Egg freshness test: How to tell If your eggs are still fresh

With the rising cost of eggs, knowing how to test their freshness has become more important than ever. Spoiled eggs can lead to foodborne illness, recipe failures, and unnecessary waste. Simple methods like the float test, sniff test, and shake test can help determine if eggs are still good to use, saving both money and ingredients. Here’s how to tell if your eggs are still fresh.

Brown eggs in a cloth-lined basket and white eggs in bowls are arranged on a wooden table, with a few eggs scattered around. — Egg Freshness Test: How to Tell If Your Eggs Are Still Good. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Whether you’re a passionate home cook, an occasional baker, or just someone who hates wasting food, knowing how to check if your eggs are still fresh is a valuable skill. It helps prevent foodborne illnesses, ensures your recipes turn out as they should, and saves you from unnecessary waste. To test your eggs, try the float test, the sniff test or the shake test.

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The Float Test: The Go-To Method

This is my number one method because it has never failed me. It’s quick, doesn’t require cracking the egg, and gives a clear answer every time.

Here’s how it works:

Fill a bowl with cold water.
Gently place the egg in the water.
Observe the results:

Fresh eggs sink to the bottom and lie flat.
Older but still safe eggs sink but stand upright or tilt slightly.
Bad eggs float to the top.

As eggs age, the air pocket inside them grows due to moisture loss through the shell. The larger the air pocket, the more likely an egg is to float.

Note: This test works best for uncracked eggs. If an egg floats, it’s safest to discard it.

A wooden bowl of scrambled eggs garnished with chopped herbs, served with slices of brown bread on the side. — A wooden bowl of egg dip.

The Sniff Test: Trust Your Nose

Sometimes, even a floating egg might still seem okay, but your nose will always be the ultimate judge.

Here’s how to do it:

Crack the egg onto a plate or into a bowl.
Smell it immediately.

Fresh eggs have a clean, neutral smell.
Bad eggs emit a strong, sulfurous, or rotten odor.

I once cracked an egg that smelled a bit off but looked fine. Trusting my gut (or rather, my nose), I tossed it, and I’m glad I did. It saved my batch of cookies from disaster!

The Shake Test: Listen Closely

This is my go-to method when I’m in a hurry and need a quick clue.

Here’s how to do it:

Hold the egg close to your ear.
Shake it gently.

Fresh eggs make little to no sound because the yolk and egg white are firm.
Bad eggs slosh around due to the breakdown of the internal structure, making the liquid inside move freely.

Limitation: While this test is useful, it’s not as reliable as the float or sniff test. Use it as a first step, then confirm with another method.

A white plate with several slices of breaded and fried green tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs. — A white plate with several slices fried green tomatoes.

Proper Storage Tips: Keeping Eggs Fresh Longer

Proper egg storage is key to maintaining their freshness and ensuring they stay safe to eat for as long as possible. By following these simple storage methods, you can maximize their shelf life and reduce food waste.

Why Storage Matters

Even fresh eggs can go bad quickly if stored improperly. The way you store them significantly impacts their shelf life.

My Storage Routine

Over the years, I’ve developed a simple but effective egg storage routine that keeps my eggs fresh for as long as possible. Here are the steps I follow to ensure they stay safe and high-quality.

Keep eggs in their original carton to protect them from absorbing strong odors from other foods.
Store eggs in the coldest part of the fridge, not in the door where temperatures fluctuate.
Avoid washing eggs until ready to use, as this removes their natural protective coating.
Label the carton with the purchase date so I can keep track of how old they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have concerns about egg freshness, expiration dates, and proper storage. Here are some of the most common questions answered to help you keep your eggs safe and fresh.

Can You Eat Eggs After the Expiration Date?

Yes! The date on the carton is more of a guideline than a strict rule. Use the freshness tests above to determine if they are still good.

A bowl of vegetable fried rice with peas, carrots, and green onions, served with a fork on a plate. A small dish of cracked black pepper is nearby. — A bowl of cauli fried rice with peas, carrots, and green onions.

How Long Do Eggs Last?

Generally, eggs can last 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge beyond the sell-by date when stored properly.

What About Room Temperature Storage?

In many countries, eggs are stored at room temperature. However, in places where eggs are washed before being sold (like the U.S.), refrigeration is best to prevent bacterial contamination.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to test egg freshness is a simple but valuable skill that can save you from food waste and potential foodborne illnesses. Whether you use the float test, the sniff test, or the shake test, these quick checks ensure your eggs are safe and fresh. And with proper storage, you can extend their shelf life even further.

Next time you’re unsure about your eggs, try these methods! Have any egg freshness tips or experiences to share? Drop them in the comments.

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Four brown eggs in a cardboard carton on a blue wooden surface, with text promoting an egg freshness hack. — Four brown eggs in a cardboard carton.

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