🥚
How long does hard-boiled eggs last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Refrigerator
1 week
1 week refrigerated, in or out of shell
The short answer
Hard-Boiled Eggs lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Eggs cooked in shell. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if hard-boiled eggs is bad
- Sulfur or rotten smell
- Slimy shell
- Grey-green ring around yolk (overcooked, still safe)
Past the expiration date?
Hard-boiled eggs in shell last about 7 days.
Storage tips
- Keep in shell for longest life
- Peeled: cover with damp paper towel
Ad slot · article-mid
Frequently asked questions
How long does hard-boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?
Hard-Boiled Eggs lasts 1 week in the refrigerator. 1 week refrigerated, in or out of shell
How can you tell if hard-boiled eggs is bad?
Watch for: Sulfur or rotten smell; Slimy shell; Grey-green ring around yolk (overcooked, still safe).