How long do eggs last in the fridge?
Quick answer
- In the fridge
- In the shell: 3–5 weeks · Hard-boiled: 1 week
- In the freezer
- Not in the shell · Beaten: up to 12 months
Sources: FoodSafety.gov — Cold Food Storage Chart · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
Eggs are one of the most resilient items in the fridge. Stored in their original carton at 4°C or below, fresh eggs typically last 3–5 weeks past the purchase date — well beyond the printed best-before. The carton keeps them from absorbing odors and slows moisture loss. A simple float test in cool water tells you instantly whether an egg is still good: fresh ones sink and lay flat, older ones tilt up, and floaters belong in the bin. Once cracked, use within a day or two if refrigerated in a sealed container.
How to store eggs
Keep eggs in their original carton on a middle shelf of the fridge — never in the door. The door is the warmest spot and the temperature changes every time someone opens it, which shortens an egg's useful life. The carton blocks odor absorption from neighboring foods. Don't wash eggs before storing; the bloom (a natural protective coating) keeps bacteria out, and washing strips it. Point the pointed end down so the air cell stays at the top, preserving freshness longer. Cracked eggs go straight into a sealed container.
- Keep in the original carton, pointed end down
- Place on a middle shelf, never the door
- Don't wash before storing — preserves the natural coating
- Refrigerate cracked eggs immediately in a sealed container
Signs it has gone bad
- Floats in cool water
- Sulfuric or off smell when cracked
- Discolored, watery, or pink-tinted white
- Visible mold on the shell
Frequently asked questions
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
Fresh eggs in their original carton typically last 3–5 weeks past the purchase date when stored at or below 4°C.
How do I tell if an egg has gone bad?
Drop it in a bowl of cool water. Fresh eggs sink and lay flat; older eggs tilt up; floaters should be thrown away.
Should I refrigerate eggs?
In most countries, yes — eggs that have been refrigerated should stay that way to prevent condensation that can let bacteria through the shell.