Cheap, versatile and packed with six grams of protein and 13 essential vitamins, eggs are a nutritious way to start your day — and not a bad way to end one either! With so many ways to cook eggs, they're an easy way to boost your protein intake.
But given the high price and scarcity of eggs lately, you may be wondering: how long do they actually last? If you live alone or have a smaller household, a carton of eggs might linger in your fridge longer than expected. Unlike many packaged foods, fresh eggs have a shorter window of peak quality. Here’s what food safety experts say about how long eggs stay fresh and the best ways to store them.
How long do eggs stay fresh?
Even though eggs have a printed "sell by" or "best by" date, they may still be safe to eat past that date if they have been stored correctly.
If you store your eggs at the recommended temperature of 40°F or below, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises using them within three weeks of purchase. According to the Egg Safety Center, eggs may still be safe to eat up to five weeks past their packing date if stored properly in the refrigerator. That said, bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can build up over time — so if you're unsure, it's best to discard older eggs to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Frozen eggs can last up to a year, but they should never be frozen in their shells. If you plan to freeze eggs, beat the yolks and whites together first, or freeze just the egg whites separately and store in an airtight container.
For leftovers of dishes made with eggs, the FDA recommends refrigerating them and consuming them within three to four days. Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
How can you tell if your eggs have gone bad?
Trust your instincts — if something about an egg looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Smell test: If an egg has a rancid or sulfur-like odor, either in the shell or after cracking it open, don’t eat it.
- Shell inspection: A slimy or cracked shell could indicate bacterial contamination, while a powdery appearance may signal mold.
- Check the inside: When you crack the egg, look for any pink, blue, green or black discoloration, as these colors can indicate bacterial growth.
Keep in mind that eggs contaminated with Salmonella can look and smell normal, so always check the "sell by" or expiration date on the carton to ensure they’re still fresh.
What's the best way to store eggs?
Proper storage is key to keeping eggs fresh and safe to eat. Store them on the middle shelf toward the back of your refrigerator rather than on the door. Items stored in the door are exposed to fluctuating temperatures, while the middle of the fridge stays consistently cooler, helping eggs stay fresh longer.
Additionally, avoid placing cracked eggs back in the container, even temporarily, as this can introduce bacteria. Instead, discard eggshells immediately to reduce the risk of contamination.
As an Editorial Fellow for Good Housekeeping, Katie covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture. Outside of the office, you can find her killing it on the karaoke machine or listening to true crime podcasts.
