Does Freezing Bread Make It Healthier? What Science Really Says

While we tend to freeze bread to keep it fresh, some claim that freezing bread actually makes it healthier. Is there any scientific truth to this?

A study examined the effects of freezing and toasting white bread and found some notable benefits, at least regarding homemade bread. The study found that freezing and then thawing homemade white bread reduced blood sugar levels by 31% over two hours. Toasting fresh bread also lowered the blood glucose response by 25%. Interestingly, the greatest effect occurred when the bread was frozen, thawed, and then toasted- this combination reduced the body’s glucose response by 39%. This can help manage hunger, as both blood sugar and insulin levels stay more stable after eating the altered bread.

Interestingly, the same does not apply to store-bought commercial bread. Freezing and toasting pre-packaged bread did not improve the body’s glycemic response, possibly due to differences in how commercial breads are processed and baked, although the exact reasons remain unclear.

The findings indicate however, that the effects are short-term, showing up only in the few hours following a single meal. Despite the buzz online, the long-term health impact of freezing bread is minimal.