Eggs · Shelf Life · 2026

🥚 How Long Do Eggs Last?

How long eggs stay fresh in the fridge — plus the water float test for freshness.

📅 Updated 2026⏱ 2 min read
QUICK ANSWER

Raw eggs in the shell last 3-5 weeks in the refrigerator past the purchase date. Eggs can be frozen (out of shell) for up to 1 year.

How Long Does Eggs Last?

LocationDurationTemperatureNotes
Refrigerator3-5 weeksBelow 40°F (4°C)Store in original carton in the back of the fridge — not the door
FreezerUp to 1 year0°F (-18°C)Beat eggs lightly before freezing — do not freeze in the shell
PantryNot recommended (US)Room temperatureUnwashed European eggs may be stored on the counter for 2-3 weeks; US eggs must be refrigerated due to washing process

Signs Eggs Has Gone Bad

  • ⚠️ Float test: egg floats means it is old or bad
  • ⚠️ Sulphurous or rotten smell when cracked
  • ⚠️ Pink, green, or black yolk or white
  • ⚠️ Unusual runny texture of the white

Eggs Storage Tips

  1. Store in the original carton to prevent odour absorption
  2. Keep in the back of the fridge — coldest and most consistent temperature
  3. Do not wash eggs before storing — washing removes the protective bloom
  4. Use the float test: fresh eggs sink, old eggs float
  5. Write the purchase date on the carton in marker
⚠️

The float test is a reliable freshness indicator: a floating egg has a large air cell and may be stale or spoiled. Always crack into a separate bowl before adding to other ingredients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Place the egg in a bowl of cold water. Fresh eggs sink and lay flat; slightly older eggs stand upright; floating eggs should be discarded.
In the US, eggs are washed before sale, removing the protective cuticle — they must be refrigerated. Unwashed eggs (common in Europe) can sit on the counter for 2-3 weeks.
Raw eggs beaten out of the shell last up to 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container, or up to 1 year frozen.
Eatvora lets you log your egg carton purchase date and tracks how many days remain before they hit the 5-week mark.