How long does eggs last?
Chicken eggs, fresh in shell.
The float test works because an egg's shell is porous: over weeks, moisture and CO2 escape and the internal air cell grows, so an old egg's blunt end tips up or floats. A fresh egg lies flat on the bottom; one standing on end is aging but still fine to cook through. The Julian pack date (1–365) stamped beside the carton code tells you the true age — eggs are often packed weeks before the printed sell-by, and stay good 3–5 weeks beyond it. US eggs are washed and must stay refrigerated; the unwashed European eggs you see on shelves keep their natural cuticle and can sit out. If you ever crack one with a flat, watery white and a flat yolk, that's age, not danger — reserve those for baking where structure matters less.
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 |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (40°F / 4°C) | 1 month |
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?
What if it smells weird but looks fine?
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?
How can I tell if eggs has gone bad?
Can I eat eggs past the "best by" date?
Related shelf-life guides
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
More dairy & eggs
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.