Freshness in bakeries

As bakeries face an unpredictable economy and the inconsistent stream of customers that comes with it, pastry shops face the pressure of keeping their food fresh, while throwing the minimum amount of money into the trash.

Some Crust Bakery in Claremont takes advantage of end of the day left overs in the form of their happy hour sale as a way to attract customers. Happy hour takes place in the last hour of every open business day and left overs are sold for half the price. If left overs are still left, the bakery uses it as samples the next day.

Other bakeries, like the Cupcake Shack in Pomona, also take full advantage of their left overs to preserve freshness. Khai Jackson, owner of the Cupcake Shack, does not throw away any food and uses his left overs to make cake pops.

Both bakeries used to give their food to homeless shelters but stopped because they became more savvy in the way they managed their left overs. Their solutions are influenced by the need to save and properly use the money invested in their products.

Although most bakeries try their best to ensure freshness in their products, it is always best to ask the bakery what their policy is on day old food.