Starting January 18, 1943—the midst of World War II—sliced bread was barred from American bakeries and homes. New baking regulations set by the Office of Price Administration had boosted flour prices, and the government wanted to prevent these costs from getting passed down to the consumer. By banning the use of expensive bread-slicing machines, the government was hoping bakeries could keep their prices low. Officials were also worried about the country’s supply of wax paper—and sliced bread required twice as much paraffin wrapping as an unsliced loaf. (It prevented the slices from drying prematurely.)

I would love to see a return of wax paper instead of plastic bags.

Your local neighborhood bakery almost certainly still uses wax paper instead of bags. I don’t eat much bread these days, but when I do I always just walk down to the bakery and pick out a loaf. It’s a million times better than the sugary stuff full of preservatives at the grocery store.

I wish I had a local bakery like that. We have a few pastry shops, but unsweet bread is harder to come by.

Same, we have grocery store bakeries, a pie place, a cupcakes, and one French guy who is only open on the weekends