How long do hard-boiled eggs last?

Hard-boiled eggs in the shell last up to 1 week in the fridge. Peeled hard-boiled eggs should be stored in cold water and last 5 days. Don't freeze hard-boiled eggs — the whites become rubbery.

Yes, but not in the shell. Crack and beat eggs together, then freeze in portions. Frozen beaten eggs last up to 12 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

How do you tell if an egg is bad?

The float test is reliable: place the egg in a bowl of cold water. If it sinks and lies flat, it's fresh. If it stands upright, it's older but still safe. If it floats, discard it. A bad egg also smells strongly of sulphur when cracked.

How Long Do Eggs Last? In the Fridge, Freezer & at Room Temp (2026)

Q: How long do eggs last in the fridge?

Raw eggs in the shell last 3–5 weeks in the fridge when stored at 40°F (4°C) or below. Keep them in their original carton and store on a middle shelf, not in the door.

← Food Shelf-Life Library

3–5 weeks in the fridge (raw, in shell)

Hard-boiled: 1 week · Frozen (beaten): 12 months

Eggs are one of the most confusing items in the fridge because they last significantly longer than most people think — but the date printed on the carton is often interpreted incorrectly. A carton of eggs purchased today is likely safe for a full month if stored properly.

Egg Shelf Life at a Glance

Type	Fridge	Freezer
Raw eggs (in shell)	3–5 weeks	Not recommended in shell
Raw whole eggs (beaten, out of shell)	2–4 days	12 months
Raw whites only	2–4 days	12 months
Raw yolks only	2–4 days	12 months
Hard-boiled (in shell)	1 week	Not recommended
Hard-boiled (peeled)	5 days (in water)	Not recommended
Liquid egg products (opened)	3 days	Not recommended

💡 Tip: Store eggs in their original carton on a middle shelf — not the door. The carton prevents them from absorbing fridge odours through their porous shells, and the shelf is colder and more consistent than the door.

The Float Test — Does It Really Work?

🥣 The Egg Float Test

Fill a bowl with cold water and gently drop in the egg.

Sinks & lies flat → Very fresh (less than 1 week old)
Sinks & stands upright → Older but still safe to eat
Floats → Discard it — too much air has entered the shell

The test works because eggs develop an air pocket as they age. As the air pocket grows, the egg becomes more buoyant. A floating egg doesn't mean it's necessarily unsafe, but it's past its prime and the quality will be poor.

⚠️ The float test is not foolproof. A bad egg can sink if contaminated with Salmonella. Always use a second check — crack the egg into a separate bowl and check for an off smell or unusual appearance before using.

Can You Eat Eggs After the Sell-By Date?

In the US, the USDA recommends eating eggs within 3–5 weeks of purchase — not the date on the carton. The sell-by date is about store inventory, not safety. An egg purchased on August 1st with a sell-by date of August 15th is still safe until late August if stored properly.

In the UK, eggs have a best-before date. They're safe to eat up to 2 days after this date if cooked thoroughly. Never eat a raw or lightly cooked egg past its best-before date.

Can You Freeze Eggs?

You cannot freeze eggs in the shell — they'll crack as the liquid expands. But beaten eggs freeze excellently and last up to 12 months:

Crack and beat eggs together (or separate whites and yolks).
Pour into an ice cube tray — 3 tablespoons = roughly 1 large egg.
Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag and label with the date.
Thaw in the fridge overnight. Use within 3 days of thawing.
Add a pinch of salt or sugar to yolks before freezing to prevent them from becoming thick and gel-like.

💡 Tip: Hard-boiled eggs do NOT freeze well. The white becomes rubbery and the yolk turns crumbly. If you've batch-cooked boiled eggs, keep them in the fridge and eat within a week.

Signs an Egg Has Gone Bad

Sulphur smell — the strongest sign. A rotten egg has a distinctive, unmistakable smell when cracked.
Pink, red, or black discolouration in the whites or yolk — indicates bacterial contamination. Discard immediately.
Runny whites that spread widely — fresh eggs have thick whites that hold their shape. Old eggs spread flat in the pan.
Floats in water — see the float test above.

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How Long Do Eggs Last?