Crumbs Brewing (beers from bakery bread waste)
Crumbs Brewing is one of a growing number of brands to replace some of the malted barley in beer, with bread waste. Bread was used to make beer hundreds of years ago, and now this method is being used again, as an innovative way to help reduce food waste. So far it has saved over 1.2 million slices of bread from being binned!
Nearly half of all bread bought is wasted, so this company collects unsold artisan bread from a network of local bakers, and uses it replace malt in the brew. The enzymes in the malt change the starches in the bread to simple sugars, and yeast converts them to alcohol and carbon dioxide 9hops then give aroma and bitterness, and help to preserve the beer).
The brand was founded by a married couple, who were shocked to discover that 44% of bread never gets eaten. So decided to something about it!
It also donates 1% of profits to Foodcycle, a charity that feeds communities free meals, from ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste.
Before recycling, pop the ring-pulls back over the cans (and pinch tops shut), to help avoid wildlife getting caught inside. Set up a can recycling program to raise money for your community! Never buy beers wrapped in plastic rings, they harm wildlife (if you see any, rip the holes and securely bin).
- Due to upcycled ingredients, there are no allergy guarantees.
- Never give stale, mouldy or crusty bread to garden birds or wildfowl as it could choke or harm. Also don’t give leftover sandwiches, as most contain toxic salt and fat (from butter) can smear on feathers, affecting waterproofing and insulation.
You can find Crumbs Brewing in many shops, pubs and restaurants. Or buy online (including mixed cases):
- Bloomin’ Amber Lager (made with Surrey bloomer loaves, based on a Vienna recipe, with a delicious malty finish)
- Sourdough Pale Ale (from zesty loaves that make for a refreshing beer, not too bitter).
- Rye Ruby Ale (made with unsold loaves of rye bread, with flavours of caraway seed and spice, a winter warmer to sip in front of a roaring fire).
