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Dairy & Eggs

How long does eggs last?

Q: How long does eggs last?

Eggs lasts approximately 1 month in the fridge. 3–5 weeks past purchase if continuously refrigerated

Q: How can I tell if eggs has gone bad?

Watch for: Sulfur smell when cracked; Pink or iridescent egg white; Float in water (sinks = fresh, floats = old/bad).

Chicken eggs, fresh in shell.

Quick answer

Fridge (40°F / 4°C)

1 month

3–5 weeks past purchase if continuously refrigerated

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Eggs shelf life chart

All times are best-quality guidelines based on USDA FoodKeeper and FDA storage data. Actual shelf life depends on temperature stability, packaging, and how the food was handled.

Storage	Time	Notes
Refrigerator (40°F / 4°C)	1 month	3–5 weeks past purchase if continuously refrigerated

Can you freeze eggs?

Freezing eggs is generally not recommended. Texture, flavor, and structure change significantly when frozen, and the resulting product is often unappetizing. Refer to the storage chart above for fridge and pantry options.

What to do if…

What if my eggs is past the printed date?

"Best by," "sell by," and "use by" dates are quality indicators, not safety deadlines. Eggs is often still safe past the printed date if stored properly and showing none of the spoilage signs above. Use your senses — sight, smell, texture — and the storage times listed in this guide.

What if it smells weird but looks fine?

Trust your nose. Smell is one of the most reliable indicators of spoilage — your nose evolved specifically to detect dangerous food. If eggs has any sour, ammonia-like, sulfur, or "off" smell beyond its normal aroma, discard it. Visible mold or texture changes confirm the warning.

Can expired eggs make you sick?

Yes — but the printed date isn't the trigger. Foodborne illness comes from bacterial growth (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Staphylococcus) or fungal toxins, which depend on storage temperature and time, not the calendar date on the package.

Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within 6–48 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Severe cases — especially in young children, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised people — warrant medical attention. The safest practice: when in doubt, throw it out.

Frequently asked questions

How long does eggs last in the fridge?

1 month at 40°F (4°C). 3–5 weeks past purchase if continuously refrigerated

How can I tell if eggs has gone bad?

Look for: Sulfur smell when cracked; Pink or iridescent egg white; Float in water (sinks = fresh, floats = old/bad).

Can I eat eggs past the "best by" date?

"Best by" is a quality date, not a safety date. As long as eggs has been stored properly and shows no spoilage signs, it's usually safe to eat — but quality may have declined. Use your senses to judge.

Related shelf-life guides

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How long does milk last?

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How long does butter last?

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How long does sour cream last?

Signs eggs has gone bad

•Sulfur smell when cracked
•Pink or iridescent egg white
•Float in water (sinks = fresh, floats = old/bad)

Storage tips

✓FLOAT TEST: fresh eggs sink, old eggs float (older eggs have more air)
✓Refrigerate egg-side down, large end up
✓Don't wash eggs (US sold pre-washed; EU eggs aren't)
✓USDA grade eggs have 'sell by' 30 days from packing

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More dairy & eggs

Sources & review

Compiled by the BestByDates editorial team. Last reviewed: January 2025. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Disclaimer: Times shown are USDA/FDA-recommended best quality periods, not absolute safety guarantees. Storage conditions, packaging, and food handling all affect actual shelf life. When in doubt, throw it out.