3 Ways to Tell If an Egg is Fresh or Spoiled

Eggs are a staple ingredient in many households, used for everything from breakfast to baking. But how can you tell if an egg is fresh and safe to use?

With a few simple tricks, you can easily tell if an egg is fresh before you crack it open. These methods will help you feel confident about the quality of the eggs you’re using in your recipes.

Checking the Expiration Date

The first and most obvious way to check if an egg is fresh is to look at the expiration or “best by” date on the carton. Egg cartons are required to be stamped with a date that indicates how long the eggs will stay fresh. This date is usually about 3-5 weeks from the day the eggs were packed.

But the expiration date isn’t the end-all, be-all when it comes to egg freshness. Eggs can sometimes stay fresh for a while after the stamped date, especially if they’ve been stored properly. So while the expiration date is a good starting point, you’ll want to use some additional tests to confirm the eggs are still good.

The Float Test

One of the most reliable ways to check egg freshness is the float test. Here’s how it works:

Gently place the egg in a bowl of cold water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it’s very fresh.
If the egg sinks but stands on end, it’s a bit older but still good to use.
If the egg floats to the surface, it’s gone bad and should be discarded.

The float test works because as an egg ages, the air pocket inside the shell gets larger. Fresher eggs have smaller air pockets, so they sink, while older eggs with larger air pockets float.

This test is a great way to quickly check the freshness of individual eggs before using them. Just be sure to do the float test right before cooking, as the air pocket can change over time once the egg is out of the fridge.

The Shake Test

Another handy test for egg freshness is the shake test. Hold the egg up to your ear and gently shake it. If you hear a sloshing water-like sound, the egg is older and the yolk and white have started to separate. A very fresh egg will have a solid “thud” sound when shaken, with no sloshing.

The shake test can be a bit tricky, as some older eggs may not make a sloshing sound. But it’s a good additional test to use alongside the float test to get a better idea of an egg’s freshness.

The Smell Test

When all else fails, you can always resort to the good old smell test. Crack the egg open into a clean bowl and take a whiff. A fresh egg will have a mild, almost non-existent odor. If the egg has a strong sulfur-like smell, it’s gone bad and should not be used.

Be very careful when doing the smell test, as rotten eggs can release harmful gases. Always crack the egg into a separate bowl first, rather than directly into your recipe. And if the egg smells at all off, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Storing Eggs Properly

Proper storage is key to keeping eggs fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing eggs:

Refrigerate eggs in the original carton. The carton helps protect the eggs and maintain their freshness.
Store eggs in the main part of the fridge, not in the door. The temperature in the door fluctuates more, which can shorten an egg’s shelf life.
Use eggs within 3-5 weeks of the pack date for best quality. Eggs can be safely eaten for a few weeks past the expiration date if stored properly.
Don’t wash eggs before storing. The natural protective coating on the shell helps prevent bacteria from entering.

Following these storage guidelines will help ensure your eggs stay fresh for as long as possible. And by using the various freshness tests, you can be confident you’re cooking and baking with the highest quality eggs.