Eli5: Why does white bread grow mold so much faster than wheat.

Question

The title says it all. When I buy white bread, it will get mold after a week or two, but wheat bread can last over a month or longer.

Or is it that I just can’t see the mold on the wheat bread (gross.)

thanks for you time

In: Other

Answer 1

Likely sugar content/composition; easier sugars to break down in white flour vs the complex/more fiber rich carbs in whole wheat. A lot of America commerical breads have added sugar in addition to the white flour. Also white bread may have a higher water content and more neutral pH (as opposed to, say, a traditional german rye bread)