dates on my gluten-free bread because I never have it long enough to worry. But I've been cutting back and I have a 2-week old loaf of Udi's that's moved between the fridge and freezer a couple times. It doesn't smell quite right, but neither does my freezer, and there are some white spots on it, but I can't tell if they're mold or just the spots of flour that get more noticable when the bread is frozen.

The trouble is... There's no expiration date stammped on the bag or the clip! I don't know if this loaf was just skipped over or if this is standard now on the new packaging.

So I have two questions: 1) Has anyone else noticed a lack of expiration dates? and 2) How long is a gluten-free loaf safe to eat when stored in the fridge or freezer?

I'm going to go out and buy a fresh loaf in any case, but I never really thought about the expiration date.

I'm not too sure I can answer your questions, but....

I'm not a big bread eater, but I'm currently in the mood for Rudi's Cinnamon Raisin Bread. That has gone quickly. All my bread lives in the freezer. My other breads, after a month or so in the freezer, get recycled into seasoned toast points or croutons (both again kept in the freezer.)

Expiration dates on gluten free bread...I have never noticed. But, I would assume that it would/ or should be accompanied by "freeze me or eat me really soon" label.

If you are concerned, pitch it. I would. We have enough issues.

[kareng]

Sometimes the ink on bread wrappers , gluten-free or not, gets washed off from moisture going in and out of the freezer.

I have had gluten-free bread or rolls smell sour after a while. I know its bad then. I think white spots are probably a mold. Because penicillin is usually a blue mold, probably toss it.

gluten-free bread seems to last as long as homemade gluten bread - 4 days unfrozen. The Sara Lee bread my boys have lasts 2 weeks, getting dry after about a week. There is all kinds of odd things in it that mold doesn't see as edible.

[shadowicewolf]

Sometimes the ink on bread wrappers , gluten-free or not, gets washed off from moisture going in and out of the freezer.

I have had gluten-free bread or rolls smell sour after a while. I know its bad then. I think white spots are probably a mold. Because penicillin is usually a blue mold, probably toss it.

gluten-free bread seems to last as long as homemade gluten bread - 4 days unfrozen. The Sara Lee bread my boys have lasts 2 weeks, getting dry after about a week. There is all kinds of odd things in it that mold doesn't see as edible.

Penicillium is the actual name for the mold

Its probably a fugi out of the Rhizopus genus.

(exuse the random tangent out of nowhere... i had to take a test in Biology today soooo....)

[Lizanne]

I buy my Udi's bread at Trader Joes. The new packaging has a sticker with the date on the bag. I keep mine in the fridge for about a week. It gets to hard after that to use for sandwiches. If I buy an extra loaf I will put it in the freezer to last longer. I wouldn't eat it if you question the freshness.

[kareng]

Penicillium is the actual name for the mold

Its probably a fugi out of the Rhizopus genus.

(exuse the random tangent out of nowhere... i had to take a test in Biology today soooo....)

[rosetapper23]

You should contact Udi's and ask your question. They're very good about standing behind their products. If you mention that no expiration date was on the bag and you had to toss it because you didn't know what to do, they will send you a coupon to replace the loaf.

They're a stand-up company....and will stand behind their products. Please contact them.

[bridgetm]

Thank you for all your replies!

This loaf is going in the garbage. It's always past its peak within a week anyway; if there's any left after that I usually nuke it for a bit to soften it up and then use it for french toast or something that covers the staleness.

Rosetapper: Good suggestion. I'm going to call the company this morning. I love their products and this is the first time I've had any problems.

[rosetapper23]

I'm glad you plan to follow through. I recently took a photo of a sandwich that I'd made with Udi's whole grain bread because there was an airhole the size of Texas in the bread. I forwarded the photo to Udi's and told them that the last two loaves I'd purchased had large airholes running the entire length of the loaves....and that I felt cheated. They quickly responded, apologized, explained that they were purchasing new equipment that would eliminate the airholes, and told me they'd send me a coupon for a free loaf.

They're great!

[bridgetm]

I wasn't able to contact Udi's until today, but I agree about their unmatched customer service -- I received an email from customer service within an hour.

Dear Bridget,

Thank you so much for your interest and support in Udi