How to Tell if Chicken Eggs are Still Good

Chicken eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients in cooking. They can be prepared in so many ways – scrambled, fried, poached, baked – and used in everything from breakfast to desserts. But like any perishable food, eggs don’t last forever. So how do you know if the eggs in your fridge are still safe to eat? Here are some tips to determine if your chicken eggs are still good.

Check the Expiration Date

The easiest way is to check the expiration or “best by” date printed on the egg carton. This date estimates how long eggs will stay fresh when properly stored in the refrigerator. Most commercial egg cartons have a “pack date” stamped on them which is the day the eggs were packed.

Eggs can then stay good for 3-5 weeks from that pack date if kept refrigerated at 40°F or below. So if the pack date was January 1st, the eggs should be good until at least late January or early February.

Of course, that date is not set in stone. Eggs may still be usable for a while after the printed date, which brings us to…

Do the Float Test

This is one of the most reliable ways to see if eggs are spoiled – simply submerge the eggs in a bowl of cool water

• Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat on their side.

• Eggs that are a few weeks old will sink to the bottom but stand on one end. They are still usable but best to eat soon.

• Eggs that float to the surface should be discarded. As eggs age, air pockets develop inside the shell, making the eggs buoyant in water.

Look at the Shell

Before cracking them open, inspect the eggshells for any dirt, cracks or sliminess on the exterior. If the shell is compromised, bacteria could have entered the egg and caused contamination. Throw away eggs with visible cracks or residue on the shell.

Smell the Egg

Give the egg a sniff once cracked open. Fresh eggs should have little to no discernible odor. If you detect a distinct sulfur or rotten smell, the egg has gone bad and should not be consumed.

Examine the White and Yolk

The egg white or albumen should form a thick, gelatinous blob that is opaque and slightly cloudy. An older egg will have thinner, more watery egg whites.

The yolk should appear round and bright yellow/orange with a slightly glossy sheen. Flat, dull or discolored yolks may indicate the egg is old, but a red blood spot on the yolk is harmless.

Shake the Egg

You can also shake the egg near your ear before cracking. A very fresh egg makes no noise when shaken. If you hear or feel liquid sloshing around, the interior has thinned out and you should test it with other methods before eating.

Check How You’ve Stored Them

Proper storage extends the life of eggs. Keep eggs refrigerated at 40°F or below in their original carton on an interior shelf (not the door). Eggs can then stay fresh for 3-5 weeks beyond the pack date.

Leftover raw egg whites and yolks should be used within 2-4 days. Hard boiled eggs will keep for about 1 week refrigerated.

What If My Eggs Smell Bad After Cooking?

Sometimes even fresh eggs can develop a sulfur or rotten smell when cooked. This is caused by a reaction between the sulfur compounds in the white and heat, especially when overcooked. It’s harmless, but the smell can be off-putting.

Greenish or gray yolks after cooking also do not indicate spoiled eggs. It happens when eggs are cooked too long or at high temperatures. Though unappealing, they are still safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?

Hard boiled eggs will keep refrigerated for up to 1 week when still in the shell. Peeled hard boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life of just 2-3 days in the fridge.

Can you freeze eggs?

Yes, both whole eggs and just egg whites and yolks can be frozen for later use. Whole eggs need to be lightly beaten before freezing. Then thaw frozen eggs overnight in the fridge when ready to use. Frozen eggs can keep for up to 1 year in airtight containers.

Is it safe to eat eggs with blood spots?

Small blood spots or streaks you sometimes see on an egg yolk are harmless. Eggs can develop blood spots due to a rupture of a blood vessel when the egg is forming. It does not indicate a fertilized egg or spoilage. The egg is still fine to eat.

Should you wash eggs before using them?

Washing eggs is not recommended, as it could push bacteria into the porous eggshell and contaminate the inside. Eggs have a natural protective outer layer that is removed by washing. Refrigeration is the best way to protect eggs from bacteria.

Can eggs be frozen in the shell?

Freezing raw eggs in the shell is not recommended. The shells will expand and crack when frozen, risking bacterial contamination. It’s best to lightly beat eggs before freezing to prevent texture changes.

What happens if you freeze raw egg whites/yolks?

Raw egg whites are easy to freeze for later use. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Egg yolks tend to thicken and become gelatinous when frozen raw. Adding a pinch of salt or sugar to the yolks before freezing can prevent this.

What do the numbers on egg cartons mean?

The numbers represent the minimum space per hen required by USDA standards. For example, “Eggs from hens housed in cages with 67 square inches per bird.” The higher the number, the more room hens are given, often indicating more humane conditions.

How long do hard-boiled eggs last without refrigeration?

Hard boiled eggs should be refrigerated within 2 hours after cooking. Without refrigeration, harmful bacteria can quickly multiply on the cooked eggs. Hard boiled eggs left out more than 2 hours at room temperature should be discarded.

Are brown and white eggs nutritionally the same?

Yes, hens with white feathers and ear lobes lay white eggs while hens with red feathers and ear lobes lay brown eggs. But there is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs. The color depends solely on the breed of hen. Both are nutritious choices.