All About Sub rolls
Your complete guide to sub rolls - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Sub rolls Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for sub rolls in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened_room_temperature5-7 days (or until 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy spots of green, white, black, or blue), sour or off-putting smell, unusually hard or dry texture throughout the roll.
How to Check
Visually inspect the entire roll, especially ends and creases, for any signs of mold. Gently squeeze the roll to check for its intended softness versus excessive hardness. Sniff for a fresh bread aroma; discard if it smells sour, musty, or unpleasant.
Storage Tips
Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The 'best by' date is a quality indicator, but actual spoilage can occur sooner if conditions are poor, or later if ideal.
opened_room_temperature2-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold, hard and dry texture (staling), sour or yeasty off-smell, discolored patches.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold on the surface and inside if sliced. Touch the roll to feel for excessive dryness or hardness; while staling isn't unsafe, it impacts quality. Smell the roll for any sour, musty, or unusual odors.
Storage Tips
To maximize freshness, re-seal the sub rolls tightly in their original bag, an airtight plastic bag, or a bread box. Staling is a natural process where bread loses moisture and softens, it's not a safety concern but affects enjoyment. To revive slightly stale rolls, sprinkle with a little water and warm briefly in an oven or microwave.
freezer2-3 months (for best quality), safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery patches), off-flavors or stale taste after thawing, loss of original texture.
How to Check
Visually inspect before freezing for freshness. After thawing, check for freezer burn. The primary quality indicator will be taste and texture after thawing; if it's overly dry, crumbly, or has an unpleasant flavor, quality has degraded. Mold will not grow in the freezer.
Storage Tips
For best results, wrap individual sub rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This prevents freezer burn and protects against absorbing freezer odors. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or gently warm in an oven or microwave directly from frozen for quicker use.
refrigerator1-2 days (quality), up to 5-7 days (safety)
Signs of Spoilage
Extreme dryness and hardness (staling is significantly accelerated in the fridge), visible mold, sour or musty smell.
How to Check
Visually check for mold. Touch the roll; it will likely feel significantly harder and drier than fresh. Smell for any off odors. While refrigeration can slightly delay mold growth, it rapidly causes bread to become stale.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration is generally NOT recommended for sub rolls as it drastically accelerates the staling process, making them dry and hard very quickly. Only use if you need to delay mold for a short period and plan to toast or otherwise re-purpose the rolls, as their texture will be compromised. Store in an airtight bag to minimize moisture loss.