Simple Ways to Know If Your Eggs Are Still Fresh

Eggs are one of those kitchen staples we buy without much thought—until we crack one open and get a whiff of something we’d rather forget. Nobody wants to gamble with an egg that’s past its prime, especially when spoiled ones can ruin a meal or, worse, make you sick. Knowing how to tell if eggs are bad is a simple skill that can save you from an unpleasant surprise.

You don’t need fancy gadgets or food science degrees to figure out if the eggs have gone bad. A few easy tests can tell you whether your eggs are still good or if they belong in the trash. Let’s break it down so you never second-guess your eggs again.

How to Tell if Eggs Are Bad

Egg freshness isn’t a mystery once you know what to look for. There are several ways to check, and each method tells you something different about the egg’s condition.

The Float Test

 

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A bowl of water is all you need to check if an egg is still good. Drop the egg into the water and watch how it behaves. If it sinks and lays flat on its side, it’s fresh; if it sinks but stands upright, it’s still okay to use but should be eaten soon. If it floats, it has gone bad and should be discarded.

This works because eggshells are porous. Over time, air seeps inside, increasing the size of the air pocket. The more air an egg has, the more it floats. This is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to check for freshness.

The Smell Test

A bad egg has a distinct, sulfuric odor that is impossible to ignore. Even before cracking, it may have a faint smell if it has started to spoil. If an egg has no noticeable odor when sniffed through the shell, but releases a strong, rotten smell once cracked, it is no longer safe to eat.

This method is foolproof. If an egg smells bad, there’s no need for further testing—it should go straight into the trash. Fresh eggs are nearly odorless, so any unpleasant scent is an instant giveaway.

Examining the Shell

The condition of the eggshell can also provide clues about freshness. A clean, dry shell with no cracks or residue is a good sign. However, if an egg feels slimy or sticky, bacteria may have begun to grow on its surface. Any sign of mold or an unusual texture means it should not be used.

Cracks in the shell are another issue. Even if an egg passes other tests, a cracked shell creates an entry point for bacteria, making it unsafe to eat. If an egg is damaged, it’s better to discard it rather than take the risk.

Checking the Egg White and Yolk

After cracking an egg, its appearance can reveal a lot about its freshness. A fresh egg has a firm, round yolk and thick whites that stay close to the yolk. As eggs age, the whites become thinner and more watery, and the yolk may start to flatten.

A runny consistency alone doesn’t necessarily mean an egg is bad, but if the egg white is extremely watery and spreads out instantly, it’s past its peak. Any unusual colors, such as pink, green, or iridescence, indicate bacterial contamination, and those eggs should not be used.

Cooking Test

Eggs that spread out too much when cracked into a pan are likely past their freshest days. A fresh egg will have whites that hold their shape and a yolk that remains tall. Older eggs tend to have runnier whites that spread across the pan. While this doesn’t always mean an egg is spoiled, it’s a sign that it’s no longer at its best.

One of the more unusual signs of a bad egg is excessive bubbling or foaming when cooked. If an egg reacts strangely to heat or produces an odd smell while cooking, it’s safer not to eat it.

The Best Ways to Store Eggs and Keep Them Fresh

Keeping eggs fresh for as long as possible comes down to proper storage. The best place for eggs is in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower. Cold temperatures slow bacterial growth and extend their shelf life significantly.

While many refrigerators have built-in egg compartments on the door, this isn’t the best place to store them. The temperature in the door fluctuates every time it’s opened, which can speed up spoilage. Instead, eggs should be kept in their original carton on a stable shelf inside the fridge. Cartons helps prevent moisture loss and shields eggs from absorbing strong odors from other foods.

For eggs that come directly from a farm or backyard hens, it’s important not to wash them before storing them. Freshly laid eggs have a protective coating called the bloom, which acts as a natural barrier against bacteria. Washing removes this layer and makes eggs more vulnerable to contamination. If washed, they should be refrigerated immediately and used within a shorter time frame.

One of the most common misconceptions is that eggs must be thrown away as soon as they pass their best-by date. In reality, eggs can remain fresh for weeks beyond that date if stored properly. The best approach is to use the float, smell, and visual tests rather than relying solely on printed expiration dates.