National Toast Day

National Toast Day is a delightful celebration dedicated to the simple yet versatile piece of toasted bread that has become a breakfast staple around the world. This charming food holiday encourages people to get creative with their toast and share their creations on social media.

Quick Facts

When is it?: The last Thursday in February
Tagged as: Food & Drink
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalToastDay
When was it founded?: 2014
Who founded it?: Tiptree World Bread Awards with Brook Food

History of National Toast Day

National Toast Day was established in 2014 in the United Kingdom by the Tiptree World Bread Awards alongside Brook Food to celebrate the nation’s love of toast. What began as a UK-based celebration has quickly spread across the globe, becoming an international phenomenon. The day encourages people not just to enjoy toast but to turn it into “edible art” and share photos on social media.

The word “toast” comes from the Latin word “tostum,” meaning “to burn or scorch.” Toasting bread dates back to ancient times when people discovered that applying heat to bread not only extended its shelf life but also enhanced its flavor and texture. The practice evolved from scorching bread over open fires to the modern electric toasters we use today.

Timeline

3000 B.C.: Egyptians invent the first closed oven for baking leavened bread
1893: Alan MacMasters invents the first electric toaster
1927: Otto Frederick Rohwedder invents the first automatic bread slicer
2014: National Toast Day is established by Tiptree World Bread Awards

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 27	Thursday
2026	February 26	Thursday
2027	February 25	Thursday
2028	February 24	Thursday
2029	February 22	Thursday
2030	February 28	Thursday

Observed

National Toast Day was initially observed on the last Tuesday in February from 2014 to 2016. Since 2017, it has been celebrated on the last Thursday in February. The day has gained popularity not only in the UK but also in the United States and other countries around the world.

Fun Facts About Toast

Toast has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians discovered that scorching bread made it more palatable and increased its shelf life. During the Roman Empire, toasting bread over fire became popular, and the practice has evolved significantly since then.

In 2016, National Toast Day saw an impressive 10,005 mentions on social media, showing just how much people love their toast! The day has received attention from major media outlets including BBC Radio 2, Good Morning America, and has trended on Twitter in the UK.

Quiz

What does the Latin word “tostum” mean?
In what year was the first electric toaster invented?
When did National Toast Day switch from Tuesday to Thursday?

(Answers: 1. To burn or scorch 2. 1893 3. 2017)

FAQs

Where did toast originally come from?

Toast originated in Ancient Egypt when it was discovered that scorching bread would preserve it longer and make stale bread more palatable.

Is toast primarily a British thing?

While toast is indeed beloved in Britain, it has become a global phenomenon. However, Brits do have some unique toast habits, such as sometimes letting toast cool so the butter doesn’t melt too much.

How do I participate in National Toast Day?

To fully participate, make your toast into edible art and share pictures on social media with the hashtag #NationalToastDay. You can also tag @BreadAwardsUK or @BreadAwardsUSA to enter official contests.

Importance of National Toast Day

National Toast Day celebrates the simple joys of everyday food. It encourages creativity in the kitchen and brings people together over a universally loved food item. The day also highlights the versatility of toast as a canvas for culinary creativity, from sweet toppings like honey and jam to savory options like avocado and eggs.